MIC only interested to score political points and not the welfare of Indian comm

Senator Dr. S.Ramakrishnan,

The recent huge and cry of MIC youth shows its hypocrisy in championing Indian issues. Yayasan Selangor did no better for Indians and Chinese under BN before 2008 and MIC youth did not say anything. But now that Yayasan Selangor is more accountable and transparent, they are criticized for their poor contribution towards non Malays communities. These are the legacies left behind by BN for Pakatan Rakyat to put right.

Yayasan Selangor has a new General legacies left behind by BN for Pakatan Rakyat to put right. Yayasan Selangor has a new General Manager who is willing to offer more loans, scholarships and places to non Malays in residential schools. But to-date the responses from non Malays are weak. Yayasan Selangor needs the support of Indian community leaders to enroll more students in residential schools, loans and scholarships. The political leaders should help enroll more students and not score political points at the expense of Indian community.

MIC youth should stopping politicking and find ways to put in more Indians in these residential schools, loans and scholarships. MIC youth must find out the name of students who did not get the loans or scholarships after applying and highlight their case. The general manager of Yayasan Selangor says the number of students applying is small and even that reduces if the same students get PTPTN loans. Looks like PTPTN loan is more favored by Indian students. More students should apply for Yayasan Selangor loan because if the loan holder gets high points continuously the loan is converted to scholarship. MIC youth and their supporters should take the effort to register more local university students for Yayasan Selangor loan which can be converted into scholarship if the students can maintain high points every year.

Yayasan Selangor also runs residential schools all over Selangor. Standard 6 students who score a minimum 4 A and 1 B can apply for residential school. A student admitted to form 1, will get scholarship all the way to university. This year, out of 1200 students who applied for residential only 9 were Indians and 2 were Chinese. Yayasan Selangor has agreed to extend the closing date for residential schools from today (3/12/2010 to 10/12/2010). More Indian students, who have finished standard 6, should apply to study in residential schools. Application forms for residential schools, loans and scholarships can be down loaded from www.yayasanselangor.org.my website. Parents who apply are kindly requested to keep one copy of the application for referral purpose later. Tamil school headmasters must be more resourceful and show the way to parents. Parents and students who need more information on Yayasan Selangor residential school, loan or scholarship can contact senator S.Ramakrishnan, 03-79541830, fax no 03-79541831, H-6, 2nd floor, Jalan 8/1E, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

MIC youth and its supporter must go down to the ground find out what exactly is the problem with the community that merely issuing Press statements. Give a helping hand to the needy on the ground and don’t play politics with every issue.

Further fuel and sugar price hikes from tomorrow

Petrol, diesel and LPG will cost more from tomorrow. — Reuters pic

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 3 — The price of fuel and sugar will go up from midnight tonight as part of the Najib administration’s ongoing drive to reduce subsidies, but it is fraught with political risks as he mulls early elections next year.

The price of RON95 will increase by five sen to RM1.90 per litre, diesel by five sen per litre to RM1.80 and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by five sen to RM1.90 per kg. Sugar will also cost 20 sen more at RM2.10 per kg.

Through these price hikes, the government expects to save subsidy payments of RM621.9 million on RON95, RM213.2 million on diesel, RM63.5 million on LPG and RM283.5 million on sugar a year, or a total of RM1.18 billion annually.

RON97 will remain on a managed float based on market prices.

This is the second wave of subsidy cuts following the first round of hikes on July 16, when prices went up by five sen per litre for petrol and diesel, 10 sen per kg for LPG and 20 sen per kg for sugar.

Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) CEO Datuk Seri Idris Jala said today subsidy rationalisation was needed to bring down government expenditure.

“We are... doing this to make sure that our deficit is reduced. We are a responsible government. We will make sure that we will live within our means,” he said at a media briefing on the latest subsidy cuts.

Also present was Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“One of the measures to reduce cost is to rationalise our subsidies because Malaysia’s total subsidies are higher than many other countries. Our subsidies are also not targeted at the poor. There’s quite a lot of leakages and abuses.”

The savings will be used to fund rural development, education, urban transport and other areas under the Government Transformation Programme (GTP), he added.

Idris stressed, however, that prices for fuel and sugar in Malaysia will remain one of the lowest in the region even after the subsidy cuts take place.

“Even after we have put this five-sen increase... our selling price for RON95, and also LPG and diesel and sugar, is still lower than Indonesia, lower than Singapore and lower than Thailand,” he said.

The minister in the Prime Minister’s Department was heartened by fair public reception to the last round of subsidy cuts, which he attributed to the government’s success in keeping inflation under three per cent.

“The CPI (consumer price index) increase was very, very small and that is why, when we did this, it was well taken by the public and the public didn’t really feel financially disadvantaged,” he said.

“We are controlling inflation in this country despite the first wave of increases. Because it’s very small increase, we are still able to contain everything so that does not put any burden onto the people.”

Idris said the government would take into account public feedback and the strength of the economy before deciding on when to make further moves to cut subsidies.

He added that renegotiation of independent power producers’ (IPPs) contracts was ongoing but declined to comment on the status.

Gaps tells ruler to ban 'virus' Anwar from S'gor

SHAH ALAM: Irked by Pakatan Rakyat's call to abandon the “ketuanan Melayu” (Malay supremacy) concept, the Gagasan Anti-Penyelewengan Selangor (Gaps) has turned to Selangor Sultan Sharifuddin Idris Shah for help.

Although they aimed to mobilise 2,000 people, only 200 people - led by Gaps chairman Hamidzun Khairuddin- turned up to submit two memorandums to the ruler, which among others called for Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim to be banned from the state.

The memorandums were received by palace representative Ahmad Amri.

"We urge the sultan to ban Anwar from entering Selangor. He is the virus behind the hatred and jealousy of the Malays' development and unity. He is also the culprit that breaks the friendship among the Malays," Hamidzun quoted from one of the memorandums.

Gaps also called on the ruler to urge the state government to strip Anwar's post as Selangor's economic adviser.

"Since he has rejected ketuanan Melayu, he deserves to lose the position. Besides, he only wants to use that position for his own political gain. He has not contributed to Selangor," said Hamidzun.

Gaps also urged the Sultan not to award any honorific titles to those who questioned Malay rights.

Meanwhile, the second memorandum contained a list of 30 corruption allegations against the Pakatan Rakyat state government.

Among others, the allegations involved state-owned companies Talam Corporation, PKNS and Yayasan Selangor.

The crowd dispersed peacefully at 3.30pm.

The controversy surrounding ketuanan Melayu started when PKR top leaders, during their party congress last weekend, called for introduction of the ketuanan rakyat (supremacy of the people) instead of ketuanan Melayu, as they claimed that the concept has been abused by Umno leaders for their own political mileage.

Perkasa challenges Anwar



Earlier, Gaps associated members, Malay right wing Perkasa, challenged Anwar to address the Sultan with other titles instead of 'Tuanku' now that he has rejected ketuanan Melayu.

Perkasa Youth chief Arman Azhar Abu Hanifah said 'Tuanku' (His Majesty) is an address that one should uphold if he embraces ketuanan Melayu.

"We believe in the spirit of ketuanan Melayu and he (Anwar) just does not understand it. So we are challenging Anwar to address the Sultan with these names - will he call him 'tuan', 'friend', 'sir' or 'mister'?" said Arman, who was fully clad in Baju Melayu and sampin.

He said no one should question the concept as it has kept the nation in peace and harmony for the past 53 years since independence.

"With this ketuanan Melayu concept, we have also preserved the harmony with other races. Without ketuanan Melayu, the Indians and Chinese and other races will be marginalised.

"Anwar's head is full of ants, that is why he doesn't understand it...if you don't even respect the rulers, don't be a leader in this county," he said, adding that ketuanan Melayu concept is still relevant while stressing that the Malays "love everyone else".

The alleged malpractices

The memorandum on Selangor state government's alleged malpractices listed 30 instances, including as follows:

1. The state government used the people's money to bail out corporate company Talam Corporation worth RM392 million and failed to release a white paper on Talam Corporation's financial situation as promised by Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.
2. The state government called off the construction of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Selangor in Serendah, Hulu Selangor.
3. The state governemnt robbed the people's land under Yayasan Basmi Kemiskinan in Hulu Selangor.
4. The state government closed down skills training institutions for the bumiputera in Institut Kemahiran Yayasan Selangor (IKYS).
5. The state government failed to administrate University Selangor (UNISEL) until it faced a huge loss and significant decline of new intakes.
6. The state government wasted the people's money by spending RM800,000 for Yayasan Selangor 40th anniversary celebration.
7. It failed to manage its sand mining operation, resulting in sand theft and environmental destruction and had fooled the Sultan of Selangor and the people by failing to collect RM150 million for the sale of the sand every year.
8. It failed to manage Kumpulan Semesta Sdn Bhd's (KSSB) finances properly, through the giving of excessive and unreasonable bonuses to its employees.
9. It failed to manage the Menteri Besar's office when a surveillance camera was found in his office.
10. It failed in the administration of PKNS when it needed to pawn off all of its real estate to REIT, resulting in no premise of its own and PKNS needing to rent a building for its operations.
11. PKNS had wasted the people's money by bearing the cost of a celebrity wedding worth RM520,000 and by paying RM2.3 million for implementing telemarketing service. It had also paid RM935,000 to a consultant who only serves for six months.
12. The state government failed to properly manage the water issue in Selangor until it blocked the construction of a tunnel from Pahang which may cause Selangor to experience water shortage by 2014.
13. The state government lied to the people when it tabled a stimulus package worth RM50 billion last year, but we have not seen any impacts from it.
14. The state government has allowed the mosque to be used as a political platform during Friday sermons or religious studies and talks.
15. It has failed in its management of the state's finances leading to a deficit of RM49 million in 2008 and RM66 million in 2009. This figure surpassed RM144 million in 2010. Compare this to the surplus during the BN rule that stood at RM72.5 million in 2006 and RM131.8 million in 2007.
16. It has wasted the people's money by paying RM330,367.96 for the treatment of YB Dr. Cheah Wing Yin at Sunway Medical Centre after his involvement in an accident. Why must he receive treatment in a private hospital knowing the high cost of treatment compared to a government hospital that is of equal standing? This reflects the state government's extravagance.
17. The state government has misused the MB's official letterhead to collect party funds during the cleebration of its 100 day in office.
18. The state government has ignored many of the Sultan Selangor's commands and has caused him great sorrow over the various flaws in the manner the state is run.

NEAC carves out perfect map for M'sia to make quantum leap

PUTRAJAYA: The National Economic Action Council (NEAC) has carved out a perfect map for Malaysia to make the quantum leap into the future and to position itself to counter the cyclical performance of the world market and to realise its goal to emerge as a high-income, sustainable and inclusive nation, says Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.

"The New Economic Model (NEM) won't be an overnight panacea that can solve all issues. However, it represents a journey that all of us -- the government, the private sector and the people -- must undertake together," he said.

He said the concluding assessment of the NEM by the NEAC would certainly prepare the government to face head-on the challenges towards reforming the country's economy.

The NEAC NEM-Concluding Part has clearly presented a case of a burning platform in spite of the fact that it may seem fine on the surface.

"Of course, there are always skeptics and detractors, but actions and results are the best way to sway them. I want to reaffirm the government's resolute commitment to see through the transformation of Malaysia to become an advanced nation," he said when launching the "New Economic Model for Malaysia-The Concluding Part" here today.

The concluding report released today outlines challenges and requirements needed to transform the economy into an advanced nation, says Najib, who is also Finance Minister.

"The NEAC's economic assessment has identified many areas where improvements must be made if Malaysia is to escape the middle-income trap. Most of these issues are known to the government.

Piecemeal attempts to address them have proven ineffective; hence the need for a concerted and holistic efforts as represented by the Government Tranformation Programme (GTP) and the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP)," he said.

Among concerns raised in the report was the dismal level of investment in innovation and research and development (R&D) which falls far short of the amount required for a country aspiring to become an advanced nation.

He said the country's outdated business regulations and rules have not created an environment conducive to attracting investment and many of the manufacturing businesses remained inward-looking, used low-cost business models and distinct lack of drive and incentives to move up the technological ladder.

The Prime Minister said there are four thrusts under NEM, with the first three dealing with accelerating growth, while the fourth focuses on inclusiveness and social cohesion.

Among the initiatives are the government's plan to reform insolvency laws which include relief provisions for companies and individuals with financial problems.

On the private sector, Najib said one of the NEM's goal was to strengthen Malaysian firms' capacity to make them competitive internationally and succeed independently.

"Their viability depends solely on market terms, without subsidy and with the adherence to international standards and best practices. Without a doubt, companies will have to restructure their operations and business models accordingly," he said.

In coming months, Najib said the government will expedite implementation of the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), with the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) keeping track on the progress.

- Bernama

Abu Sayyaf 'claim' another victim at high sea

By Ivan Ho - Free Malaysia Today

LAHAD DATU: Police here are investigating yet another armed robbery at sea allegedly involving members of the notorious Abu Sayyaf terrorist group from Southern Philipines.

In the incident off Lahad Datu - in the east coast fo Sabah - six armed men in a high-speed boat boarded a Malaysian flagged vessel and made off with equipment and fuel.

The tug boat from Tawau belonging to Syarikat One Up Sdn Bhd, was pulling a scow loaded with 1,700 metric tonne of lumber on its way to Sandakan.

According to sources, a group of six armed men opened fire on the tug boat forcing it to stop at Tambisan water off Tungku near here on last Saturday afternoon at around 2.30pm.

Boasting that they are members of the notorious Abu Sayyaf terrorist group, the group armed with two M16 rifles and four semi automatic hand guns fired a warning shot into the air before letting loose a fusillade of shots at the tug boat when it did not stop.

The skipper of the tug boat finally stopped when bullets started whizzing by the crew and hit the tug boat's engines and propellers.

Five of the pirates then boarded the boat and robbed the skipper and his four sailors, all Indonesian Bugis with Malaysian work permits, of cash and cellphones.

They also took away a global positioning System (GPS) devise, seven thousand litres of diesel, six batteries and several cooking gas cylinders.

A crew member revealed that one of the men told them laughingly in fluent Malay: "Terima Kasih, kami akan datang lagi malam ini" (thank you, we will return tonight).

Investigations underway

With no communication tools, fuel or GPS devise the stranded crew drifted for an hour before a passing boat towed them to Tambisan.

They lodged a police report at the the Cendera Kasih police station in the Felda settlement.

Both the boat and the scow are still docked at the Tambisan’s jetty.

Lahad Datu District police chief, Supt Shumsuddin Bin Mat confirmed police had received an official report concerning the "pirate attack" but declined to elaborate and requested the media not to highlight the incident till police had completed their investigations.

It is learnt that the marine police dispatched a patrol boat to the scene and the navy had also been called to assist tighten security in the area.

Meawnhile newly appointed Sabah Commissioner of Police, Hamsa Taip when contacted declined to comment citing the possibility of involvement of members of a terrorist group from Southern Philippines.

Sabah police are believed to be seeking the assistance of Philippine security forces following the attack.

The attack comes almost 10 months after the yet-to-be solved kidnapping incident at Sebangkat Island in Semporna where five armed men kidnapped businessmen Tsen Vui Chung, 41, and Lai Wing Chau, 33, on Feb 8.

Daulat Tuanku!

Tunku Abdul Aziz, Sin Chew

In an article I wrote recently, Rulers for all Malaysians, I had suggested, in a spirit of helpfulness, that their highnesses the rulers should drop the word “Malay” and instead use the more commonly understood title Sultan, for example, of Selangor or Sultan of Kedah as the case may be.

Continuing to describe themselves as Malay Rulers at a time when inclusiveness is what is required as part of the process of integrating our disparate community of races seems to be a little perverse.

His Highness the Sultan of Selangor, in decrying the suggestion I had made in my article, has, I fear, got the wrong end of the stick. Even a cursory reading of the article will show that the position of their highnesses in the constitutional arrangements of our nation remains inviolate, and Malaysians do not want it any other way.

We recognise the crucial importance of stability in the life of a nation. Stability is inherent in the system of constitutional monarchy. Rulers in today’s terms must be forward looking and open to ideas. It is no longer appropriate, at the drop of the hat, to invoke the divine rights of kings, used in the past by kings and emperors the world over, to legitimise absolutism. Nothing in the nature of things is permanent and if we cannot adjust to change, we are doomed to extinction.

Of course, we respect the institution of rulers because we respect our Constitution. We believe the institution represents all that is noble; the fountain of honour and justice for all. It would be senseless to replace an institution that has worked well.

The post-Hindu Kedah Sultanate, for example, goes back to 1136, making it arguably the oldest ruling house in the world. This is history, not fiction. It has survived to this day because it has changed with the times. There will always be a role for relevant institutions, and we have opted for a system of constitutional rulers instead of other forms of government. That we will always protect.

The Sultan of Selangor has been less than fair to suggest that I am less Malay for submitting, humbly, that the term “Malay Rulers” be dropped altogether and refer to themselves as sultans. I know this could give rise to some confusion because there are Mamaks who use “Sultan” as part of their names.

We want our Rulers to identify themselves with all Malaysians and for all Malaysians to accept that our Rulers are their Rulers as well and, in this way hope that they will learn to embrace and understand the system employed in governing this, their country. The position of the Rulers will be greatly enhanced.

I am proud Malay, as proud as the next, in fact, prouder than most because I can trace my genealogy, in an unbroken line of recorded history, spanning a thousand years. I am not a Malay come lately.

History is important, but I do not let it stand in the way of my concern for national unity. The Malays must not allow the notion of Malayness blind themselves to the demands of the new social, political and economic reality. We and our Rulers will always have an important role to play in the future development of this country, but it will have to be a role we will share with the other citizens of Malaysia.

I have lived long enough to understand, though I do not always agree, with the basis of the Malay suspicion of the so-called non-Malay, particularly, the Chinese agenda. They point out that while the non-Malays are as quick as a flash claiming their rights, they drag their feet when it comes to fulfilling their duties and responsibilities.

Generalisations breed irrationalism and distort our sense of justice and fair play. These are long-held views, and sadly have become dangerous combustible tinder that, if not stopped, and allowed to ignite, could engulf this nation we are all trying to build, in flames of irreversible destruction to benefit only those on the lunatic fringe.

Not working toward a common goal grounded in fairness and equal opportunity is not an option for Malaysians of all racial and cultural stripes. In this great Malaysian endeavour, all of us have to subordinate our prejudices, often born of ignorance, in the greater interests of a Malaysia that offers a rightful place for all. The Rulers who are natural leaders have a particularly important role to play.

Daulat Tuanku!

One man’s lie is another man’s fact

But are Chin Peng and Lee Kuan Yew mentioned in this context? They were significant players in the creation of Malaya and later, Malaysia. What we read is about Umno this and Umno that. We are told that Malaya gained independence and Malaysia was later created because of Umno.

NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin

Malaysian students abroad told to be wary of media spinning

(Bernama) - Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today advised Malaysian students abroad to be wary of some Malaysian media that are inclined to spinning news stories and spreading lies.

"I ask that the students understand the situation to prevent themselves from being influenced by the news spins and lies," he told a press conference after a dialogue with a group of Malaysian student leaders from throughout Indonesia, here, today.

Muhyiddin, who is on a four-day working visit to Indonesia since yesterday, was responding to the student leaders' call for the Malaysian media to be truthful and transparent in their news reports.

"I explained that the media was very influential, and while there were media which were supportive of the government, there were others that belonged to the opposition or were pro-opposition, with some of them good at spinning stories," he said.

Also present at the dialogue were Malaysian ambassador to Indonesia Datuk Syed Munshe Afdzaruddin Syed Hassan and director of the Malaysian Students Department in Indonesia, Datuk Dr Junaidy Abu Bakar.

The deputy prime minister agreed that a seminar on the 1Malaysia concept be organised for the Malaysian students in Indonesia and other Malaysians in Jakarta so that they would understand the concept better.

He said experts on the concept could be invited to give talks and interact with the seminar participants here.

Muhyiddin said the Malaysian student leaders also expressed their support for the government's decision to abolish the Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) examination, but wanted the school-based assessment system that would replace the PMR, to be a sound and viable one.

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

It is certainly sound advice that Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin gave to Malaysian students overseas. History as taught in Malaysian schools in the 1950s and 1960s was very different from the history being taught today.

The history that I learned in the Alice Smith School in Kuala Lumpur starts from 1066. I had to research on my own the history of 55 BC when the Romans under Emperor Claudius unsuccessfully invaded England and were sent packing back to Rome with their tails between their legs. The general who suffered this most humiliating defeat was none other than Julius Caesar himself who later on became Emperor of Rome.

It was not until almost 100 years later that the Romans managed to tame England -- but then only stayed for about 367 years before they decided to call it quits and abandon England’s shores for good.

The Romans could not bear the extremely cold English weather and extremely hot resistance from the Britons who never allowed the Romans one bit of peace. England, of course, was thereafter invaded by many regional powers such as the Vikings and the political boundaries of Great Britain were redrawn many times over those 600 years before the Norman invasion of 1066.

For some time England was ruled by France and there were occasions when the English king spoke only French. In fact, the language of the English court at that time was French and not English.

There is no longer any such thing as an Englishman. The term Englishman is a misnomer. What would you regard as an Englishman? For 2,000 years England had been occupied by one power or another, and at times many powers at the same time. The blood of the Englishman has been ‘contaminated’ by almost every known Caucasian.

In short, the Englishman jati (pure) is a fallacy and does not exist.

That is how I have understood history. And that was what we were taught in school back in the 1950s and 1960s.

Malaysian history, however, starts from 1946, the year Umno was born. And Malaysian students are taught that Umno fought for independence. They are also taught that the British tried to undermine the Raja-Raja Melayu (Malay Rulers) by introducing the Malay Union. In speeches by Umno leaders we are even told that the Rulers ‘sold out’ to the British and if not for Umno, who defended the Rulers, the Malay Rulers would no longer exist today.

Some try to downplay the ‘treacherous act’ of the Rulers by saying that the British tricked the Rulers into agreeing to the Malayan Union and it was Umno who pressured the Rulers to abort the plan. Without Umno the Rulers would have kowtowed to the British and would have lost all their powers.

In short, the Rulers had to be saved from themselves and it was Umno that had saved them.

Yes, there are much lies and spinning, as Muhyiddin said. Malaysians are not being taught real history. They are being taught Umno’s version of history. So what Muhyiddin said is true: Malaysians overseas must be careful of these lies and spins.

But it is the lies and spins of Umno that Malaysians must be careful of. What we are being told is not what really happened. Sure, Umno did send a delegation to meet the British to oppose the Malayan Union. But who were these so-called ‘Umno people’?

They were not the rakyat. The rakyat did not care. They were not concerned. In fact, they were not even aware about what was going on.

Those who went to meet the British were the orang istana or people from the royal court, the palace people. Is it any wonder that they all had Raja or Datuk in front of their names? In fact, Umno was ‘born’ in the palace of the Sultan of Johor. For all intents and purposes it was a ‘royal effort’.

So dispel all this talk about the Rulers selling out to the British and that Umno, a party of the rakyat, saved the Rulers who had agreed to the Malayan Union due to their ignorance. Many of the royalty then were well educated and were more English than the Englishman. I remember my grandfather speaking just like Winston Churchill. How more English than that can you be?

The British, then, were good at what they called ‘gunboat diplomacy’. They ‘persuaded’ foreign leaders to agree to the terms of His Majesty’s government with a gun at the head. Did they not use the same tactics on the Chinese Emperor to gain Hong Kong?

Umno, at that time, were not seeking Merdeka. They only wanted the British to abandon the Malayan Union and opt for a Federation of Malaya, which eventually did happen two years later. It was MCA that first broached the subject of Merdeka.

The British, of course, would not talk to MCA unless the Malays too were in the equation. The MIC at that time did not bother about Merdeka. MIC was a communist party that was more concerned with independence for India. Malaya was not their home. India was.

It was not until the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) stepped up the insurgency -- which resulted in the British declaring the Malayan Emergency -- that the British decided it would be prudent to allow Malaya self-rule. Many would not agree with me, of course, but I would dare say that Chin Peng accelerated Merdeka. If not, Malaya would have gained independence much later than 1957.

In fact, Malaysia too came about because of the Communists. Lee Kuan Yew was one smart cookie. He made a deal with the CPM who swept half the seats in the Singapore elections. This frightened the British who saw Singapore falling to the Communists.

Lee Kuan Yew told the British that the only way to stop the march of the Communists was to give Singapore independence so that, together with Sabah and Sarawak, it could form a new country with Malaya that would be called Malaysia. Singapore, on its own, would fall to the Communists. As part of Malaysia the Communists could be stopped.

So, while Chin Peng accelerated Merdeka, Lee Kuan Yew ‘convinced’ the British to give independence to Singapore so that it could join Malaya to form Malaysia. Of course, Singapore was not really interested in being part of Malaysia. It just wanted independence. And not long after that it left Malaysia to become an independent Republic of Singapore, which was what Lee Kuan Yew really wanted.

Lee Kuan Yew then got rid of the Communists by detaining them all without trial. He had used them to frighten the British and now no longer had any use for them. So he rounded them up and locked them away for a long time, the sneaky bugger.

But are Chin Peng and Lee Kuan Yew mentioned in this context? They were significant players in the creation of Malaya and later, Malaysia. What we read is about Umno this and Umno that. We are told that Malaya gained independence and Malaysia was later created because of Umno.

These are the lies and spins that Malaysians overseas and at home must be wary of. The history you are being taught is not the real history. What I have just related is the real history. But rest assured not a single Umno member would admit this. They are too ashamed to admit it. By admitting this they would be admitting that Umno is not really the hero that they pretend to be.

Anwar to be suspended without his defence heard

By Hafiz Yatim | Malaysiakini
Dec 3, 10

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim today accused Parliament’s rights and privileges committee of pushing for his suspension without hearing his defence on his allegations about US-based consultancy Apco.

Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal Singh, who is a member of the powerful committee, said today’s meeting was called without any fixed agenda.

Karpal said the committee members were given a letter from Apco, dated Aug 19, at the meeting.

“Suddenly, Muar MP Razali Ibrahim moved a motion that the matter be heard and the motion was seconded by Alor Gajah MP Dr Fong Chan Onn,” he said.

“R Sivarasa (Subang Jaya MP) was also there, and we protested against the hearing of the matter. I questioned the hurry, and Razali asked, ‘why not?’,” added Karpal.

Following this, Karpal said that he and Sivarasa walked out of the meeting in protest.

“The meeting went on without our presence,” he said. Karpal and Sivarasa said they had no idea what transpired at the meeting after they left.

Anwar: Decision is totally outrageous

Anwar, who was also present at the press conference, described the process as “totally outrageous”.

“When I was referred to the committee, the speaker had promised a proper hearing where documents will be presented, and I will be able to defend myself,” he said.

“However, this is not being done. This is unfair, and a black mark in Parliament’s history,” he added.

He showed the Parliament Hansard dated April 22, where Ipoh Timor MP Lim Kit Siang had raised the issue, and the speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia’s (left) reply which stated the rights and privileges committee will call whomever witness to testify and important documents will be tabled.

“We will call anyone who is needed and documents wil be tabled. The committee will then make its recommendation and decide on the proper punishment,” Pandikar was quoted as saying.

Anwar’s lawyer, Ambiga Sreenevasam (right), said the Parliament had acted against the rule of natural justice by having the rights and privileges committee meet without calling Anwar.

“This has never happened before in courts where a person is at least given his right to defend himself, but this was not done,” she said.

Anwar said if he was to be called he had prepared his defence, showing the file which he had with him.

“I have all the evidence to rebut all the allegations and denial but I was not given the right to defend myself.

“They are merely taking the words from a document (Apco) and not from other witnesses including me. This is truly unfair and undemocratic and violates the rules of natural justice,” he said.

Despite the adversities he faced, the Permatang Pauh MP is prepared to face the music when parliament resumes on Monday.

The powerful rights and privileges committee, which is tasked to discuss the 1Malaysia and One Israel issue, comprised of House speaker Pandikar Amin, deputy speaker Ronald Kiandee, Karpal Singh, Sivarasa, Nancy Shukri, Dr Fong Chan Onn and Razali Ibrahim.

Committee had made a decision

When contacted later, Pandikar Amin, who chaired today’s meeting, said that the committee had made a decision.

However, he declined to reveal its decision and said the matter will be finalised on Wednesday.

The decision will then be tabled to Parliament for further action.

Anwar was also asked whether such actions directed to prevent him from coming to Parliament are signs that the general election is approaching, and to this Karpal responded he believed it is so.

“Such a move done by the committee is unwarranted,” he said, adding that despite being faced with the prospect of suspension Anwar was still eligible to contest.

“This does not affect his rights but it will only hinder Anwar’s presence in Parliament if he is suspended,” he said.

——-

Anwar barred from testifying over APCO accusation
By Adib Zalkapli | The Malaysian Insider
December 03, 2010

PETALING JAYA, Dec 3 — Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will not be allowed to testify over his remarks linking Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1 Malaysia to One Israel, Parliament’s Rights and Privileges Committee decided today.

The committee’s decision was seen as an attempt to hasten Anwar’s suspension from Parliament, said DAP chairman Karpal Singh (picture) today.

The Bukit Gelugor MP said the powerful committee decided to rely solely on a letter from public relation consultancy APCO and not to call other witnesses and Anwar to testify.

The decision prompted Karpal and Subang MP R. Sivarasa to leave the committee meeting.

“Me and Siva have no alternative but to withdraw,” Karpal told a press conference.

He also complained that APCO’s letter, which he refused to disclose, was only submitted to the committee this morning.

The powerful committee is chaired by Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia. Karpal and Sivarasa are the only opposition MPs in the committee. The other members are Deputy Speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee, Muar MP Datuk Razali Ibrahim, Alor Gajah MP Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn and Batang Sadong MP Nancy Shukri.

“In my view the Rights and Privileges Committee has abdicated from its responsibilities,” said Karpal.

He revealed that Razali suggested that the committee continue its proceedings without calling witnesses or Anwar to testify, and this was supported by Fong.

“The issue needs to be investigated, cannot be based on a letter and without calling witnesses and not allowing Anwar to testify,” said Sivarasa.

“Given what has happened, we can expect the impending punishment,” he added.

Meanwhile, Anwar described the decision today contradicted Pandikar’s assurance when allowing the motion to refer him to the committee.

“The Speaker had given an assurance that when an MP is referred to the committee, the member would be called to testify,” said Anwar.

“APCO is very powerful that one letter can overturn all our testimonies,” he added.

The Malaysian Insider had reported last month that Anwar would likely be suspended from December 15 following recommendation from the Rights and Privileges Committee for his remarks linking the Najib’s 1 Malaysia to former Israel Prime Minister Ehud Barak’s One Israel.

The move is believed to be a strategic attempt by the ruling BN coalition to throw the opposition momentarily off guard ahead of an expected general election, believed likely to be held in the first quarter of next year.

It is also believed to be a form of reprisal by the federal government after similar moves by Pakatan Rakyat administrations in Selangor and Penang to suspend BN opposition leaders from their state assemblies.

Anwar had initially been summoned to face the House committee on June 8 after he claimed that the supposedly Israeli-linked APCO Worldwide employed by the Najib administration was behind both the 1 Malaysia and One Israel concepts.

His remarks had dominated the previous parliamentary session earlier this year and had been used incessantly by opposition leaders as campaign fodder during the Hulu Selangor and Sibu by-elections.

Anwar’s hearing before the committee was, however, put off when the leader insisted on being accompanied by legal counsel — former Bar Council president Datuk Ambiga Sreenivasan.

He was later allowed to be accompanied by Ambiga under strict instructions that the latter would not be allowed to speak during the proceedings.

Despite this, Anwar’s hearing was put off and the matter had not been raised until this morning.

Any decision made by the Rights and Privileges Committee is subject to the endorsement of the Dewan Rakyat.

Ahmad Maslan Challenges Anwar To Step Down As Opposition Leader

BERUAS, Dec 3 (Bernama) -- Umno Information Chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan Friday challenged Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to step down as the opposition leader since Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has lost six seats since the March 2008 General Election.

He said Anwar was appointed the opposition leader after PKR had won 30 seats in the general election compared with 29 by DAP, 23 seats by PAS while PSM won a single seat during the general election.

"During that period, PKR had the majority, so naturally Anwar who was the PKR adviser, was appointed the leader...but now PKR has lost its majority and has only 24 seats after five PKR lawmakers left the party and one seat was lost in Hulu Selangor.

"By right, the opposition leader should now be Lim Kit Siang and Anwar must offer that position as soon as possible to show that he was sincere in the PKR-DAP-PAS coalition," he told reporters after opening a Premier Forum organised by Beruas Umno Division at Kampung Banjar here Friday.

Ahmad Maslan said through such an initiative, Anwar can show his sincerity, fairness and integrity.

He added that Anwar's statement that he would appoint Lim as the Deputy Prime Minister if the Pakatan Rakyat took over the Federal government, was just a political ploy.

Palanivel To Become Eighth MIC President Next Week

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 3 (Bernama) -- Datuk G. Palanivel is set to take over the MIC leadership from Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu next week, making him the eighth president in the party's 64-year history.

Samy Vellu who has helmed the party for almost 31 years, is set to hand over the reins to Palanivel after the party's Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Monday.

"It's either going to be on Monday or at a special handing over ceremony on Tuesday," a party insider told Bernama on Friday.

MIC vice-president and Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam would assume the number two post, he said.

Palanivel, 61, the Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, had been informed of the transition, and was preparing himself to take over the number one post, he said.

Samy Vellu is expected to brief Palanivel on party affairs and give him access to all important party documents either on Monday or Tuesday, the party insider said.

Palanivel, a former editor with Bernama, takes over the MIC at a time when the country is preparing for a possible snap poll, which political observers predicted could be early next year.

The former press secretary to Samy Vellu -- the Works Minister from 1979 to March 2008 -- would be faced with the task of remaking the party in time to face the 13th general election.

The MIC was only three years old when Palanivel was born. At that time, the party was helmed by Budh Singh, who led the MIC from 1947-1950, after which the presidency was assumed by K. Ramanathan for less than a year.

The first MIC president was John A. Thivy from 1946-1947. After Ramanathan, the party was helmed by K.L. Devaser who became MIC's fourth president.

The fifth and sixth presidents were Tun V.T. Sambanthan and Tan Sri V. Manickavasagam.

The first four presidents had only ruled the MIC for a short period (less than three years) while Sambanthan presided over the party for 18 years (1955-1973).

Manickavasagam served for six years.

The seventh and current president, Samy Vellu, still holds the record as the longest-serving president, exactly 31 years since 1979.

Palanivel will assume the presidency from Samy Vellu upon which the MIC will hold its triennial presidential election either in March or April 2012.

Amend Constitution To Allow Orang Asli To Enjoy Privileges - UPKO

PENAMPANG, Dec 3 (Bernama) -- The United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) has called on the Barisan Nasional (BN) government to amend the Federal Constitution to enable the Orang Asli, alongside the Malays and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak, to enjoy special privileges.

Upko president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said under Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, there was a clear reference to the special privileges of the Malays and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak but there was no mention of the Orang Asli.

"It is a gross oversight by those who drafted the constitution. I feel that the BN government, when it obtains a two-third majority in the Dewan Rakyat, should table an amendment to the Federal Constitution for this purpose," he said in his keynote address when opening the Upko national convention at the Sabah Cultural Centre, on Friday.

On the issue of "Ketuanan" (supremacy), Dompok said it was a word that should not exist anymore.

"In Sabah the last 'tuan' left in 1963 and in fact in the peninsula, they should have left in 1957."

"Some have attempted to explain that the word does not have any connotation of racial superiority or claiming to be superior. Yet others have attempted to explain it away by saying that it refers to the position of the sultans and the rulers," he said.

Dompok said the explanation was unsatisfactory because the rulers' position as constitutional monarchs "must certainly mean they are rulers for all Malaysians and must therefore safeguards the rights of all the races in this country."

"That's why this party must support all the more the 1Malaysia policy which the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) has initiated," he said.

Touching on the civil service in the country, Dompok said it was necessary for the government to look into it to ensure that "the colours of Malaysia" were reflected in the appointment of officers at all levels of administration.

"It has to be a civil service that should see that Orang Asli and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak working hand in hand with the Malays, Indians and Chinese to man the delivery system of this country.

"There may of course be a difference in the manpower provided by each community since population sizes vary. But the service must be a 1Malaysia civil service," he said.

EU-Malaysia FTA: ‘Trade invaders’

By Anil Netto

Negotiations between the Malaysia and the European Union for a free trade agreement (FTA) are expected to begin in Brussels next week. But most Malaysians are being left in the dark about what this means for Malaysia while Parliament is not even looking at this seriously.
The way I see it, the EU-Malaysia FTA aims to prise open the Malaysian market for large European firms – in the same way that these firms are eyeing the vast Indian market under the EU-India FTA and the Asean market under the EU-Asean FTA. That’s the main agenda of Corporate Europe.
These large European firms or BusinessEurope are working very closely with EU Commission negotiators to secure the best possible outcome for themselves. What are they looking for? We can get a pretty good idea of what they want by looking at the negotiations for the EU-India FTA.
One of the main concerns is that the manufacture and export of affordable generic medicine by India could be affected, and there would be less control over exports of raw materials from India and imports of subsidised European agricultural produce into India.
Thanks to the good folks at Corporate Europe Observatory and India FDI Watch, we know this is what Big Business in Europe is looking for:

Full liberalisation of trade in industrial goods:
total elimination of import tariffs for all industrial goods within seven years and no possibility of excluding certain sensitive products from tariff cuts. Longer time frames for these cuts should only be possible for a very limited number of sensitive products.
Nearly full liberalisation of trade in agricultural products
elimination of agricultural import tariffs with only a few exceptions for sensitive products that might be exempt from liberalisation or liberalised to a lesser extent. Tariffs for processed food and beverages, however, should be reduced to zero.
Dismantling all regulations on investments by EU companies in India:
there should be no limits to foreign ownership for European banks, insurance and telecom companies. Sectors that are completely or relatively closed to foreign investors such as retail, accounting, legal and postal services should be opened up to European multinationals, the unlimited transfer of their profits guaranteed and limits on risky forms of investment eliminated.
Protection for European investments, particularly against all forms of expropriation.
Liberalisation of trade in services
European companies want a less regulated services market in fields such as research, insurance, banking, telecommunications and maritime transport. This includes the liberalisation of risky and highly speculative financial instruments.
A ban on export taxes and other export restrictions
to secure unhampered access to manufacturing inputs for European industries, India should abstain from export restrictions on raw materials such as rice, cotton, leather, rare earth, paper, wood products and metals that the country has used strategically to encourage infant industries or for reasons of price stability.
The protection of intellectual property rights (IPRs) beyond what is required under WTO rules
this includes ´data exclusivity‘ for a minimum period of 10 years, to strengthen the monopoly rights of pharmaceutical and agrochemical companies. It also includes an army of IPR enforcement measures ranging from at the border measures against potentially counterfeit goods to “cleaning up any street market that sells pirated European goods” (EuroCommerce).
An ambitious government procurement chapter:
This would enable European companies to bid for public contracts in sectors such as energy infrastructure, water treatment, healthcare, transport or construction.
The elimination of regulatory (´non-tariff‘) barriers (NTBs) that hamper market access for European exporters. This includes a demand for regulatory transparency, information on any proposed new regulation in India long before it is implemented and ´consultation mechanisms‘ through which European corporate interests can provide comments and input.
The facilitation of the migration of key personnel for both industry and services subsidiaries: the mutual recognition of professional qualifications is key.
Strong and rapid dispute settlement mechanisms: this also includes so called investor-to-state provisions that would allow European companies to directly sue India at international tribunals when they feel that their investment or profits are being jeopardised.
Intense cooperation between business and the Commission
the Commission should “closely involve industry, keeping it regularly updated throughout the FTA negotiation process, from preliminary consultations and the launch of the talks through to the completion of the final agreement” (European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers Association).

Because Big Business in Europe is working closely with the EU, their demands are likely to be close to the EU negotiators’ position, which is (going by the experience in India):

IPR
Go beyond TRIPS standards: “This chapter shall complement and further specify the rights and obligations between the Parties beyond those under the TRIPS Agreement” (art. 8.1)

• introduction of data exclusivity in India (art. 18)
• extent patents from the standard 20 to up to 25 years (art. 17.3)
• border protection provisions that allow the seizure of products suspected of infringing IPRs at the Indian border (art. 36)
• training of personnel for the enforcement of IPRs (art. 38)136

Tariffs

• Elimination of more than 90% of tariffs on manufactured and agricultural products within 7 years; aiming at tariff liberalisation for all industrial products
• Zero tariffs on chemicals, textiles and probably also dairy, automotives, processed food and beverages
• Less radical liberalisation commitments for a limited list of sensitive agricultural products

Services and investment
“far reaching liberalisation of services and investment”

• emphasis on the following sectors: banking,insurance, retail, accounting, legal and postal services…
• full liberalisation of capital movements
• no limits on risky forms of investment
• Maximum protection for EU investors
• Investor-to-state provisions that allow companies to directly sue India through international tribunals

Government procurement
“progressive liberalisation of procurement markets at national, regional, and, where appropriate, local levels; as well as in the field of public utilities”
“gradual market access on the basis of the principles of non-discrimination and national treatment”
Access to raw materials
prohibit export taxes and other export restrictions

Given the disparity in negotiating strength, expertise and resources, Malaysian negotiators are likely to be no match for the EU’s. Worse, the Malaysian public has no idea what they are in for.
The likes of Tesco, Carrefour and heavyweight European banks (those that are still solvent, that is!), hotels and financial institutions could be setting up shop in the region while subsidised EU agricultural produce may end up flooding our domestic market. All these could severely affect local businesses, the domestic economy and ultimately, the Malaysian people.

Why was there no protest at the Shah Alam mosque today?

So, it looks like no protest materialised at the Shah Alam mosque today.
There are at least 2 possiblities:
1. The information received was true, but when details were exposed on Twitter and elsewhere, the organisers started to get intimidated by the immense pressure and backlash, and decided to cancel the protest.
2. The rumour was unfounded, and there were no such plans afoot to begin with.
At time of writing, I cannot say which of these (if either) are true.
I do accept responsibility as being one of the first few to suggest that this was happening. This information did not originate from me, and was forwarded by others, but I found the sources credible, the story more than plausible, and in my judgment, the likelihood of it being true high.
Again, I cannot say for sure at this point whether the lack of any protest materialising was a result of elements within Syabas making a U-Turn on their plans or whether there were no such plans in the first place.
I think there has been far too much blind partisanship and refusal to admit mistakes – potential or confirmed – in Malaysia today, and I should like to try and do what little is in my power to do to buck this trend.
I hope you will not consider compromised the credibility of others who may have acted on this information as a result of my/our judgment.
If it is proven conclusively that there were indeed no such plans, my humble apologies to one and all. In the meantime, let’s wait and see what other information comes to light.
My feelings about Syabas and their piratisation of the water industry remain unchanged.

Rolls-Royce may face legal fight

Australian officials probing last month's engine blast on a Qantas flight have warned that a "critical safety issue" with Rolls-Royce engines on Airbus A380s could lead to "catastrophic" failure.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said on Thursday that a misaligned component had thinned the wall of an oil pipe in the exploded engine, causing "fatigue cracking" that prompted leakage and a fire "central to the engine failure".

"This condition could lead to an elevated risk of fatigue crack initiation and growth, oil leakage and potential catastrophic engine failure from a resulting oil fire," the ATSB said, noting it was "understood to be related to the manufacturing process."

The ATSB issued a directive urging Rolls-Royce to address the safety issue and take actions necessary to ensure the safety of flight operations in planes equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines.

Qantas said it would immediately conduct further engine investigations as a result of the findings, but stressed it was just a precautionary measure and "there is no immediate risk to flight safety."

Legal action

The carrier also said it has begun court proceedings to allow it to pursue legal action against Rolls-Royce ""if a commercial settlement is not possible."

"Today's action allows Qantas to keep all options available to the company to recover losses, as a result of the grounding of the A380 fleet and the operational constraints currently imposed on A380 services," the airline said.

Qantas grounded all six of its Airbus superjumbos after the November 4 blast over the Indonesian island of Batam, which forced an A380 to return to Singapore airport trailing smoke.

Flights were resumed last week, though the superjumbo has been barred from trans-Pacific trips to Los Angeles due to the extra engine thrust required.

Qantas said it would determine whether further action would need to be taken after inspections were complete and it had consulted both Rolls-Royce and regulators.

Source:
Agencies

Article 153 equivalent to modern day Nazism & British catastrophe in perpetuity for Malaysians

By R. Shan (human being)
Whether we acknowledge it or not there is a similarity between Nazism and the practice against the Non-Malays for the last 53 years based on the ambiguity of Article 153.
Now, let’s look at Nazism. Naturally we can google up the whole history of this, that the whole world condemned it for a particular race to reign supreme on the ideology that they are a superior race to the rest. The practices outreached policies, methodologies and all possible ways to ensure that one race controls everything.    
The Nazi factor, as reasonably argued by this blogger, seems very obvious with the interpretation of Article 153. See  http://art-harun.blogspot.com/2010/03/article-153-on-special-position-of.html
We all know that Nazism was where the great Adolf Hitler put forward political and economic doctrines from 1933 to 1945 including totalitarian principles in order for the Aryan race of Germans to achieve and assume racial superiority and supremacy. Now when you look at the statistics of Malaya after independence in 1957 to at least early 1980, the balance was there. Then came our great Dr Mahathir, a reincarnation of Adolf Hitler to ensure his artificial Ketuanan Melayu survives not so much for the betterment of the society but to ensure his legacy that promoted and encouraged cronyism, nepotism, corruption in the name of Ketuanan Melayu. To some extent the blame also lies on the Non-Malays as we were captivated with material needs. Dr Mahathir was the chief architect to ensure that the race supremacy ruled beyond humane needs.
Let’s look at it this way; if I as a Non-Malay can make some money and achieve material needs with this Ketuanan Melayu, why make a fuss? We can talk all we want but this is the reality that is practiced whether you like it or not. Dr Mahathir knew how to manipulate the people and ensure he is able to sustain the false Ketuanan Melayu; but today we feel the long term effects.
Ketuanan Melayu is an artificial phrase that has been conveniently used. I must say both factions of the political divide run their own agendas, but we the public can’t speak up only when it fits our own agenda.
As for the British, there are numerous written constitutions since independence from Britain, the longest being India and the shortest being USA. All constitutions written had never given preference to a superior race but accepting and treating all equally. Even the archaic constitution of Medina instituted a number of rights and responsibilities for the Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Christian and pagan communities of Medina bringing them within the fold of one community that we call Ummah. Amongst them was the security of God is equal for all groups, non-Muslim members have equal political and cultural rights as Muslims. They will have autonomy and freedom of religion, there is to be no animosity between the two.
So, what is this Article 153 and the purported Ketuanan Melayu about?
The freedom for an individual within a society or a nation to prosper and enhance his socio-development should never be hindered based on a supremacy of a religion or their so called Ketuanan Melayu but more so the natural cultures of the societies that live together.
The British, to appease the royalty to maintain their status quo to continue to reap the benefits of Malaya, accommodated to such an unprecedented and unheard of written constitution akin to what Hitler was doing implicitly. Funnily, Dr Mathathir was able to strip these royalties of their power and all who shouted about Ketuanan Rakyat just sat and accepted it in those crisis years of 1980 & 1990s.
Who are the actual stakeholders in Malaysia, the Ketuanan Melayu race itself, which in its existence and birth is not the actual Bumiputras and has encroached onto the heritage of these actual stake holders of the land in Malaysia? How do we deal with the natives? And today, you and I are native Malaysians as this is our country of birth and this land is where our aspirations lie.
Just got this email!!! Interesting. When non-Malays do their religious obligations, that is not tax-deductible unless the Church or temple has applied and obtained the approval for tax exemption, which they are normally very stringent with and is seldom approved. Even if they are approved, it is only 10% of your aggregate income. Now let’s look at Zakat. Zakat qualifies 100%.
So, is Article 153 as interpreted today equals to Nazism?

Sultan is bound by the rakyat, say PAS leaders

Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad: “Rakyat’s interest supersedes Sultan’s.”

SHAH ALAM, Dec 3 — PAS leaders today accused Datuk Seri Nazri Mohamed Aziz of “humiliating” the Malay rulers by dragging the monarchy into the row on “ketuanan Melayu” and “ketuanan rakyat”.

They also said a Sultan was obligated to submit to the rakyat’s demands and place their interests above his own.

“Just as the rakyat is bound by him (the Sultan), so is he bound by the rakyat,” PAS central committee member Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad told The Malaysian Insider yesterday.

“The constitutional monarch . . . is well aware that the interest of his rakyat predominates and supersedes even his interest.”

PAS vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar lambasted Nazri and accused the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department of attempting to instigate the Malay rulers into dismissing the electoral decisions of Malaysians.

“To me, Nazri’s statement is akin to trying to incite the rulers to disrespect the decisions of the people in our country,” said the Pokok Sena MP.

“This reduces the sovereignty and knowledge of our rulers who live in a democracy about ‘ketuanan rakyat’ (people’s supremacy). Nazri is humiliating the rulers.”

Dzulkefly also called Nazri “malicious” for interpreting “ketuanan Melayu” (Malay supremacy) as the sovereignty of the Malay rulers.

“When you talk about ‘ketuanan Melayu’, never equate it to ‘ketuanan Sultan’,” said Dzulkefly, who is Kuala Selangor MP. “That is abominable and malicious.

“Never drag the Sultan into this acrimonious debate of ‘ketuanan Melayu’ versus ‘ketuanan rakyat’.”

Nazri had told PKR leaders that “ketuanan rakyat” did not grant the people full power to decide their government leaders, reminding them that the Malay rulers still reigned supreme in Malaysia’s constitutional monarchy system.

Dzulkefly said the Sultan’s decisions must reflect the sentiment of the people as the Sultan was not an absolute monarch.

“Should the rakyat be overwhelmingly for something or against something, the constitutional monarch must, in the best interest of the nation and his position as a monarch, take this into account,” he said. “This means that he is not absolute.”

He said the Sultan was obligated to endorse proposed amendments to the Constitution by a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

“There is the fact that the rakyat can in fact amend the Constitution, given the two-thirds majority, whether it is Barisan Nasional (BN) or Pakatan Rakyat (PR), and the monarch has got to condone and endorse it,” said Dzulkefly.

The current row over the “ketuanan Melayu” concept started over the weekend when several PKR leaders, including president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and deputy president Azmin Ali, rejected the concept, pointing out that the Malay race was no more supreme than the others.

Wan Azizah’s husband, PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, joined the fray and propagated the “ketuanan rakyat” concept.

Mahfuz said yesterday that in the case of Perak, it was incumbent on the Sultan to uphold the political party that enjoyed a majority in the state assembly.

“The Sultan still chooses the party that is chosen by the majority,” he said. “He cannot choose others. This shows that the Sultan has to obey the choices made by the rakyat.”

He echoed Dzulkefly’s views and pointed out that the Malay rulers had always upheld the decisions of the electorate.

“It is the people who make their choices during elections,” said Mahfuz. “There is nothing in the Federal Constitution that denies the choices made by the people during elections.

“I see that even the Malay rulers respect the choices of voters.”

He said Umno was inciting the Malay rulers to fight the people over their democratic rights to elect the government.

“They are instigating the rulers to war with the rakyat, who are given the rights in a democracy to determine their government,” said Mahfuz.

Dzulkefly said “ketuanan rakyat” would always be safeguarded by “ketuanan sultan”.

“Ketuanan rakyat will also always uphold ketuanan sultan,” he said.

He said the Sultan was mandated to protect not just the special position of the Malays, but also the legitimate rights of other races, as stated in Article 153 of the Constitution.

“You must read (Article) 153 in one breath,” said Dzulkefly.

PAS secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali agreed with his colleagues on the limited powers of the Sultan, noting that the Sultan could only appoint a prime minister who enjoyed support from the majority in Parliament.

“He (the Sultan) can appoint whoever he wants to be the prime minister. But he cannot appoint someone who doesn’t have a majority,” said Mustafa.

He, however, disagreed with the “ketuanan rakyat” concept and put forth “ketuanan Islam” instead.

“I agree with ‘ketuanan Islam’. It is not based on race,” said Mustafa.

“As long as you have the qualities prescribed by Islam, then you can be the prime minister.”
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4 new state police chiefs

Ismail Omar

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 3 — Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Ismail Omar yesterday announced the appointment of four new state police chiefs with immediate effect.
Police Air Unit Commander Datuk Chuah Ghee Lye has been appointed Melaka police chief replacing Datuk Mohd Rodwan Mohd Yusof who became Deputy Director II Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) Bukit Aman.
Deputy Director II CCID Datuk Tajudin Md Isa was appointed Perlis police chief replacing DCP Ghazali Md Amin who was appointed Bukit Aman Secretary since Oct 29.
Management Training Division Principal Assistant Director Datuk Jamshah Mustapa was appointed Terengganu police chief replacing Datuk Mohd Shukri Dahalan who moved to Perak as police chief.
Mohd Shukri replaced Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah who was appointed Kuala Lumpur police chief on Oct 29.
Ismail was speaking to reporters after the Police Commission meeting chaired by Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein in Bukit Aman.
He said the changes were part of restructuring of promotions and transfer of state police chiefs and state deputy police chiefs. — Bernama

BN selling an impossible dream

By Stanley Koh
COMMENT When one Malaysian dreams alone, it remains a dream. But when all Malaysians dream together, it can become a reality.
For decades after independence, most Malaysians dreamt alone. But in 2008, more than four million of them woke up from a nightmare and voted for an opposition coalition.
But the nightmare is now recurring. Some of the sleaze that makes Barisan Nasional so contemptible has somehow seeped into the opposition parties. Their effectiveness – and even credibility – has come under question.
Should ordinary Malaysians and civil society unite to remove the muck and slime that is tainting our dream? Of course. But how? Perhaps we can learn something from an examination of the rot that gives BN its disgusting character.
Indeed, it does not take much effort to convince the ordinary Malaysian in the street that the BN rot has gone to its core. It has been unable to take any lesson from its 2008 setback.
BN is still dishonest and obfuscating. It is intent on preserving itself, but it does this not by trying to cure itself of its disease.
Instead, it demonises its opponents and covers up its own monstrosities through stereotyping, cheap publicity and denial of facts. It raises emotive issues, plays to the gallery and turns half-truths into absolutes. It tries to keep itself opaque and it shuns accountability. Its leaders are intellectually bankrupt; they do not even care how ridiculous they look every time they run to the police station to lodge reports against critics.
The castration of BN in 2008
Barisan Nasional’s popular votes fell from 4.47 million votes in 2004 to 4.08 million in 2008.
Analysts say this setback was due to a wide range of factors, many of them related. They have cited, among other things, massive corruption, rampant abuse of power, arrogance of leaders, unevenness of the electoral playing field, lack of credibility of the Election Commission, cronyism, nepotism, failure to control inflation, blatant abuses of natural resources and denial of human rights.
Even at the best of times, Barisan Nasional (BN) never garnered more than 65% of popular votes despite its two-thirds majority in Parliament between 1974 and the 2008 fall day.
BN suffered a serious electoral setback in 1969, and this led to the May 13 riots. It was then a coalition of three parties called the Alliance. After the setback, it worked to widen its support base, and on June 1, 1974, BN was officially registered under the chairmanship of Tun Abdul Razak.
It appears that the 2008 setback is also prompting BN to institute changes. However, the current chairman, Razak’s son Najib, does not seem to have the imagination of his father. We hear that BN will change the design of its logo. Is Najib trying to fix his badly damaged engine of his car by changing the tyres?
That engine went through 22 years of abuse with Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the steering wheel.
The authoritarian Mahathir concentrated power in his hands, instilled a herd mentality among his lieutenants and nurtured a patron-client relationship between Umno and the other members of the BN coalition.
With his belief in a distorted version of democracy – he called it “guided democracy” – he gave the nation a political physiognomy.
In a blog article last year, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah recalled the constitutional crisis of 1993 and asked:
“Is today’s Umno, with its inconsistent adherence to the rule of law, its inconstant respect for the key institutions of our country, a credible or effective defender of the Rulers and of the laws upholding this institution? Or do we actually harm what we claim to protect?”
By 2008, when it was under Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s leadership, BN’s image had sunk to its lowest ebb and the beautiful words contained in the election manifesto released in that year – “We respect the separation of powers provided under the Constitution” – remain today as a sick joke.
Non-consumer product
No wonder the Najib administration keeps referring only to one feature of Abdullah’s legacy – the so-called feel-good factor.
Propaganda has it that this “non-consumer” product is rapidly regaining public confidence for BN. Of course, when the 3Ms – Money, Machinery and Manpower—are within reach of those who want to whip up the much-needed euphoria to win back support for this product, the effort can be seen to be as easy as flipping a coin.
Will the cosmetic changes intended for this unique non-commercial product be effective in pulling back electoral confidence and support?
A few political pundits actually accept the leadership’s denial that Umno’s decision to postpone its party elections has nothing to do with the next general election. Perhaps they think BN is smart enough to know that it needs plenty of time to format its survival plan.
Certainly, the BN government and administration remains unimpressive in performance. It has yet to address a long list of public grouses, including traffic congestion and spiralling food prices, to name only two of the most obvious.
BN’s component parties seem focused on quietly conducting electioneering training courses and equipping themselves with up-to-date computer software as part of the upgrading of campaigning logistics.
Are these unmistakable signs of an imminent early general election or part of a long-term plan?
The gospel truth is that the unity gathering of the BN’s top leaders at MCA’s home ground next weekend will not even remotely remember the stoking of racial fires at Umno’s annual general assembly in 2007.
Malaysian politics has its own brand of hypocrisy. Even shared hatred can bring forth unity.
In the eyes of certain BN leaders, only the opposition coalition members have ideological differences, power struggles and chair-throwing incidents, while BN history is full of noble sacrifices because no one in the coalition is power hungry.
Will Najib, in his BN chairman’s costume, unveil some details of Umno’s “new political model” for other coalition members to emulate?
One thing is certain: thinking Malaysians are unlikely to miss any heartbeat or bat an eyelid over any proposed changes in BN.
Many Malaysians also agree that the BN political culture has some imperishable characteristics. With Umno calling the shots, they say, the BN government is nothing more than a three-ring circus controlled by the executive, with the legislature, judiciary and even the enforcement agencies – and, of course, the mainstream media – dancing to every tune it plays.
The great legacies of the early Alliance leaders – people like Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Abdul Razak, Tan Siew Sin, VT Sambanthan, Tun Ismail Abdul Rahman and Hussein Onn – are lost forever.
Stanley Koh is a political observer who had in the past headed MCA's research unit.

What 'bread and butter' is Taib talking about?

By Joseph Tawie - Free Malaysia Today
KUCHING: Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian has slammed Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud's call for Sarawakians to focus on “bread and butter issues” and to be wary of “people who tried to brainwash them.”
The native customary land rights lawyer said Taib should first declare the names of those who own the timber concessions, quarry and oil palm plantation licenses and who benefitted from the many government contracts that were awarded arbitrarily, before advising people on "bread and butter."
"First the CM should openly name the people who benefitted from these development projects that he speaks off. Only a select few have benefitted, not the ordinary citizens
“We want the bread and butter to reach the tables of the people, and not end up on the gravy train,” he said.
Lambasting Taib's disclosure that Sarawak had achieved “great progress” and had “become prosperous”, Bian demanded to know why then was Sarawak the fourth poorest state in the country when it was the richest in natural resources.
“Let us be reminded that the funding of projects and development in the country or state comes from the coffers of the country and state, as well as taxes paid by the people. The funding does not come from the personal pockets of the CM and BN leaders.
“Let us be clear that it is the duty and responsibility of the government of the day to utilise and manage the coffers of the state for the benefit of the people. Development is not a choice. It is imperative and a right to be enjoyed by the rakyat,” he said.
“Even the worse totalitarian regimes in the world had to develop their countries, what more Malaysia and in particular Sarawak which purportedly practises parliamentary democracy," he added.
What track record?
Bian was commenting on Taib's call on Sarawakians not take development for granted and to be careful about who they choose to lead them.
"Needless to say, PKR and Pakatan Rakyat will offer good governance, better management of the state’s wealth, transparency, fair and equitable distribution of wealth, and implement an open tender system for all government projects and contracts," he said.
Bian also had his own take on Taib's interpretation of development.
“What is the track record and success rate of the BN government in executing the responsibility of developing the state?
"How has the government discharged its duties in the last 30 years ... why is that Sarawak, being the richest state in Malaysia in terms of natural resources, ends up the fourth poorest state in Malaysia?
"While we read internet allegations and reports that the chief minister and his family own overseas properties worth billions of ringgit. Why is there a huge disparity in terms of wealth between the rich and the poor in Sarawak?” he asked.
“And ironically, why are the poorest Malaysians to be found in the richest state in Malaysia, ie Sarawak, especially the Dayaks?" he added.
Bian said these were salient questions which go to show that the ruling regime had failed miserably in carrying out development in the state.
"The BN government and leaders have nothing to be proud of in terms of development in their 47 years of governing Sarawak... the people are still poor.
“In light of what the chief minister has said about bread and butter issues, I agree with him that we should not cloud the matter with rhetoric.
"I urge Sarawakians to first ask themselves some pertinent questions such as who owns the timber concessions, quarry licences and oil palm plantations..," he said.

Why we should worry about race change

By K Pragalath - Free Malaysia Today
COMMENT Only in Malaysia can one's race be changed through legal means. But this does not make it any less of a shock to read about civil servants reclassifying native children in Sarawak as Malays.
Not too long ago, the National Registration Department created quite a stir when some members of its staff decided on their own to determine the faiths of people applying for their identification cards.
This is a worrying trend, not only to the natives of Sarawak, but to the rest of Malaysian society as well.
Increasing the number of Malays through under-handed tactics such as these is a step towards changing Malaysia into a mono-ethnic nation.
Malaysia has always been proud of calling itself a multiracial country, and it is one of the qualities that make it interesting to outsiders.
If we deny our country its multicultural character, we take away one good reason for foreigners to visit us, and the slogan “Malaysia Truly Asia” would become meaningless.
This trend is of particular concern to non-Malays. If it continues, animosity between the races will probably get worse and efforts towards national unity will become more difficult.
It will also speed up the brain drain, as more non-Malays leave our shores for countries that have more respect for their identities.
Race reclassification will also lead to the decay of the customs and culture of the affected groups as they will be hindered from practising them.
Those opposing the long rule of the Taib Mahmud administration can use the latest cases as a trigger-off point in his dethroning.
The Najib administration, which has been trying hard to sell the 1Malaysia idea, ought to be ashamed.
The silence on the part of Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is Education Minister as well, boggles the mind.
When he finally speaks, he is likely to defend his officials, as he has done in the past over other issues. Nevertheless, we expect immediate action from him.
In the international arena, Malaysia’s ranking on the religious freedom scale will slide further. This is because race and religion in our country are tightly intertwined.

This duck is coming to dinner

On the Food Trail with Tiberius Kerk
THE popular notion in Petaling Jaya is that the Loong Foong Restaurant in Paramount Garden has the best roast duck within a five-mile radius.
If you need to verify this hearsay, show up on Christmas Eve and try to buy one. You will probably fail because many Chinese Christians have wised up to the fact that Xmas turkeys are now priced beyond their reach.
Naturally, the next best option is roast duck. Loong Foong sells them at RM45 a pop. That’s one medium-sized roast duck that will envelop the interior of your entire car with its fragrance as you rush home to your family dinner.
With the setting of the sun in the evening, Loong Foong Restaurant becomes the focal point for PJ diners who may be too lazy to cook another meal or they just want to have a sumptuous meal without physically taxing the lady cook in the house.
I am not a regular at Loong Foong but when I patronise its premises, my family makes sure we have a grand time. Forget about the bill, we all work hard enough to eat a decent meal now and then.
So one Saturday several weekends ago, we made a beeline for Loong Foong Restaurant, mainly on impulse. Our first mistake was we didn’t make a reservation.
On arrival, we quickly found out we were not the only greedy ones in the district. There were about 15 other customers looking around earnestly for an empty table.
Since we were basically “hardcore” diners, we hung around until some timid patrons were a little afraid of our intense glares and vacate their table. Before the waitresses could clear the soiled table, we planted ourselves squarely around the big round table.
Natural choice
The main course was obviously the roast duck. Since there were only four of us, we didn’t want to look too avaricious, so we settled for half a duck.
The next dish triggered a little family debate but it was soon decided that the next table had just what we wanted. It was called the Golden Pumpkin. Basically, it was a hollowed-out pumpkin filled with water chestnuts and other delectables that bring tears to a happy diner.
Since our Cantonese was a little below par, we eagerly pointed to the nearby table and told the waitress: “That one over there!”
A plate of greens was mandatory to add fibre to our evening meal and kai lan seemed the natural choice.
The fourth dish by popular demand was one of the house specialities – sizzling hot plate tau fu. When it arrived at our table, it attracted some attention from salivating diners nearby because of the sizzling noise caused by the hot plate and the wonderful aroma from the well-cooked tau fu.
Let me say it plainly: if you want to impress your family with a place of your choice, book a table at Loong Foong Restaurant the day before. Your family will be very impressed with your selection.
Don’t forget to pay for the dinner as well because that would simply put that “kiss of approval” on your forehead and henceforth you will be known as He-Who-Knows-Where-To-Eat.
The roast duck at Loong Foong sometimes defies description. I have tried roast duck at numerous places but at this restaurant, it is almost second to none.
However, it has a rival named Sunrise Restaurant which is located several roads away but that’s another story which I am saving for another day.
Worth every drop
Loong Foong’s roast duck has a flavour that tells your taste buds that you are as close to heaven as you will get. There’s no “ducky” aftertaste, and it’s all good from the first bite.
As for the sizzling hot plate of tau fu, the gravy alone is worth your trip to the restaurant. My advice is: don’t leave any trace of gravy behind. It is worth every drop.
The golden pumpkin slips down your throat and explodes into a million showers of gastronomical pleasure as it causes a chain reaction of sensory emotions that begin with the dilation of your
retina through sheer excitement. There’s no need to kiss my hand for introducing this dish to you.
Don’t forget to order a pot of Chinese tea. If your preference is Ti Kuan Yin, that’s fine. Otherwise you can let the waitress pick the selection of Chinese tea leaves for you.
As every Chinese diner knows, good Chinese tea helps to neutralise some of the fatty substances that come with the enormously satisfying dishes.
With that, I shall now book a table at Loong Foong for tomorrow’s dinner.
The address, my fellow friends, is No. 1, Jalan 20/13, Paramount Garden, PJ. Tel: 03-7876-9045. The restaurant is near the Giant hypermarket.

Ketuanan Rakyat to empower Malays and Malaysians

By Dr Chen Man Hin, DAP life advisor

Anwar Ibrahim by pushing ketuanan rakyat as a top objective of the PR agenda has show that he is a man of vision and a born leader.

Soon after the announcement, he immediately summoned a meeting of all heads of the five PR states for a discussion of the plan to tell the people of the importance of a ketuanan rakyat for the country.

Anwar is a man of principles and he practises what he believes in.

Critics say that this move was calculated to gain support in preparation for the coming general elections. This is not quite true, as the principle of ketuanan rakyat was proposed by PR some two years ago as a counter to Umno’s ketuanan melayu.

It is also an idea which is not familiar yet with the Malay community, and it will take patience and lots of explanation to win the people over. There is big task ahead to win support from the kampongs and rural areas. Umno will mount an attack on ketuanan rakyat. The battle in the kampongs will be intense.

However, Anwar will not be deterred. He believes in KETUANAN RAKYAT. It is his vision. He has a cause to achieve a better, just and prosperous Malaysia.

He really believes that ketuanan rakyat will be the political key that will inspire the people to be more united and struggle for a more progressive and prosperous society. He wants the people to know that they belong in this country, and they are all Malaysians.

Equally important, is his confidence that ketuanan rakyat will uplift his fellow comrades in the kampongs, urban towns and rural areas, and bring them into the modern global society. Through ketuanan rakyat, the Malays will be better educated, gain merit and competitiveness and ready to take on the world.

They will have more self-confidence and will not be dependent any more on the handouts given out by Umno. With ketuanan rakyat they will no longer be exploited by Umno putras.

50 years of Umno rule, forty years of the 30% bumi equity of New Economic Policy have not really helped the poor in the kampongs and rural areas. Half the households of Malays, Chinese and Indians earn less than RM3,000 a month. Rural homes are even poorer.

Umno wants a ketuanan Melayu policy so that Umno putras can enrich themselves. A recent analysis showed that Umno putras enriched themselves to the tune of RM60 billion or even more from the 30% bumi equity. No share for the kampong people. To continue the ketuanan Melayu policy would be disastrous. A government officer has predicted that with present policies, the country is heading for bankruptcy.

The time has come for a change. Our born leader, Anwar will lead PR to make the change. Embracing ketuanan rakyat will be the beginning of the change for a united, progressive and prosperous Malaysia.