India must pressure Malaysia over ethnic issue

London-based lawyer P Waythamoorthy believes that India's Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs should take the lead to champion Hindraf’s cause.

GEORGE TOWN: Hindraf Makkal Sakti today called on New Delhi to exert international pressure on the government to address and resolve the ethnic Indian community issues in Malaysia.

Given India’s growing stature as a regional economic and political power, Hindraf supremo P Waythamoorthy said the Indian government should raise issues of human rights violations on Malaysian Indians in international forums.

He recalled how India pressured the Commonwealth to expel Fiji a few years ago.

“We in Malaysia were thrilled over it,” he said.

Waythamoorthy was speaking to Prof V Suryanarayan from India-based South Asia Analysis Group (SAAG) during a special interview recently.

Excerpts of the interview were published on SAAG’s website on Saturday.

According to Waythamoorthy, if India, especially Tamil Nadu, expressed solidarity with Malaysian Indians, it would inspire and intensify Hindraf’s struggle.

He also called on all political parties, academic community, civil society groups and media in India to show greater sensitivity to Malaysian Indian problems.

London-based Waythamoorthy, who is now attached to an international lobby in India, suggested that the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs should take the lead to champion Hindraf’s cause.

He told SAAG that Hindraf’s struggle had been based on the principles of the late Indian independence hero Mohandas Karamchand “Mahatma” Gandhi.

He said through Gandhian principles, Hindraf was able to convince the Malaysian Indian community to discard their fear of the government’s brute force and come to the streets to voice against injustice.

“Gandhian non-violent means have inspired us to mobilise national and international support to our struggle,” said Waythamoorthy.

Neglected community

SAAG is a non-profit think tank conducting public interest and advocacy work. The group consists of Indian academics and former government officials.

Its objectives are advancing strategic analysis, promoting public understanding and contributing to the expansion of knowledge of security internationally.

The group also seeks to address the decision-makers, strategic planners, academics and the media in South Asia and the world at large.

SAAG’s scope of work covers from Iraq to China.

On the fate of the Malaysian Indians, Waythamoorthy said like Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Rakyat state governments have also neglected and sidelined the community.

He said Malaysian Indians had high hopes when Pakatan swept to power in several states, largely due to Hindraf-inspired political protests.

“Pakatan has equally let down the Indian community,” he added.

He said Pakatan’s excuse that it can only deliver to the Indians after capturing the federal government was unacceptable.

“State governments have absolute control over land matters, business opportunities and awarding of state scholarships.

“Yet they too have marginalised Malaysian Indians,” said Waythamoorthy.

Pakatan uncomfortable with Hindraf

He said Hindraf had made repeated requests for meetings with the Pakatan state governments to find a common solution to the manifold problems facing the Indian community.

But, he said, Pakatan leaders had refused to entertain all the overtures perhaps “because the state governments were uncomfortable with Hindraf”.

He feels that Pakatan could be uneasy with Hindraf’s struggle which emphasises on basic human rights, equality and putting the Indian community in the mainstream economic development.

“Pakatan appears preferring to deal with politically weak ethnic Indian politicians, who will play second fiddle to them,” he said.

He said that given the current political reality that the Indian votes may tilt the balance in many constituencies, Hindraf may field its own candidates in the next general election through the Human Rights Party.

“We will use this card to our advantage.

“I am sanguine that in the next election, we will have more Indian state and parliamentary representatives,” he said.


Britain is accountable

On the impending British suit, he said the former colonial government shall be held accountable for its wrongdoings and exploitation of ethnic Indians for some 200 years.

He said Indian rights as British subjects, minority citizens and human beings were disregarded in the new Malaya Federal Constitution.

He noted that racist provisions favouring Malay-Muslims were enacted that would be used to oppress, suppress and marginalise the minority Indian community.

Monetary compensation aside, he said the litigation was mainly to make the world aware that the colonial government has failed in its international obligations to treat all men as equals.

“It will set a precedent to other struggling people across the world and can open up avenues for international law,” Waythamoorthy said.

S’gor rejected motions to improve Indians’ lot

A state assmblyman whose motions to assist the Indian community were dismissed in the July sitting of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly is planing to re-table his bids in October.

PETALING JAYA: Just days after Pakatan Rakyat lawmakers conceded that the opposition pact, which rode to victory in five states on the wave of Indian support in 2008, had failed the community, a legislator revealed that several motions beneficial to Indians had been dismissed by the Selangor State Legislative Assembly.

According to Kota Alam Shah state assemblyman M Manoharan, the assembly has dismissed seven motions which he had tabled in July.

He said if the motions had been passed and become law, not only would the Indians have benefited but all the poor in Selangor would have also found reprieve.

Explaining the motions, Manoharan said he had moved for a Felda-like scheme involving 2,000 acres of land to be set up for 200 hardcore Indian poor in Selangor.

He had also moved for a RM10 million fund to be set up to assist Indians in small and medium enterpries in the state.

“I also tabled a motion to set up an Indian affairs bureau under the purview of the menteri besar and asked for at least 10 acres of land for all Tamil and Chinese schools in the state,” he said.

The other three motions he had tabled were renaming Jalan Barat in Petaling Jaya to Jalan V David to commemorate the late unionist, a seven percent discount for all poor Malaysians who are purchasing homes from the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) and a “no demolition” order or shifting of temples erected in the state before 2008.

“But the only motion that was accepted by the assembly was the temple order.

“But that too they (Pakatan lawmakers) tweaked to read no demolition or shifting a temple without the approval of the executive council in charge,” said Manoharan, who added that he will again table the same motions in October sitting of the assembly.


Land and housing

Manoharan, who was upset with the dismissal of his bids, said it was “high-time Indians enjoyed the benefits denied to them since Independence”.

“About one-third of the entire Indian population in Malaysia lives in Selangor.

“If the motions had been passed and become law, they would not only help Indians but also all those who are poor in the state.

“I asked for the land so that we can teach the Indian community to cultivate it for agriculture or livestock.
“This would also empower our youths and deter them from joining criminal activities,” said Manoharan, who is from the DAP.

On the housing issue, he said owning a house was a basic necessity for everyone.

He added that PKNS was in a position to assist Indians and the low-income earner acquire homes.
“PKNS is an established property company and it makes money from its housing projects.
“Surely, it can help our low-income people by offering discount.

“Besides, the Menteri Besar (Khalid Ibrahim) is the chairman of the government-linked agency and he can monitor it directly,” said Manoharan.

Malay votes

Asked why the other Pakatan state assemblymen refused to support his motion, Manoharan said it could be due to fear of losing Malay votes.

However, he added that even the Malay assemblymen were aware that the Indians were left behind in many areas.

“Some lawmakers did come to me after the state assembly meeting and said my ideas were good.
“But when I asked why they didn’t support it then, they kept mum,” he said.

However, Manoharan stopped short of criticising the Pakatan state government, saying the assemblymen now enjoyed more freedom to table their motions unlike in the previous state government.

“The Indian representatives then would not even dare to table such motions.

“I must thank our current speaker (Teng Chang Khim) for allowing more freedom in the assembly.
“And I am going to table the motions again in the next state assembly sitting in October. I’m confident my fellow Pakatan assemblymen will support me,” said Manoharan.

‘Good ideas’

Meanwhile, newly appointed Senator V Subramaniam, from MIC, supports Manoharan’s motions, saying the ideas “were good”.

Subramaniam, however, conceded that allocating 10 acres for Tamil schools in Selangor would be tough as some schools were located in densely populated areas like Petaling Jaya where land is scarce.

“However, the rest of the motions are good. The (state assembly’s) rejection shows that Pakatan is not sincere in helping the Indians despite riding high on the community’s votes in 2008,” said Subramaniam, who is better known as Barat Maniam.

Subramaniam, who is Petaling Jaya MIC’s division chief, said if BN wins Selangor in the next polls, MIC representatives will support the motion to improve the Indians’ lot in the state.

“The ideas are in line with the 1Malaysia concept. If we win in the next polls, we will look out for the welfare of all Malaysians.

“Besides, that is why we are elected into the post,” he said.

Last week, Indian DAP leaders conceded that the opposition pact had failed the community after having a closed-door meeting involving 50 DAP members, including lawmakers.

One DAP member said that Pakatan is doing “another BN” for Indians in Selangor, Penang and Kedah.
Among those present at the meeting were DAP national vice-chairman and Ipoh Barat MP M Kulasegaran, Penang DAP deputy chairman and deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy, Perak DAP deputy chairman and Tronoh assemblyman V Sivakumar, Perak DAP vice-chairman and Sungkai assemblyman A Sivanesan and former ISA detainee V Ganapathirau.

Salam Aidilfitri & Selamat Hari Merdeka-54

Maaf Zahir Batin & Happy Merdeka Day!

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin to all Muslims in Malaysia.
The coinciding of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the 54th National Day and the 48th Malaysia Day should be a special triple occasion of joy and celebrations for all Malaysians.

It must be a matter of concern to all Malaysians, however, that this is not the case with the recent irresponsible and incessant ramping-up and incitement of race and religious hatred and tensions through baseless and incendiary allegations by certain media.

A call must urgently go out to all Muslim and non-Muslim Malaysians to dedicate themselves to promote the values of justice, freedom, love and compassion on the triple occasion of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, 54th National Day and 48th Malaysia Day – values which are common to all the great religions which have found a home in the country.

Whether we are Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans or Orang Asli, whether Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Taoists or Sikhs, let us unite as one Malaysian people first and last to give real meaning to the triple occasion of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the 54th National Day and 48th Malaysia Day.

Najib Condemns Attempts To Discredit Sacrifices Of Forefathers, Security Forces

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak tonight vehemently condemned the statements and attempts by anyone to discredit the sacrifices of the country's forefathers and security forces in the struggle for independence.

He said it was most regrettable that there were people who hero-worshipped the outlawed Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) which he said was anti-national and against God and religion.

The prime minister said this in his special message for Aidilfitri and the 54th anniversary of independence, and was apparently referring to a statement allegedly made by PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu.

Mohamad Sabu was alleged to have said that the communist terrorists who attacked and killed 25 police personnel and their families in the Bukit Kepong bloody tragedy in 1950 were the real heroes because they were fighting against the British.

"While we are in a celebrative mood, let's not ever forget the sacrifices and blood and sweat of our forefathers and members of our security forces who fought for independence," Najib said in his message broadcast over Radio Television Malaysia (RTM).

He said the people should bear in mind that what the country enjoyed so far did not come by accident or that it could be sustained if the country's independence was not appreciated or safeguarded.

Najib said that it was important that the people nurture national unity and patriotism.

He also said that the coming of the Aidilfitri and National Day celebrations brought about a deep meaning about how blessed Malaysia was.

Calling on the people to continue with the open house tradition, Najib assured them that the government would continue with providing direct subsidy on essential items such as rice, cooking oil, flour and sugar as well as fuel such as the RON 95 petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas apart from the subsidy on health and education.

The government, however, would be doing so in a prudent manner so as not to hurt the country's fiscal health, he said.

He said several initiatives had already been launched to help ease the burden borne by the people, such as through the introduction of the 1Malaysia Shop which offers essential items at a lower price.

Apart from that, basic healthcare can be obtained for RM1 at 1Malaysia Clinics. Under the 1Malaysia Welfare Programme (KARISMA), a total of RM1.4 billion has been allocated for half a million senior citizens, disabled persons, single mothers as well as police and armed forces widows.

Najib who is also finance minister said although the increase in food prices was a global phenomenon, the government would still work on finding the best ways to handle the problem and also the high cost of living.

The Cabinet Committee on Supplies and Prices chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin also proves the government's commitment to ensure the planned and implemented programme will really help the people.

Najib stressed that the government's efforts would not cease because there would be comprehensive follow-ups to effectively handle problems faced by low and medium-income families in the 2012 budget, to be presented early October.

He is proud of the country's achievements, and described Malaysia as an oasis in the midst of a chaotic world hit by constant political and economical upheavals.

"Today, as we know, the economic giants of the world such as the United States and several European countries, which are advanced economies, are facing serious financial crisis to the extend of requiring a 'bailout.'

"On the other hand, Malaysia, as a result of a prudent and efficient economic management, is not only able to expand its economy and create job opportunities but also able to give a half month bonus to 1.4 million civil servants involving RM2 billion to celebrate the Aidilfitri and the National Day," he said.

Najib reminded the people not to be contented with the success achieved thus far as the highest objectives of the government was to raise the welfare of the people as the main national vision since independence.

He said the government would continue to implement proactive programmes to ensure the creation of new wealth and continuous economic growth and produce high income jobs in line with the higher skills acquired.

"What is desired is a prosperous and harmonious country, where each individual is willing to work hard and raise his level of skills and use all available opportunities wisely for a better life and bring benefit to our generations to come," he said.

Now Masterskill sues Jeyakumar

It’s been a tough couple of months for Dr Jeyakumar Devaraj.
First, he was arrested on 25 June 2011 and kept in solitary confinement. He was released a week later – only to be re-arrested under the Emergency Ordinance and kept in solitary confinement for another month. Then he was released again only to be hit with charges under the ISA and the Societies Act for which he has to appear in court in October 2011.
That’s not all: along with eight of the 30 PSM activists to be tried in October under similar charges, Kumar was called to have his statement recorded under investigations for alleged sedition.
Now, in an unrelated development, he has been slapped with a writ of summons by a private nursing college, Masterskill (M) Sdn Bhd, over comments that appeared in a couple of newspapers and a blog which the college claimed had damaged its reputation. The Sungai Siput MP had earlier lodged a police report against the college.
Masterskill (M) Sdn Bhd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Masterskill Education Group Bhd, which last year (2010) made a group-level profit before tax of RM118m. But The Edge reports that CIMB Equities Research has downgraded Masterskill Education Group Bhd (MEGB) from Outperform to Neutral, reducing its target price and also slashing its earnings per share (EPS) forecast.

It said on Monday, Aug 29 Masterskill’s annualised 1H11 core net profit was a letdown, coming in at 43% below its forecast and 40% below consensus because of poor student numbers and a 10.8 percentage points shortfall in EBITDA margin due to surprisingly high operating costs.
“The 44% year-on-year plunge in net student intake was a negative surprise and should be equally weak in 2H. In the medium term, student intake prospects are unexciting and margins will be under pressure,” it said.

Some background info about Masterskill Education Group Bhd, gleaned from the firm’s 2010 Annual Report:

• the Group CEO is Edmund Santhara (who along with his spouse are major shareholders);
• the chairman of Masterskill University College of Health Sciences’ (Much) Governing Council is Mohamed Nazim Abdul Razak (brother of PM Najib Razak); and
• the University Chancellor is Raja Azureen, daughter of the Sultan of Perak.
• Major shareholders also include Masterskill Holding Ltd (direct stake of 22 per cent) and Sami Ali A Sindi (indirect stake of 24 per cent).

The lawsuit against Jeyakumar is the latest in a string of libel/defamation-type suits that have come to light in recent weeks.
Tajudin Ramli is suing Malaysian Insider, its editor, and young journalist Shazwan Mustafa Kamal for RM200m.
A Japanese multinational firm based in Malaysia has come to an out-of-court settlement over a lawsuit it brought against human rights lawyer Charles Hector regarding complaints made by 31 Burmese workers which he had highlighted on his blog. Hector will have to pay RM1 in costs and the same amount in damages to the company and publish a half-page apology in the Malaysian daily newspapers The Star and Nanyang Siang Pau. He is now trying to raise funds to cover the cost of those advertisements. See details on the Aliran website.
And the Shah Alam High Court has ruled in favour of Deputy Finance Minister Awang Adek in a defamation suit against The Edge over an article entitled “Ascot given preference due to its experience, says MOF”. A court registrar will assess damages, though The Edge is expected to appeal. Awang Adek had claimed RM10m in a letter of demand.
In a report, The Edge said the article in question was based completely on a Ministry of Finance written reply to Parliament in July last year with no editorial opinion attached. But the article had erroneously attributed the written reply to Awang Adek, the deputy finance minister, instead of the Ministry. The Edge Communication had then promptly corrected the report on 9 July 2010 and issued a personal apology to Awang Adek as “a gesture of good faith”.
And Utusan is suing Teresa Kok over her comments that the daily had distorted her statements to the national media and in her own blog about the food served to her while being detained under the ISA in 2008. See Sun report here.

Mat Sabu to sue Utusan over ‘false report’

The PAS deputy president calls Utusan's report “lies and distortions”.

PETALING JAYA: PAS deputy president, Mohamad Sabu, will take legal action against Utusan Malaysia for the “distorted and false” reporting of his ceramah in Penang’s Tasek Gelugor on Augt 21.

Last Saturday, the Umno-owned daily had quoted the PAS leader as saying that the communists who attacked the Bukit Kepong police station during the Emergency on Feb 3, 1950, were heroes and not the 17 policemen who died in the attack.

Utusan also quoted him as saying that the country’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, and Umno’s first president, Onn Jaafar, should not be recognised as freedom fighters because they were also British officers.

Up to 20 police reports have been lodged against Mohamad, better known as Mat Sabu, over the weekend accompanied by accusations that he intends to re-write history to turn Malaysia into a republic.

Yesterday, Mat Sabu declined to comment on the report, saying that he could not remember what he had said during his ceramah and needed to review it first.

However, today he told FMT that he had listened to the recordings of his speech and confirmed that Utusan’s report was “distorted and a lie”.

“I even asked all my friends who attended the ceramah to be doubly sure that I didn’t convey what was reported in Utusan,” he said. “The report is definitely false. So I will meet my lawyer after Hari Raya to discuss suing Utusan over this matter.”

According to Mat Sabu, he had mentioned the Bukit Kepong attack but not the communists or the name of their leaders.

“What I said was that Mat Indera (Muhammad Indera) is a Malay hero because he fought against British rule,” he explained. “I never mentioned the communists, that was Utusan’s exaggeration.”

Mat Indera, however, is known as a Malay communist and was said to have led the Bukit Kepong attack.
But when this was pointed out, Mat Sabu insisted that he never hailed Mat Indera as a hero for the attack or for leading the communists.

He reiterated that Mat Indera was a hero simply for fighting against British rule.

‘Merdeka an Umno celebration’

He also denied saying that the country’s former premiers were not freedom fighters.
“What I said was that Merdeka should cease to be an Umno celebration and become a Malaysian celebration by recognising the other people who contributed to the nation’s independence, like Ahmad Boestaman and Ibrahim Yaakob,” he clarified.

Ahmad was the founding president of Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) while Ibrahim was the founder of Kesatuan Melayu Muda (KMM). Both parties were said to be affiliated with leftist idelogies.

“These icons are not being recognised as fighters for independence because they didn’t belong to Umno,” he added. “So when we overlook the opposition’s contribution, then Merdeka becomes an Umno celebration.”

Mat Sabu agreed that Umno-owned media have been attacking him since he was elected PAS deputy earlier this year and speculated that it could be due to his friendship with the other races.

“Umno doesn’t want a leader like me to exist,” he laughed. “They just want me to be a PAS leader and not a national one that reaches out to all races.”

“And they are also probably using me to deflect attention from their dirty issues like the electoral rule reform.”

Mat Sabu also dismissed an incident of the defaced posters of PAS spiritual leader, Nik Aziz Nik Mat and Shah Alam MP, Khalid Samad, that were discovered in Section 23 in Shah Alam yesterday.

The posters of Nik Aziz were defaced with cross markings while those of Khalid were defaced with red ink. While the culprits have not yet been identified, Mat Sabu insinuated that BN had a hand in the incident.

“Vandalism is a normal practice for the other side,” he said. “It’s nothing to take too seriously. This is just another example of their characteristics.”

‘Mutiny in Umno’: MIC must back Najib

MIC's S Vell Paari says if it is true that there is an attempt to topple Najib, then MIC must back the prime minister.

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC should reconsider its position in Barisan Nasional if Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is toppled from power by certain forces within Umno, said party Central Working Committee (CWC) member S Vell Paari.

In a news report published in Tamil Nesan yesterday, he said there was intense speculation that Najib is facing a challenge in Umno.

If there is any truth to the speculation, Vell Paari urged MIC to defend Najib.

“He is the best prime minister we have in terms of catering for the Indian community, so we must stand by him.

“We don’t know if the rumour is true but MIC must protect Najib against those who are working against the prime minister,” he added.

Vell Paari, who raised the matter during the MIC CWC meeting yesterday, said that it was his personal opinion.

“This is my own opinion. It is up to the party leadership and CWC members to accept my opinion or not,” he added.

Although Umno’s top leadership denied the existence of any rifts, insiders claim that the party is split between two camps, the other led by Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Speculation is also rife that former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad is backing Muhyiddin in order to boost his son Mukhriz’s political fortunes.

Mahathir has denied this, accusing those behind the speculation of attempting to destroy Umno by sowing suspicion among its leaders.

Mat Sabu pengganas, pengkhianat – Musa Hassan

(Utusan Malaysia) - Bekas Ketua Polis Negara, Tan Sri Musa Hassan melabelkan Mohamed Sabu sebagai pengganas dan pengkhianat negara apabila mendakwa Parti Komunis Malaya (PKM) ialah hero sebenar dalam peristiwa Bukit Kepong dan bukannya anggota keselamatan serta ahli keluarga mereka.

Sehubungan itu, katanya, Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) perlu memantau tindak-tanduk Timbalan Presiden Pas itu dan mengambil tindakan tegas terhadapnya termasuk dikenakan Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA) kerana kenyataannya itu menunjukkan beliau mempunyai kecenderungan menjadi pengganas.

Menurut Musa, kenyataan Mat Sabu itu jelas menunjukkan beliau menyokong pengganas sedangkan sejarah membuktikan betapa kejamnya komunis terhadap anggota pasukan keselamatan dan rakyat yang menentang perjuangan mereka suatu ketika dahulu.

“Lupakah Mat Sabu betapa ramai anggota pasukan keselamatan dibunuh dengan kejam oleh komunis, berapa banyak rumah penduduk kampung dibakar apabila enggan memberi beras kepada mereka?

“Ada 6,000 pegawai dan anggota polis dibunuh oleh komunis, tak kan mereka sanggup bergadai nyawa jika bukan mahu mempertahankan negara tetapi malang sekali pengorbanan mereka diperlekehkan oleh seorang pengkhianat seperti Mat Sabu,” katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia hari ini.

Kata Musa lagi, Mohamad Sabu mungkin sengaja mengeluarkan kenyataan tersebut untuk mencari publisiti dan memburukkan polis yang selalu menangkapnya kerana melanggar undang-undang sebelum ini.

Indonesian envoy: Malaysia has lost its lustre

The Star

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia can no longer depend on Indonesia as a never-ending source for maids.

Indonesian Embassy minister counsellor for information, social and cultural affairs Suryana Sastradiredja said Malaysia no longer seemed an attractive place to work for its women.

He said this was due to increasing opportunities in their own country and a “bad impression” about Malaysian employers.

“The economy in Indonesia is improving and has opened up many job opportunities. Many Indonesian households are hiring maids as well,” he said yesterday.

He added that those working as maids preferred to work close to home although their salary was slightly lower about RM200 less than what they would get here.

Suryana said the number of legal workers in Malaysia had dropped by 50% to fewer than 500,000 people since last year.

“Another major reason is the negative impression many Indonesians have of employers in Malaysia,” he said.

The embassy spokesman said although only a minority of Malaysian employers mistreated their maids, this had created a negative image among its workers.

“Malaysians must realise that times have changed. Those who have worked here do communicate to the others back home about their experience in the country,” he said.

Norway: Christian Convert Attacked With Boiling Water By Muslim Asylum Seekers

"Ali", an Christian convert in a Norwegian Alylum Reception Centre, feels the peace of Islam

..who later attacked him with acid, for non-compliance with Ramadan. Five Christians vs. 150 Muslims – Just the kind of odds RoP adherents like:A an ex-Muslim Convert to Christianity was attacked with boiling water and acid by Muslims at an ‘asylum reception centre’ in Norway on Friday.
“Ali” (Not his real name), an Asylum seeker in an immigration centre in Jaeren, Norway, had boiling water poured over him after he converted to Christianity and would not comply with Ramadan fasting rules. He and the other converts at the centre now fear for their lives
If you do not return to Islam, we will kill you” was the message from the other asylum seekers at the Asylum Reception in Hå, in the Jaeren region of Norway . He refuses to disclose his real name for fear of further reprisals from them. This is also why he is pictured face down in the image above.
If Afghan authorities found out about the incident and he were to be subsequently deported he risks being sentenced to death by stoning, he claims.
He survived the incident, but has been left with a severely disfigured back, covered with flaking skin under bandages. The Christian roommate of his, Reza, dries the oozing wounds and put the blanket support under his head. Ali, his face distorted in pain, nevertheless maintains a calm voice as he tells his story:
“Two of the Muslim residents asked why I had not fasted during Ramadan. When I would not answer, they began to discuss the matter. One of them said that he knew I was Muslim and converted to Christianity, and that they had to engage in Jihad”.
One resident held Ali while another struck him in the back of the head with a pot of boiling water; and Ali collapsed to the floor. Several other Muslim residents joined the commotion. A third man walked into Ali’s room and began to trash it.
The police arrived, but only an hour later – the damage already done.
“I was still on the floor when police arrived. I told them a little, but was in too much pain to talk, so I was taken to hospital.
After a night in the hospital, went Ali back to the reception – knowing that danger had not passed When he checked the door handle to his room turned out to be covered with a acidic substance that causes burns on contact.
He summoned the staff who had washed away the chemical, but the Christian Afghan feel still does not feel safe. – They’re really killing me, and they will not rest until they have done it.

“Whoever changes his Islamic religion, then kill him.” Bukhari 9:57

Knowing that this kind of incident is by no means unique, and how violent crimes such as this is are an almost universal hallmark of recent Muslim immigration to Europe – how do you feel about the fact that the mass importation of violent thugs such as the ones who attacked “Ali”, is being foisted upon you without mandate by your political masters?
Can anyone (even the most ardent leftist moonbat or multikulti maven) really argue that that these morons will make a positive contribution to Norway?
It’s way past time that immigration to Europe from Islamic countries – particularly those where Sharia dominates – was reined in. Time and time again, Islam proves itself wholly incompatible with Western norms and standards.

Dr M: Blame BN leaders, not its system

(Malaysiakini) The concept of a coalition government with the representation of all races in the country is still a "good system" said former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He blamed the problems and discontent over the past few years not to the system, but to the policies of the leaders who have administrated the government.

"It's not the BN which is wrong, it is the policies that are followed," said Mahathir.

He was speaking at the launch of the Chinese-language version of his autobiography 'A Doctor In The House: The Memoirs Of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad' at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

"As you know under the concept of a coalition government, in which all the races participate and where we agreed that no one (race) should get everything (they) are entitled to and everybody must make sacrifices - under that system of coalition government, we prospered for almost 50 years," he said.

Mahathir was responding to a question from the floor on whether the BN government needed to change in terms of its outlook.

The former prime minister of 22 years added that unlike other nations with a multiracial composition, Malaysia is "well ahead" in harnessing racial harmony and avoiding "conflicts, confrontations and violence".

'Blame poor leaders'

The "BN system" is a good system, he reiterated, but as the leaderships changes, policies that are implemented also change.

"Sometimes the change is for the good, it improves the situation. But sometimes the change is for the wrong reasons and then the country will not prosper," he said.

Mahathir hinted scathingly at the drastic shift in policies by his handpicked successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (left in orange).

"As you know, when I stepped down the policies took a 190 degree turn and when they did that of course the economy and even race relations in Malaysia deteriorated," said Mahathir alluding to his successor.

Abdullah upon assuming power had almost immediately began cancelling some of Mahathir's white elephant megaprojects, the Singapore-Malaysia 'crooked' bridge and the double track project among others.

'Wise' even when I said silly things'

He also attempted to institute some badly needed reforms, such as the IPCMC, before pressure from within the party forced him to back down and eventually step down in favour of his successor, Najib Abdul Razak.

The polls group Merdeka Centre's poll, conducted between May 24 and June 8, 2011 to gauge voter perception of the state of ethnic relations in the country, has indicated that race relations has dipped since 2006.

The pollster said the dismal result was possibly due to intensified media coverage on race and religious politics, as well as the impact of incidents post 2008 including arson attacks on places of worship, public discontent over racially-biased school text books and controversial statements by public personalities.

On a lighter note, Mahathir talked about the change of his career from a doctor to becoming a politician. "Actually, I was a politician first, only then I become a doctor," he said to the amusement about 100 present.

"You see, only when you have a university qualification or a title, people will listen to you. I was as intelligent without having to become a doctor, as I am after I became a doctor but no one cares about someone without a degree.

After spending six years of his youth studying to become a certified medical practitioner, he pursued his passion for politics.

"When I came back (after studies), even if I said silly things, people thought it was very wise (but) truth to be told, I find the training of a doctor is very good for politicians," said Mahathir, adding that his medical vocation had assisted him in solving problems in public administration.

AK’s overseas media expansion hits snag on Tindle buy

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 — Malaysian mogul Ananda Krishnan’s plans to expand his media presence in Britain took a hit this week after Tindle Newspapers increased its existing stake in troubled Johnston Press, which is majority owned by the reclusive tycoon.

Tindle Newspapers, owner of more than 200 weekly newspapers in the United Kingdom, increased its share in rival Johnston Press to 4.36 per cent to become the fourth largest shareholder after seizing on the troubled newspaper publisher’s low share price.

Johnston Press on Thursday reported a 47.5 per cent year-on-year drop in pre-tax profit to GBP13.8 million (RM67.4 million) in the first half, with the publisher cutting 179 staff as advertising revenue fell by 10 per cent, according to The Guardian newspaper.

“Clearly, Tindle think that the share price is low and could bounce back but it is unlikely that the majority shareholder would allow a takeover because its shares were bought at a much higher level,” the British national daily quoted a City source as saying.

“And whoever takes over Johnston would have to take over quite a substantial debt so it is questionable whether this would be a sensible move anyway.”

Ananda (picture) became the largest shareholder in Edinburgh-based Johnston Press in 2008 after spending almost GBP86 million buying 20 per cent of the company, whose stable of titles includes The Scotsman and the Yorkshire Post.

He had spent GBP43 million buying new shares after the publisher announced a GBP212 million emergency rights issue to shore up its battered balance sheet and another GBP43 million buying over half of the Johnston family’s 19.5 per cent stake.

British newspapers reported then that Ananda was planning to bulk up Johnston Press’s online presence to cope with the loss in revenue after advertisers shifted to the Internet away from regional titles.

“Ananda believes local audiences, both in print and online, have considerable value in the current climate,” Johnston Press chief executive Tim Bowdler told The Daily Mail in 2008.

But the world’s 89th richest man, whose interests span telecommunications, media, gaming, property and power, has been unable to turn around the company.

Since he acquired a majority stake in Johnston Press three years ago, its share price has plummeted from GBP1.35 per share to only 5p now.

Ananda had earlier tried to buy Virgin Radio in what appeared to have been a bid to assemble a global media empire but lost out to India’s The Times Group, in what was then the largest Asian media acquisition in Europe.

Ex-headmaster lodges police report over apostasy claim

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 — A former school headmaster lodged a police report today over allegations made online that he had left Islam for Christianity.

Zainal Ratin Zainal Abidin, 67, who was accompanied by his son, Zainal Azam, lodged the report at Taman Tun Dr Ismail Police Station at around 2pm.

According to Bernama Online, Zainal Ratin said he first became aware of the claim when one of his children stumbled across a list of 430 Muslims who had allegedly converted to other religions while surfing the Internet.

“My name is on that list. This is, for me, a great slander because it involves me, my faith and my family’s honour,” he said.

Zainal Ratin has asked the authorities, including the police, to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter as it involved many Muslim individuals.

Do you want to go to heaven?

Muslims believe in the Resurrection and the Afterlife, just like Christians do. Christians believe that those who follow Jesus Christ would go to heaven and all others would go to hell. Muslims believe that those who follow Prophet Muhammad would go to heaven and all others would go to hell.
NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin

Terengganu checks attempts to spread Shiite teachings
Attempts to propagate the teachings of the Shiite sect among Malaysia's Sunni Muslims have been detected in Terengganu, according to the State Religious and Information Committee chairman Khazan Che Mat.
He said the chairmen of all mosques in the state received reading material pertaining to the sect by registered mail several days ago.
Khazan said he had instructed all recipients of the material to surrender them to the Terengganu Religious Affairs Department.
"We do not want anyone to have the impression that the propagation of Shiite teachings has the blessings of the state government," he told reporters after an event organised by Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) here today to popularise its Terengganufm and Kelantanfm channels. -- Bernama 

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

To those who are not Muslims, the impression probably created is that Shiites are not real Muslims or are deviant Muslims. That is why the Malaysian government is blocking the spread of Shiite Islam and those Malaysian Muslims who follow Shiite teachings would suffer arrest.
Actually, Shiites are also Muslims. It is just that they follow a different sect of Islam. However, since they do not follow Sunni Islam, they are considered deviants by the Malaysian government.
Shiites are allowed into Mekah and Medina. If they were not Muslims then they would be banned from the ‘Holy Land’. The Saudi Arabian government is very strict on this and non-Muslims are forbidden entry into the two Holy Cities.
But Shiites are not banned from entry into Mekah and Medina. So this means they are still considered Muslims.
If you are born Malay, then you are automatically a Sunni Muslim. This is the law. And if you follow another sect of Islam, or you leave Islam to follow another religion, then you have committed a crime and you will be punished.
To those who are not Muslims, this may sound strange. After all, in other countries such as England, there are many types of Christians and no one is arrested if they don’t follow the Church of England.
But England was not always like this. 1,000 years ago, the Crusaders killed more Christians than they did Muslims. If you were a Christian of another sect, then you would be put to death.
In fact, only 500 years ago, ‘deviant’ Christians were still being put to death in England. Henry VIII was notorious for massacring thousands of his own citizens after he broke away from Rome and formed his own church with him as head of the church.
This break from Rome was partly for religious reasons and partly because of money and power. When England came under Rome, the very rich church sent money to the Vatican. With Rome out of the equation, Henry could confiscate the vast property of the church to become the richest King in Christendom.
You see, in those days, the church was richer than the King -- while England was going bankrupt because of the many wars it embarked upon. So it made sense for Henry to take over as head of the church. Then, everything that the church owned would now be owned by the King. And we are talking about a lot of money here.
When Mary I ascended the throne, she tried to bring back England to Rome and the Protestants who resisted were put to death in great numbers. That was why she was known as Bloody Mary -- blood flowed like rivers when she was Queen. Then Elizabeth I took over and she took revenge on the Catholics. Those who were Catholics were burned alive, just like what her sister Mary did to the non-Catholics.
Only now can you be whatever type of Christian you would like to be without facing the danger of being burned alive. However, until today, Catholics still can’t sit on the throne of England or become the British Prime Minister -- a law passed by Parliament during the time of Elizabeth I.
Malaysia is 500 years behind England. No doubt, Malaysia does not burn Shiites alive or cut off their heads with a sword. But you will get arrested and the government will block the spread of Shiite at all cost.
If you are not a Muslim, you probably have the impression that the Prophet Muhammad was a Sunni or that Muslims believe that God is a Sunni Muslim.
Actually, Prophet Muhammad was not a Sunni, Shiite, Salafi, Ahmadiyya, Kharijite, Bahá'í, Ahl-e Haqq, Ismaili, Alawi, Zaidiyyah, Druze, Qadiri, Bektashi, Chishti, Naqshbandi, Oveyssi, Suhrawardiyya, or whatever.
All these different sects and sub-sects are inventions of man -- just like the hundreds of many different Christian sects/sub-sects (see here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominations) that at one time were killing one another in the hundreds of thousands or millions.
So, which is the correct version of Islam from the many different sects and sub-sects? The Malaysian government says Sunni Islam, and the Shafiee School in particular.
Is this what God said in the Quran? No! Is this what Prophet Muhammad said? No! This is what the Malaysian government says and the Malaysian government, and not God or Prophet Muhammad, is the final authority on Islam.
Muslims believe in the Resurrection and the Afterlife, just like Christians do. Christians believe that those who follow Jesus Christ would go to heaven and all others would go to hell. Muslims believe that those who follow Prophet Muhammad would go to heaven and all others would go to hell.
The Malaysian government believes that only those who follow the Malaysian government’s version of Islam would go to heaven while all others would go to hell.
So, if you want to go to heaven and not to hell, then follow the Malaysian government. And if you vote for Umno and Barisan Nasional, then you will not only be going to heaven but you will also be rewarded with many virgins for your sacrifice and jihad.
Hmm… what makes the government think that I like virgins? Give me a woman with experience any time.

Teacher speaks out over assault

 

SPEAKING OUT ... Ibrahim Yusuf

A mosque teacher who assaulted four pupils with a two-foot long stick says he is hoping to put the episode behind him after he was given a community sentence.

Married dad-of-eight Ibrahim Yusuf, 52, admitted hitting the children while under his tuition at the Raza Jamia Masjid Mosque, Grimshaw Street, Accrington.

This week a judge at Blackburn Magistrates Court handed the grandad-of-one a 12-month community order with 12 months supervision after he pleaded guilty to four charges of assault.

He was also ordered to pay £85 in court costs and £25 compensation costs on each of the assault charges.
More than 200 people have signed a petition in support of Mr Yusuf to return and teach at the mosque – stating they ‘are united in deep regret following this unfortunate and isolated incident’.

Speaking exclusively to the Observer following the sentence Mr Yusuf, of Preston New Road, Blackburn, said: "I am relieved it is over. I wasn’t scared that I might go to jail but it’s been tough for my family because they have been worried.

"Everyone including the parents of the four children involved in this want me to carry on working at the mosque after Ramadan which is where I have been working as a volunteer teacher for almost 12 years."
Mr Yusuf is a Hafiz of the Qu’ran – one who has memorised the entire Qu’ran – and teaches children the art of reciting the Holy book to Accrington youngsters.

Earlier this month, Blackburn magistrates heard how Mr Yusuf walked among four children who had run out of another classroom and hit them with a stick he used as a teaching aid.

The court was also told how he could be seen striking two of the boys, all aged 11, on CCTV footage on the day of the assaults. One was hit on the arm and another on the lower back.

The court also heard his actions were against the Accrington mosque’s policy but its chairman would welcome back Mr Yusuf, who was described as the ‘best teacher’.

Speaking following the sentence Mr Yusuf said there were about 30 nine to 13 year old students at the mosque on the day of the incident.

Mr Yusuf, who works full-time as a sales administrator for a mobile phone and computer company, said: "I don’t usually have the stick, but just happened to have it that day for teaching purposes.

"Four or five children started running around in the hall. I went out and just tapped them on their arms with the pointer and was generally just waving the stick. The CCTV shows that.

"They were running around very fast and could have hurt themselves if I hadn’t done anything. I did it to stop them getting hurt on the nearby wooden benches or hurting anyone else and to respect the mosque. Apparently even tapping can be an assault which is why I admitted it."

Support has flowed in from the community following the case.

Azar Iqbal, 41, who runs Oswaldtwistle Pharmacy, said the success of his pharmacy was due to the guidance he received from Mr Yusuf when he was his former pupil. He said: "He taught me how to become a good citizen. I was deeply saddened to hear how such a wonderful person could have got himself tangled up in this case."

Siraj Ahmed, a barrister from Blackburn, said it came as a shock to him. He said: "I do not condone or justify the behaviour, but I would describe such action as being totally out of character."

Khalil Bukhari, a practising solicitor from Blackburn, said he had always found Mr Yusuf to be a "kind, dependable person, well regarded among his peers and in the local community" in the 30 plus years he has known him.

Church raid stokes religious tensions

A survey has showed the number of Malaysians who felt ethnic relations were good dropped from 78 percent in 2006 to 66 percent.

KUALA LUMPUR: A raid by state Islamic enforcers on a church function has stirred religious tensions and revived fears of growing Islamisation in the multi-ethnic country.

Officials swooped on a dinner at a Methodist church hall outside the capital Kuala Lumpur on Aug 3, saying they had information that a group of Muslims were being converted, which is prohibited in much of the country.

The relatively tame incident has unnerved some in one of Southeast Asia’s most prosperous nations, where religion and race are intertwined and the various ethnic groups have generally co-existed peacefully.

The Damansara Utama Methodist Church denied the event was held to convert Muslims, but Islamic officials and pro-government media pounced on the case to allege a widespread Christian proselytising campaign.

Many Christians, however, dismiss the charge and say they face increasing pressure in a country whose ethnic Malay-dominated government has long presented Malaysia as a modern, ethnically harmonious Muslim state.

“I am very unhappy with the way Christians are being portrayed and why authorities are treating the community so suspiciously,” Maria Varghese, 37, a Kuala Lumpur schoolteacher and ethnic Indian Christian, told AFP.

“We are not trying to convert anyone. We have friends of all races and religions and have lived happily for centuries. I don’t understand why they are attacking us.”

Half of Malaysia’s population are ethnic Malay Muslims — there are also sizeable Chinese, Indian and indigenous minorities — while Christians from a range of races form nine percent of the country’s 28 million population.

Overt racial and religious antagonism has been minimal in recent decades, following deadly race riots in 1969.

But an Islamisation trend has gained pace recently as the long-ruling government coalition vies for Muslim votes with the increasingly influential Islamic opposition party PAS.

“Both Muslims and Christians have been carrying out missionary work in this country for centuries so this is not a new phenomenon,” said Shamsul Amri Baharuddin, head of ethnic studies at the National University of Malaysia.

“But what is worrying is that this is now being politicised.”

Church attacks

In 2009, churches were attacked with petrol bombs after a court lifted a government ban on the use of “Allah” as a translation for “God” in Malay-language bibles.

The ban had been in place for years but enforcement only began in 2008 out of fear the word could encourage Muslims to convert.

Premier Najib Tun Razak, head of the ruling Umno, has called for national unity and met Pope Benedict XVI in July about opening relations with the Vatican.

But with a hotly contested election expected soon, the Damansara raid has triggered anti-Christian rhetoric by some ruling-party politicians, Islamic officials and Umno-backed media.

A coalition of about two dozen Muslim civil society groups also issued a call to make apostasy a national crime.

Converting from Islam is already banned in most of Malaysia’s 13 states and three federal territories which have Islamic Sharia courts that run parallel to civil courts. Muslims, however, are allowed to proselytise.

“As long as no one tries to convert Muslims, we can live in harmony with everyone,” Ibrahim Salleh, 58, an elder at a Muslim prayer hall in the Kuala Lumpur suburb of Subang, told AFP.

“But if missionary groups try to exert their influence and erode Islam, then we must fight back.”

Creating mistrust

The uproar has raised questions over the powers of the state Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIS), known for its raids to enforce Islamic rules ranging from the alcohol ban to illicit relationships between unwed Muslims.

Christian leaders warn the church incident risked upsetting the country’s delicate racial and religious balance.

“These actions are calculated at creating mistrust and tension among the various religions in Malaysia and people should know better than to try and stoke such tensions through baseless allegations,” Reverend Thomas Philips, president of the Christian Churches of Malaysia, told AFP.

A survey by polling group Merdeka Centre conducted earlier this year showed the number of Malaysians who felt ethnic relations were good dropped from 78 percent in 2006 to 66 percent.

But with Najib widely expected to call an election soon, he faces an uphill challenge to defuse the situation, said Shamsul of the National University of Malaysia, “as he is head of Umno, which champions Malay rights and Islam.”

- AFP

Anti-Chinese sentiment gaining ground in Malaysia

By China.org.cn
Recently, a racial incident again took place in a Malaysian school. A middle school history teacher in Johor told a student of Chinese descent to "go back to China." The incident came mere months after another case of schoolyard racism when a middle school principal insulted his Chinese students with similar remarks at the end of last year.

Although racial remarks and activities are often punished firmly by the Malaysian authorities, these discordant voices continue to drum in schools in attempts of clearing out Chinese descendants.
For the middle school principal, however, the only consequence for his behavior last year was being reassigned from his post. This did not appease the anger of the Chinese community. Moreover, it was shown to be a tacit approval for anti-Chinese sentiment by the government.

This time, it is a history teacher who made such improper remarks. The saying goes: Take history as a mirror, and we can see the rise and fall of dynasties. Obviously, this history teacher does not measure up to his supposed expertise, and his ignorance is on clear display as he stirs up racial disputes. Malaysia is a multiracial and multicultural nation with Malays, Chinese and Indians as its three major ethnicities. All three settled on the islands almost at the same time; none is technically aborigines in Malaysia.

However, the anti-Chinese sentiment has been deeply rooted. Malays account for 60 percent of the population, Chinese 26 percent and Indians 8 percent. The current administration implements preferential policies to Malays, which has further deepened the racial discrimination in the society.

Chinese descendents in Southeast Asian countries constitute the majority of the foreign Chinese. Minorities in all, the Chinese descendents have still played important roles in the social and economical developments of these countries. Even in the hardest time, they did not leave the countries but stuck to their businesses there. As citizens, they made contribution to the social and economical restorations to the countries where they reside. This was especially the case in Malaysia.

Therefore, "Go back to China" is no small thing. It reflects a lack of sensitivity to racism in Malaysia, as well as the lack of understanding for the local Chinese. The Chinese descendents do not want the government to simply adopt measures to deal with improper remarks or activities as a formality. They want a deeper, intrinsic kind of respect for their community. And instead of fanning the flames of racism and condoning anti-Chinese behaviors, they hope government would take on a meaningful role in maintaining the unity of the ethnicities.

A politician once pointed out this of the Malaysian government: "If you knock it, it will shake. But if you knock harder, it will break. It looks well on the outside, but ill on the inside."

Moreover, a Malaysian congressman confronted the government, saying it was a great shame that although his party had won an overwhelming 91 percent of parliament seats in the election in March, 2004, the prime minister did not take this chance to promote a national unity. On the contrary, ethnic separatists are more influential than ever, bringing a new crisis to the country.

I would hold the election after Raya

Yes, if I were Najib, I would hold the general election after Hari Raya. If not, then this would be the last Hari Raya with him as Prime Minister. If not, then next Hari Raya we would be visiting either Anwar or Muhyiddin Yassin at Putrajaya.
THE CORRIDORS OF POWER
Raja Petra Kamarudin
Anwar Ibrahim’s Sodomy 2 trial is going just like Sodomy 1.

Anwar’s team of lawyers are smarter than the prosecutors. They have managed to turn the trial into political grandstanding.

The issue is no longer whether Anwar did or did not commit the act of sodomy. The issue is whether the prosecution can prove that he did so. So they are fighting on technicalities. And the technicalities appear focused on the matter of fabrication of evidence.

That was what happened in the Sodomy 1 trial. And that is what is also happening in the Sodomy 2 trial.

If Najib Tun Razak hopes to convict Anwar and send him to jail, that will happen, of course. That happened in Sodomy 1 and it will happen in Sodomy 2 as well. However, just like what happened in Sodomy 1, the people will not believe that Anwar received a fair trial.

So, if Najib plans to hold the general election after they convict Anwar and send him to jail, in the hope that Anwar would be discredited and Pakatan Rakyat would lose the moral high ground, that is not going to happen. Instead, Anwar’s credibility would be enhanced and Pakatan Rakyat would gain more ground.

So, it is no point in holding the general election after they convict Anwar and send him to jail. Pakatan Rakyat would, in fact, benefit from that. Najib would be doing Pakatan Rakyat a favour by sending Anwar to jail on what most would consider a sham trial on trumped-up charges and fabricated evidence.

Yes, things are not going well for Najib. Anwar’s team has skilfully refocused attention not to the whether Anwar did or did not commit sodomy but to whether he is or is not getting a fair trial. The bungling fools in the prosecution are convincing everyone that the evidence is being fabricated to gain a conviction.

Anwar is going to jail. But he is not going to jail as a disgraced criminal. He is not going to jail because he committed sodomy. He is going to jail because they are giving him a sham jail.

Never mind whether Anwar is really guilty of sodomy. It matters not whether he did or did not commit the crime. What does matter is they can’t prove it and they fabricated the evidence to justify sending him to jail.

Things are indeed not going well for Najib. The Sodomy 2 trial is a foregone conclusion. But it is going to hurt Najib more than it is going to hurt Anwar. It is going to damage Barisan Nasional more than it is going to damage Pakatan Rakyat.

So, holding the general election after they send Anwar to jail will do more harm than good to Barisan Nasional. So they had better hold the election now, after Hari Raya.

The economy is not doing well. The UK and the US are bracing themselves for a crash landing.

In October, Najib will be presenting his budget for 2012. It was supposed to be an election budget. But no amount of window-dressing is going to convince anyone that everything is peachy rosy and honky dory.

Najib’s budget is going to be torn to pieces. They will strip it naked and it will be seen for what it is: rhetoric with no substance. So, holding the election after the budget, which means after Anwar’s trial as well, is going to be a double whammy for Barisan Nasional.

Umno is imploding. Najib is going to face what Dr Mahathir Mohamad faced in mid-2002. In 2002, Umno closed in on Dr Mahathir and forced his hand. In an emotional moment of weakness, Dr Mahathir announced his resignation and handed power to Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on 1 November 2003.

Najib is fighting on three fronts. On one front is Anwar. On the second front is the doomed economy. More importantly, however, on the third front is Umno that wants Najib’s head on a silver platter.

Rosmah Mansor has been very silent of late. She has been told that a Prime Minister’s wife must be seen, not heard. In Rosmah’s case, it is better that she is not seen as well.

Rosmah is Najib’s Khairy. She is to Najib what Khairy was to Abdullah Badawi. And for that same reason Najib has Dr Mahathir breathing down his neck.

Yes, the world is crumbling around Najib. Time is ticking away and is getting shorter. Time is not on Najib’s side. Time is a luxury he can’t afford.

Najib must call for the general election after Hari Raya if he wants to make it till Christmas. If not, he would go down in history as Malaysia’s Prime Minister who ruled the shortest.

Yes, if I were Najib, I would hold the general election after Hari Raya. If not, then this would be the last Hari Raya with him as Prime Minister. If not, then next Hari Raya we would be visiting either Anwar or Muhyiddin Yassin at Putrajaya.

That is what I would do if I were Najib. I would hold the general election after Hari Raya. Then I would catch Pakatan Rakyat unprepared.

Pakatan Rakyat is not yet ready for the elections. They still have not sorted out the seat allocations. In fact, they have not even started talking yet. And they are far from even sorting out the list of candidates.

Pakatan Rakyat is still sleeping. If the general election is held after Hari Raya, Pakatan Rakyat will be caught with its pants down. Pakatan Rakyat will be like the Americans at Pearl Harbour. They would be bombed and sunk just like at Pearl Harbour.

Yes, call the election after Hari Raya and watch Pakatan Rakyat scramble like cockroaches when the light is switched on. That is what will happen if the election is called after Hari Raya.

If I were Najib, I would hold the general election after Hari Raya and solve all my problems. It then matters not what type of trial Anwar is subjected to. It then matters not what happens to the economy. It then matters not what Umno is trying to do to me.

By the time it does matter the general election would be over and I would be installed as the legitimate Prime Minister. Then that would give me five years to solve all my problems. And in five years all my problems today would no longer be problems.

That is why I would hold the general election after Hari Raya if I were Najib. But then I am not Najib. And that is why Najib will fall, because he is not me and he would not do what I would do if I were him.

False news on TV1

Media Statement by Tony Pua, DAP National PublicitySecretary and Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya Utara in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, 28 August 2011

Rais Yatim must take responsibility for the most despicable piece ofincendiary false news reporting on national TV and ensure that thoseresponsible for it are sacked immediately.

TV1 last nite reported in its 8pm prime-time newson the existence of “Murtads in Malaysia & Singapore” Facebookgroup. What is most despicable andsickening is TV1 highlighting the alleged association of DAP leaders such asTan Kok Wai, Charles Santiago, Dr Boo Cheng Hau, Ean Yong Hian Wah with theGroup. TV1 even placed the spotlight onthe chairman of Parti Socialis Malaysia (PSM) and ADUN for Kota Damansara DrNasir Hashim insinuating the betrayal of his own faith.


The “news” report is obviously calculated toinflame sentiments and anger among Malays and Muslims in the country,especially towards Pakatan Rakyat whose leaders’ names were “found” to be part of the group.

The problem is those responsible in TV1 obviouslydid not bother to find the truth to the story but went ahead to make the baselessinsinuations above. TV1 either were tooignorant to know, or did not want to know the fact that the “add to group”function in Facebook is such that you cannot prevent a group administrator fromadding you to any group. There is norequirement to secure one’s permission or approval for adding a Facebook memberto a Group.

Therefore all of the accused “supporters” of theFacebook page did not intend to, or never knew they had “joined” the Group. TV1 was completely unethical in its reportingby not first verifying the above information with the relevant people who were “implicated”by the Facebook page, especially since they were Pakatan Rakyat leaders whowere easily accessible.

Hence instead of making a news report to cite theexistence of the “Murtads in Malaysia & Singapore” Facebook page andcriticising the administrators for wantonly adding Pakatan Rakyat leaders tothe page and to cause anger among the people, TV1 chose to emphasize thesupposed support shown by these leaders to the page. TV1 must be charged for making anddisseminating false news to incite hatred among ordinary Malaysians.

The false TV1 news report follows closely anotherfake news aired by TV3 on 21 August which claimed the proselytization by atuition centre in Old Klang Road after complaints by a non-existent “SurauAl-Musyrikin”.

It is absolutely clear that the above incendiaryand seditious false news reports by the Government-owned and UMNO-associatedmedia organisations are part of a systematic and orchestrated campaign todivide the people and retain power for Barisan Nasional in the next generalelections. The desperation of the Najibadministration is so deep that “to win at all cost”, BN is willing to not onlyspread false news, but also to use the highly-charged religious sentiments totear the country apart.

We condemn the actions of the TV stations in the strongestpossible terms and demand that the Minister of Information, Communications andCulture Dato’ Seri Dr Rais Yatim apologise on behalf of the TV stations formaking false and seditious news reports. Dr Rais must also conduct an immediate investigation into the completelylack of professionalism in both TV1 and TV3 and insist that the responsibleparties are removed from the posts.

Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam Is New President Of Singapore

SINGAPORE, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- Former deputy prime minister Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam has become the island state's seventh president, winning the four-corner election by 7,269 votes or a 0.34 per cent margin following a recount.

Returning officer Yam Ah Mee announced the result early Sunday morning after he had allowed the recount as the difference in votes between the two leading candidates was less than two per cent of the total valid votes cast.

Keng Yam secured 744,397 or 35.19 per cent of the total valid votes while Dr Tan Cheng Bock received 737,128 or 34.85 per cent.

Tan Jee Say garnered 529,732 votes or 25.04 per cent and Tan Kin Lian obtained 103,931 votes or 4.91 per cent.

This is the first time that Singapore has seen a four-corner fight for the post. It is also the first contested presidential election since 1993.

The president is the head of state and holds office for a term of six years.

The gender struggle in India

As India evolves from a traditional to a modern society, what challenges are Indian women facing?
India has produced a female president, a prime minister, business tycoons and countless Bollywood starlets. But becoming a successful Indian woman depends on the caste you are born into and what part of the country you come from.

As India evolves from a traditional to a modern society, Indian women still face the challenges of living and working in a patriarchial system.

The Cafe travels to Mumbai to discuss gender inequality in India and whether the status of women is improving in the world's largest democracy. How far have Indian women progressed, and how much further will they still have to go?

U.S. official: Al Qaeda's No. 2 has been killed

Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- Al Qaeda's second-in-command, Atiya Abdul Rahman, has been killed in Pakistan, a U.S. official said Saturday.

The official would not discuss the circumstances behind his death, but did say Rahman is a key loss for al Qaeda.

"There's no question this is a major blow to al Qaeda. Atiya was at the top of al Qaeda's trusted core," the official said. "He ran daily operations for the group since Shaykh Sa'id al-Masri was killed last year, and has been (Osama bin Laden successor Ayman al-Zawahiri's) second-in-command since bin Laden's death in May."

Rahman's death will affect al Qaeda's ties to its affiliates, as well as Zawahiri's ability to gain complete control over the terrorist group, the official said.

"Atiya was the one affiliates knew and trusted, and he spoke on behalf of both (bin Laden and Zawahiri). He planned the details of al Qaeda operations and its propaganda.

"His combination of background, experience and abilities are unique in al Qaeda -- without question, they will not be easily replaced," the official said.

"Zawahiri needed Atiya's experience and connections to help manage al Qaeda. Now it will be even harder for him to consolidate control," he added.

Zawahiri took control of al Qaeda after bin Laden was killed in a clandestine U.S. raid in Pakistan in May. Rahman used to be bin Laden's operations chief.

Think out of the box, Dr M tells Bumi businesses

The former prime minister said the Bumiputera business community should seek new ways to increase demand for Malaysian products globally. — file pic

PETALING JAYA, Aug 27 — Bumiputera businesses must strive to develop new and unique products rather than imitate others if they wish to compete on the world stage, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.


The former prime minister said the Bumiputera business community should not imitate what has already been done by others but instead, seek new ways to increase demand for Malaysian products globally.

“Think of something new. Don’t do what your neighbours do,” he told some 150 Tesco staff and suppliers here today at an executive lecture organised by the hypermarket chain.

“In Malaysia, for example, if somebody starts a nasi lemak stall, then within a short while there will be 10 nasi lemak stalls. But the number of customers is not increasing so all of them will fail.”

Dr Mahathir said small businesses should build up production capacity by adopting mechanisation so that they can grow as demand for their products increases and eventually develop into small-and-medium enterprises.

He said Bumiputera businesses must also learn to how to better package and market their products, which were good but lacked attractiveness and exposure.

Malaysians could emulate the success of the Japanese and the Koreans, who market and sell goods all over the world, if they “worked really hard”, Dr Mahathir added.

“It’s a question of always producing good quality products and you meeting your commitments,” he said.

Dr M: Middle-income Malaysia cannot rely on FDI

Dr M said today that Malaysia could now leverage on local funds and know-how to start new industries, acquire new technology and develop new products. — file pic

PETALING JAYA, Aug 27 — Malaysia should not depend on foreign direct investment (FDI) to drive the economy as it can no longer compete with low-cost countries such as Vietnam and China, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.


The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) has said that FDI accounts for 70 per cent of investments but it is working towards a 50:50 parity by encouraging more local investments.

“We cannot wait for foreign investors to come simply because foreign investors have got a choice,” Dr Mahathir told some 150 Tesco staff and suppliers here today at an executive lecture organised by the hypermarket chain.

“They can go to Vietnam or China or Thailand or the Philippines or Indonesia, where labour is cheaper.”
He said that while Malaysia previously had no choice but to rely on FDI due to lack of capital, technology and knowledge of the world market, it could now leverage on local funds and know-how to start new industries, acquire new technology and develop new products.

Dr Mahathir also said the government should grant local investors the same incentives it gave foreign ones, such as tax holidays, as it was unfair and discriminatory to hold back such benefits from Malaysians.
“Now that we have local investors, they should be given incentives and support by the government,” he said.

Deputy international trade and industry minister, Dr Mahathir’s son Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, said earlier today that it would be an uphill task for Malaysia to bring domestic direct investments (DDI) to parity with FDI as foreign inflows had not slowed down.

He said it was crucial that the government not differentiatie between local and foreign investors if Putrajaya wished to make it “more exciting” for Malaysians to invest here instead of overseas.

Putrajaya has set a target of RM1.4 trillion in investments until 2020 to generate RM1.7 trillion and vault Malaysia into developed nation status.

The Stream - Malaysia's ethnic and religious divide

Debating M’sia’s ethnic, religious divisions

Al Jazeera interviews Marina Mahathir, Khairy Jamaluddin and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad on Malaysia's ethnic and religious divide.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s delicate issue of race and religion was put under the global spotlight in an interview programme aired by international broadcaster Al Jazeera yesterday.

The programme – the daily run The Stream, aired live yesterday – touched on recent controversies which brushed Malaysia, including the issue of the use of the word “Allah”, the proselytisation of Muslims and the “racist” 8TV advertisement.

The programme was hosted by Derrick Ashong who interviewed well known political commentator Marina Mahathir, Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and PKR’s Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad for their views on how to tackle the nation’s most prickly problems.

Despite having differing views on who was to blame over the issues, all three agreed that Malaysia must move away from race and religion based politics for the nation to move forward.

Khairy, who is also the MP for Rembau, said ethnicity was gradually becoming a less important basis for politics and government.

“In Malaysia, people are moving towards post-modern politics that is not based on race and religion. It is not to say ethnic and religious issues are not important and do not gain traction among people, and of course it is being exacerbated by politicians.”

“But I would say, going forward in 10 to 20 years, ethnicity and religion as political issues would play less of an important role especially when people are more inclusive in their world view and the
future of the country,” he added.

When posed a question on how Malaysia could promote the 1Malaysia concept when the ruling BN was still practicing race-based politics, Khairy rejected the accusation that BN could not bring about unity.

“I think that’s a very common criticism of the BN. I disagree vehemently with that categorisation. I don’t think BN is incompatible with national unity,” he said, adding that even the opposition has a party that was based on a single religion and another dominated by one ethnic group.

Streamlining the NEP

Khairy said despite having ethnic-based parties, the BN “works because we govern on the basis of consensus” and said “ultimately it is the policies that matter and the agreements between the parties for national interest”.

He was also asked as to how government policies can be fair if the federal constitution “enshrines an inherent bias”, to which Khairy said there was not a single political party currently willing to say that they would abolish Article 153 from the constitution.

“The constitution says specifically certain things are accorded to Malays and some to non-Malays. However, some of the policies have expanded that into other areas of economy and it has become
overreaching. These are some of the things we can work on, these policies we can reform in the
future,” said Khairy.

Khairy added that the government was trying to streamline the NEP to ensure it doesn’t distort the market, become an impediment to economic growth and that necessary help goes to deserving Malays.

“It is a valid criticism in the past that it went to undeserving bumiputeras and the politically connected. What we are trying to foster is an environment of merit and competition within the Malay community so eventually we can scale back some of these provisions to ensure a level playing field for all,” he said.

BN still in the past

Nik Nazmi, who is PKR communications director, meanwhile put the blame on racial and religious politicking squarely on the BN.

He said that in Malaysia, times have changed and people have moved on, but “BN has not moved with the times and that creates the tension today.”

To a question on the government’s control of the media, Nik Nazmi said that the ruling coalition has used the race card to built a “seige mentality” in the population, which was very unhealthy.

“Race issues are consuming our attention disproportionately in Malaysia at the expense of discussions on health policies, economic policies and so forth,” he said.

Nik Nazmi agreed that ethnic based politics could only be done away with when there are no more ethnic-based parties.

“This model is something of the past, it is destroying the Malaysian politics. It was said that a Malay politician may not have a single chauvinist bone in his body but in order to rise he has to play the race game.

“This is what happens in Umno. In multi-racial parties like PKR for example, I can’t be racist because I’ll be voted out,” he said.

Nik Nazmi said that the constitution may have its “idiosyncracies” that were unsymmetrical between the rights and freedom between the different communities, but added that the country was much fairer in the past.

“Equality is also one of the fundamental rights in the federal constitution. That is what we find increasingly ignored and forgotten,” he said.

Marina worried

Marina lamented the fact that race and religion were what politicians talked about all the time but said that Malaysia has “worked pretty well all this time”.

However, she said, the issue now was “whether that balance that our forefathers envisioned are being disturbed, because now communities perhaps are taking bigger space, insisting and constantly griping about not getting their dues”.

Asked if she was referring the the Malay population, Marina said there were some politicians who continue to insist that they always have to have more.

She expressed her worry that the future looked bleak if the unhappiness of the non-Malays persist, the braindrain continues and the Malays continue to have higher birthrates.

“Unless we have leaders who are really committed in ensuring the continuation of the Malaysian diversity, that’s the way its gonna go, sadly.”

Jangan Halang Kaum Lain Jika Bantu Umat Islam

Master the English language to be world class — Hussaini Abdul Karim

AUG 27 — It is very pleasing and most delightful to the ears to hear many non-Malay Malaysians, both young and old (except maybe some of the older ones) speaking and writing in perfect Bahasa Malaysia, some without even a hint of an accent whatsoever, in the case of the former.

The country’s New Education Policy to switch from English to Bahasa Malaysia introduced and implemented in the early 70s must have done wonders. With the introduction of new laws, rules and regulations, the policy makers have found a very effective way to teach the national language which is now widely used and accepted throughout the country at every level including in the home.

Fast forward to the new millennium. While we have won over the people in terms of Bahasa Malaysia, we have now lost a big asset i.e., the ability of many Malaysians, graduates included, to speak and write proper English. In a way, our New Education Policy has backfired.

People all over the world, in the 60s and the early 70s, especially from English-speaking countries, poured praise and compliments every time a Malaysian spoke or wrote in English at international seminars, forums and discussions, including at the United Nations, and allowed Malaysian representatives to hold important positions because of our excellent language skills. Now, however, things have changed, for the worse.

Knowing the advantages of mastering more than one language, Malaysians need to re-learn English and what’s best other than to start from young, i.e. at the primary school or even kindergarten level. In order to master the English language the way our people did before, it has to be learnt the same way and there’s no short cut to it.

Of course, I am not suggesting that new laws, rules and regulations are introduced like how our policy makers once did when they wanted us to learn Bahasa Malaysia. Our policy makers and the people at the Ministry of Education know how a language can be taught effectively to achieve a very high fluency level, so let the use of English by all be free-flowing, for official, non-official and social use, and teach it the way Bahasa Malaysia is being taught now.

Besides that, many concerned Malaysians, including myself, have sent in useful and practical ideas, suggestions and proposals on the teaching and learning of the English language. If need be, re-introduce the English medium schools and recall all our excellent and experienced language teachers in addition to training some of our teachers to be excellent language teachers.

This will make Malaysians bi-lingual and instantly, we will increase the ‘value’ of our people with this additional asset. We can then ‘attack’ the world again like how our people did before and we can see many more Malaysians being accepted for jobs overseas and not only in the country, which is seen as among the several direct advantages that our people, especially graduates, will enjoy.

So, the powers that be; let’s not wait any longer and make a decision on English fast and stop dillydallying.
* Hussaini Abdul Karim reads The Malaysian Insider.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.

Malaysians Have The Kampung Close To Heart - Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- As the nation moves towards becoming a high-income nation, Malaysians should never abandon that one place they call their "kampung halaman" or hometown, no matter how modernised it has become, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

In his latest posting on his 1Malaysia blogsite as millions of Malaysians embark on the annual 'balik kampung' exodus to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, he said this phenomenon was an apprehension that despite having a comfortable livelihood in the city, there was always that need for Malaysians to return to their roots in the kampung.

"While many of the younger generation were born and raised in cities, the balik kampung culture has been so strongly embedded in our society that even this generation identifies the kampung as part and parcel of their life," he wrote.

In the posting titled 'Our Kampung Heritage', Najib hoped Malaysians had a safe journey back to their kampung to celebrate Aidilfitri, and that Malaysians of other faiths would join their Muslim friends in the festivities.

He observed there was no denying that there were some who had permanently adopted the city as their hometown and no longer had a kampung to go back to.

Najib said this was quite evident in Kuala Lumpur, which was no longer the strangely deserted city on Aidilfitri as it was in the 80s. "Kuala Lumpur is now their hometown," he noted.

"My family and I'll be spending the first few days of Aidilfitri in Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur, as I've done in years past. Nonetheless, I'm also thankful to have many reasons to return to my hometown in Pekan, and not just for Aidilfitri celebrations," he said.

The kampung was also experiencing socio-economic changes, he wrote, noting that in October last year, the government launched the Rural Development Master Plan to address the challenges and issues faced by rural communities and village folk, and transform the rural areas of the nation.

"The plan aims to increase economic and entrepreneurial opportunities for the rakyat residing in rural areas, yet without sacrificing the environment as well as the valued traditions and cultures that stemmed from this environment," he said.

He said, as more and more rural areas underwent the transformation of development each day, the unique connotation of a kampung remained as an important element in both our cultural and economic framework.

Najib cited the example of cottage industries which were still an important section of Malaysia's economy, producing local products such as batik, songket and food products such as dodol and keropok.

"These products are no longer necessarily manufactured in a traditional kampung set-up but are now mostly manufactured with advanced machinery assistance in industrialised workshops and factories.

"Despite so, these products continue to possess the indelible charm of the kampung lifestyle, and will continue to be created within the sphere and structure of a kampung that we know," Najib said.

Referring to Malaysia's second prime minister Tun Razak Hussein, he said: "My late father was a strong champion of economic development in rural areas in his time, particularly in his role as Minister of Rural Development."

Najib said under the ministry, roads and bridges were built to increase land connectivity; schools, clinics, community halls were constructed; a network of water and electricity supply began to spread, and modern agricultural processes were introduced.

He noted that these days, programmes such as the annual Karnival Usahawan Desa continued to help improve the economic welfare of village entrepreneurs by offering assistance and guidance to realise the market potential of their products, including to overseas markets.