Australia win but come up short

Australia got the win the wanted in Nelspruit on Wednesday night, but not the number of goals they needed as the Socceroos were eliminated on goal difference from Group D behind Ghana. Germany, 1-0 winners over the Black Stars in Johannesburg, top the group on six points, while the Aussies and Ghanaians finish on four and the Serbians three.

Suspended after being dismissed in the ultimately decisive 4-0 opening loss to the Germans, Budweiser Man of the Match Tim Cahill was back in the team, and he opened the scoring in the 69th minute, while substitute Brett Holman doubled the lead just four minutes later before Marko Pantelic pulled one back late-on to set up a grandstand finish.

Both teams approached the match knowing they needed to win and the match started at a high-tempo pressing forward every opportunity at the Mbombela Stadium. Serbia's Milos Krasic was an early danger down their right wing, testing goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer at his near post inside the first five minutes. In the 12th minute, Krasic had an even better chance when sprung free in the box by Milos Ninkovic's splitting pass after an Aussie corner, but the CSKA Moscow man took it too wide and could not get his shot on target around the advancing Schwarzer.

Krasic then turned provider, finding Zdravko Kuzmanovic streaking into the area, but he fired well wide when he might have done better in the 16th minute. Another pass from the right in the 23rd minute picked out Branislav Ivanovic, who pulled the ball back well from close range, but Schwarzer reacted quickly to save with his out-stretched left arm. The onslaught against the Australian left back David Carney continued in the 34th minute as Ivanovic crossed to a loosely marked Nikola Zigic, but the Serbian striker couldn't redirect it enough and it slid off his head. Four minutes later, Krasic had the ball in the back of the Australian net in, but he was only narrowly offside.

The two best chances of the first half for the Asian Zone representatives fell to Cahill, but the Everton midfielder headed wide just after the half hour mark and then lost his footing in the 39th minute after Carney had picked him out all alone in the middle of the Serbian box. But Pim Verbeek's side came out with more purpose in the second half and two long-range efforts put a lump in Serbian throats. First, Jason Culina blazed wide from 25 yards after the defence failed to clear a free-kick, and Bresciano then stung the goalkeeper's hands with a blast from just outside the area when given too much space.

And though the Serbians continued to create chances as well, with Zigic firing over from close-range and Kuzmanovic heading over from near the penalty spot, it was the Aussies who found the net. Again it was talisman Cahill the inspiration, showing more determination to leap over the defence and head in a long cross. As Serbia pushed for the equaliser, Australia got another moment of brilliance, this time from Holman, who picked the ball up near his half-way line and screamed in a long-range shot low into the Serbian goal.

With their South Africa 2010 hopes slipping away, the Eastern Europeans battled forward, and second-half substitute Zoran Tosic was a constant threat. It was his hard shot that was spilled by Schwarzer, and fellow-substitute Pantelic was first to the ball for an easy score. Remarkably that meant that the Serbians could have gone through with another goal, but despite some goal-mouth opportunities, they did not force a save from Schwarzer, although Culina did have a one-on-one bravely saved by Serbian goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic in the final moments.

Last-gasp Donovan fires USA into final 16

USA scored a dramatic injury-time winner in Pretoria to secure a 1-0 victory that sees them qualify for the Round of 16 as winners of Group C. It looked as if the USA would be going home early after they missed a number of openings with Algerian goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi in stubborn form.

USA were sitting in third place as the 90 minute-mark ticked by but everything changed in the blink of an eye as Landon Donovan led one last attack. Jozy Altidore squared the ball into the danger zone, where M'Bolhi beat it away, but Donovan was able to latch onto the loose ball and passed it into an empty net, before being submerged among a sea of white shirts. It was the least Bob Bradley's team deserved, having also had a Clint Dempsey effort disallowed for offside, struck a post and seen Jozy Altidore pass up a glorious opening.

Algeria, who also needed to win to give themselves a chance of going through, made the more positive start with Karim Matmour unleashing an attempt on goal in the opening seconds before Rafik Djebbour aimed a hooked shot against the crossbar. It was a decent attempt from the centre-forward, who took the ball on his chest, but the woodwork came to USA's rescue.

Djebbour tried again shortly after, from a wider angle, but his drive was always heading wide. The Americans answered in kind, with Clint Dempsey and Herculez Gomez - one of three changes in Bradley's line-up - failing to keep their efforts on target.

It was an open, entertaining tussle, reflecting both sides' need to win the game. Gradually, USA were beginning to dominate possession and create openings. In the 21st minute, they had the ball in the back of the net but their joy was quickly extinguished when Dempsey was ruled offside, as he applied the final touch after Gomez's shot was diverted to him.

That, at least, encouraged Bradley's team to think a breakthrough might not be far away, and they kept pouring forward. Donovan slid a lovely ball into Dempsey but Mbolhi did well to smother it. Two minutes later, the Americans were back to cause more panic in the Algeria penalty area. Bradley set up Donovan and when he couldn't turn it home the ball fell nicely for Jozy Altidore, but a heavy swing of his right boot sent the ball careering into the seats behind the goal.

For their part, the African side looked dangerous whenever Nadir Belhadj or Karim Ziani were on the ball. At the end of the first half, Ziani cut in from the left to position himself for the shot but was unable to keep it on target.

USA were cursing their luck again in the second half as Dempsey followed up after Altidore had made ground with a strong run. The Fulham forward shaped a bending shot with his right that came back off the post, then gathered the rebound, only to shoot wide with his left foot with the goalkeeper still scrambling into position.

Both sides had let-offs in the 68th minute. Mbolhi came to Algeria's rescue again, parrying a close-range header from substitute Edson Buddle before jumping on the loose ball. The Africans immediately went down the other end, where a decent scoring chance for Ziani went the wrong side of the upright. Chances kept coming at either end and it came down to Donovan to at last make one count.

Defoe strike sends England through

England are finally up and running in this FIFA World Cup™ after booking their place in the Round of 16 with a 1-0 win over Slovenia in Port Elizabeth.

Fabio Capello's men had entered the match third in Group C after draws with USA and Algeria but they ended the day second, following a victory secured by Jermain Defoe's first-half volley. Slovenia, by contrast, suffered heartbreak as they slipped from first place to nowhere, as Landon Donovan's late goal for USA in Pretoria condemned them to elimination.

England's campaign up to this point had been played out against a backdrop of negative headlines but not for the first time at the FIFA World Cup, they delivered a result when it mattered in their final group game. They may have been wearing an unfamiliar all-red kit but Capello's men looked much more like themselves than in their previous two outings.

With a cool breeze blowing in off the Indian Ocean, they stirred to life in a Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium awash with the white and red of England. After 14 minutes Frank Lampard tested Samir Handanovic with a long-range free-kick and their desire to make things happen appeared evident when central defender Matthew Upson – in for the suspended Jamie Carragher – won a tackle outside the Slovenia box, allowing Rooney to get in a shot that was deflected behind.

As the game took shape, Slovenia showed the self-belief that had brought them four points already. James had already saved one early drive by Valter Birsa when Ashley Cole's misdirected clearance set Zlatan Ljubijankic on a run down the right, halted only by a fine John Terry tackle. When the ensuing corner was only half-cleared, Milivoje Novakovic drove in a shot that Bostjan Cesar flicked goalwards but without the pace to trouble James.

In the 23rd minute England got their goal. James Milner, restored to the team in the place of Aaron Lennon, swung in a ball from the right and Defoe got there ahead of Marko Suler to fire in a volley that found the roof of the net via the palms of Samir Handanovic. Coincidentally, it was his first England goal since he scored in a 2-1 friendly win against Slovenia last September.

Suddenly, England’s confidence came flooding back and they had chances to add to their advantage. Another Milner cross unnerved Slovenia’s defence, Handanovic’s attempted clearance only reaching Lampard who drove over. On the half-hour, Defoe drew a fingertip save from Handanovic, who then needed two attempts to keep out Steven Gerrard’s low shot, after Wayne Rooney had teed up his captain.

England continued to set the pace entering the second half. When Gerrard headed a half-cleared corner back into the six-yard box, Defoe hooked wide of an inviting net. The Tottenham Hotspur striker then converted a Rooney cross but the offside flag was raised.

If Rooney had had to apologise to England’s supporters for his angry words into a TV camera in response to boos that accompanied the team off the pitch against Algeria, now they were chanting his name. Yet he should really have given them a second goal to celebrate in the 58th minute when Terry’s pass put him in the clear. However, Handanovic, who had only just kept out a Terry header just before, reacted well once more to tip his shot on to the post.

Slovenia had barely troubled England’s defence but they provided a scare after 68 minutes when Novakovic and substitute Zlatko Dedic both got in shots, blocked by Terry and Glen Johnson, before Birsa dragged a third attempt past the post. Matjaz Kek’s men came close again in the dying moments only for Upson to deny Tim Matavz with a last-ditch challenge, and the USA's late winner up in Pretoria sealed their unhappy fate. For England, by contrast, the show goes on.

Ibrahim: Wee's statement is rude and insolent

Wee: I did not question MARA scholarships

Subs deal: Probe zeroes in on 'missing link'

(Malaysiakini) It is understood within the French legal fraternity that the judicial probe into the submarine deal between the Malaysian government and French defence giant DCNS has gathered sufficient evidence of corruption, said Batu MP Tian Chua.

"The only missing link is (the identity of) the French politician involved," said Chua (right), who returned
from Paris last week after meeting with experts in the field.

This follows the confiscation of files pertaining to the Malaysian deal by French financial police during their raid of DCNS's offices earlier this month.

The Paris prosecutor's office in March opened an investigation into the 2002 sale following a complaint lodged last year by the Malaysian human rights group Suaram.

According to Chua, the French politician's identity will be "very revealing information" as there is heavy public interest in DCNS due to a similar case involving the Pakistani government.

The probe into the Pakistan arms deal, which has reached the second of the three-stage judicial process, has been under intense media scrutiny as it implicates French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Similar 'kickbacks' in Pakistan

Chua said that it is believed that evidence gathered from the probe into the Malaysian deal can support the case against DCNS over the Pakistan arms deal.

"The pattern of corruption is the same, (where) the amount of kickbacks commission is also about 10 percent," he added.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Defence revealed that it paid consulting company Perimekar Sdn Bhd 114.96 million euro (RM574.8 million) to facilitate the purchase of two Scorpene submarines worth 969.15 million euros (RM4.85 billion).

Perimekar is owned by Abdul Razak Baginda, who is a close associate of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

The government said that the money paid to Perimekar was for “coordination and support services”, which represents 10 percent of the total price of the two submarines, worth 969.15 million euros (RM4.85 billion).

It is this portion which is currently investigated by the French authorities as it is suspected that this could be "commissions", and as such illegal under French laws.

Perimekar now falls under the heavy industries division of conglomerate Boustead Holdings Berhad, which Chua said has formed a joint-venture with DCNS to provide maintenance services for the two submarines, which he said is worth at least RM600 million over a period of six years.

Official Opening Bilik Gerakan Tawan Parliament Batu Kawan & DUN Prai, Penang

DPM: Govt aims more Chinese teachers but Tamil teachers to remain untrained and non graduates

(See The Star 20/6/10 at page N6)
For even the Permata Kindegartens headed by UMNO Prime Minister Najib Razak’s wife their teachers are trained as graduates at the Tanjung Malim Teachers University.
But for the 523 Tamil schools nationwide it becomes a “big deal” and a propaganda item by UMNO when in 2009, 600 Tamil school teachers get to be trained in special courses during school holidays (NST 21/2/2010 at page 24).
The Chinese business community who controls 70% of the Malaysian local economy sponsors Chinese school teachers while UMNO does for the Malay muslim schools. Who speaks for the 523 Tamil schools? PKR? DAP? PAS? NGOs? Indian elite? Indian journalists?
P. Uthayakumar

MIC and PPP beg UMNO at every AGM. But gets peanuts.

Fighting and striving to be in the national mainstream development of the Malaysia is the way forward for especially the poor and working class Indians.
Not through the Indian mandores in MIC, PPP, PKR, DAP and PAS and their mandorism and the mandorist arrangements formulated by UMNO and how ably aped by PKR, DAP and PAS.
Malaysia is only the country where its poor and powerless (Indian) minority is “officially and legally” segregated and excluded from the national mainstream development of the nation. Where thousands of 13As top and high achieving Indian students are denied JPA government scholarships, PTPTN study loans, public universities and Matriculation places. MIC, PPP, PKR DAP and PAS Indian mandores can only beg but cannot deliver.
Project 15/38 creating and winning in 15 Parliamentary and 38 state seats is the only way forward.
P. Uthayakumar

Uthaya’s 2003 arrest and strip filmed

In 2003 Police OCC I arrest of P. Uthayakumar and being stripped to underpants, filmed and photographed. P. Uthayakumar’s civil suit No. S5-21-35-2003 reported earlier refers 106/03 dated 20/1/03.
Note the words “fuck you” and “go to hell” used by DSP Aminodin Adnan and another Indian police mandore. UMNO’s Attorney General never prosecuted these criminal policemen which is one of the reasons the Malay-sian policemen have the Raja Di Malaysia and police above the law mindset.
S. Jayathas
Information Chief

UMNO lies: 92.2% of qualified STPM Indians accepted into public Universities. But 200,000 places in UITM where Indians excluded.

“Over 82% of qualified applicants with STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia) or equivalent qualifications have obtained places in the country’s public universities for the 2010/2011 academic session. All 2,088 applicants with a CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) of 4.0 were offered undergraduate courses, although not all received their first choice”, said Higher Education Department director-general Datuk Dr. Radin Umar Radin Sohadi.
He added that the meritocratic system was very sensitive to the candidates choices, with competition being much higher for popular courses and universities in the Klang valley.
Around 64.5% of bumiputera candidates were successful in their university applicants, along with 78% of Chinese applicants, and 50.7% of Indians and other races combined. However, when the number of successful applicants was compared with the number of qualified applicants, the percentage increased to 78.8% for bumiputeras, 92.1% for Chinese, and 92.2% for Indians and other races.
“Overall, we are quite happy that 82.3% of qualified applicants made it into university this year,” he said, adding that this was an increase of 0.35% compared with last year.
We are told that for Malay muslims only University UITM, a mere 2.5 CGPA is the entry requirement, ie., with about 40% lesser marks. And UITM takes in 200,000 students as at 2010.
From the above it can be seen that this is a blatant UMNO led One Malaysian government lie that 92.2% of qualified STPM Indians made it to the Universities whereas only 78.8% of the Malay muslims made it. This UMNO blatant lie and cheating the poor and powerless Indians has been going on for 53 long years.
But no more believed blindly by the Indians after 25th November 2007 Hindraf Rally.
Keep dreaming obsolete UMNO!
P. Uthayakumar

UMNO: 200,000 Malay muslim only University UITM. 90% of 163,779 in 20 public Universities also largely for Malay-muslims. One Malay-sia but 2 Higher Education Systems segregating the Indians.

(See UM 1/1/2009 and UM Kampus 16/6/2010
UMNO calls it affirmative action for the poor Malays. But in reality it is pure racist, supremacist and apartheid Malay-sia which UMNO has very successfully hidden from the world.
Having been excluded and segregated from the business, banking, corporate and economy of One Malay-sia, the only hope for upward mobility opportunities for Indians is through education and higher education. But UMNO throws sand into the prospective and hardworking Indian students rice bowl with impunity. UMNO Malay-sia today stands as the world’s most racist country.
P. Uthayakumar

List of 56 top Indian SPM students up to 13 As’ denied scholarships, Matriculation and University Places.

  

SPM Student Results NO	NAME	IC	ADDRESS	RESULT
1	Deborah Anne a/p John Philip	920608-14-5120	SMK Covent Bukit Nanas	13 As
2	Mohana Priya a/p Kasanathan	920122-14-5390	SMK Ibrahim	13 As
3	Shobanaa Rubini a/p Ganesarao	920305-08-6522	SMK Perempuan Methodist, Ipoh	12 As
4	Elwinder Singh a/l Jasvir Singh	920121-14-6017	SMK Sri Dasmesh KL	12 As
5	Sasvin a/l Manimaran	920816-10-5717	SMK Taman Sea	11 As
6	Sharmalla a/p Subramaniam	921218-05-5124	SMK Senawang Seremban	11 As
7	Gomalah a/p Ganeswaran	920728-05-5082	SMK Tuanku Jaafar Seremban	11 As
8	Sangitha a/p Elango	921218-05-5474	SMK King George V Seremban	11 As
9	Thenmoli Hanbrasi a/p Jothy	920520-08-5180	SMK Tawar	11 As
10	Deepashini a/p Rajindran	921106-08-5580	SMK Methodist (ACS), Sitiawan	11 As
11	Arvind a/l Rajan	920605-14-5045	SMK Kepong	11 As
12	Santhini a/p Ramani	921012-10-6096	SMK Pusat Bandar Puchong 1	11 As
13	Shivanashini a/p Mathiyalagan	920428-02-5914	SMK Covent Father Barre	11 As
14	Dhanyasri a/p Kathirasan	920803-02-5968	SMK Ibarahim	11 As
15	Prabagaran a/l Kanapathy	920829-08-5539	SMK Anderson Ipoh	10 As
16	Santhira a/p Vijaya Kumar	920814-14-5156	SMK Tengku Ampuan Rahimah	10 As
17	Divya Mala a/p Shanmugam	921118-10-5358	SMK Tawau	10 As
18	Serena Susan a/p Peter Manickom	920528-01-5078	SMK Iskandar Shah	10 As
19	Eiswaran a/l Ramasamy	920125-05-5227	SMK King Gedage V Seremban	10 As
20	Komathi a/p Muniandy	920719-02-5094	SMK Kulim	10 As
21	Pavithiraen a/l Segeranazan	921225-08-5903	SMK Dato’ Haji Hussein	10 As
22	Jayasri Nair a/p Janardanan	921219-07-5338	SMK Bedong	10 As
23	Ravind a/l Amaresan	920928-14-5867	SMK Ibrahim	10 As
24	Prabagaran a/l Kanapathy	920829-08-5539	SMK Anderson, Ipoh	10 As
25	Mogan a/l Mahadevan	921022-07-5641	SMK Datuk Haji Abd Kadir P.Png	10 As
26	Yuana Rooja a/p Murugah	921002-02-6092	SMK Ibrahim	10 As
27	Moganpriya a/p Thillamuthu	920924-02-5868	SMK Covent Father Barre	10 As
28	Maria Elena Jude- Sharma	910924-14-5350	SMK Assunta	10 As
29	Narmatha a/p Chandran	921028-08-5226	SMK Ideal Heights	10 As
30	Latha Sri a/p Gopal	921013-07-5578	SMK Dato’ Onn P. Pinang	10 As
31	Nicqeshen Nair a/l Balachanthren	920420-10-5565	SMK Puchong	10 As
32	Thulasi a/p Palakrisnan	920310-08-6412	SMK Sains Raja Tun Azlan, Taiping	9 As
33	Uneshddarann a/l Nagandran	921125-01-5123	SMK Buloh Kasap	9 As
34	Nageeshvari a/p Tachinamurti	920129-14-6142	SMK Damansara Damai 1	9 As
35	Kesevaan a/l Morgan	920717-14-5947	SMK Raja Abdullah KL	9 As
36	Ghaithrie a/p Subramaniam	920312-01-5140	SMK Tinggi Kluang	9 As
37	Pavitra a/p Sehalinggam	920926-07-5658	SMK Convent Pulau Tikus Pinang	9 As
38	Priyatharisan a/l Balaraman	920609-05-5153	SMK Bukit Mewah Seremban	9 As
39	Yogeswary a/p Gunasegaran	920808-14-5416	SMK Convent Jalan Peel KL	9 As
40	Nandarcobini a/p Rajendran	920917-01-5662	SMK Dato Penggama Timur	9 As
41	Tarashini a/p Suthesan	920228-14-6682	SMK Convent Kajang	9 As
42	Lingeswaran a/p Ratnam	921110-01-6027	SMK Dato’ Penggama Timur	9 As
43	Rupini a/p Manoharan	920418-04-5428	SMK Undang Rembau N. Sembilan	9 As
44	Narmatha Darshini Nanthini Subramaniam	920903-14-5238	SMK (P) Sri Aman	9 As
45	Pavitra Sri a/p Ramaya	920202-02-5866	SMK Taman Ria Jaya	9 As
46	Parthiban a/l Perumal	920520-07-5105	SMK Kulim	9 As
47	Yasheera a/p Vasudevan	920103-14-5950	MAKTAB	8 As
48	Thennarasei a/p Pannir Selvam	920373-07-5018	SMK Tinggi Bkt Mertajam P. Pinang	8 As
49	Saraniah a/p Kalidasan	920624-08-5324	SMK Covent Father Barre	8 As
50	Kogulavarman a/l Asokan	920302-14-5195	SMK (L) Bukit Bintang	7 As
51	Dineshwary a/p Nadthan	920121-10-5370	SMK Subang Jaya	7 As
52	Kalaimalar a/p Perumal	921113-14-5502	SMK Seri Garing	7 As
53	Gadura Kishdra a/l Viswenaden	921103-14-5015	SMK Hillcrest	7 As
55	Navindren a/l Murugasen	920614-14-5135	SMK (L) Bukit Bintang	7 As
56	Kalaimalar a/p Perumal	921113-14-5502	SMK Rawang	7 As

Letter to P.M: 56 TOP SPM INDIAN STUDENTS UP TO 13 As’ DENIED SCHOLARSHIPS, MATRICULATION AND UNIVERSITY PLACES

 NO.6, Jalan Abdullah, Off Jalan Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tel: 03-2282 5241 Fax: 03-2282 5245

Website: www.humanrightspartymalaysia.com Email: info@humanrightspartymalaysia.com

Your Reference : MISC/JUNE/10

In Reply :

Date : 23^rd June 2010

YAB. Dato’ Seri Najib Razak

Prime Minister of Malaysia,

Blok Utama Bangunan Perdana Putra, BY HAND

Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, Fax: 03-88883973

62502 Putrajaya E-Mail: najib@pmo.gov.my

REF: 1) 56 TOP SPM INDIAN STUDENTS UP TO 13 As’ DENIED SCHOLARSHIPS, MATRICULATION AND UNIVERSITY PLACES.

2) ABOLISH STPM, CREATE ONE PRE-UNIVERSITY EXAM

FOR ALL IN ONE MALAYSIA

3) STOP RACE BASED HIGHER EDUCATION ENTRANCE

CRITERIA. PRACTICE NEEDS BASED CRITERIA

4) PTPTN LOANS FOR ALL OTHER ESPECIALLY POOR MALAYSIAN INDIAN STUDENTS.

We refer to the above matter and to our letter to your goodself dated 15/06/2010 and which was personally hand delivered at Parliament House on 15/06/2010 to your goodselves Special functions officer Dato’ Ghazali Ibrahim together with the result slips of 48 7As and to 13As high achieving students result slips together with 12, 639 signatures from members of the public supporting our aforesaid representation.

We regret to inform you that despite our specific request and the assurance by the said Special functions officer that he would try and arrange a meeting for us to meet the Prime Minister or Higher Education Minister or his Deputy or the Secretary General of the Higher Education Ministry or the Deputy Secretary General we have not had a reply up to date.

Kindly make arrangements for this our requested meeting on an urgent basis to amicably resolve this matter further to especially Article 8 (equality before the law) and Article 12 (no discrimination in the admission to public Universities) of the Federal Constitution.

 

In the interim we enclose herewith our latest and updated list of top students as at 23/06/2010 with 56 top students and high achievers having scored from 7As’ to 13As’ but who have been denied government JPA scholarships, University and Matriculation places for your goodselves appropriate action.

Kindly revert to us on an urgent basis with the requested appointment date as these top and high achieving students have to study.

Thank you,

Yours faithfully,

P. Uthayakumar

Secretary General (pro tem)

   

Police bust illegal online World Cup gambling syndicates

PENANG: Police busted two illegal online World Cup football gambling syndicates involving bets worth RM750,000 and arrested eight people in Ops Soga on Monday and yesterday.

Penang Northeast police chief ACP Gan Kong Meng said a 26-year-old technician was arrested when the police raided a house in Taman Seri Perak, Jelutong, about 11.30pm on Monday.

"Several items, including a computer, a laptop, a modem, a router and a mobile phone were seized in the raid. One of the computer screens was showing the betting list," he told reporters here today.

He said the police believed the illegal bookmaker could be raking in bets worth up to RM250,000 daily.

In the second raid, the police picked up seven people aged between 21 and 39 at an Internet cafe at Jalan Angsana, Farlim Bandar Baru, at 12.45am yesterday.

He said the police seized five computers, four mobile hones, a modem, a router, three pendrives, a World Cup timetable, three record books, two ATM cards and RM4,500.

He said punters placed bets totalling RM750,000 with both bookmakers through calls, the Internet, agents and restaurants.

In JOHOR BARU, a cook and a loan shark (ah long), both in their 20s, were arrested in connection with an illegal World Cup gambling syndicate at an office at the back of a restaurant in Taman Melodi at about 11.15pm last night.

The police seized a scorecard showing bets between RM20 and RM3,000 received from punters in the raid, said Supt Maszely Minhad of Bukit Aman D7 secret society, vice and gaming branch, who headed the operation.

He said the police believed the duo acted as bookmaker agents as they took bets worth at least RM50,000 in their credit.

The police seized RM12,083, a lap top, a desktop, a broadband modem and five mobile phones from the duo, who rented the office for RM2,000 a month.

The restaurant operator was also arrested to facilitate police investigations.

In TAPAH, police arrested a 41-year-old man and his 18-year-old son allegedly involved in an illegal World Cup gambling involving bets worth about RM20,000 at their house in Taman Ayer Kuning at 10.45pm yesterday.

Tapah deputy police chief DSP Abdullah Arshad said they were keying in the punters names on a desktop when the police raided their house.

Police seized a desktop, a fax machine, two mobile phones and betting lists from the duo, who are remanded for four days from today.

In MIRI, police picked up two men in their 30s at a house in Senadin at 10.15pm yesterday as they were busy recording bets from punters on a laptop.

Miri police chief ACP Jamaludin Ibrahim said the duo took bets worth RM214,401.

The police seized eight copies of betting lists, a lap top, RM3,330, BN$2,820 (Brunei dollar) and S$100.

- Bernama

Azmin resigns from PKNS board, unhappy with Khalid

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid - Free Malaysia Today,

KUALA LUMPUR: PKR vice-president Azmin Ali has resigned as board member of the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) as the rift between him and Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim reaches a new height.

Party sources told FMT that Azmin had tendered his resignation at noon today as a sign of protest against the appointment of Faekah Hussin as Khalid's new political secretary.

Azmin holds a powerful post in PKNS, standing only second to Khalid who chairs the board.

Sources close to Azmin said the protest was not made against Faekah, a former political secretary to PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ahmad, but against the manner of the appointment.

"He did not consult any leaders within the party. What it signals is his (Khalid's) arrogance and many are unhappy about it," a source told FMT.

Faekah's appointment was announced at a media night held by the Selangor government last night.

She replaced Seri Setia assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who is set to play a more central role in the party as head of its communication department, replacing incumbent Jonson Chong.

Rumours were rife that Nik Nazmi had quit after a fall-out with Khalid but the latter denied the allegation.

Azmin-Khalid rift over MB post

PKR has tried hard to conceal the spat between Azmin and Khalid but to no avail.

Azmin has openly attacked Khalid's leadership in the past, accusing him of incompetence and arrogance.

He also called for a total reshuffle in Khalid's executive council line-up.

The conflict between the two started with party supremo Anwar Ibrahim's directive that Khalid be appointed as Selangor's Menteri Besar after PKR ousted the Barisan Nasional government in the 2008 general election.

It is rumoured that Azmin, the Gombak MP and Bukit Antarabangsa assemblyma, had coveted the post.

Anwar had to intervene and mediate in a closed-door meeting between the two after their public row had provided their political rivals with fodder against a party already suffering from internal discord.

Both Azmin and Khalid are known to be close to Anwar but the former holds greater influence over the party's leader.

The reconciliation lasted for a while, with Azmin showing signs of camaraderie with Khalid, especially during the Hulu Selangor by-election, which the party subsequently lost to BN.

"Azmin had given Khalid a chance but the manner of Faekah's appointment was the last straw that broke the camel's back," said the same source.

It is understood that despite the rift, Azmin had not wanted to make public his resignation to avoid speculation that the party is in tatters. The PKR vice-president could not be contacted for comments.

Umno not trying to attract ulama, says Dr M

(Bernama) - Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad described as baseless the claims that Umno tries to attract ulama into the party to compete with PAS.

Dr Mahathir said ulama had been with Umno from the beginning but later formed their own party, PAS, when they were not nominated to contest for posts in the party.

Thus, in principle, he said, PAS was Umno’s splinter party because it was set up by former Umno members.

“Umno has always had ulama as its members; it’s only that they did not distinguish themselves as much,” he told reporters after presenting prizes for the winners of the Perdana Leadership Foundation education project here today.

Dr Mahathir was asked to comment on rumours that former Perlis mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainal Abidin and a group of ulama would join Umno on Friday, giving rise to talks that Umno was trying to attract ulama into the party “to be on par with PAS”.

In Kangar, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim said the interest shown by ulama towards Umno was a healthy development.

He said that about 40 ulama with PhD credentials, including two from Perlis, would hand over membership application to Umno president Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak on Friday.

Shahidan declined to say, however, if Dr Mohd Asri was one of them.
“Whether or not Dr Mohd Asri joins Umno on Friday, he will still be my friend,” he said.

Rais: betting is a way of life for the non-Muslims

The Sun,

Datuk Seri Utama Rais Yatim

Legalised sports betting is "not a problem" in Malaysian society, Information, Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Utama Rais Yatim said today.
"It is not a problem but you must regulate it," said Rais, adding that it should be legalised and monitored by a special regulatory body.

"I strongly believe that it should come under a well-parametered commission, which would oversee and regulate all kinds of betting," Rais told a press conference after attending a meeting with Indonesian journalists at Wisma TV, Angakasapuri here.

Citing the existence of Genting Highlands casino for decades, he said Muslims do not have to worry with legal sports betting because Muslims are "barred" from taking part.
"There is nothing disturbing about it. The Muslims will not join them there," Rais stressed.

Quoting Article 153 under the Federal Constitution, he said the legitimate rights of the non-Muslims must be safeguarded and in this aspect, "legalising something that has been a common practice amongst the non-Muslims is not wrong".

"You cannot see a Chinese New Year going without gambling, as far as I know growing up in Petaling, Jelebu. There are many cases in the country to show that betting is a way of life for the non-Muslims. We have to respect that, and just adding one more does not hurt," he said. 

Rais pointed out that saying 'no' to legal sports betting, would mean allowing the purists in Islam to dictate the lives of non-Muslims, while at the same time encouraging black market growth.

He added that the government is not a Muslim government but one that is for a multiracial society.

"In Kelantan for instance, liquor sales is allowed for the non-Muslims. To me betting and selling liquor equates which each other. The purists are being very sentimental and emotional. If the Muslims are too grumpy about using the non-chaste emolument of payment, they do not have to touch it," he said, proposing an escrow account be set up for the proceeds from the legal betting.

He said the proceeds from the betting can be used for the welfare and betterment of the non-Muslim poor.

Tan Sri Vincent Tan

On Berjaya Group chairman Tan Sri Vincent Tan’s pledge to donate RM525million from the proceeds of the sale of his shares in the sports betting company Ascot Sports to Berjaya Group, to the Better Malaysia Foundation to help the under-privileged, Rais suggested that it can be channelled to the non-Muslim under-privileged.

Asked about opposition from certain Umno quarters on issuing license for sports betting, he said: "Being uncomfortable is one thing, but being objective is another, and you have to think objectively in this matter.

"This is not the kind of Umno leaders you want. If your community is not going to be involved, why should you worry?" he asked, adding that he is prepared to face any kind of criticism.
Rais urged everyone, including politicians and public to view the issue in the perspective of respecting the rights of non-Muslims.

He added that people should not pre-empt that Muslims would take part in it, as there would be proper regulations to bar them from doing so.

Tuesday’s Connector: Anwar Ibrahim At CNN

From http://connecttheworld.blogs.cnn.com

Anwar Ibrahim is one of Malaysia’s most influential politicians, but he has also been one of the country’s most controversial and divisive.

Anwar Ibrahim waves as he walks into court in Kuala Lumpur on May 31.
Born in 1947 in Cherok Tok Kun, Penang, Anwar served in the powerful position of deputy prime minister from 1993 to 1998 under the leadership of Mahathir bin Mohamad.

However, over the course of his involvement in the Mahathir government, Ibrahim emerged as one of its biggest critics.

Generally, Anwar’s politics are viewed as reformist and after Anwar’s falling out with the 50 year ruling party, his image was severely tarnished because of a series of harsh corruption and sexual charges that were put towards him.

In 1999, massive street protests accompanied news that Ibrahim was arrested and sent to prison for abuse of power.

Anwar was eventually sent to prison for six years under corruption charges.

A year later in 2000, Anwar was found guilty of a second charge – sodomy – which would carry a further nine-year jail term.

Anwar contested the charges and with a group of supporters, including his wife, he successfully overturned the second charge of sodomy and was released from prison in 2006.

Once released, Anwar was the stand-alone figure in Malaysian politics and was seen as the de facto opposition leader – although he wasn’t allowed to serve in politics until 2008.

However, in the March 2008 election, Anwar and the opposition parties made huge advances towards the ruling coalition.

But, only five months later, Ibrahim was again arrested for claims that he sexually assaulted a male aide.

Anwar vehemently denied the charges and said they were part of a government conspiracy to discredit the opposition leader.

On August 26, 2008, Ibrahim ran for office and won a by-election which allowed him to return to parliament as the official opposition leader.

Today, Anwar continues to argue for strong reform in Malaysia and is calling for the liberalization of government policies including a free media and judiciary.

Early Polls: Will the winds of change finally blow in Sarawak?

Malaysia Chronicle

Pakatan Rakyat leaders are raring to go in Sarawak, where there is red-hot speculation that snap state elections will be held in July.

“Today, there is a news report of another BN meeting this weekend. Last week, there was also a whole day meeting. This is a sure sign for an early election,” Bukit Assek assemblyman and newly-elected Sibu MP Wong Ho Leng told Malaysia Chronicle.

Ironically, it was Wong’s shock victory in Sibu last month that convinced many pundits to change their forecast of a July state-polls to early 2011.

Salvaging an eroding support base

The buzz on the grapevine was that long-serving but unpopular Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud had agreed with Prime Minister Najib Razak to hold the 10th Sarawak state elections at the same time as the 13th general election for the entire nation.

“It looks like there has been a change of plans. I believe Taib is worried the longer he delays the greater the erosion of support for him and his government,” PKR chief strategist Tian Chua told Malaysia Chronicle.

“Both he and Najib may have decided to take the bull by the horns. They probably believe that this way, they can still retain control of the Sarawak state government even though with a much reduced majority. It also shows that Najib is not as confident about the timeline for 13th general election despite blowing his trumpet about his 72 percent approval rating.”

Najib, who was appointed prime minister in April 2009, must hold nationwide polls by March 2013. However, he is under pressure to do so much earlier as he has failed to push through any of his economic or social development programs for the country due mainly to his inability to curb internal politicking within his Umno party.

But will the winds of change blow in the Land of the Hornbills

There are 71 state seats in the Sarawak legislative assembly. At the moment, 63 of these are held by the BN and BN-friendly representatives. Pakatan holds a total of 7 seats – through DAP six and PKR one seat.

“To be frank, Pakatan has been playing it safe and we have based our strategy on a snap poll taking place towards the end of this year. We are confident and we are ready and I would say to Sarawakians – it is now or never. Let’s make the change together,” Tian said.

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if Sarawakians will take to the Pakatan’s message of reforms. They did not do so in the 9th Sarawak state elections held in 2006 despite being ravaged by poverty after three decades of Taib’s political dominance.

Then in 2008, together with Sabah, they helped Najib’s BN coalition hold onto the federal government with a simple majority in Parliament. In Peninsular Malaysia, Pakatan had swept 81 parliamentary seats versus BN’s 84.

“Yes, we lost the federal government in 2008 because of Sabah and Sarawak. But sometimes the pangs for reforms are delayed. The thing is … better late than never,” PKR Youth Chief Shamsul Iskandar told Malaysia Chronicle.

“Sabahans and Sarawakians must be responsible for their future because as the saying goes – you deserve the government you vote in. No point complaining about NCR land rights, identity cards that never get processed and so forth but you don’t do anything about it.”

————

Sarawak BN To Meet For Early Election?
The Malaysian Insider
June 23, 2010

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 — An unannounced Sarawak Barisan Nasional (BN) meeting this weekend has given rise to speculation that the state is possibly gearing up for an early election before its term ends in July, next year.

Several BN leaders, when contacted, confirmed that a meeting called by Chief Minister and state BN chairman Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud would take place this weekend.

But they remain tight-lipped on the agenda of the meeting.

“Yes, we have a meeting this weekend but sorry, it’s not for media coverage,” a state leader, who did not want to be identified, told Bernama.

Party insiders said the meeting was mainly to discuss preparations in the event of an early state election this year, after the Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB), the biggest state BN component, completes its five-day retreat session in Mulu on Friday.

PBB holds 34 state seats, followed by Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) with 11, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) nine and the Sarawak Progresive Democratic Party (SPDP) eight.

Only SUPP and PRS have lost the seats they contested to the Opposition, in the last state election in 2006, while PBB and SPDP won all.

SUPP was allocated 19, but lost eight seats to the opposition, particularly DAP, while PRS, which was allocated 10 state seats, lost the Ngemah seat to an independent.

The state has 71 constituencies.

According to the grapevine, of late, the state election might be held this year, despite the BN’s recent setback in the Sibu parliamentary by-election where its SUPP candidate failed to defend the seat which was won by DAP.

Such talk became intense after Taib last week openly said that he had decided the next state election would be held on “a Saturday”. “I have decided that the state election will be held on a Saturday,” he

said, without providing any other hint when asked by a reporter during a function at his office.

However, Taib dismissed speculation that the state election will be held in October, following suggestions from Fengshui experts who believed that 10/10/10 (Oct 10, 2010), a Sunday, was an auspicious day for the election.

10th Malaysia Plan Targets To Reduce Poverty Among Orang Asli

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- The Rural and Regional Development Ministry has targeted to reduce the number of poor Orang Asli heads of household from 13,642 to 3,410 by the end of the 10th Malaysia Plan period in 2015, the Dewan Rakyat was told Wednesday.

Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said various measures would continue to be implemented to reduce the figure to zero by 2020.

"So far, 166 farms totalling 23,945 hectares have been developed. Besides, 2,320 hectares of Orang Asli land have also be cultivated with cash crops such as maize, sweet potato, banana, pineapple and lemon grass.

"Furthermore, 2,200 Orang Asli heads of household have been provided with agricultural inputs with an allocation of RM6.6 million in a government effort to ease the livelihood of the Orang Asli community," he said when winding up debate on the 10th Malaysia Plan for his ministry.

Mohd Shafie said the ministry also gave special emphasis to the educational development of the Orang Asli whereby 212 kindergartens and 93 schools had been established for Orang Asli children.

He said two skills training centres had been set up, in Paya Bungor, Pahang, and Damansara Damai, Selangor, to train 150 Orang Asli youths every year to enable them take up employment.

He also said that to change the mindset and enhance the leadership qualities of the Orang Asli, 175 leadership courses had been provided last year for Orang Asli "Tok Batin" (headmen) and members of village development committees.

Mohd Shafie said that during the Ninth Malaysia Plan period (2006-2010), RM377.3 million had been allocated for the development of the Orang Asli, of which 40 per cent or RM150 million was for construction of basic infrastructure.

He also said that under the Economic Stimulus Package, RM290 million more had been allocated to provide clean water, village roads and house aid programmes.

"It is estimated that some 15,000 families or 75,000 Orang Asli will benefit from these development programmes," he said.

Press Release: Malaysian Bar opposes proposed amendments to Labour Laws

The Malaysian Bar is concerned that the amendments being proposed to various labour laws will be detrimental to workers at large, and will give employers an unbridled hand to dismiss employees with impunity.  The Bar Council is surprised that it has not been consulted about these proposals despite having had numerous dialogues with the Minister for Human Resources.

The key proposals are aimed at restricting the access of certain categories of employees to redress in the Industrial Court, and will effectively further erode the safeguards against wrongful dismissal by employers.  Employees who have fixed-term contracts, have less than one year of service, earn a basic salary of RM 10,000 or more, or who are past retirement age, will be prohibited from seeking relief, such as reinstatement, back wages and/or compensation, under Section 20 of the Industrial Relations Act 1967. 

There is no justification for removing the current protections for such employees.  By giving employers vast powers to dismiss employees at will, the proposed amendments will be open to abuse.  Employers will discriminate against vulnerable workers by reclassifying their workforce to come within these exceptions, in order to escape from their duties and obligations.

We would hasten to add that a vast majority of employers are responsible and do ensure that their employees are well taken care of.  The current safeguards only apply to a very small number of employers who are taken to the Industrial Court for exploiting or victimising their employees.

The proposed reforms are wholly pro-employer and are at the expense of public interest and social responsibility.  They are not significant in attracting foreign investments, as most cases filed in the Industrial Court involve local companies.  The proposals will deprive several hundred employees per year of any remedy in the Industrial Court, which is the only court that can order reinstatement.  The sole recourse for them will be in the civil courts, which offer very limited redress according to the terms of the employment contracts, which always favour the employers because of their stronger bargaining position.  

The proposals will defeat the purpose of the current social legislation, which was introduced by Parliament to prevent exploitation, and in recognition of the imbalance in the relative bargaining position between employers and employees.  They will negate the rationale for the establishment of the Industrial Court, which was to provide members of the workforce with relief from the harshness of the civil courts in relation to employment terminations. 

Our labour laws cannot be reformed purely by reference to the laws of developed nations, which are strong welfare-based states that have specific benefits to cater for the needs of workers who are unemployed or have been terminated.  The suggested amendments are altogether misconceived, and will sanction the statutory victimisation of employees.

The Malaysian Bar is also opposed to the proposal that human resource consultants be permitted to represent parties in the Industrial Court, as such consultants will not possess the necessary qualifications to practise in a court of law.  Furthermore, they are not governed by a regulatory regime, unlike lawyers, who are bound by strict rules on ethics to govern professional conduct and are subject to disciplinary proceedings if they breach these rules.  Lawyers are also covered by a mandatory professional indemnity scheme set in place to protect a client’s interest in the event of a claim of negligence against a lawyer.

Employees have far less bargaining power than employers and should be given additional protection.  The proposed amendments, however, will further tip the balance of power in favour of employers.  We urge the Government to make security of tenure, which is a fundamental tenet of industrial relations, the paramount consideration, and to not bow to the self-serving interests of the private sector.

Note: The Bar Council intends to organise a public forum on 24 July 2010 to seek views from stakeholders and members of the public on these amendments. 


Ragunath Kesavan
President
Malaysian Bar

Indonesia pop star arrested in sex tape scandal

Indonesian singer Nazril "Ariel" Illham and Luna Maya walk together in Jakarta last July

Jarkarta, Indonesia (CNN) -- Indonesian police have arrested pop star Nazril "Ariel" Ilham for his involvement in sex videos that allegedly feature himself and two other top Indonesian celebrities.

The singer was named a suspect after the police questioned the three celebrities and expert witnesses over the last two weeks.

"We have determine that Ariel is a suspect in the sex video case, we charged him with the pornography law and with the 2008 electronic information and transaction law," said Marwoto Sutowijoyo, from national police public information.

Ariel will be the first high-profile offender of the controversial pornography law that carries a maximum penalty of 12 years.

"We will keep investigating the case and we will arrest the perpetrators once we have enough evidence," Marwoto added.

Alleged celebrity sex tape shocks modest Indonesia

The law and the incident has also revived the government's nationwide censorship plan to filter offensive content on the internet.

"The Ministry of Communication have long been proposing a decree on multimedia content, this is to prevent this kind of things from happening," said Gatot Dewa Broto, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Communications.

If passed, the ministry will create a special unit that will monitor the content in online media and will have the authority to censor anything without consulting any other bodies, he explains.

The first video, allegedly featuring Ariel and his current girlfriend Luna Maya, surfaced on several websites and went viral through social networking sites Facebook and Twitter.

On Tuesday, after the release of the second video allegedly featuring Ariel and Tari, the term "Ariel Peterporn," a spin on the singer's name and his band, became a top trending topic on Twitter.

The videos have sparked protests by conservative Islamic groups and others around the country condemning the celebrities in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, raids on internet cafes and the search of student cellphones at schools -- both confirmed by police -- have raised fears among defenders of free speech.

Shah Alam Hospital saga takes an 'Ali Baba' twist

By Rahmah Ghazali - Free Malaysia Today

KUALA LUMPUR: The Shah Alam Hospital saga has taken an “Ali Baba” twist with revelation that the main contractor for the RM482 million project did not do any work at all and yet had made a handsome profit.

Opposition MP Tony Pua (DAP-PJ Utara) said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) should look into this matter.

Speaking at press conference at Parliament today, Pua produced two documents which clearly showed that the whole project was being carried out by the sub-contractor, GM Healthcare Sdn Bhd, and not the main contractor, Sunshine Fleet Sdn Bhd.

One document stated that a letter of award was given to a sub-contractor, Isyoda (M) Sdn Bhd, a company which eventually had to opt out after it was delisted from Bursa Malaysia.

The project was subsequently given to GM Healthcare.

“In the letter of award, it was stated that RM451 million would be given to Isyoda while Sunshine Fleet (the main contractor) would receive RM482 million from the government.

“So the main contractor gets a net profit of RM31 million… this is a clear ‘Ali Baba’ project. The PWD needs to take action against Sunshine Fleet...,” he said.

Pua said the fact that Sunshine Fleet is making a net profit without doing any work (since the whole project is handled by the sub-contractor) contradicts the terms of the contract awarded by the ministry.

Pua also said that a second letter by Isyoda to Sunshine Fleet showed that the former had promised a payment of RM46 million to the Sunshine Fleet chairman personally, and not through the main contractor.

'Unconditional payment'

The unconditional payment, according to the letter, was in consideration of Sunshine Fleet’s “efforts to procure the letter of award to be issued to us in further consideration of your future contribution and cooperation to ensure the smooth operation and success of the project”.

It also said that the RM46 million would be paid by instalments. From this amount, said Pua, Isyoda promised to pay 9.5% progressive interim payments to the Sunshine Fleet chairman totalling RM77 million.

“This is seen as a commission for this contract. But is it really a commission or a bribe? We have given this to the MACC for further investigation,” he said.

Shah Alam Hospital is reportedly bogged down in a legal tussle between Sunshine Fleet and GM Healthcare, giving rise to fears that the project will not be completed on time.

But Works Minister Shaziman Abu Mansor dismissed such fears, saying that the project is on track.

Besides, he told Parliament today that the government is only responsible to the main contractor and has no authority over payments to the sub-contractor.

It has been reported that GM Healthcare has filed a petition to wind up Sunshine Fleet over a RM10 million debt.

Sunshine was served the notice on April 1 this year after it failed to pay the RM10 million owed to GM Healthcare. The RM10 million is the bond GM Healthcare had placed with the Public Works Department (PWD) on behalf of Sunshine Fleet for the design, construction, equipping, commissioning and maintenance of the Shah Alam Hospital.

'No action against Sunshine Fleet'

In reply to Pua, Shaziman said that as long as the project is on schedule, the PWD will not take action against Sunshine Fleet.

However, he said that a new law, Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act, will be introduced to ensure sub-contractors are paid on time.

“This will help protect sub-contractors who do not get any payment from the main contractor,” he said.

Shaziman also said that the PWD has not detected any breach of contract allegedly committed by Sunshine Fleet.

“In view of this, the question of the project being delayed or the contract being terminated does not arise. This is because the project is on track and (the parties) have observed the terms of the contract agreed to by the government,” he said.

The hospital, which was slated to be completed in November this year, will be ready by June next year.

Opposition MPs have repeatedly raised the issue, alleging that there were discrepancies in the contract PWD awarded to Sunshine Fleet through direct negotiation in 2007.

The situation took a turn for the worse when the board of directors of Sunshine Fleet, many of are related to the Sultan of Selangor, became involved in the legal squabble.

Axe Kamarul, Negeri leaders hint to Anwar

By Zefry Dahalan - Free Malaysia Today

SEREMBAN: With PKR en route to a major overhaul this Sunday, several of the party's Negeri Sembilan leaders have hinted to their boss Anwar Ibrahim that perhaps he should relieve state chief Kamarul Bahrin Abas of his duties.

They urged the PKR supremo to make changes based on merit, and not favouritism.

According to one state leader, who declined to be named, there is widespread disappointment with Kamarul, who has purportedly failed to deliver.

“Since the 2008 general election, he has not done much to help us at the division level. We carry out programmes on our own initiative.

"Yes it's true that we can't depend on him alone, but as state chief, he should spend time in assisting us in the divisions to chart our course to capture more seats (in the next election),” he told FMT.

Not rising to the defence

The leader also accused Kamarul, who is the Teluk Kemang MP, of being autocratic and failing to defend his subordinates and the party.

"Any constructive suggestion or critism raised during the state leadership meetings will be thrown out without proper discussion and consideration,” he said.

"When state Umno leaders, including the menteri besar, hurled baseless allegations against the state PKR, he keeps quiet.

"We expect him to defend our party's integrity and image otherwise people will assume that the allegations against us are true," he added.

'Never showed his face'

Meanwhile, FMT learnt from several state PKR and PAS leaders that during the Bagan Pinang by-election last year, Anwar was shocked when he campaigned at Indian majority estates like Siliau and Sua Betong.

"Anwar was bombarded with criticism from the estate workers who were upset that since winning in the election, Kamarul never visited the estates. Anwar could not answer them,” said one of the leaders, who delined to be named.

According to PAS sources, Kamarul “not showing his face in the estates” was cited as one of the reasons in the by-election post-mortem following PAS candidate Zulkefly Mohamad Omar's defeat.

Another senior state leader questioned Kamarul's decision to appoint local Hindraf leader S Haridass as one of his deputies.

"If I am not mistaken, he only became a PKR member after the 2008 general election. What has he done so far in his capacity as deputy chief? He also did not attend the recent PKR congress,” he said.

The state leader, who also requested anonymity, said there were many other capable Indian leaders in Negeri Sembilan.

Anwar is expected to reshuffle the party's state leadership at a retreat in Shah Alam on Sunday.

Say sorry or I'll sue you! DAP branch leader tells Ramasamy

By Athi Shankar - Free Malaysia Today,

GEORGE TOWN: A DAP branch leader has threatened to sue Penang Deputy Chief Minister 2 P Ramasamy for accusing him of having aspired for positions in the state government's agencies and local councils.

Butterworth-based Bagan Luar branch chief G Asoghan, 52, said that he had never lobbied for any position or state awards from the Penang Pakatan Rakyat government.

An upset Asoghan demanded Ramasamy prove his claims, or otherwise “the DCM 2 would face legal consequences.”

“Ramasamy had defamed me publicly,” Asoghan told FMT today. "He should also apologise and retract his remarks, which are absolute lies.

“I'm curious to know when and through whom I had lobbied for posts,” said Asoghan, a DAP member since 1994.

Ramasamy said last week that Asoghan was a disgruntled man after he was not considered by the DAP-dominated state government for any appointments in state agencies and local councils.

Ramasamy was responding to Asoghan's criticisms earlier that many Indians were disappointed that Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's administration had failed to address and resolve community-related issues in Penang.

Revive Indian affairs bureau

Asoghan urged Lim's government to implement comprehensive policies to address Indian issues, especially on Tamil schools, Hindu temples and burial ground land matters.

He also called on state DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow to revive the once-active Indian affairs bureau which was formed by the late P Patto.

Asoghan said he was not amused by Ramasamy saying that he (Asoghan) wanted to exact revenge after being overlooked for state and council positions.

“Each time someone criticises the DAP government, certain leaders always counter it by claiming that critic was a frustrated person for not being considered for positions.

“Instead of addressing the issues, these politicians resort to personal attacks on the critics by slurring their reputations.

“These politicians always swirl, twist and turn the whole issue into a character assassination campaign in an attempt to sweep matters under the carpet.

“This has become the standard modus operandi of certain DAP government leaders, even on their own party members,” said Asoghan.

He added that the denial syndrome among these DAP leaders could well cause the state government's eventual downfall.

Cameron Highlands' grim future

By Stephanie Sta Maria - Free Malaysia Today

CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Cameron Highlands faces the possibility of being wiped out from Malaysia's tourist map within the next decade if the government doesn't lift its ban on the hiring of Bangladeshi workers.

This warning came from the Malaysian Tea Producers Association chairman, Kesav Kumar Agarwal, who has been striving in vain to draw the government's attention to this plight.

Severe labour shortage has already forced two of the four tea plantations to cease operations and has vegetable farmers fighting to stay afloat.

“It's not just the tea industry but the entire Cameron Highlands that is in danger of becoming obsolete,” he said. “The domino effect of this scenario will have a huge impact on many other industries.”

According to Kesav, foreigners make up 90% of labour in Cameron Highlands today compared to 1982 when they only comprised 10%.

Government's silence

The tea industry is currently short of 700 workers, while the farmers need 2,000 extra pairs of hands. And unfortunately, foreign workers from other countries don't make the cut.

“Bangladeshi workers have an aptitude for agriculture-based industries and also tend to stay longer in the workforce,” Kesav explained. “As for the locals, they have either moved to the city or are only interested in office jobs.”

Kesav lamented the government's silence over the issue although Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, SK Devamany, has held talks with 28 farmer associations last month.

“Devamany agreed that we are in dire straits and publicly said that the policy was threatening the survival of Cameron Highlands,” he said. “Yet the government hasn't reached out to us yet.”

Kesav said that the various associations in Cameron Highlands have already submitted a working paper to the government some time back, explaining the need for Bangladeshi workers in their industry.

Association representatives also met with Human Resources Minister S Subramaniam last year, who promised to look into the matter.

“We're also trying to secure a meeting with (deputy prime minister) Muhyiddin (Yassin),” he added. “All we are asking for is that the old policy be reinstated, with special exemption given to Cameron Highlands.”

“Everyone here is now living in a state of anxiety because we don't know whether the government will heed our call. We're hoping for a response within the next two months. If nothing happens, then Cameron Highlands will be on its way to becoming a sunset industry.”

Pricey Islamic training centre rotting away in Sabah

By Ivan Ho - Free Malaysia Today

LAHAD DATU: Tall grass line the fields almost obscuring the football goalposts, the buildings seem to be in urgent need of maintenance, birds nest in the roof, drains are clogged with overgrowth and the grounds are infested with rats and snakes.

To those passing the site, the multi-million ringgit Islamic Training Centre (ITC) here is nothing more than a white elephant 10 years on.

Puzzlingly, the centre was given a fresh coat of paint recently.

The centre which sprawls over 20 acres off the Tungku road at kilmometre 24, consists of an administrative building, staff quarters, two hostel blocks that can accommodate 500 students, a canteen, mosque, a hall that can seat 1,000 and includes basketball and badminton courts, outdoor sepak takraw court, a football field as well as a 60-seater bus.

Critics say the ITC, whose construction began in 2000 for an estimated RM20 million, has never been fully utilized more than five years since its completion.

Newly formed Silam DAP branch chairman Tajuldin Abdul Rahim is among those questioned the senseless wastage of facilities and funds.

“During our visit last Saturday we learned that the centre has become a white elephant because there is no piped-water. Surely the planner of this project should have foreseen this problem. Why did this project get the go ahead in the first place?” he asked.

“This stinks of corruption. As a temporary measure, why can’t they use a water-tanker to transport water from Lahad Datu town to the centre?”

Heads must roll

He added that it was clear that whoever conceived the project was only interested in making money from it.

He described those responsible had dragged the good image of Islam through the mud and should be fully held accountable for the diabolical decision.

Taljudin wants Tungku assemblyman Suhaili Said (BN) to explain why the centre had fallen into such a deplorable state.

"Being an ustaz and living just about 6km from the centre he should know better the importance of this centre."

The assemblyman, he said, "should have the courage to reprimand Jakim (Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia) who have allowed the centre to become uninhabitable".

Taljudin also wants Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman to reprimand the United Sabah Islam Association (USIA) for failing to speak up on the wastage.

“What is shocking is that though they have been aware of this situation for the past five years they have remained silent.

“I am serving one month's notice to USIA and Jakim that they should do whatever is necessary to beautify the whole centre and bring it up to par with any other such centres in Malaysia, failing which I shall lead a campaign to make our view heard,” he warned.

Also present at the inspection were DAP officials Jimmy Hee, Charan Singh, Maliki OT Lahani and Anthony Teo.