Saturday 7 May 2011
Anwar says overconfidence will be Najib’s downfall
MARANG, May 7 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told Datuk Seri Najib Razak should not be overconfident of winning back Selangor, saying last night the prime minister could just be the opposition leader once Pakatan Rakyat (PR) takes Putrajaya.Anwar further warned the Umno president not to practise the “politics of seizure” (politik rampas) for the sake of ruling the country.
“The politics of seizure cannot (be practised). Seize other people’s wife... seize Perak... seize Selangor... How can this be?” Anwar told a 3,000-strong crowd at Madrasah Darul Iman, Kedai Buluh here last night.
“Don’t be arrogant Najib... God willing, we will take Putrajaya and you will be the new opposition leader.”
The opposition leader’s remarks came a day after Najib told Selangor Umno to use whatever “weapons at their disposal” to seize control of Malaysia’s wealthiest state.
Anwar also urged the people to vote for change by replacing Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) with PR in the next general election.
“We will increase the number of (opposition) seats in Parliament. In Terengganu we will add three or four... one more in Penang... Perak, we can add three seats and in Selangor we can add two more seats,” he said.
“In the Federal Territory, we won 11 seats. The one (parliamentary) seat we lost in Setiawangsa was due to postal votes... 14,000 postal votes, the highest in history.”
“In Sarawak, judging from the results of the recent Sarawak election, we can add 10 to 11 seats more,” he added to applause.
Najib called on Selangor Umno to forget its historic losses in Election 2008 and bounce back for BN retake the state from the opposition in the next general election, which he said was “just around the corner”.
“We must not allow our image to continue to be besmirched and wallow because of the defeat,” he had said in a speech in Shah Alam on Thursday.
In Election 2008, PR won Selangor, Perak, Penang and Kedah while keeping hold of Kelantan under PAS. BN, however, managed to wrest back Perak from PR a year later after three lawmakers switched camps.
Anwar added last night that PR will defend every seat it has won even if that meant facing Umno and BN’s dirty tactics.
“We need to defend these seats. I believe Umno will use whatever it can to weaken us,” he said.
“They say we only dream (of taking Putrajaya) but don’t forget that we won in Terengganu, Selangor, Kedah, Perak, Penang and Kelantan, and even won in the Federal Territory... Enough with the status quo, we need to change.”
Anwar added that PR will implement the policies detailed in its Orange Book if the opposition pact wins federal power.
“If we take Putrajaya today, in 24 hours I will make an announcement that (the price of) oil will go down... from Perlis to Sabah. In fact, we will give oil royalties of up to 20 per cent to oil-producing states,” he said.
The Permatang Pauh MP also stressed that the promises contained in the manifesto were not mere empty promises.
“These are not political promises... What we want to do, we will do. Oil (prices) will go down, we will return royalties and we will do much more,” he said.
The Orange Book, which comprises PR’s policies and 10 initiatives to be taken by the opposition within 100 days of taking Putrajaya, was first introduced at the pact’s second national convention in Penang last December.
Faksyen: Pulau Pendatang – Bahagian 11
Generasi demi generasi, benih perkauman yang ditanam mula tumbuh dan menjalar.
Mujurlah rusuhan kaum yang dikhuatiri ramai, tidak berlaku. Penduduk Pulau Cinta – yang bakal kehilangan kewarganegaraan secara automatik dalam masa seminggu – memilih untuk tidak mengeruhkan keadaan.
“Kita perlu adakan rundingan. Kita perlu jelaskan kepada kerajaan bahawa kita bukan pendatang atau bangsa asing. Kita warganegara Pulau Cinta. Kalau kerakyatan kita dilucutkan, ke mana kita?”
Demikian keluahan berbaur kekecewaan dan rasa terkejut daripada kalangan penduduk bukan keturunan Malayali. Semuanya disuarakan kepada Jemaah Pemerintah. Disuarakan kepada Perdana Menteri. Disuarakan menerusi media yang dikawal kerajaan.
“Kita jangan lupa pada sejarah,” kata Mahabali III dalam kenyataan media yang dikeluarkan pada 2 Ogos. “Usah kita nafikan bahawa penduduk keturunan Malayali telah datang ke pulau ini sewaktu hanya wujud kancil dan anjing dan tikus di sini.”
Sebahagian besar penduduk keturunan Malayali mengangguk gembira apabila kenyataan itu disebarkan melalui media tempatan.
“Malah, penduduk Malayali sudah membangunkan pulau ini sebelum pulau ini kononnya dibangkitkan dari dasar laut oleh seorang putera bagi membuktikan cintanya terhadap seorang puteri; lalu dinamakan Pulau Cinta. Sebelum Ravana melarikan Sita ke sini dan mengisytiharkan dirinya pemerintah diktator di Pulau Cinta. Sebelum Rama merampas kuasa dan menjadi Perdana Menteri pertama. Sebelum pendatang dan bangsa asing dibawa ke pulau keramat ini.”
Semua itu terkandung dalam Sejarah Pulau Cinta yang dijadikan teks wajib di sekolah sejak dahulu; selepas dirombak dan diubah supaya sesuai dengan versi yang mahu diterima sebagai “sejarah” oleh ilmuan dan pemerintah.
Maka, generasi demi generasi, benih perkauman yang ditanam mula tumbuh dan menjalar. Sebaik Mahabali III menjadi Perdana Menteri, segalanya menjadi nyata. Pulau Cinta sudah menjadi milik mutlak penduduk keturunan Malayali.
Kempen anti-Bukan Malayali yang selama ini berlaku secara senyap dan tertutup sudah menjadi agenda politik peringkat tertinggi. Rombakan demi rombakan dilakukan. Pindaan demi pindaan dilakukan. Diskriminasi semakin menjadi-jadi.
Warganegara Pulau Cinta yang bukan keturunan Malayali dinafikan segala hak dalam segala perkara. Akhirnya dihalau seperti anjing kurap.
Pada tarikh 7 Ogos jugalah kemusnahan Pulau Cinta bermula. – Bersambung esok
Bahagian terdahulu
Uthaya Sankar SB suka membaca buku dan menonton filem; selain gemar memblog di www.uthayasb.blogspot.com
Mujurlah rusuhan kaum yang dikhuatiri ramai, tidak berlaku. Penduduk Pulau Cinta – yang bakal kehilangan kewarganegaraan secara automatik dalam masa seminggu – memilih untuk tidak mengeruhkan keadaan.“Kita perlu adakan rundingan. Kita perlu jelaskan kepada kerajaan bahawa kita bukan pendatang atau bangsa asing. Kita warganegara Pulau Cinta. Kalau kerakyatan kita dilucutkan, ke mana kita?”
Demikian keluahan berbaur kekecewaan dan rasa terkejut daripada kalangan penduduk bukan keturunan Malayali. Semuanya disuarakan kepada Jemaah Pemerintah. Disuarakan kepada Perdana Menteri. Disuarakan menerusi media yang dikawal kerajaan.
“Kita jangan lupa pada sejarah,” kata Mahabali III dalam kenyataan media yang dikeluarkan pada 2 Ogos. “Usah kita nafikan bahawa penduduk keturunan Malayali telah datang ke pulau ini sewaktu hanya wujud kancil dan anjing dan tikus di sini.”
Sebahagian besar penduduk keturunan Malayali mengangguk gembira apabila kenyataan itu disebarkan melalui media tempatan.
“Malah, penduduk Malayali sudah membangunkan pulau ini sebelum pulau ini kononnya dibangkitkan dari dasar laut oleh seorang putera bagi membuktikan cintanya terhadap seorang puteri; lalu dinamakan Pulau Cinta. Sebelum Ravana melarikan Sita ke sini dan mengisytiharkan dirinya pemerintah diktator di Pulau Cinta. Sebelum Rama merampas kuasa dan menjadi Perdana Menteri pertama. Sebelum pendatang dan bangsa asing dibawa ke pulau keramat ini.”
Semua itu terkandung dalam Sejarah Pulau Cinta yang dijadikan teks wajib di sekolah sejak dahulu; selepas dirombak dan diubah supaya sesuai dengan versi yang mahu diterima sebagai “sejarah” oleh ilmuan dan pemerintah.
Maka, generasi demi generasi, benih perkauman yang ditanam mula tumbuh dan menjalar. Sebaik Mahabali III menjadi Perdana Menteri, segalanya menjadi nyata. Pulau Cinta sudah menjadi milik mutlak penduduk keturunan Malayali.
Kempen anti-Bukan Malayali yang selama ini berlaku secara senyap dan tertutup sudah menjadi agenda politik peringkat tertinggi. Rombakan demi rombakan dilakukan. Pindaan demi pindaan dilakukan. Diskriminasi semakin menjadi-jadi.
Warganegara Pulau Cinta yang bukan keturunan Malayali dinafikan segala hak dalam segala perkara. Akhirnya dihalau seperti anjing kurap.
Pada tarikh 7 Ogos jugalah kemusnahan Pulau Cinta bermula. – Bersambung esok
Bahagian terdahulu
Uthaya Sankar SB suka membaca buku dan menonton filem; selain gemar memblog di www.uthayasb.blogspot.com
‘Sabah BN will fall’ over illegal immigrant issue
The federal government must bear the ultimate responsibility if the political mood in Sabah were to change for the worse, says Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS).
KOTA KINABALU: The recent murder of a by-stander, during a robbery by an illegal immigrant in Sabah, has thrown into sharp focus the giant in the room – the massive presence of illegal immigrants in the state.
In its strongest protest so far, a loyal Barisan Nasional ally said that the continued blatant disregard for the rule of law where foreigners were allowed to roam the streets with impunity would spell doom for Sabah’s ruling coalition.
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) secretary-general, Henrynus Amin said that there is an urgent need for the federal government to resolve the perennial illegal immigration issue that has bugged the state seen as a ‘fixed-deposit’.
He deplored the failure of the federal government to deal with the huge presence of the foreign transient population of Sabah.
Henrynus, a former Member of Parliament, said the people of Sabah would not stand idly by if the state security situation degenerates into chaos due to the huge number of foreigners, mostly illegal immigrants, who may now have outnumbered the local population in certain districts.
He said as immigration is a federal matter, Putrajaya is expected to exercise its constitutional responsibility to ensure the security of the state.
“The federal government must bear the ultimate responsibility if the political mood were to change for the worse,” he said.
“Security is a serious matter of emotive significance with far reaching implications to the future wellbeing of the people of Sabah and the integrity of the nation if not handled properly and wisely,” he said.
He said the federal government should expect strong reactions by the people of Sabah any time as they are united to fight what they see as federal indecision and inaction.
“There are already enough people out there who are discontented and talking about their regret joining Malaysia.
“They cherish the time when Sabah was free from the threats of illegal immigration,” said Henrynus.
Govt must act now
The federal government must act now and decisively to turn the tide of public opinion in their favour.
“The federal government as the guardians of the security of the state as spelled out in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the federal constitution cannot ignore the plea of the people of Sabah,” he said.
The former MP said federal leaders must remember that the only reason Sabah joined the then Malaya, Sarawak and Singapore in the formation of Malaysia was the need for security.
He said regional security and the need for military protection, rather than economic necessity, prompted the decision of the then independent territory to agree to the formation of Malaysia.
He said trumpeting economic achievement of the country would be meaningless if the security of the state is compromised and the people live in fear.
He pointed to the fact that the formation of Malaysia was achieved against the backdrop of the Philippines claim to Sabah and the aggressive Indonesian “crush Malaysia” campaign.
“There were already genuine concerns or fears of Sabah being overwhelmed by its neighbours, chiefly Indonesia and the Philippines, and to some extent, the then Malaya.
“Sabah leaders even asked to be protected from the more dominant and aggressive people from Malaya and Singapore,” he said.
Sabah has unique immigration powers that were granted through the Malaysia Agreement and later endorsed in the Federal Constitution to allow the people of Sabah to protect their state from foreign intrusion and domination.
“This explains why until recently West Malaysians and Sarawakians must go through the immigration checks with their international passport to enter Sabah.”
Return immigration powers
While the Malaysians from West Malaysia or Sarawak no longer use a passport to enter the state, they are still required to present themselves for immigration check and require a work pass to work in Sabah.
“If indeed the Federal government cannot handle or refuse to listen to the grouses of the people on the matter, then the people of Sabah mustmdemand for the immigration powers given or returned to the state,” Henrynus said.
He said patience is running thin in Sabah and there is lingering suspicion that elements within the Federal government are sympathetic to the foreigners.
According to him, the people of Sabah are not oblivious to the fact that thousands of foreigners have been issued with identity cards.
“In fact, foreigners are flocking to the Registration Department for their ICs, passports, and even applying and buying native land, getting trading licenses, opening bank account(s), and today dominating certain segments of the state economy chiefly the construction sector, transportation and plantation (sectors).
The demographic profile of Sabah has changed in recent years with foreigners dominating in certain districts, such as Kinabatangan, where, reports say, the local population has been relegated to mere 30% of the district population.”
Henrynus said the signs are evident everywhere as almost every corner of the state especially open markets or night markets, construction sites and plantations are dominated by foreigners.
Reports have also surfaced that in some towns, strangers with a strong foreign accent have gained control of the most strategic areas and stalls and have even chased away locals for the best spots in state-controlled markets.
Federal system not working
Henrynus said PBS is extremely concerned that the federal system on matters of security, immigration and enforcement is no longer working the way it should.
The party also voiced concern that the federal authorities seem powerless or lack the political will to deal with the transient foreign population.
While PBS has spoken against syndicates specializing in issuing Malaysian identity cards in the past, it is surprised that no one has been charged in the courts for these crimes.
Henrynus contended that the police who arrested those involved in the IC scam under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in the past, were in fact just sweeping the whole issue under the carpet as crucial information about the masterminds or real perpetrators were sealed from public scrutiny.
“It is public knowledge that using the ISA against these syndicates is nothing but mere public relation exercise to hoodwink the people into thinking that the government had acted.
“Unless evidence is produced in the court of law and those committing criminal acts are punished to the full extent of the law, it does not take a genius to realize that the use of ISA is a mere ploy to silence witnesses rather than investigating and punishing the guilty ones,” he said.
The party, Henrynus said, is ready to render assistance to the federal authorities in whatever way necessary to weed out those who sympathize or are colluding with illegal IC syndicates now deeply embedded in government departments or agencies.
He said it would be a legitimate demand for the state to refer back to the Malaysia Agreement where the state was given certain immigration powers to protect itself.
What he envisages is a mechanism whereby the state would be allowed to create its own state immigration enforcement body and enforce the immigration laws applicable to Sabah.
Henrynus, however, said that PBS has no dispute over foreigners working legally in the state but has set a deadline to resolve the illegal immigrant problem by 2012.
He said the day-to-day police operations like setting up road blocks, checking Identity Cards or conducting immigration raids are “largely seen by the public as mere window dressing”.
The party stand comes after increasing worries that the opposition would tap the dissatisfaction felt in the state over the issue during the next general election.
KOTA KINABALU: The recent murder of a by-stander, during a robbery by an illegal immigrant in Sabah, has thrown into sharp focus the giant in the room – the massive presence of illegal immigrants in the state.In its strongest protest so far, a loyal Barisan Nasional ally said that the continued blatant disregard for the rule of law where foreigners were allowed to roam the streets with impunity would spell doom for Sabah’s ruling coalition.
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) secretary-general, Henrynus Amin said that there is an urgent need for the federal government to resolve the perennial illegal immigration issue that has bugged the state seen as a ‘fixed-deposit’.
He deplored the failure of the federal government to deal with the huge presence of the foreign transient population of Sabah.
Henrynus, a former Member of Parliament, said the people of Sabah would not stand idly by if the state security situation degenerates into chaos due to the huge number of foreigners, mostly illegal immigrants, who may now have outnumbered the local population in certain districts.
He said as immigration is a federal matter, Putrajaya is expected to exercise its constitutional responsibility to ensure the security of the state.
“The federal government must bear the ultimate responsibility if the political mood were to change for the worse,” he said.
“Security is a serious matter of emotive significance with far reaching implications to the future wellbeing of the people of Sabah and the integrity of the nation if not handled properly and wisely,” he said.
He said the federal government should expect strong reactions by the people of Sabah any time as they are united to fight what they see as federal indecision and inaction.
“There are already enough people out there who are discontented and talking about their regret joining Malaysia.
“They cherish the time when Sabah was free from the threats of illegal immigration,” said Henrynus.
Govt must act now
The federal government must act now and decisively to turn the tide of public opinion in their favour.
“The federal government as the guardians of the security of the state as spelled out in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the federal constitution cannot ignore the plea of the people of Sabah,” he said.
The former MP said federal leaders must remember that the only reason Sabah joined the then Malaya, Sarawak and Singapore in the formation of Malaysia was the need for security.
He said regional security and the need for military protection, rather than economic necessity, prompted the decision of the then independent territory to agree to the formation of Malaysia.
He said trumpeting economic achievement of the country would be meaningless if the security of the state is compromised and the people live in fear.
He pointed to the fact that the formation of Malaysia was achieved against the backdrop of the Philippines claim to Sabah and the aggressive Indonesian “crush Malaysia” campaign.
“There were already genuine concerns or fears of Sabah being overwhelmed by its neighbours, chiefly Indonesia and the Philippines, and to some extent, the then Malaya.
“Sabah leaders even asked to be protected from the more dominant and aggressive people from Malaya and Singapore,” he said.
Sabah has unique immigration powers that were granted through the Malaysia Agreement and later endorsed in the Federal Constitution to allow the people of Sabah to protect their state from foreign intrusion and domination.
“This explains why until recently West Malaysians and Sarawakians must go through the immigration checks with their international passport to enter Sabah.”
Return immigration powers
While the Malaysians from West Malaysia or Sarawak no longer use a passport to enter the state, they are still required to present themselves for immigration check and require a work pass to work in Sabah.
“If indeed the Federal government cannot handle or refuse to listen to the grouses of the people on the matter, then the people of Sabah mustmdemand for the immigration powers given or returned to the state,” Henrynus said.
He said patience is running thin in Sabah and there is lingering suspicion that elements within the Federal government are sympathetic to the foreigners.
According to him, the people of Sabah are not oblivious to the fact that thousands of foreigners have been issued with identity cards.
“In fact, foreigners are flocking to the Registration Department for their ICs, passports, and even applying and buying native land, getting trading licenses, opening bank account(s), and today dominating certain segments of the state economy chiefly the construction sector, transportation and plantation (sectors).
The demographic profile of Sabah has changed in recent years with foreigners dominating in certain districts, such as Kinabatangan, where, reports say, the local population has been relegated to mere 30% of the district population.”
Henrynus said the signs are evident everywhere as almost every corner of the state especially open markets or night markets, construction sites and plantations are dominated by foreigners.
Reports have also surfaced that in some towns, strangers with a strong foreign accent have gained control of the most strategic areas and stalls and have even chased away locals for the best spots in state-controlled markets.
Federal system not working
Henrynus said PBS is extremely concerned that the federal system on matters of security, immigration and enforcement is no longer working the way it should.
The party also voiced concern that the federal authorities seem powerless or lack the political will to deal with the transient foreign population.
While PBS has spoken against syndicates specializing in issuing Malaysian identity cards in the past, it is surprised that no one has been charged in the courts for these crimes.
Henrynus contended that the police who arrested those involved in the IC scam under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in the past, were in fact just sweeping the whole issue under the carpet as crucial information about the masterminds or real perpetrators were sealed from public scrutiny.
“It is public knowledge that using the ISA against these syndicates is nothing but mere public relation exercise to hoodwink the people into thinking that the government had acted.
“Unless evidence is produced in the court of law and those committing criminal acts are punished to the full extent of the law, it does not take a genius to realize that the use of ISA is a mere ploy to silence witnesses rather than investigating and punishing the guilty ones,” he said.
The party, Henrynus said, is ready to render assistance to the federal authorities in whatever way necessary to weed out those who sympathize or are colluding with illegal IC syndicates now deeply embedded in government departments or agencies.
He said it would be a legitimate demand for the state to refer back to the Malaysia Agreement where the state was given certain immigration powers to protect itself.
What he envisages is a mechanism whereby the state would be allowed to create its own state immigration enforcement body and enforce the immigration laws applicable to Sabah.
Henrynus, however, said that PBS has no dispute over foreigners working legally in the state but has set a deadline to resolve the illegal immigrant problem by 2012.
He said the day-to-day police operations like setting up road blocks, checking Identity Cards or conducting immigration raids are “largely seen by the public as mere window dressing”.
The party stand comes after increasing worries that the opposition would tap the dissatisfaction felt in the state over the issue during the next general election.
The honeymoon is over
Never underestimate the people. You make false promises to the voters and they will punish you the next time around. And, today, we are seeing this happen in the UK.
THE CORRIDORS OF POWER
Raja Petra Kamarudin
Just a year in office and the honeymoon is over. Even my wife and son voted against my party, LibDem. While I voted LibDem, my wife voted Conservative and my son voted Labour. And no, I did not divorce my wife or disown my son like what would happen in many parts of Malaysia (I have seen this with my own eyes happen in Terengganu).
So there you have it. People’s Power! It shows what your vote can do. It also shows that the darling of the voters barely a year ago can be the pariah today.
So where does that place Pakatan Rakyat? Pakatan Rakyat was the darling of the voters three years ago. Is it a pariah today? If the 13th General Election were to be called later this year can it retain its 80 plus seats in Parliament, retain the four states it presently commands, and win back Perak, or will it drop to 50 Parliament seats and two states (Penang and Kelantan)?
Never underestimate the people. You make false promises to the voters and they will punish you the next time around. And, today, we are seeing this happen in the UK.
That’s why I just love the UK. In the UK the government works for us. The politicians are our servants. And if they screw up we can screw them back good and proper.
Okaylah, I know. I have heard all your arguments before. Malaysia different, Britain different. In the UK the people are civilised, matured and educated. In Malaysia we are mostly barbarians. In England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland you use your brains. In Malaysia we use our emotions and racial and religious sentiments. The British can’t be bribed, they have principles. Malaysians can be bought with just RM100 and they will let you screw their daughter or wife for a mere few thousand.
As I said, I have heard all these arguments before so no need to post them again in the comments section below. And I accept without dispute your argument that most Malaysians are prostitutes and will prostitute themselves to Barisan Nasional for any small amount of money. I am convinced so no need to convince me any further.
Hey, the fact that the PKR leaders are telling everyone that I have been bought just proves what is always in the minds of Malaysians. It is always about being bought. Nothing but about being bought. That is the only thing in their minds.
Well, let me show you how WE British do things. Read the news reports below.
******************************************
Vote 2011 Live: Lib Dems routed at polls in Greater Manchester council elections Furious Liberal Democrats rounded on Nick Clegg as the party suffered a hammering in Greater Manchester.
A string of shock results saw the Lib Dems lose control of their long-term stronghold of Stockport.
They also suffered a complete wipeout in Manchester – failing to win a single seat and losing their group leader Simon Ashley.
Voters across the region appeared to be expressing anger at swingeing government cuts to town hall budgets that have seen the urban north hit harder than the rural south.
Read more here: http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/politics/s/1419977_vote-2011-live-lib-dems-routed-at-polls-in-greater-manchester-council-elections
Vote 2011: Labour wins all 33 seats in Manchester as Lib Dems are wiped out
Manchester's Liberal Democrats suffered a wipeout in a sensational night for the city’s ruling Labour group.
The Lib Dems lost all the seats they were defending on a shocking night for the party at Manchester Central.
It proved a momentous count for Labour – which won all 33 seats up for grabs, boosting its majority to the highest level in more than a quarter of a century.
Read more here: http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/politics/s/1419998_vote-2011-labour-wins-all-33-seats-in-manchester-as-lib-dems-are-wiped-out
Nick Clegg suffered a humiliating reverse in his Sheffield backyard when the Liberal Democrats were ejected from power in the city, amid heavy losses for the party across northern England.
As voters punished the Lib Dems for their performance after a year in government, the party blamed a "decapitation strategy" by Labour and the unions which saw it lose power in Hull and suffer big losses in Manchester and Liverpool.
Read more here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/may/06/election-results-collapse-lib-dems
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg suffered a massive blow to his authority today as his Liberal Democrat party fell victim to a bloodbath in elections in England, Scotland and Wales - and probable defeat on the totemic issue of electoral reform.
The Lib Dems lost swathes of seats in former council strongholds in the north of England to Labour, while haemorrhaging support to the Scottish National Party north of the border.
Read more here: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/av/poll-bloodbath-for-lib-dems-2279970.html
Nick Clegg was heading for a humiliating double defeat early today in the English council elections and the referendum on the voting system.
There were signs of a backlash against Mr Clegg from some of his MPs and councillors as the first local authority results emerged in the early hours of this morning. Lib Dem officials conceded they would suffer a bloody nose in the North of England, where Labour mounted a fightback in its traditional strongholds.
Read more here: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/av/clegg-suffers-double-blow-and-faces-party-backlash-2279854.html
Kenyataan Rasmi Pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat: Islam Agama Rasmi Malaysia
Nota Admin
Utusan sekali lagi bertindak melampui batas,mereka kini telah menghempas tanggungjawab selaku pengamal media demi tunduknya mereka kepada adikuasa. Amat malang bagi rakyat Malaysia yang cintakan keamanan dan keadilan apabila saban hari disogok dengan berita fitnah dan hasutan.
Isu agama rasmi bagi Negara ini menjadi sasaran terbaru aparat pemerintah,manakala Utusan tanpa rasa malu telah menidakkan fakta yang terbentang didepannya dengan berterusan memutar belit fakta bertujuan mengelirukan rakyat. Sudah dinyatakan sebelum ini,bahkan ianya merupakan kenyataan rasmi yang ditandatangani oleh semua pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat bahawa Islam tetap kekal sebagai agama rasmi di Malaysia sekiranya Pakatan Rakyat mengambil alih tampuk pemerintahan pada masa hadapan.
Jelaslah bahawa Utusan tidak layak untuk digelar selaku akhbar arus perdana, ianya hanya layak menyandang gelaran ‘Tabloid UMNO’ sesuai dengan kenyataan bahawa Parti tersebut merupakan pemegang saham sekaligus merupakan majikan mereka. Amat sedih melihat akhbar yang diasaskan oleh para pejuang pembebasan tanahair dahulu telah dirantai oleh manusia-manusia rakus kuasa zaman ini.
Berikut merupakan pernyataan bersama yang dibuat pada 8 September 2008 oleh pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat dan turut dimuatkan didalam Buku Jingga:-
KENYATAAN AKHBAR
8 September 2008
PAKATAN RAKYAT MENJUNJUNG PRINSIP PERLEMBAGAAN PERSEKUTUAN
Majlis Pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat yang bersidang pada hari ini 8 September 2008 dengan ini menegaskan penolakan kami terhadap usaha-usaha menyemarakkan politik perkauman yang sedang dilakukan oleh UMNO akhir-akhir ini. Kami amat bimbang isu ini sekarang digunakan untuk mengelabui pandangan rakyat yang sebenarnya merupakan usaha terdesak untuk menyelamatkan kepentingan segelintir golongan elit politik dan kroni mereka.
Kami sekali lagi mengulangi pendirian menjunjung prinsip-prinsip dasar yang termaktub di bawah Perlembagaan Persekutuan. Ini termasuk soal-soal dasar seperti kedudukan Islam sebagai Agama Persekutuan dan menjamin kebebasan mengamalkan agama-agama lain, kedaulatan Bahasa Melayu sebagai Bahasa Kebangsaan dan mempertahankan hak bahasa ibunda, kedudukan dan kedaulatan Institusi Raja-Raja Melayu serta kedudukan hak-hak istimewa orang Melayu dan Bumiputera serta hak-hak semua kaum yang telah dijamin oleh Perlembagaan.
Berdasarkan prinsip-prinsip Perlembagaan ini kami menolak sekeras-kerasnya pendekatan politik perkauman sempit yang menjadi dasar UMNO-BN. Pendekatan inilah yang sengaja digunakan untuk memecahbelahkan perpaduan dan keharmonian masyarakat majmuk negara ini.
Sehubungan ini kami membantah ucapan yang dibuat oleh Dato Ahmad Ismail yang disokong oleh semua pemimpin UMNO Pulau Pinang. Isi ucapan itu mencerminkan dasar perkauman UMNO yang sebenarnya bertujuan hanya untuk mempertahankan kepentingan segelintir golongan orang kaya Melayu serta suku sakat mereka yang menggunakan kuasa politik untuk mengambil kesempatan mengaut kekayaan negara dengan berselindung di sebalik membela kepentingan Bumiputera dan orang
Melayu.
Sekian, terima kasih.
Y.B. DATO’ SERI ANWAR IBRAHIM
Ketua Umum
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)
Y.B. LIM KIT SIANG
Ketua Ahli Parlimen
Democratic Action Party (DAP)
Y.B. DATO’ SERI HJ. ABDUL HADI AWANG
Presiden
Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS)
Berikut link format PDF:
Joint Statement BM 8-9-08-1
Utusan sekali lagi bertindak melampui batas,mereka kini telah menghempas tanggungjawab selaku pengamal media demi tunduknya mereka kepada adikuasa. Amat malang bagi rakyat Malaysia yang cintakan keamanan dan keadilan apabila saban hari disogok dengan berita fitnah dan hasutan.
Isu agama rasmi bagi Negara ini menjadi sasaran terbaru aparat pemerintah,manakala Utusan tanpa rasa malu telah menidakkan fakta yang terbentang didepannya dengan berterusan memutar belit fakta bertujuan mengelirukan rakyat. Sudah dinyatakan sebelum ini,bahkan ianya merupakan kenyataan rasmi yang ditandatangani oleh semua pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat bahawa Islam tetap kekal sebagai agama rasmi di Malaysia sekiranya Pakatan Rakyat mengambil alih tampuk pemerintahan pada masa hadapan.
Jelaslah bahawa Utusan tidak layak untuk digelar selaku akhbar arus perdana, ianya hanya layak menyandang gelaran ‘Tabloid UMNO’ sesuai dengan kenyataan bahawa Parti tersebut merupakan pemegang saham sekaligus merupakan majikan mereka. Amat sedih melihat akhbar yang diasaskan oleh para pejuang pembebasan tanahair dahulu telah dirantai oleh manusia-manusia rakus kuasa zaman ini.
Berikut merupakan pernyataan bersama yang dibuat pada 8 September 2008 oleh pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat dan turut dimuatkan didalam Buku Jingga:-
KENYATAAN AKHBAR
8 September 2008
PAKATAN RAKYAT MENJUNJUNG PRINSIP PERLEMBAGAAN PERSEKUTUAN
Majlis Pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat yang bersidang pada hari ini 8 September 2008 dengan ini menegaskan penolakan kami terhadap usaha-usaha menyemarakkan politik perkauman yang sedang dilakukan oleh UMNO akhir-akhir ini. Kami amat bimbang isu ini sekarang digunakan untuk mengelabui pandangan rakyat yang sebenarnya merupakan usaha terdesak untuk menyelamatkan kepentingan segelintir golongan elit politik dan kroni mereka.
Kami sekali lagi mengulangi pendirian menjunjung prinsip-prinsip dasar yang termaktub di bawah Perlembagaan Persekutuan. Ini termasuk soal-soal dasar seperti kedudukan Islam sebagai Agama Persekutuan dan menjamin kebebasan mengamalkan agama-agama lain, kedaulatan Bahasa Melayu sebagai Bahasa Kebangsaan dan mempertahankan hak bahasa ibunda, kedudukan dan kedaulatan Institusi Raja-Raja Melayu serta kedudukan hak-hak istimewa orang Melayu dan Bumiputera serta hak-hak semua kaum yang telah dijamin oleh Perlembagaan.
Berdasarkan prinsip-prinsip Perlembagaan ini kami menolak sekeras-kerasnya pendekatan politik perkauman sempit yang menjadi dasar UMNO-BN. Pendekatan inilah yang sengaja digunakan untuk memecahbelahkan perpaduan dan keharmonian masyarakat majmuk negara ini.
Sehubungan ini kami membantah ucapan yang dibuat oleh Dato Ahmad Ismail yang disokong oleh semua pemimpin UMNO Pulau Pinang. Isi ucapan itu mencerminkan dasar perkauman UMNO yang sebenarnya bertujuan hanya untuk mempertahankan kepentingan segelintir golongan orang kaya Melayu serta suku sakat mereka yang menggunakan kuasa politik untuk mengambil kesempatan mengaut kekayaan negara dengan berselindung di sebalik membela kepentingan Bumiputera dan orang
Melayu.
Sekian, terima kasih.
Y.B. DATO’ SERI ANWAR IBRAHIM
Ketua Umum
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)
Y.B. LIM KIT SIANG
Ketua Ahli Parlimen
Democratic Action Party (DAP)
Y.B. DATO’ SERI HJ. ABDUL HADI AWANG
Presiden
Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS)
Berikut link format PDF:
Joint Statement BM 8-9-08-1
Court: Minister must respond to HRP’s registration application
The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here has ordered the Home Minister and two others to respond within 14 days to the Human Rights Party’s (HRP) application for it to be registered as a political party.
High Court (Appellate and Special Powers) judge Justice Rohana Yusuf also granted leave to lawyer P. Uthayakumar for his judicial review application after hearing submissions by parties in chambers yesterday.
Uthayakumar represented himself while Senior Federal Counsel Suhaila Haron acted for the three respondents.
Speaking to reporters later, Suhaila said the judge had granted leave to Uthayakumar for the court to hear merits of his application on Aug 16 to register his party as a political party.
Uthayakumar said the court had set July 11 for case management before a deputy register over the outcome of the matter.
The HRP leader had on April 6 filed an application for a judicial review as pro-tem secretary-general.
He had named Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, the Registrar of Societies and Federal Territory’s ROS branch as respondents.
Uthayakumar is seeking for a mandamus order to direct the respondents to approve and register HRP as an organisation and a political party in accordance with provisions in the Federal Constitution and the Societies Act.
KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here has ordered the Home Minister and two others to respond within 14 days to the Human Rights Party’s (HRP) application for it to be registered as a political party.
High Court (Appellate and Special Powers) judge Justice Rohana Yusuf also granted leave to lawyer P. Uthayakumar for his judicial review application after hearing submissions by parties in chambers yesterday.
Uthayakumar represented himself while Senior Federal Counsel Suhaila Haron acted for the three respondents.
Speaking to reporters later, Suhaila said the judge had granted leave to Uthayakumar for the court to hear merits of his application on Aug 16 to register his party as a political party.
Uthayakumar said the court had set July 11 for case management before a deputy register over the outcome of the matter.
The HRP leader had on April 6 filed an application for a judicial review as pro-tem secretary-general.
He had named Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, the Registrar of Societies and Federal Territory’s ROS branch as respondents.
Uthayakumar is seeking for a mandamus order to direct the respondents to approve and register HRP as an organisation and a political party in accordance with provisions in the Federal Constitution and the Societies Act.
Council: Position of Islam not under threat
The Star
By SHAILA KOSHY
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism recognises Islam as the religion of the country and says its position is not under any threat.
The council said this in rebutting claims by Coalition of Muslim Organisations (Pembela) spokesman Dr Yusri Mohamad on May 4 that “Islam’s position in Malaysia is under siege”.
Dr Yusri had cited the designation of a non-Muslim affairs exco in Penang and the appointment of a Christian Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Idris Jala, to handle the AlKitab issue as basis for the “threat”.
In a statement yesterday, council president Rev Dr Thomas Philips said the council was amazed to read that the designation of a non-Muslim affairs exco in Penang was unconstitutional and threatened Islam’s position.
He said there was no constitutional prohibition against such a designation, adding that most states under Barisan Nasional had non-Muslim affairs committees to address religious matters faced by non-Muslims.
“The council is not aware of any person or body having questioned Islam’s position as enshrined in Article 3 of the Federal Constitution.”
He added that while Clause 1 of Article 3 stated “Islam is the religion of the Federation”, Clause 4 provided “Nothing in this Article derogates from any other provision of the Constitution ....”
“Thus, one cannot use the position of Islam as the religion of the Federation to question the rights of others. lt has to be based on the provisions of the Constitution,” he said, in calling on Dr Yusri and Pembela to work together with all citizens towards a harmonious, judicious and united Malaysia.
Rev Thomas also challenged Dr Yusri’s statement of a siege, saying that over two-thirds of the Cabinet were Malays, that the same number of MPs were Malays or bumiputras, the Rulers were Malays and that all state leaders, except for one Chief Minister, were Malays or bumiputras.
By SHAILA KOSHY
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism recognises Islam as the religion of the country and says its position is not under any threat.
The council said this in rebutting claims by Coalition of Muslim Organisations (Pembela) spokesman Dr Yusri Mohamad on May 4 that “Islam’s position in Malaysia is under siege”.
Dr Yusri had cited the designation of a non-Muslim affairs exco in Penang and the appointment of a Christian Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Idris Jala, to handle the AlKitab issue as basis for the “threat”.
In a statement yesterday, council president Rev Dr Thomas Philips said the council was amazed to read that the designation of a non-Muslim affairs exco in Penang was unconstitutional and threatened Islam’s position.
He said there was no constitutional prohibition against such a designation, adding that most states under Barisan Nasional had non-Muslim affairs committees to address religious matters faced by non-Muslims.
“The council is not aware of any person or body having questioned Islam’s position as enshrined in Article 3 of the Federal Constitution.”
He added that while Clause 1 of Article 3 stated “Islam is the religion of the Federation”, Clause 4 provided “Nothing in this Article derogates from any other provision of the Constitution ....”
“Thus, one cannot use the position of Islam as the religion of the Federation to question the rights of others. lt has to be based on the provisions of the Constitution,” he said, in calling on Dr Yusri and Pembela to work together with all citizens towards a harmonious, judicious and united Malaysia.
Rev Thomas also challenged Dr Yusri’s statement of a siege, saying that over two-thirds of the Cabinet were Malays, that the same number of MPs were Malays or bumiputras, the Rulers were Malays and that all state leaders, except for one Chief Minister, were Malays or bumiputras.
PAS No Longer Relevant To The Malays, Says Hishammuddin
PASIR PUTEH, May 6 (Bernama) -- PAS is no longer relevant to the Malays and is unable to be the voice of the community as evidenced by Sarawak voters' total rejection of the party in the recent state election.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said what was more unfortunate was that PAS had become a lackey of the DAP in the latter's quest to govern the country.
"The slogan 'PAS replaces Umno' may now be changed to 'DAP replaces PAS'. It's clear that PAS won't go far or able to serve as a platform for Malay struggle. The proof lies in their failure to capture any seat in Sarawak," he told reporters after opening the Pasir Puteh Umno divisional meeting here Friday.
He noted that support for PAS among young people had dwindled after they realised that it would be meaningless to continue supporting the party.
Hishammuddin also said that voting for a party in any election was not an experiment, like what transpired in certain countries which saw uprisings due to the party in power being unable to bring prosperity to the people.
On the opposition pact in Sarawak, Hishammuddin, who is Home Minister, said people could see that it was a brittle one, with each fighting for posts for itself.
On the political scenario in Kelantan, he said the "Red Wave" campaign introduced by Kelantan Umno had resulted in growing support for Umno, especially among the young.
"Changes initiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak are also working in Umno's favour as far as people's support is concerned. And I believe that Kelantan too can change," he said.
Hishammuddin was also happy to see improved unity at Umno divisions throughout the country.
Skandal Scorpene: Gelombang Perancis bermula
LAPORAN kemas kini tiga kumpulan hak asasi Malaysia, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) menjangkakan tuntutan mahkamah berkenaan rasuah yang difailkan ke atas syarikat senjata api tentera laut Perancis DCNS akan didengari di mahkamah terbuka dan perbicaraan akan bermula pada Mei atau Jun ini.
Ini akan membuka jalan bagi rakyat Malaysia untuk akhirnya mendapatkan akses kepada butiran yang boleh dipersoalkan mengenai perjanjian kapal selam RM6.7bilion yang ditandatangani oleh Kementerian Pertahanan mereka pada tahun 2002, dan terus dirahsiakan oleh Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
DCNS merupakan vendor kapal selam tersebut dan Najib telah dituduh memberi keuntungan kepada teman rapatnya, Razak Baginda dengan komisen 114 juta euro melalui perjanjian tersebut.
“Terdapat bukti kukuh mengenai rasuah dan antaranya adalah maklumat baru mengenai rasuah baru yang didedahkan semasa penyiasatan.
“Sebahagian daripada ini boleh menjadi sesuatu yang sensitif atau memalukan kepada kerajaan Malaysia tapi ini adalah sebahagian daripada proses untuk membantu pembayar cukai Malaysia mendapatkan semula wang mereka yang hilang melalui perjanjian korup,” kata Pengarah Urusetia Suaram, Cynthia Gibrael kepada Malaysia Chronicle.
Pada Disember 2009, Suaram memfail tuntutan awal terhadap DCNS di mahkamah Paris untuk ‘rasuah aktif dan pasif, pertukaran untuk pertolongan dan penyalahgunaan aset syarikat’ selepas gagal membuat sebarang kemajuan dengan kerajaan Malaysia, yang enggan memberikan sebarang butiran walaupun tidak henti-henti didesak oleh ahli-ahli pembangkang di Parlimen.
Di bawah konvensyen OECD 2000 di mana Perancis merupakan ahli, mana-mana individu rakyat Perancis ataupun syarikat Perancis yang didapati terlibat dalam perjanjian korup dengan kerajaan asing boleh dihukum 10 tahun penjara dan didenda 150,000 Euro.
Keputusan ini memberikan ruang terhadap permohonan Suaram untuk mencuba dan mendapatkan kembali wang pembayar cukai yang hilang melalui transaksi yang salah.
“Kami telah memohon agar hakim siasatan untuk mempengerusikan perbicaraan terbuka. Ini akan membuat perbicaraan itu lebih bebas dan kami pasti akan mendesaknya untuk mengarahkan lebih banyak penyiasatan dan siasatan yang lebih terperinci,” kata Cynthia dipetik.
Sememangnya, seorang hakim yang dilantik kerajaan Perancis mungkin kurang neutral memandangkan DCNS yang berpengaruh ini merupakan salah satu syarikat terbesar di Perancis.
Seks dan pembunuhan C4 Altantuya
Aspek sensasi dari perjanjian taruhan tinggi ini adalah pembunuhan rakyat Mongolia berusia 28 tahun, Altantuya Shaariibuu, seorang penterjemah dan perantara yang dipercayai bertindak sebagai orang tengah kepada Razak Baginda dan syarikat Perancis tersebut.
Dia dibunuh di Kuala Lumpur dengan bahan letupan C4 di hutan cerang di Shah Alam setelah dia dikatakan cuba mengganggu Razak untuk bahagiannya daripada komisen tersebut.
Dua daripada bekas pengawal Najib telah dijatuhi hukuman gantung bagi pembunuhan itu, tapi perbicaraan mahkamah mereka telah dikecam sebagai tidak adil.
Bekas-bekas polis itu mendakwa mereka dibayar RM100,000 untuk membunuh Altantuya, tetapi testimoni ini telah ditolak oleh hakim perbicaraan Malaysia, yang juga menangkis segala usaha oleh peguam pembela untuk bertanya tertuduh, siapa yang memerintahkan mereka untuk membunuh Altantuya.
Akhbar Perancis – La Liberation melaporkan bahawa si rupawan Altantuya, yang boleh bercakap empat bahasa termasuk Russia, memberitahu kedua-dua pembunuh itu bahawa dia mengandung dan telah merayu agar dirinya tidak diapa-apakan sebelum mereka menembaknya di kepala, mengikat C4 di tubuhnya dan kemudian meledakkan bahan letupan yang hanya tersedia untuk tentera di Malaysia.
Seorang penyiasat persendirian yang diupah oleh Razakmenyatakan bahawa Najib yang bertemu Altantuya di pameran berlian di Singapura, dan mereka mempunyai hubungan sebelum beliau ‘melepaskan’ Altantuya kepada Razak.
Tetapi Altantuya akan dipertonjolkan dalam perbicaraan Perancis itu, bahagian yang lebih besar dari perbicaraan itu akan berpusat kepada kapal selam dan kos transaksi antara DCNS dan kerajaan Malaysia.
Kos perjalanan Razak dan Altantuya 2.5 juta Euro
Kemungkinannya, di antara saksinya adalah bekas pengurus pentadbiran dan kewangan DCNS, Gerard-Philippe Menayas, yang telah disoal siasat oleh polis Perancis melibatkan kes serupa di Pakistan. Gerard telah mengaku mempunyai bukti untuk menyokong sogokan yang terlibat dalam perjanjian Malaysia tersebut.
Pada mulanya, Amaris, anak syarikat DCNS dan Thales, telah disyaki membayar komisen sebanyak 114 juta euro kepada sebuah syarikat Malaysia bernama Perimekar, yang diterajui oleh isteri Razak.
Namun, maklumat terkini menunjukkan bahawa bukan Armaris tetapi kerajaan Malaysia yang telah membayar 114 juta euro kepada Perimekar, untuk membolehkan syarikat Perancis itu memintas konvensyen OECD.
Perlu diambil perhatian bahawa ia bercanggah dengan penjelasan yang diberikan oleh Timbalan Menteri Pertahanan, Zainal Abidin Zin di Parlimen pada tahun 2006 di mana Zainal mengatakan bahawa kerajaan Malaysia yang telah membayar US$100 juta komisen bagi perjanjian untuk membeli tiga kapal selam tersebut.
Sementara itu, dua bukti baru yang telah ditemui, termasuk bayaran 30 juta euro oleh DCNS kepada salah satu syarikatnya sendiri dan bayaran 2.5 juta euro kepada perantara yang masih tak dikenali.
“Para penyiasat kami masih menyiasat perantara tersebut tetapi kami mendapati bahawa sebuah syarikat bernama Gifen telah ditubuhkan di Malta oleh seseorang bernama Jean-Marie Boivin untuk memudahkan pemindahan kewangan bagi tujuan membiayai perjalanan Baginda dan Altantuya,” tambah Gabriel.
* Rencana ini dipetik dan diterjemah dari Malaysia Chronicle.
DCNS merupakan vendor kapal selam tersebut dan Najib telah dituduh memberi keuntungan kepada teman rapatnya, Razak Baginda dengan komisen 114 juta euro melalui perjanjian tersebut.
“Terdapat bukti kukuh mengenai rasuah dan antaranya adalah maklumat baru mengenai rasuah baru yang didedahkan semasa penyiasatan.
“Sebahagian daripada ini boleh menjadi sesuatu yang sensitif atau memalukan kepada kerajaan Malaysia tapi ini adalah sebahagian daripada proses untuk membantu pembayar cukai Malaysia mendapatkan semula wang mereka yang hilang melalui perjanjian korup,” kata Pengarah Urusetia Suaram, Cynthia Gibrael kepada Malaysia Chronicle.
Pada Disember 2009, Suaram memfail tuntutan awal terhadap DCNS di mahkamah Paris untuk ‘rasuah aktif dan pasif, pertukaran untuk pertolongan dan penyalahgunaan aset syarikat’ selepas gagal membuat sebarang kemajuan dengan kerajaan Malaysia, yang enggan memberikan sebarang butiran walaupun tidak henti-henti didesak oleh ahli-ahli pembangkang di Parlimen.
Perjanjian yang dipersetujui antara Najib yang merupakan Menteri Pertahanan ketika itu, dan DCNS melibatkan penjualan dua kapal selam Scorpene dan satu kapal selam Agosta kepada kerajaan Malaysia.
Keputusan ini memberikan ruang terhadap permohonan Suaram untuk mencuba dan mendapatkan kembali wang pembayar cukai yang hilang melalui transaksi yang salah.
“Kami telah memohon agar hakim siasatan untuk mempengerusikan perbicaraan terbuka. Ini akan membuat perbicaraan itu lebih bebas dan kami pasti akan mendesaknya untuk mengarahkan lebih banyak penyiasatan dan siasatan yang lebih terperinci,” kata Cynthia dipetik.
Sememangnya, seorang hakim yang dilantik kerajaan Perancis mungkin kurang neutral memandangkan DCNS yang berpengaruh ini merupakan salah satu syarikat terbesar di Perancis.
Seks dan pembunuhan C4 Altantuya
Aspek sensasi dari perjanjian taruhan tinggi ini adalah pembunuhan rakyat Mongolia berusia 28 tahun, Altantuya Shaariibuu, seorang penterjemah dan perantara yang dipercayai bertindak sebagai orang tengah kepada Razak Baginda dan syarikat Perancis tersebut.
Dia dibunuh di Kuala Lumpur dengan bahan letupan C4 di hutan cerang di Shah Alam setelah dia dikatakan cuba mengganggu Razak untuk bahagiannya daripada komisen tersebut.
Dua daripada bekas pengawal Najib telah dijatuhi hukuman gantung bagi pembunuhan itu, tapi perbicaraan mahkamah mereka telah dikecam sebagai tidak adil.
Bekas-bekas polis itu mendakwa mereka dibayar RM100,000 untuk membunuh Altantuya, tetapi testimoni ini telah ditolak oleh hakim perbicaraan Malaysia, yang juga menangkis segala usaha oleh peguam pembela untuk bertanya tertuduh, siapa yang memerintahkan mereka untuk membunuh Altantuya.
Seorang penyiasat persendirian yang diupah oleh Razakmenyatakan bahawa Najib yang bertemu Altantuya di pameran berlian di Singapura, dan mereka mempunyai hubungan sebelum beliau ‘melepaskan’ Altantuya kepada Razak.
Tetapi Altantuya akan dipertonjolkan dalam perbicaraan Perancis itu, bahagian yang lebih besar dari perbicaraan itu akan berpusat kepada kapal selam dan kos transaksi antara DCNS dan kerajaan Malaysia.
Kos perjalanan Razak dan Altantuya 2.5 juta Euro
Kemungkinannya, di antara saksinya adalah bekas pengurus pentadbiran dan kewangan DCNS, Gerard-Philippe Menayas, yang telah disoal siasat oleh polis Perancis melibatkan kes serupa di Pakistan. Gerard telah mengaku mempunyai bukti untuk menyokong sogokan yang terlibat dalam perjanjian Malaysia tersebut.
Pada mulanya, Amaris, anak syarikat DCNS dan Thales, telah disyaki membayar komisen sebanyak 114 juta euro kepada sebuah syarikat Malaysia bernama Perimekar, yang diterajui oleh isteri Razak.
Namun, maklumat terkini menunjukkan bahawa bukan Armaris tetapi kerajaan Malaysia yang telah membayar 114 juta euro kepada Perimekar, untuk membolehkan syarikat Perancis itu memintas konvensyen OECD.
Perlu diambil perhatian bahawa ia bercanggah dengan penjelasan yang diberikan oleh Timbalan Menteri Pertahanan, Zainal Abidin Zin di Parlimen pada tahun 2006 di mana Zainal mengatakan bahawa kerajaan Malaysia yang telah membayar US$100 juta komisen bagi perjanjian untuk membeli tiga kapal selam tersebut.
Sementara itu, dua bukti baru yang telah ditemui, termasuk bayaran 30 juta euro oleh DCNS kepada salah satu syarikatnya sendiri dan bayaran 2.5 juta euro kepada perantara yang masih tak dikenali.
“Para penyiasat kami masih menyiasat perantara tersebut tetapi kami mendapati bahawa sebuah syarikat bernama Gifen telah ditubuhkan di Malta oleh seseorang bernama Jean-Marie Boivin untuk memudahkan pemindahan kewangan bagi tujuan membiayai perjalanan Baginda dan Altantuya,” tambah Gabriel.
* Rencana ini dipetik dan diterjemah dari Malaysia Chronicle.
Now Niat chief gets sex video
He is sure it is not Anwar and has lodged a police report
PETALING JAYA: Thasleem Mohamed Ibrahim, chairman of the National Interlok Action Team (Niat), has become the latest public figure to receive the controversial video promoted by three Anwar Ibrahim detractors calling themselves the Datuk T.
He got the pornographic DVD on Tuesday in a parcel mailed from Thailand by an anonymous sender.
Human Rights Party pro-tem secretary general P Uthayakumar and Kapar MP S Manikavasagam recently received theirs in a similar manner.
Thasleem lodged a police report at the Dang Wangi police station this morning and told FMT afterwards that he watched the video and was convinced that the man featured in it was not Anwar, as claimed by the Datuk Trio—former Malacca Chief Minister Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik, businessman Shazryl Eskay Abdullah and ex-Perkasa treasurer Shuib Lazim.
He said he made the report in performance of his duty as “a responsible citizen”.
The DVD was wrapped in a menu card from an Iranian restaurant in Pattaya, he added.
“I watched the DVD three to four times. The actor features similar to Anwar’s, but I am definitely sure it is not him.”
Thasleem, who also heads various Muslim NGOs in Perak, criticised religious officials for keeping silent on the issue.
‘Why are the muftis and the Fatwa Council silent? Are they going to be selective in what they say and toe the government line?”
He said the religious authorities must give their opinions on the matter because it affected Malaysia’s image as a country whose official religion is Islam.
He said it puzzled him that he was targeted as a recipient of the video. “Perhaps they want me to campaign against or for Anwar, but I am not in the position to do either.”
PETALING JAYA: Thasleem Mohamed Ibrahim, chairman of the National Interlok Action Team (Niat), has become the latest public figure to receive the controversial video promoted by three Anwar Ibrahim detractors calling themselves the Datuk T.He got the pornographic DVD on Tuesday in a parcel mailed from Thailand by an anonymous sender.
Human Rights Party pro-tem secretary general P Uthayakumar and Kapar MP S Manikavasagam recently received theirs in a similar manner.
Thasleem lodged a police report at the Dang Wangi police station this morning and told FMT afterwards that he watched the video and was convinced that the man featured in it was not Anwar, as claimed by the Datuk Trio—former Malacca Chief Minister Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik, businessman Shazryl Eskay Abdullah and ex-Perkasa treasurer Shuib Lazim.
He said he made the report in performance of his duty as “a responsible citizen”.
The DVD was wrapped in a menu card from an Iranian restaurant in Pattaya, he added.
“I watched the DVD three to four times. The actor features similar to Anwar’s, but I am definitely sure it is not him.”
Thasleem, who also heads various Muslim NGOs in Perak, criticised religious officials for keeping silent on the issue.
‘Why are the muftis and the Fatwa Council silent? Are they going to be selective in what they say and toe the government line?”
He said the religious authorities must give their opinions on the matter because it affected Malaysia’s image as a country whose official religion is Islam.
He said it puzzled him that he was targeted as a recipient of the video. “Perhaps they want me to campaign against or for Anwar, but I am not in the position to do either.”
‘Palanivel aims for Dr Subra’s jugular’
The real agenda behind the president's unity plan, says a MIC division chief, is to finish off his deputy should the latter mount a challenge.
KUALA LUMPUR: MIC president G Palanivel’s move to reunite the different factions in the party is part of a plan to “kill off” his deputy Dr S Subramaniam.
MIC Bagan division chief Henry Benedict Aaasirvatham said the readmission and reinstatement of sacked leaders were done in the name of unity to mislead the Indian community about the real agenda.
The real reason, he stressed, was to get rid off Subramaniam, who is also human resources minister.
“Palanivel knows he is not safe with Subramaniam running around, so he will even roll out the red carpet for the former number two, S Subramaniam to kill Dr Subramaniam,” he said.
Aaasirvatham said with talk circulating that former president S Samy Vellu might back Dr Subramaniam in the party polls for the number one post, Palanivel would need the other Subramaniam to cling on to power.
In return, he added, Subramaniam, like Palanivel, would become a full minister.
During the last party polls, Palanivel, with the strong backing of Samy Vellu, had defeated Subramaniam for the number two post.
After Samy Vellu stepped down last year, Palanivel became acting president.
Meanwhile, Aaasirvatham also slammed MIC’s Central Working Commmittee (CWC) members as mere puppets who followed Palanivel’s instructions.
“The CWC members are not concerned about the community, they are only interested in keeping their posts,” he said, adding that he would not be surprised if the CWC suspended his division.
The Bagan division was suspended by Samy Vellu four years ago because the division was aligned to Subramaniam. But it became active again when Aaasirvatham threatened to join the now-defunct Gerakan Anti-Samy Vellu or GAS.
The division had now landed in the spotlight again when a CWC member alleged that the re-activation was illegal.
KUALA LUMPUR: MIC president G Palanivel’s move to reunite the different factions in the party is part of a plan to “kill off” his deputy Dr S Subramaniam.MIC Bagan division chief Henry Benedict Aaasirvatham said the readmission and reinstatement of sacked leaders were done in the name of unity to mislead the Indian community about the real agenda.
The real reason, he stressed, was to get rid off Subramaniam, who is also human resources minister.
“Palanivel knows he is not safe with Subramaniam running around, so he will even roll out the red carpet for the former number two, S Subramaniam to kill Dr Subramaniam,” he said.
Aaasirvatham said with talk circulating that former president S Samy Vellu might back Dr Subramaniam in the party polls for the number one post, Palanivel would need the other Subramaniam to cling on to power.
In return, he added, Subramaniam, like Palanivel, would become a full minister.
During the last party polls, Palanivel, with the strong backing of Samy Vellu, had defeated Subramaniam for the number two post.
After Samy Vellu stepped down last year, Palanivel became acting president.
Meanwhile, Aaasirvatham also slammed MIC’s Central Working Commmittee (CWC) members as mere puppets who followed Palanivel’s instructions.
“The CWC members are not concerned about the community, they are only interested in keeping their posts,” he said, adding that he would not be surprised if the CWC suspended his division.
The Bagan division was suspended by Samy Vellu four years ago because the division was aligned to Subramaniam. But it became active again when Aaasirvatham threatened to join the now-defunct Gerakan Anti-Samy Vellu or GAS.
The division had now landed in the spotlight again when a CWC member alleged that the re-activation was illegal.
Brain drain: One million Malaysians working overseas
There is a need to reduce the gap between university approaches and industry needs, says expert.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has to find ways to check brain drain to its advantage as it is a global phenomenon currently, says the man tasked with wooing Malaysian professionals working overseas back to the country.
“This is not something that we need to be faulted. It happens, particularly in middle-income countries like Malaysia where people have the means and incentives to migrate,” said Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp) chief executive officer Johan Mahmood Merican.
According to a World Bank report, Malaysians residing and working overseas touched one million last year, over half of the diaspora and brain drain were hosted in Singapore, followed by Australia, Brunei, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and New Zealand.
The ways to optimise Malaysians living abroad are use them as advisers to help Malaysian businesses to expand into new market and help attract investments to Malaysia, said Johan after the “21st Century Corporation: Driving Sustainable Leadership and Innovation breakfast forum here today.
On Malaysia’s ambition to become a high-income nation, he said, the country should have a sustainable pipeline of leaders and innovation labs for intensive knowledge.
“We cannot be merely a manufacturing base. We need to talk about innovation and leadership,” he said, adding that there was a need to reduce the gap between university approaches and industry needs.
Johan said there has been a difference in purposes between the academic world and industries as universities were focusing to educate students based on foundations and theories but industries want them to get ready for the work field.
He said the hands-on experience was a vital part in the process to build high quality leaders instead of mentorship and formal training.
Johan said the government was already taking measures to address the gap between universities and industries, and the Higher Education Ministry was moving forward to prepare the education side to be relevant to the industrial needs.
- Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has to find ways to check brain drain to its advantage as it is a global phenomenon currently, says the man tasked with wooing Malaysian professionals working overseas back to the country.“This is not something that we need to be faulted. It happens, particularly in middle-income countries like Malaysia where people have the means and incentives to migrate,” said Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp) chief executive officer Johan Mahmood Merican.
According to a World Bank report, Malaysians residing and working overseas touched one million last year, over half of the diaspora and brain drain were hosted in Singapore, followed by Australia, Brunei, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and New Zealand.
The ways to optimise Malaysians living abroad are use them as advisers to help Malaysian businesses to expand into new market and help attract investments to Malaysia, said Johan after the “21st Century Corporation: Driving Sustainable Leadership and Innovation breakfast forum here today.
On Malaysia’s ambition to become a high-income nation, he said, the country should have a sustainable pipeline of leaders and innovation labs for intensive knowledge.
“We cannot be merely a manufacturing base. We need to talk about innovation and leadership,” he said, adding that there was a need to reduce the gap between university approaches and industry needs.
Johan said there has been a difference in purposes between the academic world and industries as universities were focusing to educate students based on foundations and theories but industries want them to get ready for the work field.
He said the hands-on experience was a vital part in the process to build high quality leaders instead of mentorship and formal training.
Johan said the government was already taking measures to address the gap between universities and industries, and the Higher Education Ministry was moving forward to prepare the education side to be relevant to the industrial needs.
- Bernama
HRP blasts Hindu board for cemetery take over
Ramasamy, as DCM II, should have instead issued directives to local authority to take charge and maintain the cemetery, says HRP.
GEORGE TOWN: The Human Rights Party today blasted the Hindu Endowment Board (HEB) Penang for attempting to take over an abandoned Hindu cemetery near Batu Kawan Stadium.
HRP executive committee member M Karunai Nithi said it was incumbent upon the Seberang Perai Municipality (MPSB), and not the HEB, to gazette, manage and maintain the burial ground.
He said Section 94 of the Local Government Act 1976 specifies this.
“The Chinese community may want to manage and maintain on their own their cemeteries because they have the financial capacity to do so.
“However, the local authorities owed a public responsibility to gazette, operate and maintain burial grounds for Hindus. It’s a
statutory obligation,” he told FMT here today.
He pointed out that local authorities have been operating, maintaining and fully funding Muslim cemeteries in the country either directly or indirectly via Muslim groups.
Therefore, he said local authorities shall do same for other communities.
“Why can’t MPSP do the same for the Batu Kawan Hindu cemetery? Have racist policies been expanded even to the dead?” asked Karunai Nithi.
On Tuesday, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy revealed that the HEB, which he chairs, plans to take over ownership and management of the abandoned Hindu cemetery.
The five-acre cemetery, containing over 1,000 deceased burial grounds, had been abandoned by its previous owner, the Sri Maha Mariamman temple management committee.
The temple management abandoned the cemetery in exchange for a two-acre burial ground during a land acquisition by the Penang Development Corporation to facilitate the construction of Stadium Batu Kawan.
Typical mandore attitude
Karunai Nithi rebuked Ramasamy’s overtures for a HEB takeover saying that it was yet another blatant act of “mandorism ala Pakatan Rakyat.”
He said Ramasamy, as DCM II, should have instead issued directives to MPSP, vis-a-vis the state executive council to take over, operate and maintain the cemetery, or indirectly fund HEB to do it on its behalf.
“Instead, Ramasamy in a typical mandore fashion comes in to take over the cemetery and let MPSP go scot free from fulfilling its statutory duty,” said Karunai Nithi.
Ramasamy has said that HEB could buy the cemetery for RM1 premium. HEB is a statutory body set up by the British colonial rulers in 1900s as public trust to manage properties belonging to Hindus in Penang.
Ramasamy also said that, as a HEB head and Batu Kawan MP, he has a social responsibility to safeguard the political, social and cultural interests of Penang Indians.
“I will not sit ideal and be a witness the gradual loss of Indian cultural and social spaces in the state,” said the former academician.
Karunai Nithi said Ramasamy should prove this by using HEB to purchase, gazette and maintain the now extinct 2.5ha Kampung Buah Pala as a permanent Indian settlement.
The village, once commonly known as Tamil High Chaparral, was flattened in 2009 to pave away for a posh condominium project called the Oasis.
“Why did Ramasamy not do it then and why does wants HEB to take over a cemetery when it was a statutory public duty of the local authorities?
“Why didn’t he use his DCM II powers then when it counted most? Isn’t this a typical zero mandore politics?” asked Karunai Nithi.
GEORGE TOWN: The Human Rights Party today blasted the Hindu Endowment Board (HEB) Penang for attempting to take over an abandoned Hindu cemetery near Batu Kawan Stadium.HRP executive committee member M Karunai Nithi said it was incumbent upon the Seberang Perai Municipality (MPSB), and not the HEB, to gazette, manage and maintain the burial ground.
He said Section 94 of the Local Government Act 1976 specifies this.
“The Chinese community may want to manage and maintain on their own their cemeteries because they have the financial capacity to do so.
“However, the local authorities owed a public responsibility to gazette, operate and maintain burial grounds for Hindus. It’s a
statutory obligation,” he told FMT here today.
He pointed out that local authorities have been operating, maintaining and fully funding Muslim cemeteries in the country either directly or indirectly via Muslim groups.
Therefore, he said local authorities shall do same for other communities.
“Why can’t MPSP do the same for the Batu Kawan Hindu cemetery? Have racist policies been expanded even to the dead?” asked Karunai Nithi.
On Tuesday, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy revealed that the HEB, which he chairs, plans to take over ownership and management of the abandoned Hindu cemetery.
The five-acre cemetery, containing over 1,000 deceased burial grounds, had been abandoned by its previous owner, the Sri Maha Mariamman temple management committee.
The temple management abandoned the cemetery in exchange for a two-acre burial ground during a land acquisition by the Penang Development Corporation to facilitate the construction of Stadium Batu Kawan.
Typical mandore attitude
Karunai Nithi rebuked Ramasamy’s overtures for a HEB takeover saying that it was yet another blatant act of “mandorism ala Pakatan Rakyat.”
He said Ramasamy, as DCM II, should have instead issued directives to MPSP, vis-a-vis the state executive council to take over, operate and maintain the cemetery, or indirectly fund HEB to do it on its behalf.
“Instead, Ramasamy in a typical mandore fashion comes in to take over the cemetery and let MPSP go scot free from fulfilling its statutory duty,” said Karunai Nithi.
Ramasamy has said that HEB could buy the cemetery for RM1 premium. HEB is a statutory body set up by the British colonial rulers in 1900s as public trust to manage properties belonging to Hindus in Penang.
Ramasamy also said that, as a HEB head and Batu Kawan MP, he has a social responsibility to safeguard the political, social and cultural interests of Penang Indians.
“I will not sit ideal and be a witness the gradual loss of Indian cultural and social spaces in the state,” said the former academician.
Karunai Nithi said Ramasamy should prove this by using HEB to purchase, gazette and maintain the now extinct 2.5ha Kampung Buah Pala as a permanent Indian settlement.
The village, once commonly known as Tamil High Chaparral, was flattened in 2009 to pave away for a posh condominium project called the Oasis.
“Why did Ramasamy not do it then and why does wants HEB to take over a cemetery when it was a statutory public duty of the local authorities?
“Why didn’t he use his DCM II powers then when it counted most? Isn’t this a typical zero mandore politics?” asked Karunai Nithi.
‘Please find my daughter’
A two-year-old is still missing four days after being swept away in a swift current.
SENAWANG: It has been four days since a swift river current swept away two-year-old Nursyaza Sakinah, and rescue teams are still searching for her.
“Please find my daughter,” her sobbing mother called out repeatedly today as rescue workers, helped by kampung folk and a K-9 police unit, carried on their grim task.
Wan Azlela Wan Abdullah, 32, is still hoping that the infant has not shared the fate of her sisters, Nursyaza Alisa, 5, Nursyaza Azera ,4, whose bodies were found on Wednesday.
The three were carried away by the river at the Ulu Bendul recreational park near Kuala Pilah on Tuesday afternoon during a picnic with their father and a friend of his.
Alisa was found at 3.15am, 500 metres from the picnic spot, and Azera was found at 10.20am, 2.5 kilometres away.
The search operation extends to five kilometres from the tragedy spot. Rescuers say it is possible that Sakinah’s body is hidden deep in river sand and they are using an excavator in their operation.
Wan Azlela and her husband, Said Ahmad Ibrahim, 28, have been living separately for a year. The girls lived with their paternal grandmother here.
Wan Azlela told FMT she took her daughters to her parents’ home in Malacca last Friday and brought them back to Senawang on Sunday evening.
“Nursyaza Sakinah wouldn’t let me go as I was leaving. She cried and followed me to the main gate of the house. I told her I had to work and promised to visit again on Monday.
“All three kept telling me they loved me and how much they missed me.”
However, she could not come to Senawang on Monday because of work commitments and planned to make the trip on Tuesday instead.
“I promised to buy a bicycle for Alisa and wanted to meet them on Tuesday,” she said as she wept.
“All of my hopes and dreams for my lovely kids were dashed instantly when I was told about the incident. I have lost all my kids.”
She said she was not aware that her husband was taking the girls for the picnic.
Rescue teams needed
Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan PAS commissioner Zulkefly Mohamed Omar has urged the government to station a rescue team at every tourist and recreational spot that has a waterfall.
“The Local and Housing Ministry must enforce a law to get rescue teams or life guards stationed at these recreational parks, like they do for famous public beaches,” he said.
“There is a drowning incident almost every month at one of these waterfalls. Something can be done to prevent or minimize the risk.”
Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Mohamad Hasan has ordered the installation of an alarm system at the top of the Ulu Bendul waterfall to detect sudden surges in current speed.
Tuesday’s tragedy came after sudden heavy rain.
SENAWANG: It has been four days since a swift river current swept away two-year-old Nursyaza Sakinah, and rescue teams are still searching for her.“Please find my daughter,” her sobbing mother called out repeatedly today as rescue workers, helped by kampung folk and a K-9 police unit, carried on their grim task.
Wan Azlela Wan Abdullah, 32, is still hoping that the infant has not shared the fate of her sisters, Nursyaza Alisa, 5, Nursyaza Azera ,4, whose bodies were found on Wednesday.
The three were carried away by the river at the Ulu Bendul recreational park near Kuala Pilah on Tuesday afternoon during a picnic with their father and a friend of his.
Alisa was found at 3.15am, 500 metres from the picnic spot, and Azera was found at 10.20am, 2.5 kilometres away.
The search operation extends to five kilometres from the tragedy spot. Rescuers say it is possible that Sakinah’s body is hidden deep in river sand and they are using an excavator in their operation.
Wan Azlela and her husband, Said Ahmad Ibrahim, 28, have been living separately for a year. The girls lived with their paternal grandmother here.
Wan Azlela told FMT she took her daughters to her parents’ home in Malacca last Friday and brought them back to Senawang on Sunday evening.
“Nursyaza Sakinah wouldn’t let me go as I was leaving. She cried and followed me to the main gate of the house. I told her I had to work and promised to visit again on Monday.
“All three kept telling me they loved me and how much they missed me.”However, she could not come to Senawang on Monday because of work commitments and planned to make the trip on Tuesday instead.
“I promised to buy a bicycle for Alisa and wanted to meet them on Tuesday,” she said as she wept.
“All of my hopes and dreams for my lovely kids were dashed instantly when I was told about the incident. I have lost all my kids.”
She said she was not aware that her husband was taking the girls for the picnic.
Rescue teams needed
Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan PAS commissioner Zulkefly Mohamed Omar has urged the government to station a rescue team at every tourist and recreational spot that has a waterfall.
“The Local and Housing Ministry must enforce a law to get rescue teams or life guards stationed at these recreational parks, like they do for famous public beaches,” he said.
“There is a drowning incident almost every month at one of these waterfalls. Something can be done to prevent or minimize the risk.”
Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Mohamad Hasan has ordered the installation of an alarm system at the top of the Ulu Bendul waterfall to detect sudden surges in current speed.
Tuesday’s tragedy came after sudden heavy rain.
Is Najib undermining Muhyiddin?
PM and Umno president Najib Tun Razak's dagger-stab at his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin in relation to the latter's China visit will cast long shadows in Umno.
COMMENT
It’s fast becoming a contest of who can inflict deeper wound and draw more blood.
Who inflicted the greater wound and drew more blood, is the question that is playing on my mind.
I refer to of course, what appears to be two top leaders working at cross purposes with each other.
Last year when Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin stated that he is Malay first and Malaysian second, it must have caused some embarrassment and left his boss Najib Tun Razak red-faced.
Prime Minister Najib is the chief promoter for ’1 Malaysia” the all inclusive ‘semua kasi taruh’ concept.
So Muhyiddin’s ‘Malay first’ stance must have been like a dagger pointed at Najib’s project.
But that difference is only at conceptual level. At that level much damage control can be applied to lessen the pain.
It’s only a difference in perception.
A lot must be brewing under the surface between the two and their eager and respective supporters.
Each leader is trying to elbow out the other in terms of acceptance and relevance.
Machiavellian intrigues
But while Muhyiddin’s misstep is only at conceptual level and drew negligible blood, Najib with his reservoir of power and surprises appears to have inflicted a deeper wound and more blood.
Or dare we say, purposeful Machiavellian intrigues.
Muhyiddin as DPM visited China recently.
On his agenda were negotiations with Chinese political and business leaders to seek possible endorsement of the parties who are going to participate in a lucrative double tracking project to Johor Baru.
Muhyiddin is from Johor and for those who have forgotten, he was once Johor Menteri Besar.
It was as such a fitting honour for the numero uno from Johor to negotiate on the project.
When Muhyiddin spoke about being Malay first and Malaysian second, he was embroiled in a confrontation with the MCA numero uno, also from Johor, Dr Chua Soi Lek.
Soi Lek was to be the ‘borrowed knife’ which Najib could use to inflict the wound on Muhyiddin.
Soi Lek was strongly recommended by Tan Kay Hock, chairman of Johan Holdings Berhad.
Parallel wheeler dealer
Tan is a golfing buddy to Najib and they have known each other for a long time.
Unknown to Muhyiddin, Soi Lek was also doing his negotiations with the Chinese.
If readers recall, Tan also got a deal to supply rail coaches and it is logical to expect that by having Soi Lek as his emissary, Tan’s business interest will be taken care of.
Business cloak and dagger works aside, having Soi Lek as a negotiator having the confidence of Najib, undermines the number 2 man in the country.
Sources have told us that on Tan’s egging, Najib had issued a personal endorsement letter to Soi Lek to negotatiate with the Chinese.
To say that Muhyiddin is pissed off after knowing the story is an understatement, especially since Muhyiddin had apparently cornered Najib into admitting to the personal letter.
While Muhyiddin may have embarrassed Najib with his Malay first and then Malaysian stand, Najib’s endorsement of a parallel wheeler and dealer arrangement for Soi Lek inflicts a deeper wound and draws more blood.
Definitely, this event will shape the relations of the two men in future and will undoubtedly cast long shadows on Umno politics.
The writer is a former Umno state assemblyman and an FMT columnist.
COMMENT
It’s fast becoming a contest of who can inflict deeper wound and draw more blood.Who inflicted the greater wound and drew more blood, is the question that is playing on my mind.
I refer to of course, what appears to be two top leaders working at cross purposes with each other.
Last year when Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin stated that he is Malay first and Malaysian second, it must have caused some embarrassment and left his boss Najib Tun Razak red-faced.
Prime Minister Najib is the chief promoter for ’1 Malaysia” the all inclusive ‘semua kasi taruh’ concept.
So Muhyiddin’s ‘Malay first’ stance must have been like a dagger pointed at Najib’s project.
But that difference is only at conceptual level. At that level much damage control can be applied to lessen the pain.
It’s only a difference in perception.
A lot must be brewing under the surface between the two and their eager and respective supporters.
Each leader is trying to elbow out the other in terms of acceptance and relevance.
Machiavellian intrigues
But while Muhyiddin’s misstep is only at conceptual level and drew negligible blood, Najib with his reservoir of power and surprises appears to have inflicted a deeper wound and more blood.
Or dare we say, purposeful Machiavellian intrigues.
Muhyiddin as DPM visited China recently.
On his agenda were negotiations with Chinese political and business leaders to seek possible endorsement of the parties who are going to participate in a lucrative double tracking project to Johor Baru.
Muhyiddin is from Johor and for those who have forgotten, he was once Johor Menteri Besar.
It was as such a fitting honour for the numero uno from Johor to negotiate on the project.
When Muhyiddin spoke about being Malay first and Malaysian second, he was embroiled in a confrontation with the MCA numero uno, also from Johor, Dr Chua Soi Lek.
Soi Lek was to be the ‘borrowed knife’ which Najib could use to inflict the wound on Muhyiddin.
Soi Lek was strongly recommended by Tan Kay Hock, chairman of Johan Holdings Berhad.
Parallel wheeler dealer
Tan is a golfing buddy to Najib and they have known each other for a long time.
Unknown to Muhyiddin, Soi Lek was also doing his negotiations with the Chinese.
If readers recall, Tan also got a deal to supply rail coaches and it is logical to expect that by having Soi Lek as his emissary, Tan’s business interest will be taken care of.
Business cloak and dagger works aside, having Soi Lek as a negotiator having the confidence of Najib, undermines the number 2 man in the country.
Sources have told us that on Tan’s egging, Najib had issued a personal endorsement letter to Soi Lek to negotatiate with the Chinese.
To say that Muhyiddin is pissed off after knowing the story is an understatement, especially since Muhyiddin had apparently cornered Najib into admitting to the personal letter.
While Muhyiddin may have embarrassed Najib with his Malay first and then Malaysian stand, Najib’s endorsement of a parallel wheeler and dealer arrangement for Soi Lek inflicts a deeper wound and draws more blood.
Definitely, this event will shape the relations of the two men in future and will undoubtedly cast long shadows on Umno politics.
The writer is a former Umno state assemblyman and an FMT columnist.
Land, education focus of change to Orang Asli Act
The New Straits Times
KUALA TERENGGANU: The proposed amendment to the Orang Asli Act (Act 134) will focus on bringing them to the mainstream of society socially and economically through education and economic programmes.
Although land ownership is the central issue for Orang Asli communities, other aspects, such as education and diversification of economic activities, will also be given emphasis in ensuring they will not be left behind as the nation progresses.
Rural and Regional Development minister Datuk Seri Shafei Apdal said the amendment would help avoid land ownership tussles like the one over the Ladang Rakyat project in Kelantan.
Although land ownership is the central issue for Orang Asli communities, other aspects, such as education and diversification of economic activities, will also be given emphasis in ensuring they will not be left behind as the nation progresses.
Rural and Regional Development minister Datuk Seri Shafei Apdal said the amendment would help avoid land ownership tussles like the one over the Ladang Rakyat project in Kelantan.
"Judging by the mature rubber trees planted by Orang Asli on the disputed land, they must have been there for 30 to 40 years and yet, the issue of ownership was left unsettled.
"When the Kelantan state government awarded the land to a private company, the Orang Asli were displaced."
He said the government would help Orang Asli students to achieve education excellence.
"There are about 300 Orang Asli students in our universities and we will give them assistance if they want to do postgraduate courses."
Shafei said this after meeting the Terengganu state government regarding Orang Asli land issues at the Wisma Darul Iman here yesterday.
He lauded the state government for being one of the earliest states to gazette land for Orang Asli.
"Land rights are under the state governments and the ability to provide land for Orang Asli to live on will depend on each state," said Shafie.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said said the Orang Asli in Sungai Pergam, Kemaman; Sungai Berua, Hulu Terengganu and Sungai Sayap, Besut were doing well in agricultural projects carried out on land provided by the state government.
"When the Kelantan state government awarded the land to a private company, the Orang Asli were displaced."
He said the government would help Orang Asli students to achieve education excellence.
"There are about 300 Orang Asli students in our universities and we will give them assistance if they want to do postgraduate courses."
Shafei said this after meeting the Terengganu state government regarding Orang Asli land issues at the Wisma Darul Iman here yesterday.
He lauded the state government for being one of the earliest states to gazette land for Orang Asli.
"Land rights are under the state governments and the ability to provide land for Orang Asli to live on will depend on each state," said Shafie.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said said the Orang Asli in Sungai Pergam, Kemaman; Sungai Berua, Hulu Terengganu and Sungai Sayap, Besut were doing well in agricultural projects carried out on land provided by the state government.
Kalau Altantuya hidup hari ini, u/thn kelahiranya.
6-05-2011,Jika Altantuya Shaariibuu masih hidup, hari ini genap 32 tahun warganegara Mongolia itu, menyambut hari lahirnya.
Altantuya dibunuh dengan kejam di Mukim Bukit Raja berdekatan Shah Alam Selangor, antara pukul 10 malam 19 Oktober dan 1 pagi 20 Oktober 2006.
Mayatnya diletupkan dengan bahan letupan C4, yang dikatakan hanya boleh diperoleh dari kementerian pertahanan. Cebisan mayatnya ditemui di Empangan Tasik Subang, di Hutan Simpan Puncak Shah Alam.
Ia menjadi kes berprofil tinggi, apabila rakan baik kepada perdana menteri, Abdul Razak Baginda ditahan dan didakwa dalam kes pembunuhan itu.
Razak didakwa bersubahat membunuh Altantuya, 28, dengan Cif Inspektor Azilah Hadri, 30, dan Konstabel Sirul Azhar Umar, 35, dari Unit Tindakan Khas (UTK) di pejabatnya di Tingkat 10, Bangunan Getah Asli, No. 148, Jalan Ampang antara pukul 9.54 pagi dan 11.05 pagi, 18 Oktober 2006.
Abdul Razak Baginda, yang juga merupakan seorang penganalisis politik, dikatakan mempunyai hubungan intim dan sulit dengan Altantuya.
Namanya turut dikenali sebagai seorang broker atas pembelian kapal selam Scorpene, oleh Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia.
Pada 31 oktober 2008, Abdul Razak dibebaskan dari tuduhan bersubahat membunuh Altantuya kerana kononnya kes itu, tiada prima facie. Manakala tertuduh lain, Cif Inspektor Azilah Hadri, dan Koperal Sirul Azhar Umar diarah membela diri.
Sepanjang perbicaraan selama 151 hari, Sirul Azhar dan Azilah Hadri enggan mendedahkan muka , sebaliknya hanya memakai topeng.
Mahkamah Tinggi Shah Alam kemudian menjatuhkan hukuman mati pada kedua-duanya pada 9 April 2009.
Pada 3 Julai 2009, seorang penyiasat persendirian, P. Balasubramaniam, bekas anggota polis cawangan khas dan pernah bertugas dengan Abdul Razak, menggemparkan negara apabila membuat pendedahan mengaitkan Najib Razak dalam kes pembunuhan itu.
Beliau membuat sidang media di Ibu Pejabat KEADILAN, mengumumkan akuan bersumpah yang dirangka bersama peguamnya, Americk Singh Sidhu sebelum membuat akuan bersumpah kedua sehari selepas itu- sekaligus menafikan pendedahan yang dibuat nya.
Akuan bersumpah ke-2 didakwa dibuat setelah berjumpa dengan Deepak Jaikishan, seorang ahli perniagaan permaidani yang rapat dengan Najib dan seorang berpangkat Datuk di The Curve, Damansara, yang kemudian didedahkan sebagai Nazim Razak, adik kepada Najib.
Kedua-dua individu itu didakwa mahu Balasubramaniam segera meninggalkan Malaysia sehingga Najib sah menjadi perdana menteri yang baru, ketika itu.
Bagaimanapun, Najib Tun Razak menafikan pembabitan beliau dengan Altantuya dan spekulasi tindakan untuk mempngaruhi supaya Balasubramaniam menarik balik akuan bersumpah tersebut.
Altantuya dibunuh dengan kejam di Mukim Bukit Raja berdekatan Shah Alam Selangor, antara pukul 10 malam 19 Oktober dan 1 pagi 20 Oktober 2006.
Mayatnya diletupkan dengan bahan letupan C4, yang dikatakan hanya boleh diperoleh dari kementerian pertahanan. Cebisan mayatnya ditemui di Empangan Tasik Subang, di Hutan Simpan Puncak Shah Alam.
Ia menjadi kes berprofil tinggi, apabila rakan baik kepada perdana menteri, Abdul Razak Baginda ditahan dan didakwa dalam kes pembunuhan itu.
Razak didakwa bersubahat membunuh Altantuya, 28, dengan Cif Inspektor Azilah Hadri, 30, dan Konstabel Sirul Azhar Umar, 35, dari Unit Tindakan Khas (UTK) di pejabatnya di Tingkat 10, Bangunan Getah Asli, No. 148, Jalan Ampang antara pukul 9.54 pagi dan 11.05 pagi, 18 Oktober 2006.
Abdul Razak Baginda, yang juga merupakan seorang penganalisis politik, dikatakan mempunyai hubungan intim dan sulit dengan Altantuya.
Namanya turut dikenali sebagai seorang broker atas pembelian kapal selam Scorpene, oleh Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia.
Perundingan dijalankan menerusi Perimekar Sdn bhd, untuk membeli dua kapal selam Scorpene dan Agosta- di bawah usahasama syarikat Sepanyol-Perancis, Armaris.
Perimekar dimiliki satu syarikat bernama Ombak Laut, yang dimiliki sepenuhnya Abdul Razak dengan menerima komisyen sebanyak €114 juta (RM510 million) bagi pembelian kapal selam berkenaan.Pada 31 oktober 2008, Abdul Razak dibebaskan dari tuduhan bersubahat membunuh Altantuya kerana kononnya kes itu, tiada prima facie. Manakala tertuduh lain, Cif Inspektor Azilah Hadri, dan Koperal Sirul Azhar Umar diarah membela diri.
Sepanjang perbicaraan selama 151 hari, Sirul Azhar dan Azilah Hadri enggan mendedahkan muka , sebaliknya hanya memakai topeng.
Mahkamah Tinggi Shah Alam kemudian menjatuhkan hukuman mati pada kedua-duanya pada 9 April 2009.
Pada 3 Julai 2009, seorang penyiasat persendirian, P. Balasubramaniam, bekas anggota polis cawangan khas dan pernah bertugas dengan Abdul Razak, menggemparkan negara apabila membuat pendedahan mengaitkan Najib Razak dalam kes pembunuhan itu.
Beliau membuat sidang media di Ibu Pejabat KEADILAN, mengumumkan akuan bersumpah yang dirangka bersama peguamnya, Americk Singh Sidhu sebelum membuat akuan bersumpah kedua sehari selepas itu- sekaligus menafikan pendedahan yang dibuat nya.
Kedua-dua individu itu didakwa mahu Balasubramaniam segera meninggalkan Malaysia sehingga Najib sah menjadi perdana menteri yang baru, ketika itu.
Bagaimanapun, Najib Tun Razak menafikan pembabitan beliau dengan Altantuya dan spekulasi tindakan untuk mempngaruhi supaya Balasubramaniam menarik balik akuan bersumpah tersebut.
How many billions would it take to wipe out Sarawak poverty?
Some of us might think that it could take several billion ringgit to wipe out poverty in Sarawak. Not really.
An Aliran correspondent has worked out that it will cost just RM61.5 million a year in direct handouts to eliminate poverty in the state, or RM308 million for five years of direct handouts. This can be done while
Find out how he arrived at that figure on the Aliran website.
Such handouts could “buy time for other agencies and NGOs to work with the poor to figure out what programmes and policies are required to eliminate poverty without direct handouts”, he added.
So why has the federal and the Sarawak governments not been able to wipe out poverty in the state despite the huge resources at their disposal?
An Aliran correspondent has worked out that it will cost just RM61.5 million a year in direct handouts to eliminate poverty in the state, or RM308 million for five years of direct handouts. This can be done while
Find out how he arrived at that figure on the Aliran website.
Such handouts could “buy time for other agencies and NGOs to work with the poor to figure out what programmes and policies are required to eliminate poverty without direct handouts”, he added.
So why has the federal and the Sarawak governments not been able to wipe out poverty in the state despite the huge resources at their disposal?
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