“ Ethnic cleansing ” UTM Indian students by 98 % in 13 years from 2,000 in 1997 to 50 in 2010.

“ Ethnic cleansing ” UTM Indian students by 98 % in 13 years from 2,000 in 1997 to 50 in 2010.

I have found out shocking news on how the government is eliminating our Indian students’ right for admission to public university. In 1997, Indian student intake per year is around 350~400 for full time undergraduate program in UTM and overall 2000 Indian students at anytime in a year. To my shock, I found out that after 13 years, currently only around 50 Indian students per intake per year and overall population of 600 Indian students. Almost 85% reduction of Indian students in UTM in just 13 years. In 1997, hardly anyone can see students from Somalia, African countries, Arabs, and etc. But, if somebody pays a visit to UTM now, they will be surprise to see these foreigners taking up places in UTM and subsequently eliminating our Indian students’ right for admission in public university. I only highlighted the situation in UTM. But, currently we have 20 public universities in Malaysia. What is the percentage of Indian student intake in these universities currently? Please refer to below mentioned table for list of current public university in Malaysia. Can our Indian Mandore please look into this problem urgently rather than playing Wayang Kulit!!!

No.	Unofficial translation in English	Official Name in Malay	Acronym	Foundation	Location	Link
1	University of Technology, Malaysia	Universiti Teknologi Malaysia [5]	UTM	1972	Skudai, Johore	[37]
2	Tun Hussein Onn University of Malaysia	Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia [6]	UTHM	2000	Batu Pahat, Johore	[38]
3	Utara University, Malaysia	Universiti Utara Malaysia	UUM	1984	Sintok, Kedah	[39]
4	University of Malaysia, Kelantan	Universiti Malaysia Kelantan	UMK	2006	Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan	[40]
5	National Defence University of Malaysia	Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia [7]	UPNM	2006	Kuala Lumpur	[41]
6	University of Malaya	Universiti Malaya [8]	UM	1905	Kuala Lumpur	[42]
7	Technical University of Malaysia, Melaka	Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka [9]	UTeM	2000	Durian Tunggal, Malacca	[43]
8	Islamic Science University of Malaysia	Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia [10]	USIM	1998	Nilai, Negeri Sembilan	[44]
9	University of Malaysia, Pahang	Universiti Malaysia Pahang [11]	UMP	2002	Kuantan, Pahang	[45]
10	University of Science, Malaysia	Universiti Sains Malaysia [12]	USM	1969	Gelugor, Penang	[46]
11	Sultan Idris University of Education	Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris [13]	UPSI	1997	Tanjung Malim, Perak	[47]
12	University of Malaysia, Perlis	Universiti Malaysia Perlis [14]	UniMAP	2001	Arau, Perlis	[48]
13	University of Malaysia, Sabah	Universiti Malaysia Sabah	UMS	1994	Kota Kinabalu, Sabah	[49]
14	University of Malaysia, Sarawak	Universiti Malaysia Sarawak	UNIMAS	1992	Kota Samarahan, Sarawak	[50]
15	International Islamic University of Malaysia	Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia	IIUM	1983	Gombak, Selangor	[51]
16	National University of Malaysia	Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia	UKM	1970	Bangi, Selangor	[52]
17	MARA University of Technology	Universiti Teknologi MARA [15]	UiTM	1999	Shah Alam, Selangor	[53]
18	Putra University of Malaysia	Universiti Putra Malaysia [16]	UPM	1971	Serdang, Selangor	[54]
19	Darul Iman University of Malaysia	Universiti Darul Iman Malaysia [17]	UDM	2005	Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu	[55]
20	University of Malaysia, Terengganu	Universiti Malaysia Terengganu [18]	UMT	1999	Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu	[56]

A.N. Moorty Kumar

HRP This works out to about 85% based on the letter that was e-mailed to us today.

But taking into consideration of even 1 % increase of the student population every year then the real and effective reduction would be about 98 %.

In over the last 53 years UMNO has never revealed the true and full list of the total number of intake of this UTM or for any of the other 20 Public Universities in Malaysia according to the ethnic origins of the students, with details of their entry qualifications

From time to time UMNO plays the usual political rhetoric by giving figures of 7.5 % Indians etc but the full student list has never been revealed

This is how UMNO does “ ethnic cleansing ” to exclude deserving Indian students from all the 20 Public Universities locally. According to Article 12 of the Federal Constitution, there cannot be any racial discrimination based on race or religion in the intake into these 20 Public Universities.

Karunai Nithi

UMNO demolishes Indian motorcycle workshop, denied opportunity for proper workshop

UMNO DBKL personnel even carried a Parang and was screaming away in the demolishment exercise. He had to be pacified by a policeman (see picture below). Some 30 motorcycles were damaged with an estimated loss of RM 15,000. This happened at Air Panas Setapak on 9/3/10.

A police report at Setapak No.3018/10 was lodged but zero action would be taken by UMNO as this is a part of UMNO’s racist and supremacist agenda.

Why didn’t UMNO offer this Indian man an alternative business option as they would have done so for almost all other Malay Muslims. One Malay-sia ?

P.Sivalingam

Chairman HRP Setiawangsa

UMNO and Indian Business Mandores: Why not train 100,000 new Indian upward mobility job opportunities and entrepreneurs?

UMNO gets its Indian business Mandores to bring in 100,000 foreign workers to work in restaurants mini markets and provision shops.

Instead of giving lame excuses that the local Indians are not interested why can’t UMNO create a minimum monthly salary of RM 1,500.00 shift work, upward mobility salary scheme, profit sharing, etc., jobs and careers as done in KFC, McDonalds, Petronas, Shell, Ayamas, etc., as a forward moving solution as opposed to business expediency in “importing” these cheap foreign labour and further excluding the Indians from the National Mainstream development of Malaysia?

Even in Japan, Korea and Taiwan, almost all their cleaners, restaurant workers general workers are all locals. This way we may also get to cut down on the alarmingly high crime rate these foreign workers bring in.

P.Uthayakumar

Letter to Chief Justice by P.Uthayakumar to recuse “biased Judge” in Kg. Medan “ethnic cleansing” trial.

KUMAR HASHIMAH & CO No 6(A), Jalan Abdullah,

PEGUAMBELA & PEGUAMCARA Jalan Bangsar,

ADVOCATES & SOLICITORS 59000 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel : 03-2282 5622

Fax : 03-2282 5245

P. UTHAYAKUMAR. LL.B, CLP.

____________________________

Office Hours :

Mon. – Fri.

9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Sat. & Sunday – Closed

Your Reference :

In Reply Please Quote : KH/J 57/UK/2007

Date : 19/3/2010

The Secretary to

YAA Zaki Tun Azmi,

Chief Justice of Malaya,

Chief Justice’s Chambers,
Federal Court of Malaysia,
Istana Kehakiman ,
Precinct 3, Fax: 603 8880 3507
62506 PUTRAJAYA, E-Mail: cj@kehakiman.gov.my

Malaysia By Hand

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YAA,

Re: 1) Application to recuse the learned Sessions Court Judge Sabariah bt Othman from further hearing P.Uthayakumar’s “ethnic cleansing” criminal trial case No 3-62-548-2007.

2) Application for this case to be heard by a High Court Judge.

Kami dengan rendah diri memohon berhujah dalam bahasa Inggeris

We refer to the above matter wherein we act for Mr. P.Uthayakumar of c/o No 6A Jalan Abdullah, Off Jalan Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

With no disrespect to the courts we hereby appeal for your directions that Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court Judge Puan Sabariah Othman be recused from further hearing P.Uthayakumar’s criminal prosecution for “ethnic cleansing” of in particular of the Kg. Medan ethnic minority Malaysian Indians.

Our grounds for this application are as follows:-

1. It is public knowledge that this Mr.P.Uthayakumar’s prosecution is politically motivated by the UMNO controlled Malaysian Government.
2. From the very onset ie from the day when the accused Mr. P.Uthayakumar was suddenly arrested and produced in court, the Attorney General who is a member of the Legal and Judicial Services Commission and in effect as one of the bosses also for this said learned Sessions Court Judge had appeared for the Prosecution. It is humbly submitted that in this circumstances alone this learned Judge would not be able to make decisions without fear or favour.
3. When produced in open court the learned Attorney General is believed to have had the benefit of prior notice and was waiting for Mr.P.Uthayakumar in open court.
4. Mr. P.Uthayakumar had asked for the matter to be stood down until his lawyers arrived but the said learned Judge gave him only five (5) minutes.
5. In about that five (5) minutes time, the learned Judge again appeared in open court and had begun proceedings knowing that P.Uthayakumar’s lawyers had not been present yet.
6. Despite Mr. P.Uthayakumar informing the learned Judge that he still needed an adjournment as his lawyers were on their way the learned Judge insisted on proceeding and indeed proceeded with the learned Attorney General’s submissions.
7. Luckily shortly thereafter Mr. P.Uthayakumar’s lawyers started coming into the open court one by one.
8. From the above, it is plain and obvious that the whole weight and might of the entire nation especially with the learned Attorney General’s presence versus one individual ie Mr. P.Uthayakumar which had no bearing at all whatsoever on the said learned Judge’s mind when she had decided to proceed without Mr. P.Uthayakumar’s lawyers.
9. Justice must not only be done but must manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done from the very beginning.

10. This learned Sessions Court Judge heard submissions as to whether bail should be granted as the learned Attorney General had unprecedently opposed to the granting of bail even for a mere Sedition charge.

11. Having heard submissions from both parties the said learned Judge adjourned the matter to “stand down untuk keputusan atas jaminan”

However at 3.30p.m this learned Judge unilaterally allowed bail at RM50,000.00 which is ten (10) times the maximum fine for this charge under Section 4(1) (c) of the Sedition Act which maximum is a mere RM5,000.00.

12. In any event the learned Judge set bail at RM50,000.00 without even hearing submissions on the quantum of bail especially from Mr. P.Uthayakumar’s lawyers.

Note: As soon as bail of RM50,000.00 was posted, Mr. P.Uthayakumar was rearrested irrespective within the court complex, injured during the arrest, detained overnight and the day after on 13/12/07 was detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for 514 days without trial and conviction.

13. At all material times this learned Sessions Court Judge was a Sessions Civil Court No 4 Judge but brought in specifically to hear Mr P.Uthayakumar’s case. Why?

14. This learned Judge’s Civil Court mindset is evidenced when she had recorded the accused lawyers as the Plaintiff’s lawyers rather than the Accused’s lawyers from page 8 onwards in the Notes of Proceedings. With due respect, it may well follow that she may have applied Civil law standards as opposed to criminal law standards.

15. The said learned Attorney General is a potential witness in this case vis a vis amongst others his non prosecution for the murder or manslaughter of five ethnic minority Malaysian Indians killed and the injuring and grevious bodily harm of one hundred over other Indians in the mysterious Kg Medan “ethnic cleansing” tragedy which has also been brought to the attention of the Royal Commission on the Police Force in 2005 when and where YAA yourself was a member of the said Royal Commission.

16. In fact Mr P.Uthayakumar’s lawyer had on 20/10/2008 (at page 12 of the notes of proceedings) submitted that “AG dan OKT ada “bad blood”. Berdasarkan report 05.12.2007 berkenaan penyokong Hindraf yang dituduh. Isu consent yang diberi oleh AG terhadap OKT ada motif yang tidak baik. Ada sivil suit dan exchange of word. Seksyen 5, consent adalah isu yang harus dipertimbangkan. R.v Bow Street HL 577 (muka surat 596) AG ada personal interest dalam kes ini dan consent diberikan sebab ada kes ini diteruskan dan OKT disabitkan. Charge sheet signed by AG, sivil suit, apa perception dari awam, apa assurance oleh public. Its very pertinent”.

17. “Semua directly or indirectly bring him to the rule of AG and need of police. Incident Kampung Medan beberapa surat dihantarkan kepada AG dan beberapa laporan polis dibuat. Antara AG dan OKT relation jadi tak baik. Starting pada 2007 bulan sudah tapi build up incident. Incident kepada Kampung Medan belum diambil tindakan. Unhappiest within these 2 parties. Semuanya rujuk kepada 1 malice interest dan lain-lain iaitu AG ada interest. Seksyen 5 consent menjadi nullity dan ditunjukkan consent vitiated atas sebab- sebab yang diberikan tadi”.

18. Please take note that except for two applications all other applications totalling twenty (20) by P.Uthayakumar and his lawyers including numerous applications to the said Judge to dismiss the charges against Mr. P.Uthayakumar for being groundless further to Section 173 (g) of the Criminal Procedure Code and to recuse herself as the Judge hearing this matter was not allowed.

19. Civil suit No 3-62-548-2007 against the Attorney General dated 11.12.2007. And it is this very same Attorney General who had signed and issued the consent to charge Mr. P.Uthayakumar and had personally appeared to conduct the prosecution against Mr. P.Uthayakumar on 11/12/2007.

20. Mr P.Uthayakumar had made a police report in the week just before his arrest on 13/12/07 against the Attorney General amongst other things that the Attorney General had made a criminally defamatory statement against him. (P.Uthayakumar).

21. The Attorney General had also maliciously caused Mr. P.Uthayakumar to be imprisoned for 514 days without trial and conviction. This is based on one of the nine grounds of P.Uthayakumar’s ISA detention being that P.Uthayakumar had led a peaceful protest at the office of the Attorney General protesting that the Attorney General had refused to prosecute cases of the local authorities demolishing hindu temples with impunity even at the average rate of one hindu temple demolished in every one week.

22. There was an open argument between the Attorney General and P.Uthayakumar in open court at the Shah Alam Sessions Court when the Attorney General alleged that Hindraf (and vis a vis P.Uthayakumar) were linked to the LTTE terrorists.

23. On page 27 of the notes of proceedings the learned Judge had ruled “Tangguhan tak dibenarkan atas alasan perubatan” despite a medical letter being produced on a medical check up in London (for a suspected rare heart disease).

24. On 28/9/2009 (pages 28 and 29 of the notes of proceedings) the learned Judge even denied an application for P.Uthayakumar to sit on the bar table as he had volumnious documents and photographs to cross examine on.

25. Despite an application pending in the High Court for a transfer of this matter to the High Court, the learned Judge had made the decision to proceed irrespective “memandangkan Notis Usul belum ditetapkan tarikh dan belum ada perintah” (page 30 of the Notes of evidence).

26. Despite the High Court Judge being on leave, on the very same day the learned Judge further rejected another application for an adjournment despite there being a formal application pending hearing in court for documents related to the “ethnic cleansing” in Kg. Medan which is the crux of the defence against P.Uthayakumar. (page 30 and 31 of the Notes of Evidence).

27. Again on the very same day the third application was made to adjourn proceedings in order to file a formal written application to recuse the Judge was again dismissed on the grounds “kes akan diteruskan untuk perbicaraan walaupun Notis Usul dan Notis Permohonan ada difailkan dan OKT akan failkan Notis Permohonan untuk disqualified Hakim. (page 31 of Notes of Proceedings).

28. Mr. P.Uthayakumar from the dock then made a four point application among others the disparity between the RM50,000.00 bail imposed by the Sessions Court Judge and the reduction to RM10,000.00 by the High Court Judge upon appeal. P.Uthayakumar submitted that in the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim Sodomy II trial an adjourment was allowed by the Sessions Court Judge hearing the charge pending an appeal to the High Court. Despite the above this learned Sessions Court Judge decided that she would proceed with the hearing (page 33 of the Notes of Evidence).

29. Peguambela- “pohon kes ini ditangguhkan sehingga semakan difailkan. Mahkamah- “Tidak dibenarkan kes ini akan diteruskan sehingga permohonan diputuskan (page 34 of the Notes of Proceedings).

30. Peguambela -“Pohon kes ini ditangguhkan dan pohon prosiding digantung. Undertake the (to) file semakan by tomorrow Mahkamah- “tangguhan tak dibenarkan” (page 34 of the notes of evidence).

31. Uthayakumar’s lawyer Mr.N.Surendran then submitted that even the Attorney General did not apply for Uthayakumar’s International Pasport to be impounded but the Judge on her own accord and without hearing any submissions especially on P.Uthayakumar’s International Pasport impounded the same. Also cited was the authority of Metropolitan Properties where Lord Denming held on the “mere likelihood of biousness” principle in effect “where if the Judge still sat on the case his decision cannot stand”. Despite the above this learned Judge yet again dismissed P.Uthayakumar application Mahkamah- “Permohonan OKT untuk mengecualikan saya dari meneruskan perbicaraan ini adalah ditolak dan tidak dibenarkan (page 36 of the notes of evidence)

32. OKT “Pohon prosiding ditangguhkan sehingga keputusan di Mahkamah Tinggi”. “Akan failkan semakan pagi esok”.

33. At 4.56 p.m on 29/9/2009, Mr Manogar informed the court that the High Court had turned down Mr.P.Uthayakumar’s application and that an appeal would be made to the Court of Appeal and that a date had been set for the hearing of the Notis Permohonan at the High Court “Pohon tangguhan untuk dapatkan temujanji dengan CJA bagi mendapatkan stay”

34. On 30/9/09 “Pagi ini telah failkan notis Rayuan atas keputusan Mahkamah Tinggi yang menolak permohonan kami untuk semakan keputusan Mahkamah Sesyen dan buat permohonan kepada YAA Mahkamah Rayuan dan pohon untuk bicara di Mahkamah ini ditangguh sehingga kelulusan rayuan di Mahkamah Rayuan.

Permohonan ini dibawah perbincangan YAA Presiden Mahkamah Rayuan dan atas nasihat Pendaftar, kami akan failkan satu Notis Usul dengan Perakuan Segera untuk penangguhan stay prosiding ini.

Memandangkan hal ini dan permohonan kami yang dibawa ke perhatian YAA Presiden Mahkamah Rayuan, wajar Mahkamah ini menunggu untuk tangguhkan kes ini.

Dalam Kes Teoh Beng Hock, Mahkamah telah tunggu untuk keputusan Mahkamah Rayuan.

35. Mahkamah- “Tangguhan tidak dibenarkan dan kes akan diteruskan”.

36. Despite P.Uthayakumar asking for the List of Witnesses, Mahkamah- “Senarai saksi tak menjadi compulsory untuk dibekalkan, tak ada perintah untuk DPP serahkan senarai tersebut”.

37. When P.Uthayakumar asked for a copy of the document to be examine the learned Judge had prejudically remarked “OKT boleh mengambil masa the whole day untuk periksa dokumen. (page 42 of notes of proceedings).

38. Mahkamah- “soalan diteruskan” (page 43 of votes of proceedings.)

39. Keputusan- Bantahan pihak Pembela adalah ditolak. Artikel yang dikemukakan melalui Saksi Plaintif pertama adalah diterima dan dibenarkan untuk ditanda sebagai barang kes. (page 52 of the Notes of Proceedings).

40. On the issue of the admisibility of a document submitted to be not relevant by the defence the learned Judge decided “Setelah meneliti affidavit- afidavit dan hujahan yang dikemukakan, adalah diputuskan bahawa permohonan tertuduh untuk mendapatkan dokumen dibawah S51 (A) KAJ seperti dibawah paragraph a-h adalah tidak dibenarkan ditolak. (page 57 of the notes of proceedings).

41. Mahkamah- “Bantahan dibenarkan” saya cadangkan kamu tak tahu motif tendering dokumen ini ke dalam Mahkamah? “Soalan tak perlu dijawab” (page 70 of the notes of proceedings)

42. OKT- “ Sebahagian pembelaan kes menjurus mala fide polis dalam pendakwaan ini terhadap saya. Apakah sebab dokumen ini ditenderkan? Mahkamah “Soalan ini tak perlu dijawab”.

43. Mahkamah- “Permohonan tak dibenarkan” (at page 80 of the Notes of Proceedings.)

44. The said Judge’s earlier statement in open court that “she has to consult someone”, we humbly submit is fatal.

In the circumstances, with respect we humbly appeal that this Sessions Court Judge is recused from further hearing this matter and that this matter is transferred and heard by a High Court Judge especially as this trial involves matters concerning the general public interest and the whole world is watching.

Justice must not only be done but must manifestedly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.

We seek your kind indulgence accordingly.

Thank You,

Your Faithfully

________________

cc : Tuan Pendaftar,

Mahkamah Sesyen Kuala Lumpur

Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur By Hand

22, 23 &24/3/10 – Bicara (Case No 3-62-548-2007)

Timbalan Pendakwa Raya,

Jabatan Peguam Negara Malaysia,

Bahagian Pendakwaan,

Aras 7, Blok C3,

Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, By Hand

62512 Putrajaya (Case No 3-62-548-2007)

Samy's shocker: 50,000 Malays, Chinese in MIC

FreeMalayiaToday.com,

MIC's veteran president S Samy Vellu

There were puzzled looks all around during the MIC central working committee meeting yesterday when party president S Samy Vellu made a startling revelation. The veteran politician, who has been helming the party since 1979, said that the Indian-based MIC has 50,000 Malay and Chinese members.

Contacted today, a CWC member, who wished to remain anomymous, confirmed that the president had disclosed this during the closed-door meeting at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

“Yes, it's right. But Samy Vellu also explained that the party did not recruit non-Indian members deliberately,” he told FMT.

According to him, the president said that when branch verification exercises are carried out, the branch chairpersons submit the voters' list to show their number of members.

“The names on the voters' list are Indian names, but when a check was conducted on the Identity Card numbers, it was discovered that the persons are either Malay or Chinese,” he added.

The CWC member said this prompted former vice-president KS Nijhar to ask the president on the actual number of MIC members.

Following this, party treasurer Jaspal Singh quoted the MIC annual report, which stated that RM615, 550 has been collected in membership fee. Based on these figures, Jaspal said the party has 410,000 members.

This is in stark contradiction with Samy Vellu's earlier claim that the Barisan Nasional component party has more than 600,000 members.

Meanwhile, a party insider disputed the 410,000 membership figure as well and called on Samy Vellu to come clean on this issue.

Mobile phones switched off

In another development, Samy Vellu shot down a question on the party's nominees for directorship in goverment-linked companies.

Responding to a CWC member who raised the issue, the president said: “There is no reason for me to tell you this. This is between me and the minister concerned.”

There is talk that some CWC members are unhappy with certain appointments made by Samy Vellu with regards to GLCs.

The president also refused to comment on former vice-president S Sothinathan's possible appointment as a director of MIC's education arm, Maju Institute of Education Development (MIED).

Ties between Sothinanthan and his mentor had soured when the former decided to contest for deputy presidency in last year's party polls despite Samy Vellu advising him not to do so.

However, speculation is rife that the duo have buried the hatchet.

Yesterday's CWC meeting also witnessed another first when Samy Vellu instructed the members to switch off their mobile phones because he was worried that the proceedings would be recorded.

Accused murderer's wife blames Haresvarra's father for child's death

The Malay Mail,

PETALING JAYA: "Let them say whatever they want about me because in the end the truth will be revealed," said S. Karigalan concerning a police report lodged against him by the wife of the man charged with the March 3 murder of his 18-month-old son K. Haresvarra.

"Honestly, I don't mind being investigated by the police if they find anything suspicious about me concerning my son's death."

Speaking exclusively to The Malay Mail, Karigalan said he cannot understand why S.M. Kaliyammal, the wife of the alleged murderer M. Rajamorgan, had asked the police to investigate him and his wife Thilaga.

“The case of my son's murder has already been mentioned in court and, for some strange reason, it has also been heavily politicised,” he said.

"The victim is my child who was abused and murdered by the accused but he and his wife and some residents of Kampung Kayu Ara, Petaling Jaya, are defending the murderer by putting the blame on me."

Karigalan said the police are way ahead of his detractors and had investigated his son's murder based on evidence.

“We must now let the court decide," he said. At 2pm yesterday, Kaliyammal lodged two police reports at the Damansara police station, claiming that her husband Rajamorgan, who is under detention at Sungai Buloh prison, has been wrongly accused of the murder of Haresvarra.

In her first report, she accused Karigalan as the prime suspect who had abused and murdered his own child based on the bruises on Haresvarra's hand and body before the toddler died.

In her second report, she claimed that a day after the toddler's death, Thilaga and eight men had gone to her house.

NEW ALLEGATIONS: Kaliyammal, wife of accused murderer make a second police report on Karigalan

“All of them were thugs. They even threatened me into opening my house door," alleged Kaliyammal. "I had no choice but to open the door out of concern for my family's safety. The men ransacked my home and took some of my belongings, including jewellery and RM1,500 cash from my cupboard.”

Petaling Jaya district police chief, ACP Arjunaidi Mohamed confirmed that Kaliyammal had filed two reports yesterday.

He declined to comment on the allegations by the suspect’s wife in her first police report as the matter is in court.

However, Arjunaidi said they would investigate the allegations in Kaliyammal's second report.

Accused baby murderer complains of prison brutality

PETALING JAYA: In an unprecedented move, the magistrate court presiding over the murder case of 18-month-old toddler K.Haresvarra ordered the Sungai Buloh prison director to appear in court to explain about prison abuse allegations today.

Magistrate Ho Kwong Chin, who set April 6 to hear the matter, said the accused, lorry attendant M.Rajamorgan, 33, has alleged he was beaten at the Sg Buloh prison.

"I will set the mention date so the director himself can explain about this, " said Ho.

Last Monday, lorry attendant Rajamorgan was charged for the murder of Haresvarra at the Magistrate Court here.

He was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murdering the child on March 3, between 9.40pm and 10.10pm, at the Pangsapuri Vista Damansara's children's playground in Jalan Kenanga, Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara.

The charge carries a mandatory death sentence upon conviction. No plea has been recorded.

Ho this morning also set April 16 for the case to be transferred to High Court.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Zhafran Rahim Hamzah had earlier told the court that the prosecution is still unable to consent to the case being transferred to the High Court as the chemist and the post-mortem report are not out yet.

He applied to the court for a later mention date so that the court would not be inconvenienced by having the accused appear in open court every eight days according to for remand proceedings.

Rajamorgan's counsel Amer Hamzah Arshad, however, objected, and said: "How can we say we're 'inconveniencing' the court, at the expense of justice? Since the post-mortem and chemist report are not out yet, we do not know the cause of death.

"The police should not arrest and charge first, then investigate later as there are so many aspects to the case which have not been investigated."

Magistrate Ho today also decided that he would not issue a gag order, applied by Amer Hamzah, to prevent Petaling Jaya police chief ACP Arjunaidi Mohamed from holding further press conferences or issuing press statements that may be prejudicial to Rajamorgan.

N.Surendran, also representing Rajamorgan, had earlier applied for the court to issue an order for the Sg Buloh prison so that his client would "no longer" be harmed in prison.

He applied that the court should cite the director for contempt of court if such incidents recur.

"We can take a very high position and arrest and put people in prison. But our own prisons are run like zoos. I will say it in court, that people in uniforms have killed our clients, this is their behavior. That's why I'm seeking this order," said Surendran.

Zhafran, in response, said a police report can be made on the allegations where police can investigate.

To the earlier statement that the prosecution has no evidence at all, Zhafran said:"The defence does not know whether there is enough evidence or not. Based on the police investigations, it showed that the accused may have committed the murder."

Outside the court, Amer said, the wife of the accused lodged a police report yesterday, alleging that she was told that the toddler's father, S. Karigalan, had been abusive to his wife and child.

Amer also said that there have been 16 police reports lodged by neighbours at the Sri Ara apartment vouching for the good character of the accused.

"These are all the things that are yet to be covered by investigations," said Amer.

It was reported that Haresvarra's parents had initially left him at a neighbour's house, but his mother, K. Thilagavathy, 23, later asked Rajamorgan and his wife for help. It was also reported that the couple used to babysit the toddler.

In our March 5 report, Haresvarra's father, Karigalan, said that on the day of the incident, Harresvara was being looked after at a neighbour's home when the former babysitter's husband came to take the child away by force, on the pretext of taking him out to buy chocolate.

Rajamorgan reportedly returned 10 minutes later with Haresvarra. A few minutes later, the toddler had difficulties breathing and was taken to a nearby clinic, but was pronounced dead.

A post-mortem at the University Malaya Medical Centre on March 3 revealed that Haresvarra had suffered broken ribs, a ruptured liver and bruises all over his body.

ISA Bill delayed as other laws need reforms too

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — The Najib Administration will not table proposed amendments to the Internal Security Act (ISA) in the current parliament sitting as it needs to reform other security laws too.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (picture) said the Cabinet decided the amendments has to be tabled with reforms in other preventive laws.

“The Cabinet today decided that the ISA amendments must be tabled with other preventive laws based on security and public order issues,” Hishammuddin said in a statement released tonight.

Critics have demanded the abolition of the security law that allows detention without trial, saying it has been used for political purposes.

The government has denied the claims but said it will amend the law.

“In the people’s interests, the Home Ministry and the Attorney-General’s Chambers will review the matter for public interest and the Bar Council has agreed to cooperate in the review,” Hishammuddin said.

He said the weekly Cabinet meeting today agreed several amendments covering detention period, detainee’s rights and treatment, Minister’s power, public perception that the law is used for political purposes and detention without trial.

Among those at the Cabinet meeting were AG Tan Sri Gani Patail and Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mahmood Adam

Hishammuddin said the other laws to be reviewed include the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (effectiveness of crime prevention laws), Section 27 of the Police Act 1960 (public assembly without a permit), Banishment Act 1959 (Revised 1972) (relevancy of the law), Restricted Residency Act 1933 (effectiveness of law and directives), Dangerous Drugs Act (Special Preventive Rules) 1985 and the Emergency Ordinance (Public Order and Crime Prevention) 1969.

This is the second Bill withdrawn from the current parliament with the first being the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill which has drawn outcry from the opposition.

The government has also ditched a new two-tiered petrol price subsidy scheme that was due to be implemented in May as it was too complex and unpopular.

Dr M replaces Selangor Sultan at Perkasa confab

By Adib Zalkapli - The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will open Malay nationalist group Perkasa’s inaugural assembly on March 27, replacing the Sultan of Selangor who had decided not to attend the meeting.

Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali said the former prime minister will be given a warrior’s welcome.

“Tun Mahathir will be given a grand warrior’s welcome in accordance with Malay custom,” said Ibrahim in a statement to The Malaysian Insider.

Dr Mahathir who once made Ibrahim a deputy minister had also officiated the Selangor Perkasa launch on Jan 30.

Yesterday Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said that he would not attend the Perkasa assembly.

However the Sultan hoped that the Perkasa meeting would proceed and the organisation would carry on its agenda to safeguard the sovereignty of the institution of rulers, Malay and bumiputera rights and the sanctity of Islam as the country’s official religion.

He also clarified that Ibrahim should not be blamed for naming him as the guest of honour on the Perkasa assembly invitation card as the palace had on early last month agreed to the organisation’s request.

Meanwhile Ibrahim hoped those who wish to attend the assembly to arrive early at the Putra World Trade Centre.

“As of now, more than 8,000 members have confirmed their attendance and some 2,000 invited guests are also expected to attend,” said Ibrahim.

“Because the attendance will be more than 10,000, so I am asking for cooperation from everyone to come early to avoid traffic congestion,” he said.

Ibrahim added that the assembly will debate motions on religion, economy, education and security.

Perkasa was formed soon after Election 2008 and has turned into a strong pressure group representing those seeking to defend the constitutional position of the Malays and the social contract.

It has been at the forefront in lobbying the government to retain the affirmative action policy favouring the Malays and in the New Economic Model (NEM) scheduled to be announced at the end of this month.

NEM aims to reform affirmative action

By Lee Wei Lian - The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — The country’s New Economic Model (NEM) is expected to offer alternatives to the race-based policies that have characterised affirmative action in Malaysia for the past 40 years by introducing a sense of inclusiveness and focus to help the bottom half of Malaysian wage earners.

Sources told The Malaysian Insider, the proposed reforms will highlight innovation and merit for a more competitive economy while providing cushioning measures such as a wider social safety net and government backed institutions to combat discrimination and unfair practices in the marketplace.

While non-Malays are likely to welcome any moves to go from ethnic based policies to policies based on demonstrated need, it might not bring joy to right-wing groups such as the Malay Consultative Council (MPM) which has lobbied for the NEM to be designed with racial considerations.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (picture) will receive a full report on the NEM’s proposed measures on March 30 at the Invest Malaysia conference but has said full details will be disclosed only at the launch of the 10th Malaysia Plan in June after getting public feedback.

“The public feedback is crucial as the PM wants it to be a collaborative effort,” a source familiar with a draft of the NEM told The Malaysian Insider.

The NEM is being drafted by the National Economic Advisory Council (NEAC) chaired by Tan Sri Amirsham Abdul Aziz, a top banker who was later made an economics minister under Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s Cabinet in 2008.

The report was due late last year but it is understood that Najib wants a comprehensive report that takes into account all views before drafting it into the 10th Malaysia Plan, the country’s economic blueprint that has helped make it an Asian Tiger in the 1980s and 1990s until the Asian Financial Crisis tripped its high growth cycle. Malaysia, which just came out of a recession in the last quarter and recorded a contraction of 1.7 per cent in its GDP growth in 2009, has also hobbled due to a “decade of economic stagnation”, said Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah recently, adding the country must be competitive to ensure its economic growth.

Another source disclosed the NEM is also proposing the formation of anti-discrimination institutions that could potentially end up benefiting all parties — both Malays and non-Malays.

Many non-Malays have long complained that they face racial discrimination in the public sector, while many Malays have argued that they face racial discrimination from non-Malay companies.

“An anti-discrimination body could resolve such complaints from both Malays and non-Malays,” the source added.

The focus on transparency in affirmative action, if implemented, will eventually create an environment toxic to rent seeking and patronage, one of the main criticisms of both non-Malays and many Malays, about the side effects of the New Economic Policy (NEP) which has dominated the Malaysian economic scene since the 1970s.

The NEM will also seek to narrow the income differences between East and West Malaysia in order to reduce regional disparities within the country, the source said.

The NEM is one of the key thrusts of the Najib administration and is supposed to transform Malaysia to be a high income nation with a per capita income above US$15,000 (RM50,000) by 2020.

Come and be my partner, Najib invites the press

(Bernama) - Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak today invited the local media to be his partner in his journey to transform Malaysia into a more prosperous and peaceful country.

He said the government needed the media to communicate with the people and educate them throughout the country.

"I would like you to be my partner in my journey to transform the country," he said at the inaugural National Press Club-Naza Awards Night here today.

Najib said there was a kind of symbiotic relationship between the press and the government which was absolutely critical to the future and Malaysia's development as a nation.

"The press needs to report on the government just as the government needs the press to communicate its message effectively to the people... I need the press to understand and appreciate the situation in the country, and to communicate effectively and educate the people," he said.

The prime minister also urged the media not to maintain its status quo by embarking on different ways to do their reporting.

He said accusations that Malaysia lacked press freedom were grossly unfair.

"As long as the reports do not run afoul of our existing laws, the press is free to report on pretty much anything.

"Besides, all of us are well aware that in any case, anything and everything is already written in the alternative media, whether based on fact or entirely made up of slanderous fiction," he said.

Najib said mainstream media organisations obviously had a higher standard of accountability and were more mindful of what they reported, being aware of their standing as respected media establishments.

"But to say that this therefore means that there is no media freedom is simply incorrect.

"There have been many favourable stories on oppostion figures just as there have been many negative stories on government personalities," he said.

Najib also commended the effort by NPC to honour members of their own peers based on the evaluation of an independent panel.

He said the awarding of the "oscars" of Malaysian journalism such as what was being presented tonight, was bound to create great excitement in the media fraternity and help improve the quality of local journalism.

However, he said this did not mean that the quality of the Malaysian media was poor.

"I, for one, believe that the Malaysian media is something that we can all be proud of," he said.

Najib said it had always been his view that freedom without responsibility was not freedom at all but chaos.

"I believe the world media can take some lessons from our Malaysian media, who don't shovel into the private lives of individuals, generally speaking, or launch... personal vendetta.

"I believe that if we are at peace with ourselves today, it is because the Malaysian media has tempered its coverage of sensitive issues with a huge dose of social responsibility," he said.

The prime minister said a sense of responsibility and a dose of self-censorship went a long way in preserving the delicate balance of Malaysia's multiracial, multireligious and multicultural society.

"This is probably what some self-appointed western guardians of the free press at times fail to understand.

"As we work collectively towards greater unity and cohesion as 1Malaysia, we must always bear in mind that our collective end goal is a better Malaysia for our children to inherit," he said

Najib added that it was pointless if the so-called media freedom meant a free-for-all situation where sensitivities were ignored, feelings hurt and hatred ignited ultimately leading to disunity and strife, which benefited no one.

It’s all about ‘Malaysian Standards’

But then this is ‘Malaysian Standards’. And had I complied with the law, and had I used only ‘approved’ helmets instead of ‘illegal’ ones, I would probably have expired long ago. And many of my friends expired because they were too poor to own an AGV or Bell helmet, those approved by the Snell Foundation but not by SIRIM.

NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin

‘Uncertified helmets are risky but hard to get off the market’

The government acknowledged the risks of using uncertified helmets and admitted that it was not easy to get rid of these products from the market unless the country practiced a close door economy.

Motorcyclists and pillion riders in Malaysia should only be using Sirim certified crash helmets, but apparently many were still using the uncertified ones.

Transport Deputy Minister Datuk Abd Rahim Bakri said the relevant authorities were concerned about the wide use of uncertified helmet but they could not stop them from coming to the country.

“Our country is practicing liberalisation of trade and so anything can come in the country.

“This can be a problem. While we encourage liberalisation of trade, we also have the problem of import of uncertified goods.

“That is why everything, including helmets, can come from China and a lot of them are not certified by Sirim,” he said after the launch of the Public Higher Learning Institution level helmets application campaign at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) here Thursday.

Abd Rahim said that it was quite difficult to contain the application of uncertified helmets because if the country were to really follow procedure, it needed the participation of other relevant ministries such as the International Trade and Industries Ministry and Domestic Trade and Consumers’ Affair Ministry.

“For now, we just have to advise so that the people are aware that when they buy a helmet it is actually to protect their head,” he said.

State Road Safety Department director Rano Aylwini Akat claimed that uncertified helmets entering Sarawak were usually declared at the Custom port as toys.

“Stickers indicating that the goods are toys were also pasted on the helmets, but were later sold to the public as safety helmets,” he said.

Rano, however, believed that the use of uncertified helmets would be reduced after the Malaysian Motorcycle Dealers Association signed a memorandum of understanding with the Road Safety Department, where they commit not to sell helmets not certified by Sirim.

“The problem is with the dealers who are not members of the association and who are still selling uncertified helmets. This is the one that we want to address now,” he said. – The Star

*************************************************

After writing about the Malaysian Parliament and Malaysian politics this whole week, maybe we can ‘tone down’ a bit today and talk about my other passion, motorcycling.

I was already tearing down the road on two wheels since 1966, as soon as I touched 16 and was old enough to possess a motorcycle licence. From 1966 to 1968 I suffered 12 bike accidents -- all my fault of course.

I decided to ‘slow down’ after that. I felt that my next accident, 13, would be when I check out for good. ‘13’ is an unlucky number, said my late mother. So I would probably not walk away from the next accident that I suffer.

I sold my Yamaha Twin and bought a Vespa scooter. That slowed me down a lot. But it was not long before I again craved for speed and soon after I bought a Suzuki 250, followed very closely by a Honda 350, Honda 450 DOHC and then a Yamaha 650 Twin. The Yamaha 650 was my favourite bike because it was designed after my dream bike, the Triumph Bonneville, something I could never afford.

I did, however, suffer my 13th accident after all, which turned out to be my luckiest accident yet. I was racing along the Lake Gardens with my wife riding pillion (then not my wife yet, though). I took that corner where ‘The Pines’ used to be before it was moved to Brickfields and this other bike tried to overtake me.

But the other bike skidded and banged into us. The front wheel of that bike hit my wife’s leg and I felt my bike shudder. Because my bike was heavier and more stable (the Honda 450) I managed to control it. I ‘slept’ the bike and roared out of the corner while the other bike hit a tree. That other chap was in real bad shape.

That was my last biking accident and the only one I did not have to crawl away from. It was also the first accident I suffered while my wife was riding pillion. I was lucky to have survived 13 bike accidents because over those many years I probably lost more than a dozen friends. So many of my friends died that I can’t even remember how many and what all their names were.

The most tragic one of all was probably the one involving Sheila Majid’s brother. A car hit him from behind and his bike hit the lamppost in front of the Chinese Maternity Hospital in Pudu. He broke his neck and many other bones in his body. Another of Sheila Majid’s brothers, who was riding pillion on my bother’s bike, rushed over to pick his brother up but he was already dead. It was immediate. It was heartbreaking to see him lying so peacefully on that cement slab in the HKL mortuary like he was just sleeping.

Another one involved someone I only remember by his nickname, ‘Danger is my Business’. He was one crazy son-of-a-bitch, as were all of us I suppose. He crashed in front of the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall and lay there for more than three hours. No one came to his aid. Even the police who passed by just drove off. Another friend who happened to be passing by saw him lying on the ground and took him to hospital but he was already in a coma. He never regained consciousness and died after some time.

My ‘killer’ accident was probably the one I suffered while racing in the 1968 Malaysian Grand Prix. I was riding a highly modified Yamaha 100 Twin (which I modified myself at home). The bike was too fast for its weight so it was a bitch to control. I skidded, hit a culvert, flew into the air, and landed on my head. I broke my arm but my head was spared although my helmet was in a bad shape. That was my 12th accident and the only one where I landed on my head. (Now you know why I am crazy. My head had been ‘readjusted’ in that accident).

I was lucky that my head was not split into two. This is because I was wearing a ‘non-approved’ crash helmet, not a SIRIM-approved helmet. You see, we did not believe in SIRIM-approved crash helmets. Instead, we would wear imported helmets, which SIRIM would never approve. Our favourite choice was Bell, or a full-face Bell Star if we had money. At worse, if we were short of cash, we would wear AGV helmets imported from Italy.

We always wore good helmets -- long before the compulsory helmet law was introduced in Malaysia. We would never ride without a helmet. And we wouldn’t touch ‘toy’ helmets with a ten-foot pole, especially those with SIRIM stickers on them.

If the police stopped us we would be issued a summons because the Bell or AGV helmets were not approved by SIRIM or had no SIRIM stickers on them. And for sure we would get into trouble if we wore a full-face helmet. These were banned by the government.

It seems full-face helmets are considered ‘dangerous’ because no one could see our faces. The police wanted to see our faces at all times, especially when we smash our faces in an accident. So we had to run the risk of riding with open-face helmets and pray that a stone or piece of metal is not flicked into our face by the car in front of us. There was also the danger of birds, bees and other forms of flying matter hitting our faces at 80 miles per hour. That would bring us down for sure. I once had a bee hit my face and it was damn painful with the sting sticking out of my check. Shit, did that hurt!

Anyway, government knows best, the old saying goes. But these Ministers who make the rules do not ride so they do not know what dangers motorcyclists face. They ride in the backseat of their Mercedes Benzes. And they never wonder why, after a crash, we have to go to hospital so that the doctor can extract bits and pieces of a shattered SIRIM-approved crash helmet from our skull. That hurts too, let me assure you.

More than 90% of the so-called SIRIM-approved crash helmets are pure crap. And helmets have a shelf life. If you drop your helmet too often it is advisable you scrap it and buy a new one. Wearing some of those ‘expired’ helmets is like playing Russian Roulette.

But then this is ‘Malaysian Standards’. And had I complied with the law, and had I used only ‘approved’ helmets instead of ‘illegal’ ones, I would probably have expired long ago. And many of my friends expired because they were too poor to own an AGV or Bell helmet, those approved by the Snell Foundation but not by SIRIM.

It is a bit too late now to cry and moan. Over the last 50 years, according to the statistics, probably 200,000 motorcyclists or thereabouts have died on Malaysian roads -- about 400,000-500,000 in total if you include car drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Work out the figures. They announce it every year and every ‘balek kampung’ exodus a few times a year.

Yes, ‘Uncle Sam’ knows best. Well, not quite. We who literally ‘hit the road’ know better. And I spoke to a few Chinese crash helmet manufacturers who market ‘toy helmets’ -- which cost about RM10 each to manufacture -- and they tell me they go for cheap manufacturing cost over quality and safety because the market is just too bloody crowded. So price and not quality or safety is the criteria.

Then they have to pay off the officials to obtain their SIRIM approval. As long as they pay ‘under-the-table’ they will get their SIRIM approval even if their helmets are crap. So the cost of the bribes makes up a portion of the helmet cost. This means they need to push their manufacturing cost even lower to cover the bribes. If not their selling price will be too high.

And it is not just the SIRIM certification that costs money. The HALAL certification also costs money because they have to pay bribes to get their ‘halal’ products approved. And those men in white skullcaps who never miss a Friday prayer in the mosque are the one who collect these bribes, just like the caretakers of the mosques whom my friend needs to bribe to get the mosque cleaning contracts.

A friend of mine was looking at turkeys in the supermarket and she discovered that the ‘halal’ turkeys cost more then the ‘non-halal’ ones. She asked to meet the supervisor and complained that this is discrimination against Muslims.

What to do, the supervisor replied. We have to pay a bribe to get the halal certificate so the halal turkey costs more. My friend said, then the halal turkey is more haram than the non-halal turkey, and she bought the one without the halal certificate.

Yes, Malaysian Standards. And that is also the problem with the public sector as well. Can you imagine the quality of deans of faculties, VCs, federal court judges and whatnot? How many of them have written and published books? And how many books have they published? I am not talking about the thesis for their PhD where most of the work is ‘ciplak’ or pirated. I am talking about books of international acclaim.

Deans and lecturers do not even mark the examination papers of their students. Many post-graduate students confess that they did not even submit their assignments and yet they passed the course and managed to go overseas for further studies. Many judges do not write their written judgements. How to write books like this?

Yes, Malaysian Standards. The only problem is Malaysia ‘takde standard’. And that is why the country is in the pits. How many of the 222 Members of the Malaysian Parliament can rattle off the Federal Constitution from the top of their heads? Members of Parliament should know the Constitution by heart. They should memorise every Article in the Constitution. Then they would not ‘talk cock’ in Parliament like now.

And what are the credentials of the UUM VC, Nordin Kardi? The only ‘credit’ to his name is the racist song below, Anak Kecil Main Api, which he wrote when he was head of the BTN, Malaysia’s brainwashing agency. And this is the man entrusted with the task of churning out the future leaders of this country.

God help Malaysia! Hell, maybe even God has given up on Malaysia!

Anak Kecil Main Api

SEE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE HERE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_Q8iTYBLfQ

Getting to know Apco and its Israeli links

What is not denied is that Apco is the corporation chosen by Najib to push the 1Malaysia concept. This fact alone is bound to backfire, especially on a Muslim government who takes pains to portray itself as a friend of the displaced Palestinians.

Abdar Rahman Koya, Harakah Daily

The name Apco Worldwide has suddenly gained fame (or notoriety) in Malaysia after Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim drew comparison of the firm's image-building campaign for its Malaysian client to a similar campaign by the Israeli government.

Anwar in his speech in the Dewan Rakyat on March 17 said that prime minister Najib Abdul Razak's 1Malaysia concept was actually an imitation of the 'One Israel' concept of the Zionist regime, who is also a client of Apco.

Anwar's revelation came in the wake of persistent attacks by a few BN MPs, whose attacks on the Opposition Leader since his return to Parliament have become almost an obsession. Chief among them are Khairy Jamaluddin and Mukhriz Mahathir, who have in the past indulged in name-calling and disruption of speeches whenever the former deputy prime minister took the stand. While Mukhriz has openly accused Anwar of sodomy, Khairy's trademark attack is to link Anwar to hawkish characters in the US administration as well as accuse him of being a Zionist agent.

Thus, Anwar's revelation about Apco has briefly put on the defensive those accusing him of being a Zionist agent. But not for long, as only a day later, Apco denied its involvement in the 'One Israel' concept. Khairy wasted no time brandishing Apco's official statement in parliament, with Minister in the Prime Minister Department, Nazri Aziz, threatening to refer Anwar to the privileges committee.

What is not denied is that Apco is the corporation chosen by Najib to push the 1Malaysia concept. This fact alone is bound to backfire, especially on a Muslim government who takes pains to portray itself as a friend of the displaced Palestinians.

Apco's business

Anwar's remarks and Apco's denial have triggered intense interest as to who Apco is. On its website, Apco, which is headquartered in Washington, describes itself as "one of the largest independently-owned communication consultancies" with offices throughout the world.

Margery Kraus, its CEO, founded the company in 1984. Among Apco's speciality is to help its clients to "navigate the complex and often converging worlds of business, industry and finance, media, public opinion and society, and government and public policy."

Besides Apco, Kraus also helped found and develop the Close Up Foundation, an educational foundation sponsored in part by the US Congress. But Kraus is also active in other organisations which are less educational in nature, such as chairing the advisory board of Group Menatep, a Russian holding company, and being involved in Teuza Fund, a venture capital fund publicly traded in Israel's Tel Aviv stock exchange.

The Zionist connection

Kraus's Israeli connection does not stop there. Within Apco, 50 individuals sit in its powerful International Advisory Council. They comprise of former politicians, business leaders and diplomats.

At least three among them, Itamar Rabinovich, Shimon Stein and Doron Bergerbest-Eilon, are individuals who are direcly linked to Israel and its notorious political and military institutions.

Rabinovich was the Israeli ambassador to the US, and acted as the Zionist regime's chief negotiator with Syria during the era of Yitzhak Rabin. A former president of the Tel Aviv University, Rabinovich is also the chairman of the Israeli-based Dan David Foundation, named after a Romanian-born Jewish philanthropist who was active in the Zionist youth movement of the 1940s.

Shimon Stein served as the Israeli ambassador to Germany, and according to Apco's website, follows "a long and distinguished career in the Israeli government and Foreign Service". Later, he served as minister-counselor for political affairs for the Israeli embassy in Washington.

Doron Bergerbest-Eilon is the former head of the protection and security division and a senior security official of the Israeli Security Agency (ISA), a position equivalent to the rank of major general. In May 2005, Bergerbest-Eilon was awarded with The Director’s Recognition Award, the US Secret Service director’s highest commendation. Among his expertise listed are security and defence, with Singapore as one of his "regions of expertise".

Building reputation

Describing further the International Advisory Council, Apco's website states: "Members of this distinguished and dynamic group work hand-in-hand with APCO professionals to strengthen and deepen our existing expertise across a variety of sectors and services. Clients benefit from their high-level insights and rely on their informed, experienced opinions."

Najib's choice of Apco is understandable, especially after the BN had been at its wit's end in trying to rebuild its image after the losses in the March 2008 general elections.

Najib was probably convinced with Kraus's ability to help her clients turn things around. After all, in a 2008 interview with Public Affairs Asia, Kraus confidently declared:

"Some of the questions we help solve include: What steps need to be taken to build reputation? How does one develop the right allies to support the actions needed for success? What are the 'hidden' problems or opportunities that can distinguish one company from another? Getting this right is often the difference between success and failure."

Ironically, far from solving any of the questions, Najib may find himself in a greater credibility crisis, thanks to Apco's links to individuals who have been at the Zionist power centre. Nazri himself has admitted to this fact when calling for Anwar to be referred to the privileges committee, "It is a serious matter when a Muslim leader is associated with the Zionist," he was quoted as saying.

But in all fairness, keeping true to its self-professed ability to "build reputation", Najib cannot complain that Apco Worldwide has failed to deliver. The latest saga shows it has indeed delivered its promise of building a reputation for its client - this time for both Najib and the BN government.

Bukan Islam perhati buruknya perangai pemimpin politik Melayu

(Harakah Daily) - Mursyidul Am PAS, Tuan Guru Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat berkata, masyarakat bukan Islam memerhatikan bagaimana buruknya perangai pemimpin politik Melayu.

Ini kerana pemimpin politik Melayu begitu buruk sekali perangai mereka apabila bertelagah sesama sendiri sehingga sanggup mendedahkan perkara yang tidak sepatutnya.

Kata beliau, sepatutnya apabila seseorang ahli parti yang tidak suka kepada pemimpinnya, dia menggunakan saluran parti untuk mengemukakan pandangan.

“Ia boleh diselesaikan di peringkat dalaman mengikut prosedur sebagai sebuah pertubuhan sama ada melalui mesyuarat agung atau program lain.

"Namun dengan mendedahkan keburukan bekas pemimpin kepada orang lain di khalayak umum, perbuatan itu jelas tidak berakhlak dan tidak bertamadun," katanya selepas menyampaikan kuliah mingguan di Medan Ilmu, di sini, hari ini.

Baru-baru ini, anggota Parlimen Bayan Baru, Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohamed Hashim mendedahkan kepincangan membabitkan Penasihat Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim di parlimen, setelah keluar dari parti terbabit.

Bekas Pengerusi PKR Pulau Pinang itu juga mendedahkan nama lapan anggota Parlimen yang disebut-sebut akan melompat parti bagi menjayakan rancangan pembangkang mengambil alih kerajaan pada 16 September 2008.

Tuan Guru Nik Abdul Aziz yang juga Menteri Besar Kelantan berkata, rakyat sepatutnya mencontohi cara berpolitik pemimpin MCA apabila mereka menggunakan saluran parti bagi melantik atau menjatuhkan seseorang pemimpin.

Menurutnya, anggota parti mempunyai saluran tertentu untuk menjatuhkan mana-mana pemimpin yang mereka tidak suka.

TPM minta siasat dakwaan Zahrain tentang Anwar

(Bernama) - Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin hari ini mahu pihak berkuasa menyiasat dakwaan wakil rakyat Bebas, Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohamed Hashim bahawa Ketua Pembangkang, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim mendapat perkenan Yang di-Pertuan Agong dan Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) bagi menjayakan rancangan mengambil alih kerajaan pusat pada 16 September 2008.

Timbalan Perdana Menteri menyifatkan pembongkaran yang dibuat oleh Ahli Parlimen Bebas bagi Bayan Lepas itu sebagai amat serius kerana ia melibatkan nama baik institusi Yang di-Pertuan Agong serta angkatan tentera.

"Pihak yang bertanggungjawab dan berkuasa patut menilai kenyataan yang dibuat oleh Zahrain itu dan mungkin menyiasat lebih lanjut kenyataan itu dan jikalau ia mempunyai asasnya, maka tindakan daripada sudut undang-undang mesti diambil,” katanya kepada pemberita selepas majlis pelancaran dan pengedaran penerbitan Prospektus Peluang Pendidikan, Latihan dan Kerjaya Edisi 2010/2011 di Pagoh.

Muhyiddin yang juga Timbalan Presiden UMNO berkata demikian sebagai mengulas kenyataan Zahrain di Dewan Rakyat berhubung cubaan Anwar menjayakan rancangan 16 September 2008 itu.

Puad: Providence helped me reject 'jump ship' offer

KUALA LUMPUR: Providence apparently had a hand in Batu Pahat MP Puad Zarkashi turning down an offer by Anwar Ibrahim to form a new government on Sept 16, 2008.

Puad, the deputy education minister, told Umno-linked daily Utusan Malaysia that he performed a special prayer called istikharah and subsequently the answer was given to him in a "dream".

"In my dream, god told me that if I signed a letter in support of Anwar as the prime minister, it would mean that I have sold the country," said Puad

He added that god provided him with the strength to refuse the invitation by the PKR de facto leader to topple the ruling coalition.

Puad said he was depressed and in fear when he was informed by Anwar that there was enough support from other BN MPs, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and four other Sultans.

Recalling the moment, he said he was with Machang PKR MP Saifuddin Nasution on a BN field trip to Taiwan when he was contacted.

"This was a day before the supposed takeover. We were all in Taiwan. Around 2am, Saifuddin phoned my room and persuaded me to give support to Anwar as the next prime minister.

"But Saifuddin did not make it to my room (to meet me) because I was getting ready to leave for Hong Kong," he said.

Puad was among the eight MPs named by former Bayan Baru PKR MP Zahrain Hashim who were willing to cross over to PKR to help Anwar's ambition to be prime minister.

The others were Abdul Ghapur Salleh (BN-Kalabakan), foreign minister Anifah Aman (BN-Kimanis), Bung Mukhtar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan), Chua Soon Bui (Independent-Tawau), Enchin Majimbun (Independent-Sepangar), Tengku Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar (BN-Jerantut) and Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah (BN-Gua Musang).

Ku Li denies it too

Zahrain, who recently walked out of PKR because of dissatisfaction with the leadership, has since launched a scathing attack against his former party.

However, both the Independent MPs have denied their involvement in the latest allegation.

Meanwhile, in Kuala Terengganu, veteran Umno leader Tengku Razaleigh has also denied Zahrain's claim, describing it as "not right".

"If I want to join any party, I won't wait for him to announce it. I'm a man," he told reporters yesterday.

This morning, Tengku Razaleigh once again dismissed Zahrain's claim, calling it a tall tale.

"I do not want to comment on it. I have been with Umno for 48 years. The claim is a tall tale," he told reporters.

Tengku Razaleigh said that if indeed the claim was true, he would now be holding a senior position in PKR.

"I'm not for sale and not available. If the claim is true, I would have been a leader in PKR," he said.

Saifuddin was unavailable for clarification today.

Surat Kepada SPR Berhubung Pilihanraya PBT Di Selangor

Kenyataan Akhbar
18 MAC 2010

MENTERI BESAR TULIS SURAT KEPADA SPR BERHUBUNG PILIHAN RAYA KERAJAAN
TEMPATAN DI SELANGOR

SHAH ALAM: Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim telah menulis surat kepada Pengerusi Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR), Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof berhubung Pilihan Raya Kerajaan Tempatan untuk memilih ahli majlis kerajaan tempatan di Selangor.

Dalam surat yang dihantar pada 11 Mac lalu itu, Abdul Khalid meminta pandangan SPR berkenaan cadangan kerajaan Selangor mahu mengadakan pilihan raya kerajaan tempatan berlandaskan peruntukan Perlembagaan dan kuasa kerajaan negeri yang sedia ada.

Berdasarkan kajian kerajaan Selangor, Perkara 113 (4) Perlembagaan Persekutuan memperuntukkan kuasa kepada SPR untuk mengembalikan pilihan raya kerajaan tempatan di negeri-negeri.

Perkara 113 (4) itu menyatakan “Undang-undang persekutuan atau undang-undang negeri boleh memberi kuasa kepada Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya menjalankan apa-apa pilihan raya yang lain daripada pilihan raya yang dinyatakan dalam Fasal 1″.

Undang-undang negeri pula memperuntukkan kuasa kepada kerajaan negeri melantik pihak berkuasa negeri mengikut Akta Pilihan Raya Tempatan 1960 dan Akta Kerajaan Tempatan 1976.

Kerajaan Selangor berpendapat, Pilihan Raya Kerajaan Tempatan perlu diwujudkan semula bagi memastikan rakyat boleh memilih wakil yang mereka rasakan dapat memberi perkhidmatan yang terbaik.

Ini selaras dengan prinsip pentadbiran yang cuba diterapkan kerajaan Selangor iaitu meningkatkan urus tadbir dan cekap dan di samping memastikan ketelusan, kebertanggungjawaban dan memperkukuhkan lagi sistem berdemokrasi.

Berdasarkan akta sedia ada dan pendirian, kerajaan Selangor meminta Abdul Aziz dan SPR menjalankan kajian dan penyelidikan untuk mengadakan Pilihan Raya Kerajaan Tempatan bagi memilih ahli-ahli majlis di negeri ini supaya dapat dilaksanakan dengan segera.

Kerajaan Selangor juga menyatakan kesediaan untuk mengadakan perjumpaan dengan Abdul Aziz dan SPR bagi membincangkan perkara itu.

SEKRETARIAT AKHBAR
PEJABAT DATO’ MENTERI BESAR SELANGOR

——————————————————————————————————————————————————
PRESS STATEMENT
MARCH 19, 2010
SELANGOR MB WRITES TO ELECTION COMMISSION ON LOCAL ELECTIONS

SHAH ALAM: Selangor Menteri Besar has written to the Election Commission chairperson, Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof on the possibility of conducting local government elections in the state.

In a letter dated March 11, 2010 the Menteri Besar sought the views of the Commission on the proposal of running the local council elections based on the current provisions in the Federal Constitution and the state powers.

The state is of the opinion that Article 113 (4) of the Constitution allows the Commission to restore local government elections in the
state.

The article provides:”Federal or State law may authorise the Election Commission to conduct elections other than those referred to in Clause (1)”.

Furthermore, State laws allocates power to the state government to appoint local council representatives based on the Local Government Elections Act 1960 and Local Government Act 1976

The Selangor government believes that local elections must be restored as it will allow the rakyat to elect the candidate who they think can serve them best.

This is in line with the state’s commitment to improve its administration to be more transparent, accountable and in strengthening democratic practices.

The state therefore requested Abdul Aziz and the commission to conduct studies and research on the possibility of holding local elections as soon as possible.

The state also expressed its readiness to meet Abdul Aziz and the Commission’s senior officers to discuss the issues further.

PRESS SECRETARIAT
OFFOCE OF DATO’ MENTERI BESAR SELANGOR

Surat Kepada SPR Berhubung Pilihanraya PBT Di Selangor

Kenyataan Akhbar
18 MAC 2010

MENTERI BESAR TULIS SURAT KEPADA SPR BERHUBUNG PILIHAN RAYA KERAJAAN
TEMPATAN DI SELANGOR

SHAH ALAM: Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim telah menulis surat kepada Pengerusi Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR), Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof berhubung Pilihan Raya Kerajaan Tempatan untuk memilih ahli majlis kerajaan tempatan di Selangor.

Dalam surat yang dihantar pada 11 Mac lalu itu, Abdul Khalid meminta pandangan SPR berkenaan cadangan kerajaan Selangor mahu mengadakan pilihan raya kerajaan tempatan berlandaskan peruntukan Perlembagaan dan kuasa kerajaan negeri yang sedia ada.

Berdasarkan kajian kerajaan Selangor, Perkara 113 (4) Perlembagaan Persekutuan memperuntukkan kuasa kepada SPR untuk mengembalikan pilihan raya kerajaan tempatan di negeri-negeri.

Perkara 113 (4) itu menyatakan “Undang-undang persekutuan atau undang-undang negeri boleh memberi kuasa kepada Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya menjalankan apa-apa pilihan raya yang lain daripada pilihan raya yang dinyatakan dalam Fasal 1″.

Undang-undang negeri pula memperuntukkan kuasa kepada kerajaan negeri melantik pihak berkuasa negeri mengikut Akta Pilihan Raya Tempatan 1960 dan Akta Kerajaan Tempatan 1976.

Kerajaan Selangor berpendapat, Pilihan Raya Kerajaan Tempatan perlu diwujudkan semula bagi memastikan rakyat boleh memilih wakil yang mereka rasakan dapat memberi perkhidmatan yang terbaik.

Ini selaras dengan prinsip pentadbiran yang cuba diterapkan kerajaan Selangor iaitu meningkatkan urus tadbir dan cekap dan di samping memastikan ketelusan, kebertanggungjawaban dan memperkukuhkan lagi sistem berdemokrasi.

Berdasarkan akta sedia ada dan pendirian, kerajaan Selangor meminta Abdul Aziz dan SPR menjalankan kajian dan penyelidikan untuk mengadakan Pilihan Raya Kerajaan Tempatan bagi memilih ahli-ahli majlis di negeri ini supaya dapat dilaksanakan dengan segera.

Kerajaan Selangor juga menyatakan kesediaan untuk mengadakan perjumpaan dengan Abdul Aziz dan SPR bagi membincangkan perkara itu.

SEKRETARIAT AKHBAR
PEJABAT DATO’ MENTERI BESAR SELANGOR

——————————————————————————————————————————————————
PRESS STATEMENT
MARCH 19, 2010
SELANGOR MB WRITES TO ELECTION COMMISSION ON LOCAL ELECTIONS

SHAH ALAM: Selangor Menteri Besar has written to the Election Commission chairperson, Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof on the possibility of conducting local government elections in the state.

In a letter dated March 11, 2010 the Menteri Besar sought the views of the Commission on the proposal of running the local council elections based on the current provisions in the Federal Constitution and the state powers.

The state is of the opinion that Article 113 (4) of the Constitution allows the Commission to restore local government elections in the
state.

The article provides:”Federal or State law may authorise the Election Commission to conduct elections other than those referred to in Clause (1)”.

Furthermore, State laws allocates power to the state government to appoint local council representatives based on the Local Government Elections Act 1960 and Local Government Act 1976

The Selangor government believes that local elections must be restored as it will allow the rakyat to elect the candidate who they think can serve them best.

This is in line with the state’s commitment to improve its administration to be more transparent, accountable and in strengthening democratic practices.

The state therefore requested Abdul Aziz and the commission to conduct studies and research on the possibility of holding local elections as soon as possible.

The state also expressed its readiness to meet Abdul Aziz and the Commission’s senior officers to discuss the issues further.

PRESS SECRETARIAT
OFFOCE OF DATO’ MENTERI BESAR SELANGOR

Hishamuddin punishment of China Press shameful

By Dr Chen Man Hin, DAP Life Advisor

Home Minister Hishamuddin vents anger at China Press for prempting him in announcing news of termination of the services of IGP. The China Press did what a newspaper does, print news as they come in. They had information that the IGP was being terminated and they duly reported it – ahead of all the other newpapers including the Utusan and Straits Times.

Immediately, the home minister promised to take action against the China Press threatening punishment. Unfortunatelyfor him, the news by China Press was true news and not false news. The next day, the Home Minister was compelled to announce that the services of the IGP was to be terminated and that he would serve as IGP up to the end of the year.

Despite the fact that China Press reported true news, the Home Minister continued to hound them, until China Press took action against its staff. So China Press was forced to take action ‘internally’ to save face for the Home Minister.

The management imposed a two week suspension of its Chief Editor. This is a ridiculous turn of events. The editor did his duty to report true news, and was punished by a two week suspension. When in fact, the Home Minister should be apologising to China Press for reporting that the IGP would be stopping work. This proved to be true because the Home Minister later announced himself that the IGP would cease work in September later this year. The Home Minister should apologise to China Press as an injustice has been committed.

Umno media are ironically furnishing the best evidence of the rise of Middle Malaysia

The 1Malaysia GTP talks about “promoting an all-inclusive 1Malaysia media”. It said:

“However, when some of the reporting and writing becomes too ethno-centric or even takes on a more race-centred angle, it raises, rather than breaks down, barriers. Further, instead of providing constructive and valid criticism, some writers abuse the greater freedom of expression now available to use terms and express feelings that are racist or inflammatory in nature and tone.

“While censorship is antithetical to democracy, there is a need to introduce, instill and internalize a commitment to journalistic professionalism, a sense of responsibility and self-restraint, with sensitivity to the divergent views and feelings of the diverse communities in Malaysia.”

Any independent survey of the mass media scene will show that those most guilty of the sins of being “too ethnocentric or even takes on a more race-centred angle” and abuses of using “terms and express feelings that are racist or inflammatory in nature and tone”, totally insensitive to “the divergent views and feelings of the diverse communities in Malaysia” in the past two years since the March 8 “political tsunami” of the 2008 general election are the Umno media of Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian.

Nobody is suggesting the closure of Utusan Malaysia or Berita Harian but have those responsible for the 1Malaysia GTP Roadmap in particular the KPI Minister, Koh Tsu Koon done anything apart from advocating “an all-inclusive 1Malaysia media”, to communicate with the errant Umno media “to introduce, instill and internalize a commitment to journalistic professionalism, a sense of responsibility and self-restraint, with sensitivity to the divergent views and feeling of the diverse communities in Malaysia” and above all, the meaning of the 1Malaysia concept?

In a way, the Umno media are ironically furnishing the best evidence of the rise of Middle Malaysia.

In the past, the vial of poison, lies and sedition relentlessly pumped out by Umno media like Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian relentlessly for two years – for instance the falsehoods that DAP is anti-Malay and wants to abolish the Malay monarchy by establishing a republic – would have sparked unrest and turmoil in Malaysia pre-March 8, 2008 when mainstream media (msm) were virtually the sole source of information in the country.

But today, there would be those who would read this cealesless spiel of poison, lies and sedition with a yawn because it lacks credibility, although its capacity to create mischief cannot be under-estimated as not all Malaysians can escape the thrall of the Umno/Barisan Nasional monopoly of msm.
In previous years, DAP leaders would be very alarmed by such poisonous and seditious fare in the Umno newspapers.

There is still cause for alarm but also room for confidence that with the rise of a Middle Malaysia it is no more a one-sided affair where the Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian lies are taken as gospel truth. More Malaysians, whether Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans and Ibans, have a greater capacity to discern truth from falsehoods like those spouted by the UMNO media.

The best way to debunk the Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian poison, lies and sedition is to subject it to the exposure of reason and truth, but this does not mean that those in authority, particularly the Police and the Attorney-General should not take the necessary action against these Umno media to protect the integrity and the best interests of plural Malaysia.

[Speech by DAP Parliamentary Leader and MP for Ipoh Timor Lim Kit Siang in Dewan Rakyat on the Royal Address on Thursday, 18th March 2010]

Government Needs The Media To Transform Malaysia, Says PM

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Friday invited the local media to be his partner in his journey to transform Malaysia into a more prosperous and peaceful country.

The Prime Minister said the government needed the media to communicate with the people and educate them throughout the country.

"I would like you to be my partner in my journey to transform the country," he said at the inaugural National Press Club-Naza Awards Night here.

Najib said there was a kind of symbiotic relationship between the press and the government which was absolutely critical to the future and Malaysia's development as a nation.

"The press needs to report on the government just as the government needs the press to communicate its message effectively to the people...I need the press to understand and appreciate the situation in the country, and to communicate effectively and educate the people," he said.

The prime minister also urged the media not to maintain its status quo by embarking on different ways to do their reporting.

He said accusations that Malaysia lacked press freedom were grossly unfair.

"As long as the reports do not run afoul of our existing laws, the press is free to report on pretty much anything.

"Besides, all of us are well aware that in any case, anything and everything is already written in the alternative media, whether based on fact or entirely made up of slanderous fiction," he said.

Najib said mainstream media organisations obviously had a higher standard of accountability and were more mindful of what they reported, being aware of their standing as respected media establishments.

"But to say that this therefore means that there is no media freedom is simply incorrect.

"They have been many favourable stories on oppostion figures just as there have been many negative stories on government personalities," he said.

Najib also commended the effort by NPC to honour members of their own peers based on the evaluation of an independent panel.

He said the formation of the "oscars" of Malaysian journalism such as what was being presented tonight, was bound to create great excitement in the media fraternity and help improve the quality of local journalism.

However, he said this did not mean that the quality of the Malaysian media was poor.

"I for one believe that the Malaysian media is something that we can all be proud of," he said.

Najib said it had always been his view that freedom without responsibility was not freedom at all but chaos.

"I believe the world media can take some lessons from our Malaysian media, who don't shovel into the private lives of individuals, generally speaking or to launch themselves on personal vendetta.

"I believe if we are at peace with ourselves today, it is because the Malaysian media has tempered its coverage of sensitive issues with a huge dose of social responsibility," he said.

The prime minister said a sense of responsibility and a dose of self censorship went a long way in preserving the delicate balance of Malaysia's multiracial, multireligious and multicultural society.

"This is probably what some self-appointed western guardians of the free press at times fail to understand.

"As we work collectively towards greater unity and cohesion as 1Malaysia, we must always bear in mind that our collective end goal is a better Malaysia for our children to inherit," he said.

Najib further questioned what was the point of the so-called media freedom if it meant a free-for-all situation where sensitivities were ignored, feelings hurt and hatred ignited ultimately leading to disunity and strife which benefited no one.

Learn from PSM's annual asset disclosures

Political parties in Malaysia can learn a thing or two from Parti Sosialis Malaysia: the party has made it a point for their two elected reps and three councillors to disclose their assets and income to the public every year.

Declaring their assets at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall - Photo courtesy of PSM

Their asset disclosures are each accompanied by an annual performance report.

You can see the asset disclosures here. Even so, the format could be improved to include disclosures of the assets belonging to immediate family members and comparitive figures for the previous year to indicate if there has been any significant increase.

After all no unscrupulous politician would be stupid enough to acquire substantial assets in his or her name.

If the Pakatan parties want to be different from the BN, then it should seriously think of undertaking similar asset disclosures.

The Selangor Pakatan government leaders may have done a disclosure of sorts once but its forms did not really show the assets of its leaders. The format needs to be revamped.

What about the other states?

Holi - Festival of Colors - Finds Place in U.S. Congress

Washington, D.C. (March 18, 2010) –The spring festival of Holi, celebrated widely by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, was marked late Tuesday by U.S. Representative Steve Israel (NY-2), in a speech inserted into the Congressional Record. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) lauded Rep. Israel for the speech as colorful Holi celebrations and traditional bonfires continued in community halls and temples throughout the nation.

“It [Holi] is a visually stunning event with thousands of people tossing colored powders in the air and using dyed water in an atmosphere where culture, camaraderie and oneness are celebrated,” Rep. Israel said while he thanked the Hindu American Foundation for “educating Americans about Holi and the Hindu faith” and joining them in “recognizing this year’s Festival of Colors.”

Three years ago, the Foundation worked to ensure passage of a resolution recognizing another Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist festival, Diwali, in both the House and Senate. This latest focus on Holi was a continuation of those efforts.

“Congressman Israel has been a longtime member of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans and supporter of our community,” said Nikhil Joshi, cofounder and member of the Board of Directors for the Hindu American Foundation. “We're grateful for his leadership in giving recognition to the importance of Holi to more than one billion people around the world. We’re also thankful to his staff member, Seema Bhansali, for her work in ensuring that this special recognition took place.”

Text of Congressional Speech on Holi

Celebrating Holi

U.S. Congressman Steve Israel (NY - 2)

Madam Speaker, I rise today to join the people of India and the Indian Diaspora as they celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors.

Holi is a time when communities come together after a long winter to welcome the spring harvest. It is a visually stunning event with thousands of people tossing colored powders in the air and using dyed water in an atmosphere where culture, camaraderie and oneness are celebrated. In the evening, community bonfires are lit to signify triumph over divisiveness and negativity. It is one of the largest festivals in the world, with over one billion Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists participating throughout India, Nepal, the United States and many other nations.

As a member of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, I would like to commend the Hindu American Foundation for educating Americans about Holi and the Hindu faith and join them in recognizing this year’s Festival of Colors.

Please click here for congressional record transcript.