Wednesday, 12 September 2012
4 lakh Bangladeshis go missing
Amid renewed controversy over illegal migrants in Assam in the wake of recent ethnic clashes, about four lakh ‘detected’ illegal foreign nationals have vanished from the State in the past 26 years. Unbelievable, but true!The Assam Government has no clue about the whereabouts of this huge number of foreign nationals —an overwhelming majority believed to be Bangladeshis — who had been detected as ‘illegal foreigners’ by the three-dozen Foreigners’ Tribunals in the State over the years.
According to official records, the 36 Foreigners’ Tribunals in Assam detected a total of 3,83,790 illegal foreign nationals living in Assam between 1986 and 2012 (till July). However, shockingly, they have all done a disappearing act, or so the authorities concerned would have one to believe.
The figures of the Foreigners’ Tribunals further make an alarming revelation. The number of detections of illegal foreigners has been increasing every year.
While only 503 illegal foreigners were detected in 1986, a whopping 27,988 such foreigners have been detected by the Foreigners’ Tribunals in the first seven months of 2012 itself (January-July).
Assam’s Director General of Police Jayanta Narayan Choudhury said the problem lies with the Foreigners’ Tribunal Act.
“The suspected foreigners go missing as they cannot be arrested by the police till they are proved as Bangladeshis. It takes a long time — right from a case getting registered in the tribunals against any individual till they are finally confirmed as foreigners by the tribunals. The suspected people go missing, as according to the Act, police cannot even detain them for a longer period,” Choudhury said.
He also said that there is nothing that the State Government can do about this as a Central legislation is required to amend the act. Chief of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and two-time former Assam Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta charged the Centre for inaction.
“The Government of India has not taken up the matter with Bangladesh and there is no extradition treaty between the two countries.
The detected illegal foreigners could not be pushed back due to lack of extradition treaty between the two countries. We have been repeatedly asking the Central and State Governments to trace these missing illegal foreigners and deport them,” he said.
The figures also assume significance in view of the recent change in the demographic pattern in at least six districts of Assam --- Dhubri, Goalpara, Barpeta, Nagaon, Karamganj and Hailakandi. Out of these six districts, only two districts had a Muslim majority in 1971. However, 30 years down the line all the six districts have Muslims as majority (Census 2001).
While Hindus comprised 34.80 per cent of population in Dhubri in 1971, Muslims made up for 64.46 per cent of the populace. In 2001, the Hindu population decreased to 24.74 per cent even as the Muslim population reached 74.29 per cent in the district.
Similarly, Goalpara district had 50.17 per cent Hindu population in 1971 compared to 41.46 per cent Muslims. According to the 2001 census, Hindus constitute only 38.22 per cent of the districts total population while the Muslim population increased to 53.71 per cent.
In Barpeta too, the Muslims constituted 48.58 per cent compared to 51.19 per cent of the Hindu population in 1971. In 2001, Muslims became a majority in the district with 59.37 per cent compared to mere 40.19 per cent of the Hindus. Ditto in Nagaon, where the Muslims constituted only 39.24 per cent of the population in 1971 compared to 59.57 per cent of the Hindus. In 2001 though, the Muslims became a majority in the district with 51 per cent. Hindus became a minority comprising only 47.80 per cent. Karimganj and Hailakandi districts have had a similar demographic change since 1971.
Recently, the 12-hour bandh called by the North East Students Organisation (NESO) to protest illegal infiltration from Bangladesh and demand Central Government’s immediate intervention to find a lasting solution to the burning problem drew a total response in all the seven North-Eastern States.
Justice BK Sarma of the Gauhati High Court in a judgment issued on April 21, 2011 too had said, “…in most of the cases, the declared foreigners have done the act of vanishing and the state administration is without any clue of their whereabouts. In various reports, it has been stated by the State administration that vigorous attempts have been made to nab them, but they could not be traced out. Thus, there is total failure of the State administration to nab the foreign nationals, who after invoking the writ jurisdiction of this Court, do the act of vanishing.”
In the same judgment, the court further instructed the state administration to detain suspected foreigners in detention camps so that with the closure of the proceedings and depending upon the outcome thereof, they can be deported to Bangladesh.
Sexual harassment awaits Egyptian girls outside schools
Egyptian school girls brace for another year of sexual harassment at the gates of their schools.
CAIRO: As the new school year begins next week in Egypt, school girls and their families are preparing to face yet another year of sexual harassment, this time waiting for the children outside their schools.
Egyptian mothers worry about their young daughters, who are subjected to sexual harassment outside their gated schools and daughters only pray to go home safely after the day has ended.
The phenomena of men waiting outside girls only schools to sneak a view, harass and self-expose themselves has made even school a difficult trip to take on a daily basis. Egyptian girls must join girls-only schools after elementary school in all public education, which has turned the gates of the schools into a pervert magnet.
I went to the Kolyet al-Banat school in Zamalek, an all-girls school from elementary through high school:
Right around the corner from our school is an all boys school similar in age group to ours, so we knew what was out there waiting for us every day after school. But it wasn’t exclusive to naughty school boy behavior, we had adult men who also used to wait for the final bell to ring and the thousands of girls to come out. We had a guy who looked like a father of any one of us, a lawyer or a businessman carrying a briefcase, who used to stand there outside of our school every single day. Once the girls started to leave the school he would swiftly move his briefcase, exposing his penis to us. As children we would run away, some laughing and some crying. But he wasn’t the only one. A building guard, or bowab as they are called in Egypt, who worked in a nearby building, a 60-something old man who wore the traditional male dress and sat on his bench watching the street. Once we passed by him, he would lift up his dress and expose his naked flesh to us. We stopped walking by that building and warned other girls as well.When the problem became overwhelming and parents started to complain to the school and the police, the authorities and the Qasr al-Nil police station sent a police car that stood there outside of our school everyday during my senior year. Problems were getting out of hand and leaving the school meant being exposed to the worst of human nature. That was in late 1999, but the problem has not improved, not even slightly, since. In fact it became widespread to the point where mothers are hiding horror stories of what happens to their girls in school, fearing the father would prevent them from having an education.
Reem a young mother who knows of the atrocities waiting for her child outside of class, told Bikyamasr.com:
I tell my 14-year old daughter to look at her shoes at all times when she is leaving school and I make sure that I am there waiting for her before the final bell rings. “Her father made her wear a veil when she started exhibiting signs of puberty, thinking he is protecting her and for me to tell him of what lies outside her school will only make him sit her at home.Now sexual harassment is no stranger to the experience of being a female in Egypt; in fact it became a fundamental element of being outdoors. Last week, the National Council for Women (NCW) said that Egyptian women get harassed 7 times every 200 meters, and a 2008 report by the Egyptian Center for Women Rights found that well over two-thirds of Egyptian women are harassed on daily basis. Even activists who protest the grotesque practice are also harassed, defying logic.
But a generation of back bent girls lying about the daily violations is not a very sustainable solution, nor is having an army waiting to protect them. So what is? Could it be tougher penalties for those who now cross the line between sexual harassment to pedophilia or having more and more theatrical campaigns that are met with solid concrete walls of reality? Or perhaps it should start from inside the family and schools who produce generations of child molesters and exhibitionists who come back to bite them where it hurts?
Threatening to take away girls education due to the perverseness of a culture that sees them as sexual objects, even when they are as young as pre-teens, rings more danger bells than our hearing seems to comprehend.
More Egyptian girls acquire higher marks in high school every year. More get into “top” schools such as medicine and media. And yet these girls have to go through that battle every single day. Bred from an early age to ignore sexual violations against them as they focus on their future.
In the 1980s, a popular play “Sook ala Banatak” or “Lock your girls,” a father is met with the challenges of raising girls in a patriarchal society. All he can do is try to forcibly marry them to his colleagues so he can move on and get married to the woman he loves. But at the end he comes to the romantic notion of how fathers should lock their girls, but give them the key.
A romantic notion that sees girls as the problem and the solution, in denial of their second grade status in the family, at work, or their own families afterward. But in a society where women’s existence itself in public is threatened, more than a key should be given to them; more like their dignity and their self-respect.
And mothers should teach their girls to straighten their backs, and face violations since burying ones head in the sand only grants more power to the monsters.
BM
McDonald's 'made married couple sit apart' in Pakistan restaurant
McDonald's is at the centre of a row over Islamic values in Pakistan after a customer complained he was told not to sit beside his wife because managers feared it would damage the restaurant's family reputation.
Noman Ansari, who stopped at a branch in Karachi for a diet Coke on Saturday night, said the episode was a symptom of an increasingly intolerant nation.
A spokesman for McDonald's said it was investigating the complaint.
Mr Ansari said trouble started when he sat next to his wife and slipped an arm behind her shoulder.
A member of staff told the couple to move but when they again sat beside each other in an adjacent booth it became clear that the issue was not their location, but the proximity of a man and a woman in public.
In an account posted on his blog, Mr Ansari said he was told: "Sir, this is a family restaurant. Couples sitting together is against the policy of McDonald's Pakistan, as it goes against the family atmosphere of the restaurant."
Two managers then told him that couples sitting together damaged the "Islamic family atmosphere" of McDonald's, according to the account.
The alleged incident highlighted a difficult issue for Pakistan's restaurants, particularly fast food chains where loud music and glitzy American decor try to coexist with the country's strict rules on modesty.
Many – including some branches of McDonald's – have partitioned areas for families, to separate men from women.
Ali Arsalan, McDonald's Pakistan assistant marketing manager, said the company tried to foster a family atmosphere and confirmed it was looking into Mr Noman's grievance.
"If there is some physical action it is possible that a family might have raised a complaint and asked the couple to have sit on a separate seat because we have sisters or mothers there," he said.
Multinational fast food companies frequently struggle with local religious and cultural sensibilities.
Last month, Pizza Hut Pakistan was forced to withdraw its "all you can eat" offer during Ramadan in order to end what it called an "invitation to gluttony" as customers gorged themselves at the end of a day of fasting.
And in India, McDonald's is planning to open its first vegetarian branches close to two holy sites, leading to threatened protests by Hindus and Sikhs.
A spokesman for McDonald's said it was investigating the complaint.
Mr Ansari said trouble started when he sat next to his wife and slipped an arm behind her shoulder.
A member of staff told the couple to move but when they again sat beside each other in an adjacent booth it became clear that the issue was not their location, but the proximity of a man and a woman in public.
In an account posted on his blog, Mr Ansari said he was told: "Sir, this is a family restaurant. Couples sitting together is against the policy of McDonald's Pakistan, as it goes against the family atmosphere of the restaurant."
Two managers then told him that couples sitting together damaged the "Islamic family atmosphere" of McDonald's, according to the account.
The alleged incident highlighted a difficult issue for Pakistan's restaurants, particularly fast food chains where loud music and glitzy American decor try to coexist with the country's strict rules on modesty.
Many – including some branches of McDonald's – have partitioned areas for families, to separate men from women.
Ali Arsalan, McDonald's Pakistan assistant marketing manager, said the company tried to foster a family atmosphere and confirmed it was looking into Mr Noman's grievance.
"If there is some physical action it is possible that a family might have raised a complaint and asked the couple to have sit on a separate seat because we have sisters or mothers there," he said.
Multinational fast food companies frequently struggle with local religious and cultural sensibilities.
Last month, Pizza Hut Pakistan was forced to withdraw its "all you can eat" offer during Ramadan in order to end what it called an "invitation to gluttony" as customers gorged themselves at the end of a day of fasting.
And in India, McDonald's is planning to open its first vegetarian branches close to two holy sites, leading to threatened protests by Hindus and Sikhs.
‘Government also funded foreign NGOs’
The Malaysian government provided financial aid to anti-apartheid and pro-Palestinian movements, said several NGOs.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government and several local corporations gave financial support to anti-apartheid movements in South Africa in the 80s, said Centre for Independent Journalism executive director Masjaliza Hamzah
“We are also providing support to pro-Palestinian cause. Civil society movements have to secure funds from wherever they can to manage their operations,” Masjaliza said at a press conference here today.
Earlier, over 130 NGOs voiced their solidarity with Suaram as the latter is currently under the government’s radar for allegedly breaching provisions under the Companies Act.
Among the NGOs present today were Lawyers for Liberty (LFL), Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO), Tenaganita and Sisters in Islam.
Yesterday, English daily The Star reported that Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob as urging Bank Negara to investigate allegations that Suaram was receving funding from an American organisation linked to billionaire financial speculator, George Soros.
“This is because the issue involves the transfer of money from the United States. I hope Bank Negara will do something,” Ismail reportedly said.
It was also reported earlier that Suaram had registered itself under the Registrar of Companies (ROC) instead of Registrar of Societies (ROS).
Masjaliza said that many NGOs such as Suaram registered themselves with the ROC due to various red tapes imposed by the ROS on the registration of civil society movements.
“The Home Minister has the power to arbitrarily deregister a society under the ROS with no judicial review. However, the ministry cannot do so for companies,” said Masjaliza.
‘Buying submarines or cows?’
Suaram adviser Kua Kia Soong pointed out that even former prime ministers, Tunku Abdul Rahman and Hussein Onn, were not allowed to register human rights movement, Hakam, in 1989 and had to register it under ROC.
On receiving foreign funding, Kua said that receiving funds from other countries did not mean that the civil society movements were under the thumbs of foreign powers.
He said that Suaram was a principled civil society movement that stood firm on the tenets of human rights and had not wavered since its inception in 1989.
“But the same can’t be said about the Malaysian government. We supported the Palestinian and the Bosnian cause which was good but decided to support the Indonesian government on the East Timor issue,” said Kua.
Pusat Komunikasi Masyarakat (Komas) executive director Tan Jo Hann challenged the Malaysian government to open its books on how it is spending taxpayers’ money instead of targeting Suaram.
“Tell us what are you doing with our money. Buying submarines or buying cows?” asked Tan.
Meanwhile, Bersih co-chairperson S Ambiga said she was horrified on how Suaram is being persecuted by the authorities despite being a respected human rights movement.
She said that in a globalised world, it was common for anyone from anywhere to contribute on issues close to their hearts.
“It’s not a crime as long as the funds are accounted for. No civil society movement will have any issues with authorities investigating our books as we are transparent,” said Ambiga.
However, Ambiga described the government’s move to single out Suaram as an attempt to divert attention from the Scorpene submarine purchase being investigated by the French courts.
“It’s attempt to kill the messenger. Remember that the more you try to kill the messenger, the louder the message becomes,” she said.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government and several local corporations gave financial support to anti-apartheid movements in South Africa in the 80s, said Centre for Independent Journalism executive director Masjaliza Hamzah“We are also providing support to pro-Palestinian cause. Civil society movements have to secure funds from wherever they can to manage their operations,” Masjaliza said at a press conference here today.
Earlier, over 130 NGOs voiced their solidarity with Suaram as the latter is currently under the government’s radar for allegedly breaching provisions under the Companies Act.
Among the NGOs present today were Lawyers for Liberty (LFL), Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO), Tenaganita and Sisters in Islam.
Yesterday, English daily The Star reported that Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob as urging Bank Negara to investigate allegations that Suaram was receving funding from an American organisation linked to billionaire financial speculator, George Soros.
“This is because the issue involves the transfer of money from the United States. I hope Bank Negara will do something,” Ismail reportedly said.
It was also reported earlier that Suaram had registered itself under the Registrar of Companies (ROC) instead of Registrar of Societies (ROS).
Masjaliza said that many NGOs such as Suaram registered themselves with the ROC due to various red tapes imposed by the ROS on the registration of civil society movements.
“The Home Minister has the power to arbitrarily deregister a society under the ROS with no judicial review. However, the ministry cannot do so for companies,” said Masjaliza.
‘Buying submarines or cows?’
Suaram adviser Kua Kia Soong pointed out that even former prime ministers, Tunku Abdul Rahman and Hussein Onn, were not allowed to register human rights movement, Hakam, in 1989 and had to register it under ROC.
On receiving foreign funding, Kua said that receiving funds from other countries did not mean that the civil society movements were under the thumbs of foreign powers.
He said that Suaram was a principled civil society movement that stood firm on the tenets of human rights and had not wavered since its inception in 1989.
“But the same can’t be said about the Malaysian government. We supported the Palestinian and the Bosnian cause which was good but decided to support the Indonesian government on the East Timor issue,” said Kua.
Pusat Komunikasi Masyarakat (Komas) executive director Tan Jo Hann challenged the Malaysian government to open its books on how it is spending taxpayers’ money instead of targeting Suaram.
“Tell us what are you doing with our money. Buying submarines or buying cows?” asked Tan.
Meanwhile, Bersih co-chairperson S Ambiga said she was horrified on how Suaram is being persecuted by the authorities despite being a respected human rights movement.
She said that in a globalised world, it was common for anyone from anywhere to contribute on issues close to their hearts.
“It’s not a crime as long as the funds are accounted for. No civil society movement will have any issues with authorities investigating our books as we are transparent,” said Ambiga.
However, Ambiga described the government’s move to single out Suaram as an attempt to divert attention from the Scorpene submarine purchase being investigated by the French courts.
“It’s attempt to kill the messenger. Remember that the more you try to kill the messenger, the louder the message becomes,” she said.
Perak’s ‘defected 4′ keen on contesting
The four Pakatan reps who contributed to BN's political coup in the state are hoping for another shot in the coming national polls.
TAIPING: The four former Pakatan Rakyat state assemblypersons who contributed to the fall of the Pakatan state government in Perak in 2009 are now planning for a new lease of political life in the coming general election.
The four BN-friendly independents are Hee Yit Foong (Jelapang), Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu (Changkat Jering), Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (Behrang) and Keshvinder Singh (Malim Nawar).
The first three played a vital role in destabilising the elected Pakatan state government into falling into the hands of BN while Keshvinder left after the fall due to political differences.
While there was much speculation that the four had jumped ship due to monetary gains, they however denied this.
The four claimed they shifted alliance to BN because they were unhappy with their respective parties’ administration.
FMT spoke to them recently about their intention to remain active in politics.
“Yes! I shall definitely stand again in Jelapang for the third time on a BN ticket,” exclaimed an excited Hee, who is also the state assembly deputy speaker.
Hee had contested and won the Jelapang seat twice under the DAP banner in three-cornered fights in 2004 and 2008.
When told that Jelapang was a MCA area which may not be given to her and the alternative may be for her to stand as an independent candidate, she said: “Our BN leadership wants a performing, likeable and winnable candidate which qualifies me for the seat.”
“Anyway a four-cornered or five-cornered fight (in Jelapang) does not scare me as I have already faced two three-cornered fights before,” she added.
Asked about the alleged monetary gains for jumping ship, Hee retorted: “You think I am money gila [crazy] like them?”
“I left because I was unhappy with the party leadership of the two cousin brothers (DAP state chief Ngeh Koo Ham and secretary Nga Kor Ming),” she added.
She also said that her relationship with the Jelapang voters remained good despite DAP’s political propaganda to tarnish her name after her defection.
“You must remember that the two PKR assemblymen (Osman and Jamaluddin) had left earlier and BN had the majority in the state assembly before I resigned from DAP.
“My relationship with the Jelapang voters is good as I am constantly attending to their problems and needs,” she explained.
‘Voters want me’
Keshvinder, meanwhile, said his voters had urged him to stand in the Malim Nawar state seat again.
“They (voters) are happy with my good service and want me to contest again. The problem is that Malim Nawar used to be a MCA seat and they might not give me the seat again,” he added.
On whether he might stand as an independent if not given the BN seat, he said: “The possibility is there but we will wait and see.”
On the other hand, Osman was more bold and stressed that he would stand as an independent candidate in Changat Jering if BN failed to choose a winnable Umno candidate for the state seat.
Jamaluddin, however, just laughed and said his constituency belonged to MIC and he did not know whether he would be given this seat.
He stressed that it was still early and he had not made up his mind yet whether to contest as an independent if denied the BN seat.
According to BN sources, the proposed allocation of state and parliament seats for Perak had been sent to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak for his approval.
TAIPING: The four former Pakatan Rakyat state assemblypersons who contributed to the fall of the Pakatan state government in Perak in 2009 are now planning for a new lease of political life in the coming general election.The four BN-friendly independents are Hee Yit Foong (Jelapang), Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu (Changkat Jering), Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (Behrang) and Keshvinder Singh (Malim Nawar).
The first three played a vital role in destabilising the elected Pakatan state government into falling into the hands of BN while Keshvinder left after the fall due to political differences.
While there was much speculation that the four had jumped ship due to monetary gains, they however denied this.
The four claimed they shifted alliance to BN because they were unhappy with their respective parties’ administration.
FMT spoke to them recently about their intention to remain active in politics.
“Yes! I shall definitely stand again in Jelapang for the third time on a BN ticket,” exclaimed an excited Hee, who is also the state assembly deputy speaker.
Hee had contested and won the Jelapang seat twice under the DAP banner in three-cornered fights in 2004 and 2008.
When told that Jelapang was a MCA area which may not be given to her and the alternative may be for her to stand as an independent candidate, she said: “Our BN leadership wants a performing, likeable and winnable candidate which qualifies me for the seat.”
“Anyway a four-cornered or five-cornered fight (in Jelapang) does not scare me as I have already faced two three-cornered fights before,” she added.
Asked about the alleged monetary gains for jumping ship, Hee retorted: “You think I am money gila [crazy] like them?”
“I left because I was unhappy with the party leadership of the two cousin brothers (DAP state chief Ngeh Koo Ham and secretary Nga Kor Ming),” she added.
She also said that her relationship with the Jelapang voters remained good despite DAP’s political propaganda to tarnish her name after her defection.
“You must remember that the two PKR assemblymen (Osman and Jamaluddin) had left earlier and BN had the majority in the state assembly before I resigned from DAP.
“My relationship with the Jelapang voters is good as I am constantly attending to their problems and needs,” she explained.
‘Voters want me’
Keshvinder, meanwhile, said his voters had urged him to stand in the Malim Nawar state seat again.
“They (voters) are happy with my good service and want me to contest again. The problem is that Malim Nawar used to be a MCA seat and they might not give me the seat again,” he added.
On whether he might stand as an independent if not given the BN seat, he said: “The possibility is there but we will wait and see.”
On the other hand, Osman was more bold and stressed that he would stand as an independent candidate in Changat Jering if BN failed to choose a winnable Umno candidate for the state seat.
Jamaluddin, however, just laughed and said his constituency belonged to MIC and he did not know whether he would be given this seat.
He stressed that it was still early and he had not made up his mind yet whether to contest as an independent if denied the BN seat.
According to BN sources, the proposed allocation of state and parliament seats for Perak had been sent to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak for his approval.
MIC returns fire to Gobind
Pangsapuri Aman lift fixed, but other problems remain in Puchong, says MIC youth info chief.
PUCHONG: MIC has urged the Subang Jaya Town Council (MPSJ) to attend to problems afflicting flat dwellers around Puchong, accusing DAP’s Gobind Singh Deo of neglecting his duties as MP for the area.
In a press statement released today, MIC Youth information chief S Subramaniam thanked MPJS for repairing a lift at Pangsapuri Aman, which had been out of service for six months.
He commended MPSJ for resolving the matter “without waiting for the state government’s instruction”.
However, he said MPJS and the Selangor government had overlooked problems faced by residents of other low-cost flats. He mentioned Pangsapuri Aman, Pangsapuri Dahlia, Puchong Hartamas.
He also asked the authorities to attend to the threat of recurring landslides in Bandar Puteri Puchong.
Subramaniam, who also leads the Puchong MIC division, said Gobind should apologise to Pangsapuri Aman residents for his failure to resolve their problems.
Last week, Gobind rejected allegations that he had failed to respond to complaints about the faulty lift, saying he had forwarded to the state government quotations for the repair.
However, Subramaniam said this was not good enough. “I’m glad that the Puchong MP has responded to the memorandum, but when? He took two months.”
He dismissed Gobind’s claim that he often visited the flats and challenged him to explain how many programmes he had organised for the benefit of Pangsapuri Aman residents as well as other Puchong residents, especially the urban poor.
He also said Gobind had no good reason to ask the Pangsapuri Aman residents to contribute funds for the repair of the lift.
Referring to Gobind’s statement that Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim had visited the area, Subramaniam said: “It is not true. The MB was not focusing on the flats issue, but [his visit] was purely politically motivated. The programme was organised for him to hand over land titles to Kampung Tun Razak resettlers… a few hundred metres away from the flats.”
In his rebuttal last week, Gobind noted that among the residents of Pangsapuri Aman were local MIC leaders who could have used their influence to improve the conditions there.
Subramaniam told the MP to stop blaming MIC in the issue, saying such a responsibility should be shouldered by Pakatan Rakyat, which rules Selangor.
“I think he has forgotten about it,” he said. “MIC leaders residing in the flats have many times raised the issue to the relevant people and authority. The MPSJ area councillor has failed to visit the area since she took office.”
PUCHONG: MIC has urged the Subang Jaya Town Council (MPSJ) to attend to problems afflicting flat dwellers around Puchong, accusing DAP’s Gobind Singh Deo of neglecting his duties as MP for the area.In a press statement released today, MIC Youth information chief S Subramaniam thanked MPJS for repairing a lift at Pangsapuri Aman, which had been out of service for six months.
He commended MPSJ for resolving the matter “without waiting for the state government’s instruction”.
However, he said MPJS and the Selangor government had overlooked problems faced by residents of other low-cost flats. He mentioned Pangsapuri Aman, Pangsapuri Dahlia, Puchong Hartamas.
He also asked the authorities to attend to the threat of recurring landslides in Bandar Puteri Puchong.
Subramaniam, who also leads the Puchong MIC division, said Gobind should apologise to Pangsapuri Aman residents for his failure to resolve their problems.
Last week, Gobind rejected allegations that he had failed to respond to complaints about the faulty lift, saying he had forwarded to the state government quotations for the repair.
However, Subramaniam said this was not good enough. “I’m glad that the Puchong MP has responded to the memorandum, but when? He took two months.”
He dismissed Gobind’s claim that he often visited the flats and challenged him to explain how many programmes he had organised for the benefit of Pangsapuri Aman residents as well as other Puchong residents, especially the urban poor.
He also said Gobind had no good reason to ask the Pangsapuri Aman residents to contribute funds for the repair of the lift.
Referring to Gobind’s statement that Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim had visited the area, Subramaniam said: “It is not true. The MB was not focusing on the flats issue, but [his visit] was purely politically motivated. The programme was organised for him to hand over land titles to Kampung Tun Razak resettlers… a few hundred metres away from the flats.”
In his rebuttal last week, Gobind noted that among the residents of Pangsapuri Aman were local MIC leaders who could have used their influence to improve the conditions there.
Subramaniam told the MP to stop blaming MIC in the issue, saying such a responsibility should be shouldered by Pakatan Rakyat, which rules Selangor.
“I think he has forgotten about it,” he said. “MIC leaders residing in the flats have many times raised the issue to the relevant people and authority. The MPSJ area councillor has failed to visit the area since she took office.”
Choose quality candidates, DAP urged
Teluk Intan MP M Manogaran says a DAP candidate must not be a bankrupt, an alcoholic or a drug addict, or be involved in scandal or vices.
GEORGE TOWN: A DAP parliamentarian today called on the party to field only candidates with the highest integrity, dignity and capability in the next general election.
Teluk Intan MP M Manogaran said only candidates of these qualities would not be vulnerable to enticement and turn into political frogs after being elected as state representatives or MPs.
He said a DAP candidate must not be a bankrupt, an alcoholic or a drug addict, and must not have a criminal record, or be involved in scandal or vices.
In the fast-emerging new political culture in the country, he said the ever-demanding voters were now insisting on candidates of highest integrity and dignity.
He said the party must vet candidates thoroughly to make sure they have a clean background before nominating them for seats.
“Tainted characters should never be [picked as] candidates. Candidates should not betray the party’s trust and the people’s mandate,” he told FMT here today.
He indicated that lack of integrity and dignity were the main reasons for the defections of DAP state representatives in Perak – Hee Yit Fong of Jelapang in 2009 and Keshvinder Singh of Malim Nawar in 2010.
Hee’s defection in particular was a bitter pill to swallow as it caused the downfall of the infant 11-month-old Pakatan Rakyat government in the silver state.
Manogaran said the party should also seriously consider candidates selected by party branches since grassroots sentiments would reflect sentiments of the public.
He is particularly concerned about the quality of DAP’s ethnic Indian candidates in the next election.
He claimed that the community had been let down, shortchanged and betrayed by lack of quality Indian political representatives and leaders over the years.
This time, he said the DAP’s ethnic Indian candidates should have high qualities and a strong political conviction to work with and for the betterment of the community, especially the marginalised group.
“Indian representatives must also respect the people who voted them in,” said Manogaran.
GEORGE TOWN: A DAP parliamentarian today called on the party to field only candidates with the highest integrity, dignity and capability in the next general election.Teluk Intan MP M Manogaran said only candidates of these qualities would not be vulnerable to enticement and turn into political frogs after being elected as state representatives or MPs.
He said a DAP candidate must not be a bankrupt, an alcoholic or a drug addict, and must not have a criminal record, or be involved in scandal or vices.
In the fast-emerging new political culture in the country, he said the ever-demanding voters were now insisting on candidates of highest integrity and dignity.
He said the party must vet candidates thoroughly to make sure they have a clean background before nominating them for seats.
“Tainted characters should never be [picked as] candidates. Candidates should not betray the party’s trust and the people’s mandate,” he told FMT here today.
He indicated that lack of integrity and dignity were the main reasons for the defections of DAP state representatives in Perak – Hee Yit Fong of Jelapang in 2009 and Keshvinder Singh of Malim Nawar in 2010.
Hee’s defection in particular was a bitter pill to swallow as it caused the downfall of the infant 11-month-old Pakatan Rakyat government in the silver state.
Manogaran said the party should also seriously consider candidates selected by party branches since grassroots sentiments would reflect sentiments of the public.
He is particularly concerned about the quality of DAP’s ethnic Indian candidates in the next election.
He claimed that the community had been let down, shortchanged and betrayed by lack of quality Indian political representatives and leaders over the years.
This time, he said the DAP’s ethnic Indian candidates should have high qualities and a strong political conviction to work with and for the betterment of the community, especially the marginalised group.
“Indian representatives must also respect the people who voted them in,” said Manogaran.
Jayakumar to contest in Sungai Siput again….. but this time under PSM banner
(The Malaysian Times) - Sungai Siput MP Dr Micheal Jayakumar says that he would contest for the Sungai Siput seat in the coming 13th General Election (GE). “I will be contesting again for the seat in Sungai Siput under the PSM banner,” said Jayakumar to The Malaysian Times (TMT) today.The Sungai Siput constituency in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, had been under the helm of Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu since 1974. It however, fell to Jayakumar of the Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) in the 2008 election. This was Jayakumar’s third attempt in regaining the seat from BN, with the first being in 1999 and the second in 2004.
The largest percentage of voters in the constituent is the Chinese community with 41 percent followed by the Malay community with 31 percent, Indian with 21 percent and seven percent Orang Asli voters.
With a total number of voters being 47,424, Jayakumar had managed to garner 16,458 votes while Samy Vellu received 14,637 votes. He (Jayakumar) won the election with a majority of 1,821 votes.
In speaking about the election in 2008, it was believed that Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu had lost the seat in Sungai Siput due to the lack of Malays voters.
In confirming this, Jayakumar had said that Samy Vellu had not only loose the support of the Malays voters, but also the Chinese and Indian voters alike. This was due to the Hindraf issue which was aflame at that time.
Looking into who would be the possible candidate to go against Jayakumar, iIt is rumoured that MIC Secretary-General, Datuk S Murugesan may be contesting in Sungai Siput under the Barisan Nasional (BN) banner.
The voters in Sungai Siput may see a fight between two capable Indian leaders should Murugesan and Jayakumar indeed contest in Sungai Siput. This may also turn Sungai Siput into a ‘hot seat’ during the coming election.
It is said that the odds of him (Murugesan) winning the seat against Jayakumar was 50-50. This was based on the current support that the PSM leader had gained during his term at the constituency.
When asked on how PSM was faring in Sungai Siput, Jayakumar said that the party is doing fairly well and is well supported by the people there. However despite his dedication in wanting to serve the constituents, Jayakumar lacked the funds to address the woes.
“The only downfall is that PSM is not able to provide monetary goodies for the people as BN can. We have instead helped the people in getting housing loans and looking into the people’s Social Security Organization (SOCSO) woes. We are also providing counseling for those who are facing family problems,” said Jayakumar.
Asked on whether PSM will be able to retain its seat there, Jayakumar said, “We have a fighting chance. We have and are serving the people. They recognize our services.”
Jayakumar on June 25, 2011, was among the 24 people who were picked up in Penang during the widespread pre-Bersih clampdown.
They were later slapped with accusations that they had attempted to revive communism and wage a war against the King. He and five others – PSM deputy chairman M. Sarasvathy, central committee members Choo Chon Kai and M. Sugumaran, Sungai Siput branch secretary A. Letchumanan and Youth chief R. Saratbabu were however released on July 29, 2011.
Indigenous Malaysians Miss School, Agency Finds
KUALA LUMPUR — Human rights advocates have raised concerns that thousands of indigenous children in Malaysia are not attending school, which they say exposes them to greater risk of living in poverty in adulthood.
A report released last week by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, a government agency, showed that 7,000 indigenous children aged 5 to 18 who live on the Malaysian Peninsula were not attending school in 2007, based on government figures.
Among those aged 7 to 12, the number not attending school rose to more than 2,700 in 2010, up from 1,962 in 2007.
The commission was unable to obtain more recent figures for other age groups but said the overall number of indigenous children not in school could have increased because of population growth.
Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah, a human rights commissioner, said many indigenous people on the Malaysian Peninsula, called orang asli in Malay, lived in remote areas.
“Based on our observations and our visits to the orang asli villages, still there are issues of no schools in the villages or the schools are very far away,” he said by telephone.
While the report focused only on the Malaysian Peninsula, some rights advocates say the number of indigenous children not attending school is likely to be higher in Borneo Island states like Sabah and Sarawak, which are home to the majority of the indigenous population.
In Malaysia, there are about four million indigenous people from a total population of 28 million, according to the Center for Orang Asli Concerns, a private group. About 190,000 indigenous people live on the Malaysian Peninsula.
The commission’s report, based on interviews with students, parents and teachers, found that the distance to the closest school was a major concern.
Colin Nicholas, coordinator of the Center for Orang Asli Concerns, cited as an example two indigenous villages in Pahang State, where the nearest school is 30 kilometers, or 20 miles, away.
“The kids there don’t go to school,” he said. “They say it’s too far and they don’t have transport.”
While there was a student hostel at the school, many parents did not want to leave their young children there.
Mr. Nicholas added that some students felt discriminated against by teachers and parents worried about their safety.
Mr. Sha’ani said that while the government was supposed to provide students with transport to schools, often the vehicles did not show up and could not reach the children in bad weather, raising questions over how often the children attended.
“There’s an effort to improve transport, to increase the number of schools, but still we find lots of gaps,” he said.
Mr. Sha’ani said that children aged 6 to 7 were too young to live in hostels and that the commission wanted to see schools catering for students in their first three years of primary school in every village.
The commission also found that some children without identity papers did not attend school because parents and teachers mistakenly believed such documents were a condition of enrollment.
Mr. Sha’ani said that if children did not have identity papers, their village head could vouch for their identity and help enroll the children.
He also expressed concern about the state of schools in areas populated by indigenous communities, saying that some lacked clean water and electricity.
Mr. Nicholas said that a higher proportion of indigenous Malaysians lived in poverty compared with the general population and that education was essential to help improve the lives of the younger generation. “The cycle of poverty remains,” he said.
Mohammad Shafie Apdal, the rural and regional development minister, said that the government had set up rural schools.
“We have set up schools that are tailor-made to meet the needs of the orang asli,” he was quoted as saying last week by The Star, a Malaysian newspaper. “But because a lot of them are staying in the interior, we face difficulties in getting them to send their children to school away from home.
“We try to relocate them to places that are closer to schools but many are reluctant to leave their ancestral land. To bring the infrastructure to them is very costly.”
A report released last week by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, a government agency, showed that 7,000 indigenous children aged 5 to 18 who live on the Malaysian Peninsula were not attending school in 2007, based on government figures.
Among those aged 7 to 12, the number not attending school rose to more than 2,700 in 2010, up from 1,962 in 2007.
The commission was unable to obtain more recent figures for other age groups but said the overall number of indigenous children not in school could have increased because of population growth.
Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah, a human rights commissioner, said many indigenous people on the Malaysian Peninsula, called orang asli in Malay, lived in remote areas.
“Based on our observations and our visits to the orang asli villages, still there are issues of no schools in the villages or the schools are very far away,” he said by telephone.
While the report focused only on the Malaysian Peninsula, some rights advocates say the number of indigenous children not attending school is likely to be higher in Borneo Island states like Sabah and Sarawak, which are home to the majority of the indigenous population.
In Malaysia, there are about four million indigenous people from a total population of 28 million, according to the Center for Orang Asli Concerns, a private group. About 190,000 indigenous people live on the Malaysian Peninsula.
The commission’s report, based on interviews with students, parents and teachers, found that the distance to the closest school was a major concern.
Colin Nicholas, coordinator of the Center for Orang Asli Concerns, cited as an example two indigenous villages in Pahang State, where the nearest school is 30 kilometers, or 20 miles, away.
“The kids there don’t go to school,” he said. “They say it’s too far and they don’t have transport.”
While there was a student hostel at the school, many parents did not want to leave their young children there.
Mr. Nicholas added that some students felt discriminated against by teachers and parents worried about their safety.
Mr. Sha’ani said that while the government was supposed to provide students with transport to schools, often the vehicles did not show up and could not reach the children in bad weather, raising questions over how often the children attended.
“There’s an effort to improve transport, to increase the number of schools, but still we find lots of gaps,” he said.
Mr. Sha’ani said that children aged 6 to 7 were too young to live in hostels and that the commission wanted to see schools catering for students in their first three years of primary school in every village.
The commission also found that some children without identity papers did not attend school because parents and teachers mistakenly believed such documents were a condition of enrollment.
Mr. Sha’ani said that if children did not have identity papers, their village head could vouch for their identity and help enroll the children.
He also expressed concern about the state of schools in areas populated by indigenous communities, saying that some lacked clean water and electricity.
Mr. Nicholas said that a higher proportion of indigenous Malaysians lived in poverty compared with the general population and that education was essential to help improve the lives of the younger generation. “The cycle of poverty remains,” he said.
Mohammad Shafie Apdal, the rural and regional development minister, said that the government had set up rural schools.
“We have set up schools that are tailor-made to meet the needs of the orang asli,” he was quoted as saying last week by The Star, a Malaysian newspaper. “But because a lot of them are staying in the interior, we face difficulties in getting them to send their children to school away from home.
“We try to relocate them to places that are closer to schools but many are reluctant to leave their ancestral land. To bring the infrastructure to them is very costly.”
Tsunami over FELDA — Sakmongkol AK47
SEPT 11 — If my friend, Pirates of Putrajaya had been a little bit more patient, he will find his views on the FGV vindicated. Probably he underestimated the will of the government to use GLCs under its control to shore up the FGV price.
Nevertheless, his views will be vindicated soon and I and millions of others hope he will come back into blogosphere to share with us, his rapier sharp analyses.
What Najib is doing right now is just putting out fires. He forgot that it all needed but a single spark to light up the prairie fire.
He has given an advance of RM15,000 each to Felda family. I hear, full payment hasn’t been given out yet. Perhaps Felda will use its gain of RM5.99 billion to pay the balance of what has been promised by Najib. Felda pays unto itself using its own money.
He has given almost RM43 million as raya bonus. Each family got around RM382. That amount was useful to buy cookies, lemang , fresh meats and maybe new curtains for the missus. Because of the drop in FGV share price, he has also announced that Felda will pay for the settlers’ purchase of FGV shares. Once again, that will probably come from the RM5.99 billion.
Finally to placate the settlers’ anger, he has announced that Felda will pay for PTPTN loans taken by the Felda children.
That is his economic strategy. We don’t have to go the Chicago, Princeton, Oxford or Cambridge to do that. Not even Nottingham.
What was the real agenda really? Maybe all this corporate bullshit was about saving FGV. It has done extensive futures trading and had incurred huge losses. That was why some brainy people came up with the idea, the only way to save FGV was to have it buy out KPF’s share in Felda Holdings and go for listing.
At closing time today, FGV share was RM 4.68, earning the holders of the stock a premium of 13 sen. If Najib hadn’t come up with the brilliant idea of ordering Felda to finance settlers’ purchase, each settler ends up with a RM94.70 loss.
Actually FGV bought out Felda Holdings to save itself. It has incurred heavy losses doing futures trading. We don’t know how much FGV got by selling its shares. There was no cash payment involved as the purchase was financed by the issue of new shares which were sold to the public through the IPO. Part of the proceeds were used by Felda to pay its EPF loan amounting to RM6 billion. Then EPF is instructed to buy FGV shares, now it owns 7% of FGV bought for RM 1.2 billion. Foreign interests are selling down to cut down losses.
What is even more pernicious and atrocious is the betrayal to Felda people. 360,000 hectares of land have been forfeited which could be used in future to create 80,000 new settlers.
It's dark days looming over Felda and no amount of PR exercise can mitigate the anger that is shoring up. There is a tsunami looming over Felda. — sakmongkol.blogspot.com
* Sakmongkol AK47 is the nom de plume of Datuk Mohd Ariff Sabri Abdul Aziz. He was Pulau Manis assemblyman (2004-2008).
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.
Nevertheless, his views will be vindicated soon and I and millions of others hope he will come back into blogosphere to share with us, his rapier sharp analyses.
What Najib is doing right now is just putting out fires. He forgot that it all needed but a single spark to light up the prairie fire.
He has given an advance of RM15,000 each to Felda family. I hear, full payment hasn’t been given out yet. Perhaps Felda will use its gain of RM5.99 billion to pay the balance of what has been promised by Najib. Felda pays unto itself using its own money.
He has given almost RM43 million as raya bonus. Each family got around RM382. That amount was useful to buy cookies, lemang , fresh meats and maybe new curtains for the missus. Because of the drop in FGV share price, he has also announced that Felda will pay for the settlers’ purchase of FGV shares. Once again, that will probably come from the RM5.99 billion.
Finally to placate the settlers’ anger, he has announced that Felda will pay for PTPTN loans taken by the Felda children.
That is his economic strategy. We don’t have to go the Chicago, Princeton, Oxford or Cambridge to do that. Not even Nottingham.
What was the real agenda really? Maybe all this corporate bullshit was about saving FGV. It has done extensive futures trading and had incurred huge losses. That was why some brainy people came up with the idea, the only way to save FGV was to have it buy out KPF’s share in Felda Holdings and go for listing.
At closing time today, FGV share was RM 4.68, earning the holders of the stock a premium of 13 sen. If Najib hadn’t come up with the brilliant idea of ordering Felda to finance settlers’ purchase, each settler ends up with a RM94.70 loss.
Actually FGV bought out Felda Holdings to save itself. It has incurred heavy losses doing futures trading. We don’t know how much FGV got by selling its shares. There was no cash payment involved as the purchase was financed by the issue of new shares which were sold to the public through the IPO. Part of the proceeds were used by Felda to pay its EPF loan amounting to RM6 billion. Then EPF is instructed to buy FGV shares, now it owns 7% of FGV bought for RM 1.2 billion. Foreign interests are selling down to cut down losses.
What is even more pernicious and atrocious is the betrayal to Felda people. 360,000 hectares of land have been forfeited which could be used in future to create 80,000 new settlers.
It's dark days looming over Felda and no amount of PR exercise can mitigate the anger that is shoring up. There is a tsunami looming over Felda. — sakmongkol.blogspot.com
* Sakmongkol AK47 is the nom de plume of Datuk Mohd Ariff Sabri Abdul Aziz. He was Pulau Manis assemblyman (2004-2008).
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.
Bersih 3.0: Cop oblivious to Article 10
The Sun Daily
by ALYAA ALHADJRI
by ALYAA ALHADJRI
KUALA
LUMPUR: A police officer in charge during the Bersih 3.0 rally admitted
he was not aware that the public has a right to freedom of expression
and assembly.
Insp
Farid Sairi from the Dang Wangi district police station was responding
to lawyer Roger Chan from the Bar Council who cited Article 10 of the
Federal Constitution which protects a person’s right to freedom of
expression and assembly.
Chan,
who held a watching brief at the National Human Rights Commission
(Suhakam) inquiry into the rally yesterday, has suggested that Farid, as
a police officer, should be well versed with the law.
Farid,
who during the April 28 rally was in charge of some 100 personnel in an
area designated as ‘Sector 3’, replied: “I only know a little bit.”
He also said he was not aware that the public has a right to oppose any government’s policy deemed to be not in their favour.
“As
a police officer who is upholding the law, is it an offence for the
public to voice resistance against any government policy?” asked Chan,
to which Farid replied that he was not sure.
Earlier,
responding to ACP Jamaluddin Abdul Rahman who held a watching brief for
the police, Farid also admitted that he did not know the real reason
behind the day’s rally which was organised by electoral watchdog Bersih
2.0.
“As
far as I know, the rally is organised to sit down and protest,” he
said, adding that he only acted based on orders given by his superior
ASP Ahmad Jais Ujang during a briefing held at about 6am the same day.
Asked
by inquiry panel chairperson Datuk Dr Khaw Lake Tee on specific
instructions given during the briefing, Farid said he was told to stand
guard and prevent entry into Dataran Merdeka.
In
his testimony, Farid said his troop was stationed next to the Royal
Selangor Club, from the food court to the church at the end of Jalan
Raja.
Despite
insisting that no incidents had occurred under his watch from 7am to
9.30pm, Farid noted that there was a “constant increase” in the number
of personnel on duty – from 100 in the morning to about 300 at the end
of the day. The club and its surrounding areas have been identified as
the sites where alleged police brutalities had taken place against
arrested protesters who were brought to a holding area before being
taken to the Police Training Centre (Polapol) at Jalan Semarak.
PM Announces Setting Up Of New Low Cost Airline
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today announced the setting up a new low cost airline known as Malindo Airways.
Najib said the airline, borne out of a collaboration between National Aerospace and Defence Industries Sdn Bhd (Nadi) and Indonesia's PT Lion Group, would begin operations on May 1 next year and be based in KLIA 2.
The collaboration, said Najib, not only marked another milestone in the nation's aviation industry, but also represented yet another facet of the close relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia.
"To my mind the acronym Malindo- the melodic combination of the names of Malaysia and Indonesia has very significant historical connotations, reflecting the long intertwined history of the peoples of our two countries,".
"In terms of this to be established airline, I believe the name reflects the bridging of the two countries by way of a wide network of flights that will connect various cities and towns region-wide, opening new destinations for travellers from within the Nusantara and beyond," he said after witnessing the signing ceremony for the establishment of the airline between the two companies, here.
Najib said, with huge challenges faced by the airline industry today, including escalating operational costs and soaring fuel prices, the smart partnership such as the one formalised today would provide the new airline various savings and efficiencies in terms of fleet maintenance as well as the opportunity to tap a robust market that was ripe for the entry of a new low cost carrier (LCC).
"Airlines would need to be innovative and creative in order to continue to be profitable, and sustainable as a business, without compromising on service levels, reliability and affordability," he said.
Sharing a broad projection for global aviation, Najib indicated that the world air traffic was expected to grow at an annual rate of 5.1 per cent over the next 20 years, whereas air travel within the Asia-Pacific region was expected to grow by 6.7 per cent.
"The Asia-Pacific region accounts for 34 per cent of global passenger traffic and this is expected to almost triple from 779.6 million in 2010 to over 2.2 billion in 2030 with Malaysia expected to account for 200 million passengers.
"This is a staggering number. But one that represents an enourmous opportunity for the region's airlines, and aviation players in general.
"We must be ready to tap into this lucrative market and readiness means adapting and making changes today for the market conditions we anticipate tomorrow," he added.
Najib said the entry of the new airline was a timely move to meet the burgeoning market demand, both for low cost flights and maximum connectivity across the region especially between different cities in Malaysia and various parts of Indonesia.
He said, with significant experience in Airline Operations, MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) services, Supply Chain Management and Human Capital development, NADI and PT Lion Group would not only be able to provide quality services to their consumers in the region, but also to the global aviation industry. "This will fortify the Aviation Business ecosystem both in Malaysia and Indonesia. Furthermore, the partnership will provide the regional low-cost air travel market with healthy competition, ultimately benefiting low-cost travellers in both countries," said Najib.
According to the prime minister, the Malaysian Aerospace Industry which has grown tremendously over the last 20 years, will be well poised to meet the challenges and to seize the opportunities of the future if it be continuously built and nurtured.
In 2011, Najib said, the industry generated RM26 billion in turnover, employing approximately 54,000 workers, 15,000 of whom were skilled in various vocations. "This is something that we, as Malaysians, can take pride in, particularly because it is a testament of the success of the National Aerospace Blueprint (NAB) that was introduced in 1997," he said.
The Blueprint laid out 45 recommendations covering aerospace manufacturing, commercial aviation, general aviation, systems and space, to provide Malaysia with the essential framework to develop itself as technologically and competitively competent global aerospace player by 2015.
The introduction of the Government's Economic Transformation Program (ETP) further bolstered Malaysia's Aerospace industry, identifying two Entry Point Projects,namely "EPP1-Growing MRO Services" and "EPP2-Growing Large Pure Play Engineering Services", which were expected to contribute RM16.9 billion to Malaysia's Gross National Income (GNI) and create over 32,000 jobs by 2020, added Najib.
Najib said the airline, borne out of a collaboration between National Aerospace and Defence Industries Sdn Bhd (Nadi) and Indonesia's PT Lion Group, would begin operations on May 1 next year and be based in KLIA 2.
The collaboration, said Najib, not only marked another milestone in the nation's aviation industry, but also represented yet another facet of the close relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia.
"To my mind the acronym Malindo- the melodic combination of the names of Malaysia and Indonesia has very significant historical connotations, reflecting the long intertwined history of the peoples of our two countries,".
"In terms of this to be established airline, I believe the name reflects the bridging of the two countries by way of a wide network of flights that will connect various cities and towns region-wide, opening new destinations for travellers from within the Nusantara and beyond," he said after witnessing the signing ceremony for the establishment of the airline between the two companies, here.
Najib said, with huge challenges faced by the airline industry today, including escalating operational costs and soaring fuel prices, the smart partnership such as the one formalised today would provide the new airline various savings and efficiencies in terms of fleet maintenance as well as the opportunity to tap a robust market that was ripe for the entry of a new low cost carrier (LCC).
"Airlines would need to be innovative and creative in order to continue to be profitable, and sustainable as a business, without compromising on service levels, reliability and affordability," he said.
Sharing a broad projection for global aviation, Najib indicated that the world air traffic was expected to grow at an annual rate of 5.1 per cent over the next 20 years, whereas air travel within the Asia-Pacific region was expected to grow by 6.7 per cent.
"The Asia-Pacific region accounts for 34 per cent of global passenger traffic and this is expected to almost triple from 779.6 million in 2010 to over 2.2 billion in 2030 with Malaysia expected to account for 200 million passengers.
"This is a staggering number. But one that represents an enourmous opportunity for the region's airlines, and aviation players in general.
"We must be ready to tap into this lucrative market and readiness means adapting and making changes today for the market conditions we anticipate tomorrow," he added.
Najib said the entry of the new airline was a timely move to meet the burgeoning market demand, both for low cost flights and maximum connectivity across the region especially between different cities in Malaysia and various parts of Indonesia.
He said, with significant experience in Airline Operations, MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) services, Supply Chain Management and Human Capital development, NADI and PT Lion Group would not only be able to provide quality services to their consumers in the region, but also to the global aviation industry. "This will fortify the Aviation Business ecosystem both in Malaysia and Indonesia. Furthermore, the partnership will provide the regional low-cost air travel market with healthy competition, ultimately benefiting low-cost travellers in both countries," said Najib.
According to the prime minister, the Malaysian Aerospace Industry which has grown tremendously over the last 20 years, will be well poised to meet the challenges and to seize the opportunities of the future if it be continuously built and nurtured.
In 2011, Najib said, the industry generated RM26 billion in turnover, employing approximately 54,000 workers, 15,000 of whom were skilled in various vocations. "This is something that we, as Malaysians, can take pride in, particularly because it is a testament of the success of the National Aerospace Blueprint (NAB) that was introduced in 1997," he said.
The Blueprint laid out 45 recommendations covering aerospace manufacturing, commercial aviation, general aviation, systems and space, to provide Malaysia with the essential framework to develop itself as technologically and competitively competent global aerospace player by 2015.
The introduction of the Government's Economic Transformation Program (ETP) further bolstered Malaysia's Aerospace industry, identifying two Entry Point Projects,namely "EPP1-Growing MRO Services" and "EPP2-Growing Large Pure Play Engineering Services", which were expected to contribute RM16.9 billion to Malaysia's Gross National Income (GNI) and create over 32,000 jobs by 2020, added Najib.
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
The Kurukshetra War Of The 21st Century
Of course the horrors of war, the devastation it creates, have been documented enough so that there is no need to delve upon them. In the olden times, it was accepted as a fact of life and very few people protested. Actually, of all the nations in the world, India is the one who handled best the business of war, as Sri Aurobindo points out: “Vedic India allowed for men's inclination to war, but made sure that it never went beyond a certain stage, for only professional armies fought and the majority of the population remained untouched”. Indeed, at no time in ancient India, were there great fratricidal wars, like those between the British and the French, or even the Protestants and the Catholics within France itself.
But today, as there is a new awareness of the value of life, both human, animal and vegetal, man often recoils from the terrors of conflicts and its consequences on the human being and its environment. Naturally also, humanity aspires to a more harmonious life, where not only will it not be necessary to kill each other to survive, but also where all human beings would love and respect each other, regardless of their colour, religion and nationality. Thus, particularly in the United States during the Vietnam war, there manifested amongst the youth this longing for “no war, but peace”, as symbolized by the famous photo of a young American girl sticking a flower in the barrel of the gun of a national Guard. This antiwar pressure was so great that it took out the wind of the Unites States to fight this bloody conflict in a faraway country. and ultimately it surrendered meekly Vietnam to the Vietcongs. Since then, although there is no more such antiwar movement in the United States, American soldiers seem to have lost their valour and now their wars are fought from the safety of supersonic planes and very rarely on the ground. And as soon as a few American, or French, or English soldiers are killed, the will to fight goes, because of intense media and public pressure on Governments. This is why hijackers and kidnappers have such a field day now: they kill one or two people and whole governments surrender, as seen during the hijack of the Kathmandu-Delhi flight in December 1999. It takes Israelis soldiers to keep on fighting with their own public, press and government behind them, when suicide after suicide bombers kill scores of innocent people every month.
In India too, there has risen a strong, coherent antiwar lobby. Intellectuals such as Arundhadi Roy have brilliantly pleaded for a peaceful and restrained India, powerful but benevolent, who learns not to retaliate, to be merciful and generous towards her smaller neighbours. The spectre of a nuclear war has of course come as a strong argument for the antiwar lobby in India and we have seen in the last two weeks how both foreign correspondents and Indian magazines have used the available data on the horrendous consequences of a nuclear war to put pressure on the Government to back out from a conflict with Pakistan.
At any rate, Indian Governments have not been exceptionally bold militarily. Two factors appear to have inhibited the Indian courage to face adversity when faced with threats: the first is Buddhism, which made out of non-violence a rigid creed; and the second is the Mahatma Gandhi’s equally unbending theorem of non-violence, which may have precipitated India’s partition. And this is why maybe, under the guise of non-violence and peace, so many Indian intellectuals and politicians have shied away from war since independence, witness Nehru’s refusal to heed warnings about China’s hostility, which triggered the humiliation of the Indian army in 1962.
But will there be a nuclear war? Musharraf, whatever his obsession about Kashmir, which is basically a revenge for the loss of Eastern Pakistan, now Bangladesh, thanks to India’s support, is an intelligent man: he knows that if he does manage to drop one nuclear bomb on Delhi or Bombay, there will no more Pakistan worth the name, as all major Pakistani cities will be wiped off the face of the earth. Islam, who has made of the use of violence a near religious practice, understands the language of violence: see how it kept quiet when America showed its muscle after the 11th September attack, or when the Allies invaded Iraq. Thus Musharaff is doing a nuclear blackmail on the world… which is unfortunately working, as so many nations have evacuated their nationals and so much pressure is brought upon (successfully?) on India by the US and the EC.
If there is a war between Pakistan and India, whatever the politicians say, it will be a war between two brothers, for except for their religion, everything unite Indians and Pakistanis: their colour, ethnic origin, food habits, language... In fact, some Indian Muslim soldiers might have to shoot on some Pakistani cousins, or uncles. Will they pull the trigger when their commander says so? Will not their conscience tell them that it is wrong to shoot on one’s brothers? Does not that remind you of something? Did not Arjuna face the same dilemma five thousand years ago in Kurukshetra? Did he not throw his bow on the ground and tell Krishna: “no I will not fight, because war is such a horrible thing and I refuse to kill my bothers”.
But what does Krishna tell him: “not only you are not killing the soul, but merely the material body; but also sometimes, when all other means have failed and it is necessary to protect one’s borders, wives, children and culture, war can become dharma. And that brings in the final question: is a war against Pakistan justified? Would it be dharma? Well you have to decide for yourself: for nearly twenty years Pakistan has waged a proxy war against India in Punjab, in Kashmir and now more and more in the North-East; it has killed thousands of innocent people, raped women dismembered children, mutilated Indian soldiers in the most horrible manner... Several Indian Prime Ministers have made one-sided attempts at peace, without getting reciprocity from Islamabad.
Indeed, a war between Pakistan and India might be the Kurukshestra of the 21st century, the ultimate war which will set right fifteen hundred years of Islamic terror and both redeem the Hindus’ karma of cowardice, as well as the Muslims’ karma of bloodshed. This war, if it ever happens, will also pave the way for the reunification of India and Pakistan, by force or by natural means. For the two brothers can fight for a time, but ultimately they have to embrace each other anew, as they are basically one, beyond time and body, as Krishna once told Arjuna.
Pakistani parliamentarians discover a ‘Pakistan’ – in India
A village named Pakistan on the Bihar-Bengal border surprises visiting lawmakers.
ISLAMABAD: On a friendly visit to India, parliamentarians from this side of the border discovered another Pakistan.
Tucked away between the border of Bihar and Bengal, Pakistan is a remote village that has survived 65 years of bitter relations that have dominated South Asian history.
It was in the hope that their Muslim friends, who fled during the partition to then-East Pakistan, will return one day that Sikhs and Hindus named their village Pakistan. Finding ‘Pakistan’ in the Indian state of Bihar overwhelmed the parliamentarians.
“If people of a remote village can hope their old friends will return home one day … why can’t we as nations think of peace as the driving force behind our relations?” said Senator Haji Adeel Ahmed, one of the parliamentary delegates from the Awami National Party (ANP).
He added that a people-to-people contact improve ties between India and Pakistan.
“Don’t leave everything on the state and its agency. They have their own self-centred agenda. Let people take the lead and their collective wisdom will guide to the ultimate good,” he said.
Furthermore, the parliamentarians proclaimed that they were ‘pleasantly surprised’ to see how a majority of Indians supported peace between nuclear-armed neighbours.
Even though certain factions on both sides of the border have tried to break down ties between the two nation states, the people of the village still hold on to the hope of seeing their friends.
“This reflects the true feelings of public on both sides. While certain groups have been trying to ignite the flames of hatred here and there, these innocent villagers kept their hopes alive,” said Ahmed.
The villagers say they have sent a message of peace and harmony in naming their village Pakistan.
Even though their migrated friends never returned, the villagers still haven’t given up. Today, their third generation still remembers the occupants of the pre-partition houses which are now in ruins.
Likewise, diplomats remain hopeful. ‘Good things’ are in the pipeline, said one of the top Pakistani diplomats who is aware of the process between the regional giants.
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated Bengal as Bangladesh. The error is regretted.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 10th, 2012.
Jihadis Threaten to Burn U.S. Embassy in Cairo
Jihadi groups in Egypt, including Islamic Jihad, the Sunni Group, and Al
Gamaa Al Islamiyya have issued a statement threatening to burn the U.S.
Embassy in Cairo to the ground. According to El Fagr,
they are calling for the immediate release of the Islamic jihadis who
are imprisonment and in detention centers in the U.S. including
Guantanamo Bay: “The group, which consists of many members from
al-Qaeda, called [especially] for the quick release of the jihadi [mujahid]
sheikh, Omar Abdul Rahman, whom they described as a scholar and jihadi
who sacrificed his life for the Egyptian Umma, who was ignored by the
Mubarak regime, and Morsi is refusing to intervene on his behalf and
release him, despite promising that he would. The Islamic Group has
threatened to burn the U.S. Embassy in Cairo with those in it, and
taking hostage those who remain [alive], unless the Blind Sheikh is
immediately released.”
DPM’s education policies ‘pushing nation backwards’, PAGE warns
Azimah said Muhyiddin’s refusal to budge on PPSMI appeared to be a matter of pride. — File pic
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 ― The deputy prime minister’s education policies are causing the nation to regress in terms of knowledge acquisition and fostering unity, said the Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) today on the eve of the unveiling of the new National Education Masterplan.
This comes after Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also education minister, said in an interview published by an English daily yesterday that the government was against bringing back the teaching of mathematics and science in English (PPSMI) as well as English medium schools, as these would appear that it was backtracking and flip-flopping
Today, PAGE chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said that the by abolishing the teaching of mathematics and science in English, Muhyiddin was preventing many Malaysian children from acquiring knowledge in a language they are most comfortable with ― a concept that UNESCO advocates.
“It appears that the DPM is more afraid that his ministry is seen as flip-flopping on the policy than its impact on our children and their future,” said Azimah.
She added that the repercussions of not giving children the option to learn science and mathematics in English ― the lingua franca of the two subjects ― could be severe, including a continued decline in the interest in science.
“The government under the prime minister wants to bring the nation forward through 1 Malaysia, science, technology and innovation, but the policies of the deputy prime minister, specifically the abolition of PPSMI, are pushing the nation backwards in the acquisition of knowledge and in enhancing racial integration which is crucial for our continued success,” said Azimah.
Muhyiddin said in an interview in the New Straits Times yesterday that English medium schools have been dropped for almost 50 years and the country should not backtrack now.
He also said PPSMI had been more about the language rather than technical knowledge and the government was taking steps to beef up the teaching of English.
Language in education is often contested on political rather than academic grounds in Malaysia, with both Malay and Mandarin advocate groups in the past threatening backlashes at the polls if their language demands were not met.
Malaysia currently offers public education in three languages ― Malay, Mandarin and Tamil ― while English language education remains the preserve of those wealthy enough to send their children to private schools.
The tendency for only the rich to be able to afford English language education has many industry observers concerned that it will widen the social divide between the elite and the masses.
Malaysia converted its English language medium schools to Malay medium schools in the 1970’s but reintroduced English as a medium of instruction for mathematics and science in 2003. This was again overturned in 2009 in what many perceived to be an effort to placate both Malay and Mandarin hardline groups.
The education masterplan will be launched by the prime minister tomorrow and will be available for public feedback for a period of three months starting tomorrow.
‘I was blindfolded, handcuffed, beaten’
A security manager claims the nightmare started when he lodged a report with the police about a burglary.
KUALA LUMPUR: When Tesco security manager S Selvaraja lodged a police report last week over a robbery at the store’s Taman Wahyu Selayang branch, little did he know that the act would leave him maimed at the hands of the police.
According to Selvaraja, after he made the report and provided the police with CCTV footage of the robbery, the police promptly remanded him and several others to aid in their investigations – and that was when the nightmare began.
“The police took me to their Kepong station, along with two other of my staff.
“They blindfolded me and handcuffed me from behind, then started beating my legs and feet with a black rubber cable for 40 to 50 minutes,” he told reporters here.
Meanwhile, he said, his colleague P Nuniandy was shoved under a table, while the other, Nanda Kumar, was forced into a corner to prevent the two from witnessing the beatings.
“They beat me, they used vulgar words on me… Now I cannot walk without help,” Selvaraja said, indicating his visibly swollen feet, while his wife sobbed silently behind him.
According to Selvaraja, once the beatings ended, he was brought to the Jinjang police lock-up, where he was refused food and medical treatment for the rest of the day.
But he said the ordeal finally ended the following day, after he was brought before the magistrate’s court to have his remand extended.
“At that point, I was unable to stand anymore. So I spoke straight to the judge and asked, ‘What is happening? Why do they need me? Why are they beating me?’” Selvaraja said.
“The judge said it was because of a separate robbery case in Batu Caves that the police were investigating.
“But I was in custody at the time of the second robbery; the remand was not granted.”
He said he was immediately brought to a hospital for treatment, and he later lodged a police report over the incident.
“The hospital says the tissue is torn, and it will take a very long time to heal,” he said, adding that for the time being, he has been granted medical leave as he is unable to walk unaided.
He is also expected to identify the perpetrators later this evening – an almost impossible task as he was reportedly blindfolded throughout the ordeal.
‘Why so brutal?’
Meanwhile, DAP’s A Sivanesan, who was representing Selvaraja, lashed out at the police for their alleged brutality and disregard for standard operating procedures (SOP).
“We go to the police for protection, but they turn around and attack us. We expect them to investigate, but they make us the culprit,” the Sungkai state assemblyman said.
“They talk about SOP, but do those police involved even know what the SOP is?”
“They should have placed Selvaraja in the lock-up, instead of taking him to their office and bashing him.”
Sivanesan said that they would also be lodging a report with the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) over the incident, and were currently mulling filing a suit against the police.
“The policemen are trained, yet why are they so brutal? This man cannot even walk and stand properly anymore as his soles are badly injured,” he said.
DAP publicity chief Ton Pua, who was also present, said this case was proof that an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) was urgently needed.
“The police force must be monitored by the IPCMC to ensure such police brutality does not go unchecked,” he said.
“Without such an independent institution set-up, the police are a law unto themselves,” he said.
KUALA LUMPUR: When Tesco security manager S Selvaraja lodged a police report last week over a robbery at the store’s Taman Wahyu Selayang branch, little did he know that the act would leave him maimed at the hands of the police.According to Selvaraja, after he made the report and provided the police with CCTV footage of the robbery, the police promptly remanded him and several others to aid in their investigations – and that was when the nightmare began.
“The police took me to their Kepong station, along with two other of my staff.
“They blindfolded me and handcuffed me from behind, then started beating my legs and feet with a black rubber cable for 40 to 50 minutes,” he told reporters here.
Meanwhile, he said, his colleague P Nuniandy was shoved under a table, while the other, Nanda Kumar, was forced into a corner to prevent the two from witnessing the beatings.
“They beat me, they used vulgar words on me… Now I cannot walk without help,” Selvaraja said, indicating his visibly swollen feet, while his wife sobbed silently behind him.
According to Selvaraja, once the beatings ended, he was brought to the Jinjang police lock-up, where he was refused food and medical treatment for the rest of the day.
But he said the ordeal finally ended the following day, after he was brought before the magistrate’s court to have his remand extended.
“At that point, I was unable to stand anymore. So I spoke straight to the judge and asked, ‘What is happening? Why do they need me? Why are they beating me?’” Selvaraja said.
“The judge said it was because of a separate robbery case in Batu Caves that the police were investigating.
“But I was in custody at the time of the second robbery; the remand was not granted.”
He said he was immediately brought to a hospital for treatment, and he later lodged a police report over the incident.
“The hospital says the tissue is torn, and it will take a very long time to heal,” he said, adding that for the time being, he has been granted medical leave as he is unable to walk unaided.
He is also expected to identify the perpetrators later this evening – an almost impossible task as he was reportedly blindfolded throughout the ordeal.
‘Why so brutal?’
Meanwhile, DAP’s A Sivanesan, who was representing Selvaraja, lashed out at the police for their alleged brutality and disregard for standard operating procedures (SOP).
“We go to the police for protection, but they turn around and attack us. We expect them to investigate, but they make us the culprit,” the Sungkai state assemblyman said.
“They talk about SOP, but do those police involved even know what the SOP is?”
“They should have placed Selvaraja in the lock-up, instead of taking him to their office and bashing him.”
Sivanesan said that they would also be lodging a report with the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) over the incident, and were currently mulling filing a suit against the police.
“The policemen are trained, yet why are they so brutal? This man cannot even walk and stand properly anymore as his soles are badly injured,” he said.
DAP publicity chief Ton Pua, who was also present, said this case was proof that an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) was urgently needed.
“The police force must be monitored by the IPCMC to ensure such police brutality does not go unchecked,” he said.
“Without such an independent institution set-up, the police are a law unto themselves,” he said.
Anonymous letter warns Najib of Indian ‘gang threat’
An 'Umno member' warns the prime minister of the rise of Indian gangs in the country which may cause another Hindraf-like political tsunami if not addressed urgently.
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has apparently been warned of an alleged threat of gangsterism among the Indian community which would, if left unchecked, indirectly cause the Barisan Nasional government to lose votes in the next general election.
An anonymous letter purportedly written by a “concerned Umno member” and sent to Najib on April 20, urged the Umno president to treat the matter seriously or risk another “political tsunami” akin to 2008, which the Hindraf movement had contributed to.
In the letter, seen by FMT, the “Umno member from Selayang Baru” implicated the MIC and the police for being complicit in allowing “Gang 36″ to gain more influence and power.
The author claimed that on Dec 3, 2011, MIC organised a Deepavali event at The Mines, Sri Kembangan, where about 7,000 Indian youths who attended were made up of “almost 99%” of Gang 36 members.
Several prominent politicians from BN officiated at the event, with the author naming three of them in the letter. They included two members of parliaments and a minister.
Repeated attempts to contact the three national leaders for comments were unsuccessful.
“Close to 99% of the Indian youths who attended were from Gang 36. The behaviour, character and clothing of these youths were very embarrassing. Their actions not only taint the image of MIC but also BN,” wrote the “Umno member”.
The writer claimed that a number of these youths even wore the “Geng 36″ T-shirts and waved the “Gang
36″ flag openly. They were also displaying the Sanskrit Aum symbol(picture below) which is said to be used as the gang’s logo.
“That event gave a bad impression, especially the Indian community towards BN party. The event also clearly shows an attempt by Gang 36 to fortify its positions through politics.”
The writer also said the event has become the talk of the town among the Indian community, and defeated MIC’s attempt to portray a new image after their alleged “failure” under former MIC president S Samy Vellu.
The writer said that it was his opinion that the leader of the gang, who he claimed is involved in drug trafficking and other crimes, is trying to use politics to clear the gang’s criminal records and reign supreme in the country.
‘Conspiracy brewing’
“The attempt of Gang 36 to enter politics to fortify its position should be stopped so that the opposition does not use this issue to deny [BN] the votes of the Indians.
“Yang Amat Berhormat [prime minister], don’t treat this issue as merely an Indian one. Hindraf, which was considered a small matter, created such a big impact in 2008 and four states fell to the opposition’s hands.
“A conspiracy is brewing to accuse the government, particularly Umno, of ethnic cleansing of the Indian community by taking a lax attitude towards gangsterism in Malaysia. The police all over the country have been bribed in the millions by Gang 36.”
The letter claimed that the police – from police beats all the way to Bukit Aman – have given the gangsters the “green light” to carry out their drug trafficking activities by taking these bribes.
He alleged that the worse district was the Gombak police headquarters. “A lot of proof can be found if the Gombak police chief is investigated,” said the the writer.
No comment was forthcoming from Bukit Aman. However, Gombak district police chief Abdul Rahim Abdullah told FMT that these allegations were “nonsense”.
“I’m not going to comment at length since I’ve personally been implicated here. My CPO [Selangor police chief] or IGP [Inspector-General of Police] perhaps should comment and tell us if they would form a special investigation against my district. I am open to that.”
“I deny these ludicrous allegations. And if you were to ask me if the police gave gangsters the ‘green light’, then perhaps I will show you the cases where we have nabbed these gangsters. If we were to allow gangs such as 08 or 36 to do as they please, then I don’t think we can sleep soundly.
“These gangs are present in other districts, too, and we are monitoring their activities. Whenever we find any involvement, and if we have direct evidence, we will pull them in and try to charge them,” he said.
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has apparently been warned of an alleged threat of gangsterism among the Indian community which would, if left unchecked, indirectly cause the Barisan Nasional government to lose votes in the next general election.An anonymous letter purportedly written by a “concerned Umno member” and sent to Najib on April 20, urged the Umno president to treat the matter seriously or risk another “political tsunami” akin to 2008, which the Hindraf movement had contributed to.
In the letter, seen by FMT, the “Umno member from Selayang Baru” implicated the MIC and the police for being complicit in allowing “Gang 36″ to gain more influence and power.
The author claimed that on Dec 3, 2011, MIC organised a Deepavali event at The Mines, Sri Kembangan, where about 7,000 Indian youths who attended were made up of “almost 99%” of Gang 36 members.
Several prominent politicians from BN officiated at the event, with the author naming three of them in the letter. They included two members of parliaments and a minister.
Repeated attempts to contact the three national leaders for comments were unsuccessful.
“Close to 99% of the Indian youths who attended were from Gang 36. The behaviour, character and clothing of these youths were very embarrassing. Their actions not only taint the image of MIC but also BN,” wrote the “Umno member”.
“That event gave a bad impression, especially the Indian community towards BN party. The event also clearly shows an attempt by Gang 36 to fortify its positions through politics.”
The writer also said the event has become the talk of the town among the Indian community, and defeated MIC’s attempt to portray a new image after their alleged “failure” under former MIC president S Samy Vellu.
The writer said that it was his opinion that the leader of the gang, who he claimed is involved in drug trafficking and other crimes, is trying to use politics to clear the gang’s criminal records and reign supreme in the country.
‘Conspiracy brewing’
“The attempt of Gang 36 to enter politics to fortify its position should be stopped so that the opposition does not use this issue to deny [BN] the votes of the Indians.
“Yang Amat Berhormat [prime minister], don’t treat this issue as merely an Indian one. Hindraf, which was considered a small matter, created such a big impact in 2008 and four states fell to the opposition’s hands.
“A conspiracy is brewing to accuse the government, particularly Umno, of ethnic cleansing of the Indian community by taking a lax attitude towards gangsterism in Malaysia. The police all over the country have been bribed in the millions by Gang 36.”
The letter claimed that the police – from police beats all the way to Bukit Aman – have given the gangsters the “green light” to carry out their drug trafficking activities by taking these bribes.
He alleged that the worse district was the Gombak police headquarters. “A lot of proof can be found if the Gombak police chief is investigated,” said the the writer.
No comment was forthcoming from Bukit Aman. However, Gombak district police chief Abdul Rahim Abdullah told FMT that these allegations were “nonsense”.
“I’m not going to comment at length since I’ve personally been implicated here. My CPO [Selangor police chief] or IGP [Inspector-General of Police] perhaps should comment and tell us if they would form a special investigation against my district. I am open to that.”
“I deny these ludicrous allegations. And if you were to ask me if the police gave gangsters the ‘green light’, then perhaps I will show you the cases where we have nabbed these gangsters. If we were to allow gangs such as 08 or 36 to do as they please, then I don’t think we can sleep soundly.
“These gangs are present in other districts, too, and we are monitoring their activities. Whenever we find any involvement, and if we have direct evidence, we will pull them in and try to charge them,” he said.
Tamil national daily suspends its GM
Makkal Osai daily general manager M Periasamy has been suspended from all duties.
PETALING JAYA: Tamil daily Makkal Osai has suspended its general manager M Periasamy with immediate effect and for an indefinite period.
Periasamy is also a general manager of Eden Value Sdn Bhd, the company under which the Tamil daily is registered.
His suspension is allegedly linked to an argument he had with a company director on Sept 2 which was deemed as being against the interest of the company and the Tamil daily.
The suspension letter dated Sept 5 was signed by Eden Value managing director, S Sunther.
The letter also barred Periasamy from entering the premises of the Tamil daily in Batu Complex, Kuala Lumpur.
Periasamy, however, will continue receiving his salary during the period of his suspension.
According to a source aligned to Periasamy, Makkal Osai director A Rajakumaran had a heated argument with Periasamy on Sept 2 after the former dismissed a staff without the knowledge of the latter.
Rajakumaran then lodged a police report alleging Periasamy had assaulted him.
Periasamy countered by lodging a police report against Rajakumaran.
The source said the argument between Perisamy and Rajakumaran was a result of Eden Value directors’ (including Rajakumaran’s) interference into the daily operations of Makkal Osai.
This, the source said, had been visible since the newspaper owner, former MIC deputy president S Subramaniam, became ill last year.
PETALING JAYA: Tamil daily Makkal Osai has suspended its general manager M Periasamy with immediate effect and for an indefinite period.Periasamy is also a general manager of Eden Value Sdn Bhd, the company under which the Tamil daily is registered.
His suspension is allegedly linked to an argument he had with a company director on Sept 2 which was deemed as being against the interest of the company and the Tamil daily.
The suspension letter dated Sept 5 was signed by Eden Value managing director, S Sunther.
The letter also barred Periasamy from entering the premises of the Tamil daily in Batu Complex, Kuala Lumpur.
Periasamy, however, will continue receiving his salary during the period of his suspension.
According to a source aligned to Periasamy, Makkal Osai director A Rajakumaran had a heated argument with Periasamy on Sept 2 after the former dismissed a staff without the knowledge of the latter.
Rajakumaran then lodged a police report alleging Periasamy had assaulted him.
Periasamy countered by lodging a police report against Rajakumaran.
The source said the argument between Perisamy and Rajakumaran was a result of Eden Value directors’ (including Rajakumaran’s) interference into the daily operations of Makkal Osai.
This, the source said, had been visible since the newspaper owner, former MIC deputy president S Subramaniam, became ill last year.
Banks in cahoots with crooks?
A consumer group says 99% of banks are guilty and threatens to file class action suits.
PETALING JAYA: A consumer group today accused local banks of failing to protect their clients’ rights through negligence and unethical practices.
Alleging that 99% of banks were guilty, the Consumer Association of Subang and Shah Alam (CASSA) told FMT that it would be filing class action suits against them, but did not say when.
CASSA president Jacob George said the complaints his organisation had received covered more than 400 cases of various breaches of duty to bank clients. He added that these complaints had become more frequent in recent days.
He alleged that these breaches were the result of an “unfortunate symbiotic relationship” between banks and “predators”. He also attacked Bank Negara for its alleged failure to rein in the culprits.
“Banks are very protected, and Bank Negara has done nothing,” he said.
George’s comments followed a FMT report about mutton seller A Muthukrishnan, 44, who may soon lose his home in Selayang Baru after a group of licensed money lenders allegedly duped him into signing a set of documents.
Muthukrishnan is now disabled. He said he lost his thumb after being set upon by thugs hired by the money lenders. He also blamed Standard Chartered Bank, saying it had neglected to inform him that it was finalising the transfer of his house to the money lenders.
George’s comments today came five days after he held a press conference over the issue. On Sept 5, he highlighted the plight of Paul Murugesu, a 53-year-old businessman who bought a piece of land in Klang for RM11.5 million in 2010, but which his bank auctioned off two years later, allegedly without giving him a chance to settle his loan.
Major flaw
“In the case of Muthukrishnan,” George said, “it seems arrogant for the bank to imply that he was wrong in going to the media.
“This shows the true character of the banks. They just don’t want bad publicity. How then can an ordinary man raise his grouses?”
He said the bank in question owed a duty to its clients to stop third parties from manipulating the system.
“The bank owes Muthukrishnan a fiduciary duty to immediately inform him of a suspect or unusual behaviour of a third party, and not allow the man to lose his house without even giving him proper notice,” he said.
“It is a major flaw and the fault lies with the banks for thinking they have absolute powers over properties.”
“The banks’ first duty is to protect the interest of clients. Why did they communicate with outsiders? Even if there was power of attorney, wouldn’t you check with your client first?
“It’s the same with credit cards. Shouldn’t a bank call up the holder when a suspicious purchase is made?”
In making the threat of class action suits, George claimed to have information that unscrupulous parties were paying huge sums of money for insider information from banks.
“Banks are also working alongside racketeers, smugglers of drugs and tobacco, money lenders and loan sharks,” he said. “Are these people using banks to launder money?”
PETALING JAYA: A consumer group today accused local banks of failing to protect their clients’ rights through negligence and unethical practices.Alleging that 99% of banks were guilty, the Consumer Association of Subang and Shah Alam (CASSA) told FMT that it would be filing class action suits against them, but did not say when.
CASSA president Jacob George said the complaints his organisation had received covered more than 400 cases of various breaches of duty to bank clients. He added that these complaints had become more frequent in recent days.
He alleged that these breaches were the result of an “unfortunate symbiotic relationship” between banks and “predators”. He also attacked Bank Negara for its alleged failure to rein in the culprits.
“Banks are very protected, and Bank Negara has done nothing,” he said.
George’s comments followed a FMT report about mutton seller A Muthukrishnan, 44, who may soon lose his home in Selayang Baru after a group of licensed money lenders allegedly duped him into signing a set of documents.
Muthukrishnan is now disabled. He said he lost his thumb after being set upon by thugs hired by the money lenders. He also blamed Standard Chartered Bank, saying it had neglected to inform him that it was finalising the transfer of his house to the money lenders.
George’s comments today came five days after he held a press conference over the issue. On Sept 5, he highlighted the plight of Paul Murugesu, a 53-year-old businessman who bought a piece of land in Klang for RM11.5 million in 2010, but which his bank auctioned off two years later, allegedly without giving him a chance to settle his loan.
Major flaw
“In the case of Muthukrishnan,” George said, “it seems arrogant for the bank to imply that he was wrong in going to the media.
“This shows the true character of the banks. They just don’t want bad publicity. How then can an ordinary man raise his grouses?”
He said the bank in question owed a duty to its clients to stop third parties from manipulating the system.
“The bank owes Muthukrishnan a fiduciary duty to immediately inform him of a suspect or unusual behaviour of a third party, and not allow the man to lose his house without even giving him proper notice,” he said.
“It is a major flaw and the fault lies with the banks for thinking they have absolute powers over properties.”
“The banks’ first duty is to protect the interest of clients. Why did they communicate with outsiders? Even if there was power of attorney, wouldn’t you check with your client first?
“It’s the same with credit cards. Shouldn’t a bank call up the holder when a suspicious purchase is made?”
In making the threat of class action suits, George claimed to have information that unscrupulous parties were paying huge sums of money for insider information from banks.
“Banks are also working alongside racketeers, smugglers of drugs and tobacco, money lenders and loan sharks,” he said. “Are these people using banks to launder money?”
Police receive video of Anwar’s bodyguard allegedly pointing a gun
(Bernama) - Melaka police today received a video recording believed to be that of a bodyguard of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim threatening a member of the public with a gun.It was surrendered to the Jasin Police Headquarters here at 6pm.
The four-minute video, belonging to a local cyber media officer, was recorded at a function organised by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) in Kampung Baru Rim on Saturday.
The 29-year-old man, who was met at the IPD, said the recording was handed to police to help investigations related to the incident.
“This is because the action of pointing a gun at someone is a threat to the crowd at the scene of the incident,” he said.
Meanwhile, Melaka police chief Datuk Chuah Ghee Lye when contacted confirmed receiving the tape and said police would study the tape.
He said police might call the opposition leader to help in investigation on the case if necessary.
“Anwar was in the bus during the incident and it is not known if he had seen the incident. But it is up to the investigation officer to decide whether to call him or
Pakatan bars leaders from PSM function
(NST) - IPOH: THE Jelapang state constituency in Perak is set to drive a wedge between Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) and fellow Pakatan Rakyat (PR) members with PR upping the ante by barring its leaders from attending functions organised by PSM.Sources told the New Straits Times that Perak PR had, during a meeting on Friday, decided that its leaders would not attend a ceramah tomorrow which is organised by PSM at Taman Pertama. Pas deputy president Mohamad Sabu, better known as Mat Sabu, was to be the main speaker.
"Former Perak menteri besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin had been tasked to talk to Mat Sabu to persuade him not to attend the ceramah," said the source.
This is not the first time Perak DAP had tried to frustrate programmes organised by PSM.
Previously, state DAP chairman Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham had sent a blanket text message to all party representatives, barring them from attending a similar ceramah organised by PSM in Jelapang on July 13.
PSM and DAP are locked in a tussle over the Jelapang seat, which is being held by Barisan Nasional-friendly independent, Datuk Hee Yit Foong. PSM had previously said it would not back down from contesting in the constituency against Barisan Nasional.
PSM secretary-general S. Arutchelvan (photo above) labelled PR as childish for the move.
"I can assure you that the stand made by PR is not shared by its counterpart from other states, as we just jointly organised a Hari Raya open house at Kota Damansara."
Arutchelvan reminded DAP that negotiation for the Jelapang seat was still ongoing and nothing had finalised yet.
"Ngeh should not be jumping to conclusions," he added, warning DAP to stop antagonising PSM.
Perak PKR vice-chairman Chang Lih Kang declined to comment on the meeting, while Nizar and Ngeh could not be reached.
During the 2008 general election, Jelapang saw a three-cornered fight between BN, DAP and PSM.
PSM's national deputy chairman M. Saraswathy received 1,275 votes against BN's Loh Koi Pin (5,512 votes) and Hee, who won by a landslide of 12,219 votes.
Chamber to explain RM180mil aid facility for Indians
(The Star) - The Malaysian Associated Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) will go on a nationwide campaign to explain the Government's special allocation to the community.Its president Datuk K.K. Eswaran said the campaign was necessary as some quarters had been trying to discredit the Government's genuine effort by calling it sandiwara (an act).
“I can assure everyone that the Government is committed to assisting Indians and there is no hidden agenda,” he said yesterday.
Eswaran had earlier chaired a meeting of the state chambers as well as representatives of the Indian trade associations.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had earlier announced an allocation of RM180mil for Indian entrepreneurs.
The Special Secretariat for Empowerment of Indian Entrepreneurs has been entrusted to assist the loan applicants to prepare a feasibility study as well as relevant documents to be submitted to the 16 banks selected.
Whistle-blowing NGO in Malaysia to be Charged
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Suaram, the human rights NGO that hired French lawyers to investigate bribes and kickbacks surrounding Malaysia’s controversial purchase of French submarines, will be charged for violations of the country’s Companies Act sometime during the next two weeks, Domestic Trade and Consumerism Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Saturday, according to the state-owned Bernama news service.
Some 66 Malaysia-based NGOs are expected to give a press conference tomorrow at 11 am expressing their support for Suaram, an acronym for Suara Rakyat Malaysia, or Voice of the Malaysian People.
Suaram in 2009 asked a French investigative law firm headed by William Bourdon in 2009 to look into what appeared to be huge bribes and kickbacks paid to Malaysian politicians by the French state-owned defense company DCN and its subsidiaries for the 2002 purchase of two submarines and the lease of a third.
The probe resulted in a raid on DCN’s headquarters and other company offices that exposed nearly 150 million euros in questionable funds paid to a close friend of then-defense minister Najib Tun Razak, now Malaysia’s prime minister. The documents indicated that the bribes had been paid with the full knowledge of Alain Juppe, the French foreign minister, Mahathir Mohamad, then the prime minister of Malaysia, and Najib, who had negotiated the purchase. The evidence detailed a host of other sleazy dealings.
Some 133 documents listing the alleged criminal dealings were obtained independently by Asia Sentinel and posted here on June 25 on the Internet. Two Asia Sentinel stories detailed the allegations against French and Malaysian officials.
Suaram, accused of being “Anwar’s NGO” because of the presence of opposition members of its board of directors, has come under unprecedented attack by pro-government bloggers, party-owned newspaper and UMNO lawmakers who questioned its status as an NGO rather than a company and accused it of receiving foreign funds.
“Yes, they are going to try to charge us,” Suaram Director Cynthia Gabriel said in a telephone interview Sunday. We have no details yet, the first charge will probably be in a couple of days, we will see what happens.”
Gabriel said the first charge apparently involves allegations of money-laundering, although she said the NGO had voluntarily opened its books to investigators and that she felt there had been no wrongdoing.
Malaysia’s government-owned newspapers have blared headlines that Suaram received funds from the German government, and indicated that that the German ambassador would be called in and asked for an explanation.
The Chinese probably hold the record for jailing those who point out corruption, violation of environmental laws and other shortcomings. But Malaysia could be catching up. The Barisan Nasional has a considerable history of going after whistle-blowers who expose wrongdoing by government officials, and particularly of leaders of the United Malays National Organization.
The most recent were Rafizi Ramli, the strategy chief for the opposition Parti Keadilan Rakyat party, and Johan Mohamad, a former Public Bank clerk, for explosive details of an equally embarrassing scandal involving Malaysia’s National Feedlot Corporation, controlled by the husband of Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, the head of the women’s wing of UMNO. Te scandal has more recently become known as Cowgate, in which it squandered millions of ringgit on personal trips, fancy cars, condominiums in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and largely failed in its mission to establish an operation to slaughter tens of thousands of cattle annually following Islamic religious practices.
Government officials raided Rafizi’s home in a predawn raid and charged him on Aug. 1 with violating the Banking and Financial Securities Act.
Rafizi also made public Treasury Ministry documents allegedly showing that a consortium headed by a close friend of Najib Tun Razak delivered the winning bid for a RM1 billion light rail expansion project, accusing Najib of interfering in the bid process to swing the contract to the engineering company.
Another whistleblower who had his career ruined because he dared to take on UMNO cronies was Ramli Yusuff, the director of Malaysia's Commercial Crime Investigation Department, who filed a report concerning the looting of MAS, the country’s flag airline.
"Tan Sri Tajudin Ramli was in control of MAS from 1994 to 2001. When he left MAS in 2001, MAS had accumulated losses in excess of RM8 billion (US$2.54 billion). Many projects were made under very suspicious circumstances," Ramli wrote in his report, indicating a wide range of abuses by Tajudin’s family, who were deeply involved in setting up shell companies to siphon off money from MAS ancillary operations.
But instead of preferring charges against Tajudin, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) went after the inspecting officer, Ramli Yusuff for allegedly not declaring his assets, for misusing a police airplane, and abusing his power as a police officer, all of which were convincingly refuted.
Ramli wasn't the only one to be hauled before the courts. His lawyer, Rosli Dahlan, who was also the lawyer for the airline itself, prepared Ramli's defense against the criminal charges only to be arrested on charges of collaborating with Ramli. At one point, on a pretext that Rosli had mishandled a letter from the MACC, police officers invaded Rosli's office, arrested and handcuffed him, then kept him in a cell overnight, refusing him medical treatment for injuries to his wrists from the handcuffs. They also refused his request to file a report against the arresting officers.
Rosli went to a court especially created to handle MACC cases, only to have the case fizzle out when a prosecutor announced that neither Rosli nor Ramli had been charged for corruption, having been summarily acquitted without having to put on a defense.
Probably the most egregious case occurred in 1995 when Lim Guan Eng, then a Melaka politician, was charged with sedition and jailed for 18 months for pointing out on the floor of Parliament that Rahim Tamby Cik*, then the Melaka chief minister, was involved in the statutory rape of a 15-year-old schoolgirl. The girl’s grandmother appealed to Lim for help after the family had no access to her for eight days. When the affair became known, the alleged rape victim was jailed as well. Lim, now the chief minister for the state of Penang, lost his MP status and was barred from standing in the next election.
*Corrected 10 Sept. 2012. Asia Sentinel misnamed the chief minister of Melaka. We regret the error
Henti sabotaj Pembangkang, Anwar ajak Najib debat
(Oleh Masdar Wahid-Harakah)
KUALA LUMPUR 10 September: Ketua Pembangkang, Datuk Seri Anwar
Ibrahim sekali lagi mencabar Datuk Seri Najib Razak berdebat bersamanya
dan mahu Perdana Menteri (PM) itu menghentikan sabotaj terhadap program
Pakatan Rakyat.
“Najib tak payah suruh orang baling batu, kamu sendiri naik atas pentas, debat dengan saya. Kuasa kamu pegang, TV kamu pegang, tiap-tiap hari tengok muka kamu sahaja. Balik-balik Datuk Najib, Rosmah. Rosmah, Datuk Najib.
“Kita orang Islam kalau tidak setuju dengan seseorang, kita bahas dengan baik. Qur’an jelaskan cara dakwah yang betul ialah kalau nak beradu (tenaga), beradu dengan baik dan bukan dengan cara biadab, cerca, maki dan hina orang,” katanya.
Beliau berucap pada ceramah Merdeka Rakyat sempena Rumah Terbuka Aidilfitri KEADILAN Wangsa Maju di Tapak Pasar Malam, Taman Melati, semalam.
Ketua Umum KEADILAN itu turut kesal tindakan Umno dan media kawalannya yang memanipulasi isu pijak gambar.
Tindakan itu katanya tidak adil kerana Najib juga membisu apabila penyokongnya menunjukkan punggung kepada Pengerusi Bersih 2.0, Datuk S Ambiga.
“Tunjuk punggung ini bukan cara agama, bukan cara Melayu…Siapa yang buat, penyokong-penyokong Umno BN. Mengapa dia serang Ambiga, kerana yang tunjuk punggung ini sokong Najib.
“Ada Najib tegur, ada akhbar Umno tegur, ada polis ambil tindakan? Tiada…Adakah rakyat ada dua kelas apabila diperlakukan secara tidak adil,” soalnya.
Justeru, beliau menasihatkan Najib agar tidak sombong dengan kuasa yang ada kerana jawatan Perdana Menteri dan banduan boleh bertukar.
“Jangan guna kuasa cara takabbur. Siapa Tayeb Erdogan, dia kini PM Turki, di mana dia pada 2002 semasa pilihan raya Turki? Dia dalam penjara.
“Tiga tahun lalu, Dr (Mohamed) Morsi dalam penjara, dan Hosni Mubarak ialah Presiden Mesir. Kini, Dr Morsi ditakdirkan jadi Presiden Mesir, manakala Hosni Mubarak dipenjarakan selepas diguling rakyat yang muka dengan dasarnya yang zalim,” tegas Anwar.
Beliau turut memberi jaminan tidak memenjarakan Najib jika menjadi Perdana Menteri selepas Pilihan Raya Umum (PRU) akan datang.
“Saya tiada niat hantar pemimpin Umno dalam penjara dan kalau betul ada niat itu, tiada berkatnya kerana saya hanya berniat melantik Najib sebagai Ketua Pembangkang bagi Parlimen yang baru.
“Kalau dia tak mahu, saya boleh runding untuk lantik dia sebagai Duta Malaysia ke Mongolia,” katanya disambut gelak hadirin.
“Pasal apa gelak pula, rakyat Indonesia ramai tidak kenal Najib tahu. Kalau Pak Mahathir, Pak Anwar ya terkenal di Indonesia. Tapi kalau di Mongolia, semua orang kenal dia (Najib),” kata Anwar sinis.
KUALA LUMPUR 10 September: Ketua Pembangkang, Datuk Seri Anwar
Ibrahim sekali lagi mencabar Datuk Seri Najib Razak berdebat bersamanya
dan mahu Perdana Menteri (PM) itu menghentikan sabotaj terhadap program
Pakatan Rakyat.“Najib tak payah suruh orang baling batu, kamu sendiri naik atas pentas, debat dengan saya. Kuasa kamu pegang, TV kamu pegang, tiap-tiap hari tengok muka kamu sahaja. Balik-balik Datuk Najib, Rosmah. Rosmah, Datuk Najib.
“Kita orang Islam kalau tidak setuju dengan seseorang, kita bahas dengan baik. Qur’an jelaskan cara dakwah yang betul ialah kalau nak beradu (tenaga), beradu dengan baik dan bukan dengan cara biadab, cerca, maki dan hina orang,” katanya.
Beliau berucap pada ceramah Merdeka Rakyat sempena Rumah Terbuka Aidilfitri KEADILAN Wangsa Maju di Tapak Pasar Malam, Taman Melati, semalam.
Ketua Umum KEADILAN itu turut kesal tindakan Umno dan media kawalannya yang memanipulasi isu pijak gambar.
Tindakan itu katanya tidak adil kerana Najib juga membisu apabila penyokongnya menunjukkan punggung kepada Pengerusi Bersih 2.0, Datuk S Ambiga.
“Tunjuk punggung ini bukan cara agama, bukan cara Melayu…Siapa yang buat, penyokong-penyokong Umno BN. Mengapa dia serang Ambiga, kerana yang tunjuk punggung ini sokong Najib.
“Ada Najib tegur, ada akhbar Umno tegur, ada polis ambil tindakan? Tiada…Adakah rakyat ada dua kelas apabila diperlakukan secara tidak adil,” soalnya.
Justeru, beliau menasihatkan Najib agar tidak sombong dengan kuasa yang ada kerana jawatan Perdana Menteri dan banduan boleh bertukar.
“Jangan guna kuasa cara takabbur. Siapa Tayeb Erdogan, dia kini PM Turki, di mana dia pada 2002 semasa pilihan raya Turki? Dia dalam penjara.
“Tiga tahun lalu, Dr (Mohamed) Morsi dalam penjara, dan Hosni Mubarak ialah Presiden Mesir. Kini, Dr Morsi ditakdirkan jadi Presiden Mesir, manakala Hosni Mubarak dipenjarakan selepas diguling rakyat yang muka dengan dasarnya yang zalim,” tegas Anwar.
Beliau turut memberi jaminan tidak memenjarakan Najib jika menjadi Perdana Menteri selepas Pilihan Raya Umum (PRU) akan datang.
“Saya tiada niat hantar pemimpin Umno dalam penjara dan kalau betul ada niat itu, tiada berkatnya kerana saya hanya berniat melantik Najib sebagai Ketua Pembangkang bagi Parlimen yang baru.
“Kalau dia tak mahu, saya boleh runding untuk lantik dia sebagai Duta Malaysia ke Mongolia,” katanya disambut gelak hadirin.
“Pasal apa gelak pula, rakyat Indonesia ramai tidak kenal Najib tahu. Kalau Pak Mahathir, Pak Anwar ya terkenal di Indonesia. Tapi kalau di Mongolia, semua orang kenal dia (Najib),” kata Anwar sinis.
Allow peaceful assemblies, says UN rep
The Star
KUALA
LUMPUR: Civil servants should be allowed to participate in peaceful
assemblies as it is part of their fundamental right to do so, a forum
heard.
UN
Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of
Association, Maina Kiai, said the international right to assemble was
for everyone.
“Civil
servants in Malaysia should be allowed to join protests and not get
into trouble for it,” he said during the question and answer session at
the public forum on the “Right to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of
Association: International Standards and Good Practices” yesterday.
It was jointly organised by the Bar Council's committees on human rights, constitutional law and criminal law.
Corporate bodies, added Maina, also should not punish their employees who joined such assemblies.
Peaceful
assemblies, he said, was a good thing for the government as it was one
way to get to know the people's feeling and wants.
“If it is not allowed, we risk uncivilised forms of dialogue.”
Governments,
he said, should facilitate assemblies instead of controlling them,
adding that counter gatherings were encouraged but should not be held on
the same day to avoid problems.
Kiai also said that non-governmental organisations should be allowed to receive foreign funding.
Five Die In Car-lorry Collision
SABAK BERNAM, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- Five people, including three from a
family, were killed when a car and a lorry collided at Km70 of the Teluk
Intan-Klang Road in Sekinchan, here, Monday.
The dead were car driver Yeap Chin Hing, 52, his son, Yeap Soon Keong, 19, his daughter, Yeap Chen Wee, 25, and their friends, Ling Siew Mooi, 26, and Ling Lee Min, 26.
Sabak Bernam police chief Supt Noor Mushar Mohamad said the incident took place at 2.30pm.
"The Honda City car driven by Chin Hing grazed a Honda CRV four-wheel drive before it went out of control and swerved into the opposite lane before colliding head-on with a three-tonne lorry," he said, here, Monday.
He said Chin Hing and three passengers of the Honda City died at the scene while Chen Wee died while receiving treatment at the Tanjong Karang Hospital, near here.
It was learnt that they were heading to the KL International Airport (KLIA), Sepang, to send Soon Keong, who was furthering his studies in Taiwan.
He said anyone who had information about the accident could contact Traffic Investigation Officer Inspector Muhamad Norizan Ramli at 03-32242222 extension 214 to help investigations.
The dead were car driver Yeap Chin Hing, 52, his son, Yeap Soon Keong, 19, his daughter, Yeap Chen Wee, 25, and their friends, Ling Siew Mooi, 26, and Ling Lee Min, 26.
Sabak Bernam police chief Supt Noor Mushar Mohamad said the incident took place at 2.30pm.
"The Honda City car driven by Chin Hing grazed a Honda CRV four-wheel drive before it went out of control and swerved into the opposite lane before colliding head-on with a three-tonne lorry," he said, here, Monday.
He said Chin Hing and three passengers of the Honda City died at the scene while Chen Wee died while receiving treatment at the Tanjong Karang Hospital, near here.
It was learnt that they were heading to the KL International Airport (KLIA), Sepang, to send Soon Keong, who was furthering his studies in Taiwan.
He said anyone who had information about the accident could contact Traffic Investigation Officer Inspector Muhamad Norizan Ramli at 03-32242222 extension 214 to help investigations.
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