Hindus are not agressive enough

By Mohd Firdaus

Today i want to be like Zakir Naik.

But i am not going to make comparision but rather i am going to whack Hindus directly. So if you are not happy, go and report me. I dont care. I speak what i want and i dont fear anyone except GOD.

Hindus are not agressive enough .

They believe in their scriptures and they pray accordingly. They dont preach to others neither do they claim theirs is the only true religion. They dont talk about salvation. They welcome anyone who want to join them and they dont stop anyone who wants to leave. They respect everyone's GOD and religion and some even have multiple GOD statues of other religions in their home.

They pass a temple, they put their hand on the chest as respect. They pass a church also same. They pass a mosque also same. To them, there is only one GOD but in different form. Yes ah?

They dont even tell you what to do and what not to do. Always its between you and GOD. The best part is they say Hinduism is not a religion but its a way of life. They dont even condemn and insult other religion unless someone insult theirs.

But maybe, they dont have to be aggressive right.

Vernacular schools and national unity

By Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman

I was once racist, a by-product of a system which celebrates the segregation of race during one’s formative years. I lived in my own echo chamber, free from the liberating influence of racial diversity.

This radically changed when I enrolled myself into the Royal Military College, Malaysia’s most diverse boarding school.

Division is a seed best planted in earliest years. After the turn of the millennium, it was reported that more than 25 percent of Malaysian students are enrolled into vernacular schools. These schools were part of a system that allows parents to decide that race defines their children’s education.

In a country where racial segregation happens in numerous levels, vernacular schools have become dearly held and gleefully internalised. Granted, racial unity is not only formed in school; however, it plays a critical role in the formation of one’s identity and beliefs. Often social circles are created at schools, if for no other reason than the sheer amount of time spent there.

The more diverse schools are, the more likely that these social circles will reflect that diversity.

One reason some people believe we should not oppose vernacular schools is because they perform well. I find this argument problematic in that it presumes the teaching of particular languages and cultures lead to a superior level of thinking.

Does this also mean that all the UiTM’s across Malaysia are substandard due to its espousal of Malay culture? These universities also educate a small number of non-Malay bumiputra, similar to how vernacular schools host a fragment of Malays. If we are against the existence of universities like UiTM, then why are we not also against vernacular schools?

These two examples may be looking at different levels of education but I feel that they are both structured on race-based models.

If we are to truly combat a race-based education model, the best place to start is at school - a place which incubates a person’s moral compass which will then be carried forward to the years in university. But our education system is broken and every single stream has its own gaping discrepancies.

My opposition of vernacular schools is not an unwavering endorsement of national schools by any means. Instead it actually places immense pressure on the government to better the unified school system since all parties are affected. It becomes a national issue, and one no longer divided along racial lines.

A matter of making a better curriculum

Another reason people believe in vernacular schools is in learning of languages. I personally do not understand why we need exclusive schools to acquire proficient level of one or more languages. It is a matter of making a better curriculum and offering those options in national schools.

I feel it is critical that Malaysians from all races have an opportunity to master the national language as one to unite us all.

The intersectionality of races is what sets our country apart from others. However, the ability to choose what elements of a race one wishes to have and what elements of other races one wishes to acquire is what would make us multicultural. Boxing our dreams in schools only drifts us apart.

Thirdly, people also believe they ought to protect vernacular schools because it protects a certain culture. Malaysia needs to extend more opportunity for learning about all of the cultures and realise that we are not just about one or three races.

To some extent, all of these identities must influence the Malaysian identity. There needs to be stronger institutions. The institutions need to be empowered and funded in ways to ensure that history, progress, elements of non-Malay, such as the Chinese and Indian cultures, continue to be spread.

These are some of the oldest and richest cultures in the world and the whole nation needs to learn about them. There is no reason to restrict such priorities to particular schools.

According to the Malaysia Education Blueprint (MEB), bumiputera students now make up 94 percent of enrollment in national primary schools. This means that national schools are no longer ‘national’. A wall has been created to separate our children by race.

I find it hypocritical of those who advocate against race-based politics to oppose a non-race based education system. Similarly, I find it hypocritical for those who advocate against vernacular schools to champion Malay-exclusive schools or religious schools. A compromise must be made by both sides.

Politics can be a divisive force, but that division is constructed and incubated by an education system which divides us from young. Once you move beyond the claims we have gotten used to making because we have gotten used to conforming and making do with substandard political gamesmanship; you realise that the alternative is perhaps in a new system.

I hope that this system is one that we have to voice out for and that will provide STEM education in English. One to inspire our children to learn and not cram and that will prepare Malaysians for the world stage. One that will make us all multilingual, multicultural and proud Malaysians.

There is a wall separating our children today and we need to tear down this wall.

Mahathir: Saudi minister aware, but doesn't mean he agrees

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir saying he is aware of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's claims that monies deposited into Najib's private accounts are donations, does not mean that he agrees it is true, said former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"In case Najib’s supporters failed to note, the question is whether al-Jubeir is aware of the background and details about the donation.

"Accordingly, the Saudi foreign minister replied, 'We are aware of the donation and it is a genuine donation with nothing expected in return'," Mahathir wrote in his blog today.

Najib's arch-enemy also noted that al-Jubeir had said he was aware that attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali had found no wrongdoing in Najib receiving the donation.

"Being aware of the statements of the A-G does not mean he agreed with the statement," Mahathir said, adding that al-Jubeir also did not retract or negate his previous remarks doubting the RM2.6 billion donation's origins.

"It is the Malaysian media which interpreted his awareness as a negation of his previous statement," he said.

Read more: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/338280

Gobala apologises to Saravanan, defamation case settled

M Saravanan against N Gobalakrishnan was settled after the former Padang Serai MP made a public apology in the High Court in Kuala Lumpur today.

The suit was filed following Gobalakrishnan's statement in a press conference at the Sri Pacific Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on July 7 last year, alleging, among others, that the MIC vice-president was a liar.

The suit was deemed settled after Gobalakrishnan, as the defendant, read the apology to Saravanan before Judge S Nantha Balan.

"I, Gobalakrishnan, the defendant named in this action, do hereby admit having called for a press conference on July 7, 2015, at the Sri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur and causing words to be published and/or caused to be published matters in relation to the Saravanan based on a poison-pen letter that I had received on June 30, 2015," he read.

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/338286

What kind of justice is this?

The hypocrisy of Malay Muslims

By Shafiqah Othman Hamzah

Zakir Naik is a world-renowned Islamic scholar. Love him or hate him, you cannot deny that his name has travelled across continents and countries.

He’s also an extremely controversial figure. Known to many as an authority in comparative religion, while to some others, as a charlatan who holds no regard for people of other faith.

This Sunday, April 17, Zakir Naik was scheduled to have a talk at UTeM titled “Similarities between Hinduism and Islam.” However, the talk got cancelled after it raised uneasiness within the Hindu community. Sensitivities were touched and eventually, IGP Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar released a statement regarding its cancellation.

Immediately after, there was an uproar in the Malay Muslim community. People started talking about how this was an infringement of freedom of speech, and that Hindus were probably just afraid that their adherents would convert en masse during the talk.

People started talking as though Zakir Naik was denied entry into the country, like how he is barred from UK and Canada. They started talking as though all his talks were cancelled when that was just one out of the many other events he has here. The rest of his talks are carried out as per normal.

Zakir Naik released a statement about how he was upset that such a small matter was blown out of proportion to the extent that Malay Muslims were fighting amongst themselves. He said that some Muslims even had the audacity to call another Muslim “kafir” just because of different opinions.

However, amidst the hustle and bustle of the controversy, I cannot help but feel appalled; not by Zakir Naik, but by the hypocrisy of Malay Muslims. The Malay Muslim community of Malaysia has such jarring double standards, and it’s even more obvious now than ever.
The Malay Muslims who get upset when people talk bad about Islam or when Muslims present a version of Islam that is unfamiliar to them are the same Malay Muslims who shout “It’s freedom of speech!” when Muslims belittle other religions or when an Islamic scholar says something that is potentially inflammatory but is parallel to their beliefs.

But where were you when Dr Ulil Abshar Abdalla was denied entry into Malaysia in 2014 for supposedly being a deviant? Zakir Naik is notorious for his support of al-Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden while Ulil was denied entry to “defend Malaysia’s brand of Islam” despite wanting to speak against terrorism. What does this say about our brand of Islam then?

The Malay Muslims who say that freedom of religion is mutually exclusive from Islam, disallowing the propagation or profession of other faiths while discriminating against converts from Islam or apostates, are the same Malay Muslims who use that term to justify the propagation of Islam, to fight back cases of Islamophobia, to encourage adherents of other religions to join Islam and to defend converts into Islam who are attacked by their family or friends.

But where were you when Lina Joy wanted to get her religion changed legally? Where is your outrage regarding the Raif Badawi case? Did you try to defend Juli Jalaluddin when she was deported out of Malaysia?

The Malay Muslims who are against pluralism and expect religious minorities to respect the needs and wants of the Muslim majority are the same Malay Muslims who would be appalled at the news of abuse or killings of Muslim minorities in foreign countries, saying, “We should respect other religions! We have to learn to live in peace and harmony!”

But where were you when protests were held against the construction of a Hindu temple? Or when Molotov cocktails were thrown at a church? Where were you when a church was forced to take down their cross?

The Malay Muslims who rallied behind Zakir Naik’s statement against excommunications of other Muslims are the same Malay Muslims who so very easily label others “kafir” for unorthodox opinions.

But where were you when progressive Muslims get told to leave Islam because of their opinions? Where were you when organisations like Sisters In Islam are labelled “deviant” and accused of infidelity? Did you try to stop any acts of takfir (excommunication of another Muslim) when you see it happen? Or did you jump on the bandwagon because the thoughts of these unorthodox Muslims didn’t mirror yours?

Obviously, I know that not all Malay Muslims think like this. But a huge group of us do and it can be seen everywhere. These Malay Muslims that I am talking about only support certain values when it benefits them, or wherever it is convenient for them. They don’t apply these values across the spectrum and immediately take back these “privileges” when someone does not share the same thoughts and opinions as they do.

Their “freedom of speech” means “freedom of speech only for my group.” Their “freedom of religion” means “freedom to only practise Islam.” Their disagreement on takfir means “as long as you think like me, you’re still a Muslim.”

If you don’t agree with the limitation of Zakir Naik’s freedom of speech, you shouldn’t agree with the limitation of other Muslims’ freedom of speech. If you don’t agree with the belittling of Islam, you shouldn’t agree with the belittling of other religions. If you don’t agree with the excommunication of Zakir Naik, you should not agree with the excommunication of other Muslims.

The problem now is not with Zakir Naik, but with the hypocrisy of our Malay Muslims. Like what is written in the Qur’an, “Do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just.” Thinking back, have we really been just to the rest of Malaysians? I wonder.
*This is the personal opinion of the columnist.

Post from Latheefa Koya

Boikot Cina: PKR cabar Ismail Sabri jadi 'lelaki', mohon maaf

Batalkan GST atau hilang undi, kata Dr Mahathir

Dandan rambut mahal, Tunku Azizah makan nasi bungkus

Blindfolded and forced to their knees, three men are beheaded with blood-covered sword by ISIS executioner for homosexuality and blasphemy as crowd cheer on each blow

• Masked jihadi executioner is filmed standing over men with huge sword
• Kneeling before him are men accused of blasphemy and homosexuality
• Chilling images show the men bent over at public site awaiting their death
• ISIS militants claimed the three were executed in a northern city of Iraq

By Corey Charlton for MailOnline

Chilling new images have emerged of three men accused of homosexuality and blasphemy being forced to their knees and publicly beheaded by a sword-wielding Islamic State executioner.

Photographs of the barbaric murders show the blindfolded men kneeling in the centre of what appears to be a traffic roundabout with a crowd of people looking on as a masked executioner stands by with a long, rusty blade.

After an elderly man uses a microphone to read to the crowd from his notes, the executioner then steps forward with the blade poised above the men's heads in the unnamed city in northern Iraq.

Accompanying captions said the trio were then beheaded - two for engaging in homosexual acts and the third for alleged blasphemy - but there were no images released of the actual beheading.

The jihadist group, which controls swathes of Iraq and neighbouring Syria, has carried out hundreds of barbaric executions as it has imposed its brutal version of Islamic law, many of which are photographed or videotaped.

The photos were said to have been taken in Nineveh province - the first to fall to a sweeping IS-led offensive last June - but the exact location was not specified.

Many young men have also been thrown from the roofs of buildings throughout ISIS-controlled areas after being accused of engaging in homosexual acts.

The stomach-churning photographs usually show a blindfolded victim being dragged to the top of a building by black-masked militants.

As crowds gather at street level the men are thrown to their death, while jihadis and members of the public use mobile phones to film the gruesome murders.

Iraqi troops and militia are battling to push the jihadists back with support from a US-led coalition and Iran.

But retaking Nineveh and its capital Mosul poses a major challenge for Baghdad's forces, as the militants have had more than nine months to dig in.

Iraqi forces launched a huge operation last week aimed at retaking the city of Tikrit that, if successful, would serve as a stepping stone towards Mosul.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2987901/Photos-claim-IS-beheadings-homosexuals-northern-Iraq.html

Fatah celebrates murder of 80 (sic) Israelis in most lethal Palestinian terror attack

"This was the most courageous victory"

by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik

Yesterday, Abbas' Fatah party celebrated the anniversary of a bus hijacking in which Fatah terrorists murdered 37 Israeli civilians. On Facebook, Fatah posted a text glorifying the attack. A striking element of Fatah's glorification and celebration of the attack was the decision to exaggerate the number of Israelis killed, in order to make the "operation" seem greater and more successful: 

"A huge self-sacrificing operation in Herzliya, Tel Aviv. 80 Israelis killed and over 100 wounded." [Facebook, "Fatah - The Main Page," March 10, 2015]  

In March 1978, a group of Fatah terrorists from Lebanon hijacked a bus on Israel's Coastal Highway. Confronted by the Israeli army, the terrorists killed many of the passengers on the bus, in total 37 civilians,12 of them children, and wounded more than 70. The attack is known in Israel as the Coastal Road massacre.   

In 2010, the PA dedicated a square in Ramallah to Dalal Mughrabi, who led the attack, by naming it after her. That square was also chosen this year by Fatah for a public event taking place today, celebrating its killing of Israeli civilians:

"We will mark the anniversary of the heroic coastal operation (i.e., the Coastal Road massacre), which was led by Martyr (Shahida) Dalal Mughrabi, and the deaths as Martyrs of Dalal and her heroic friends, at 3:30 p.m. across from Martyr Dalal Mughrabi Square in Ramallah."

[Facebook, "Fatah - The Main Page," March 10, 2015]

  

Palestinian Media Watch has documented that the Palestinian Authority and Fatah present Dalal Mughrabi as a role model for Palestinians, and especially for Palestinian girls, naming at least three girls' schools after her. Last year, PA TV commemorated Mughrabi by visiting one of the schools. One student said: "My life's ambition is to reach the level that the Martyr fighter Dalal Mughrabi reached."

Yesterday, an image of terrorist Mughrabi with the text glorifying her attack was posted by Fatah on its official Facebook page. To make the "operation" seem even greater, Fatah exaggerated the number of Israelis killed:  

 

Posted text: "Urgent: A huge self-sacrificing operation (Fida'i - operation, i.e., terror attack) in Herzliya, Tel Aviv (i.e., the Coastal Road attack in 1978). 80 Israelis killed and over 100 wounded. The Palestinian flag was raised at the center of town. The commander of the cell [Dalal Mughrabi] and 12 self-sacrificing fighters (Fedayeen) died as Martyrs (Shahids), and one was wounded. She [Dalal Mughrabi] raised the flag of the [Palestinian] state, and this was the most courageous victory, March 11, 1978."

Text on image: "Dalal Mughrabi, 1958-1978"

[Facebook, "Fatah - The Main Page,"  

March 10, 2015]

Click to see more examples of PA and Fatah terror glorification

documented by PMW.

The following is a longer excerpt of Fatah's post on Facebook announcing the event glorifying terrorist Mughrabi:

Posted text: "An invitation to the public and our journalist brothers: Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 11, 2015, we will mark the anniversary of the heroic coastal operation(i.e., the Coastal Road massacre), which was led by Martyr (Shahida) Dalal Mughrabi, and of the deaths as Martyrs of Dalal and her heroic friends. [The ceremony will take place] at 3:30 p.m. across from Martyr Dalal Mughrabi Square in Ramallah."

 [Facebook, "Fatah - The Main Page", March 10, 2015]

MIC’s Vell Paari wants police to act on Palanivel video clip

An MIC division chief has decided to get an independent forensic expert, to determine if a video clip featuring Datuk G. Palanivel making candid disparaging remarks about party members and Indians was authentic and not doctored as claimed by the party president.

Kepong MIC chief, Datuk Seri S. Vell Paari said police should also start immediate investigation to determine if the clip was doctored and not wait for a report to be lodged by Datuk Seri G. Palanivel.

"Analysing the video, the man’s spoken words in terms of sound delivery, it coordinates well with his body language and movement.

"Anyway, I am not a forensic expert. So it's best to wait for the police to complete its investigation. I suggest the police immediately get a sound and voice expert to authenticate if it's Datuk Palani’s voice,” he said in a statement today.

Vell Paari said assuming the video was true, Palanivel’s comments was hurtful to the Indian community, adding that it was unacceptable to go against Barisan Nasional.

Yesterday, Palanivel denied making disparaging remarks about party members and Indians as featured in the video uploaded on a Facebook.

He claimed the contents of the three-minute video clip, uploaded on the Kitchen UP TV Facebook page, had been "doctored and completely untrue".

"I have never made and will never make such untrue statements or remarks," he said.

Palanivel said he would lodge a police report on the matter, and urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

"I am appalled that people can stoop to such a low level to put up untrue video clip for reasons best known to them.

"I can only see this being the result of the fresh elections for MIC that I have called and the solid show of support by the branch chairmen of MIC to my leadership." he said.

In the video, a man resembling the Cameron Highlands MP had spoken candidly on several issues where he said MIC members would vote for the opposition in the event of the Permatang Pauh by-election.

He also touched about his smaller majority at the May 2013 national polls, and the opposition’s role in getting the large numbers.

It was reported that the Facebook page operator said he had uploaded the clip so that people would know "what type of leaders we have now".

He said the clip was shot at a private meeting between Palanivel and the crew.

“I could not provide you more details as this will put my safety at risk. I have more videos of Datuk Seri Palanivel’s confession, which I will upload very soon,” said Jason, the Facebook page operator, to The Malaysian Insider, while assuring that the clip was not fake or superimposed.

He said Palanivel should have been aware that he was being filmed as it was a formal interview and not a casual talk.

The Kitchen UP TV Facebook page does not carry much information about itself, and appears to have started its Facebook presence earlier this year.

The video comes on the heels of a crisis that has pitted party members against each other, following the Registrar of Societies's (RoS) declaration that the election of the three vice-presidents and 23 central working committee (CWC) members in November 2013 was null and void.

In a letter dated December 5, 2014, RoS ordered MIC to call for a fresh election for the posts within 90 days.

The conflict within the party worsened after Palanivel on February 14 requested RoS to withdraw all its letters as it allegedly contravened the party constitution and Societies Act, and threatened to take legal action if RoS did not comply. – March 11, 2015.

Altantuya case can only be reopened if there are other suspects, says former A-G

The Altantuya Shaariibuu murder investigation can only be reopened if there is evidence to show that others, apart from the two convicted policemen, have committed offences related to the murder, former attorney-general Tan Sri Abu Talib Othman said.

"Only then is the police obliged to reopen the case," he told The Malaysian Insider.

Talib said this in response to PAS Pokok Sena MP Datuk Mahfuz Omar's statement in Parliament today, urging police to reopen the murder investigation to establish motive.

Mahfuz , who recently visited convicted murderer Sirul Azhar Umar in Australia, said the motive for her murder was never established.

"He kept telling me he was ordered. The rest he spoke about is in confidence.

"I am not trying to defend a criminal, but the police must investigate who ordered the hit," Mahfuz said, while debating the royal address in Parliament today.

Talib said in criminal law, motive was helpful, but not necessary for the case.

"Motive is only helpful to determine intention of the killing," he said, adding that the murder case has been resolved with the conviction of Special Action Unit (UTK) personnel Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri and Sirul .

"The guilty have been brought to justice when the two cops were sentenced to death," he said.

Political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda was acquitted of abetting in the 2006 murder.

Razak, once Altantuya's lover, was also confidante of current Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

The High Court in 2009 found the police commandos guilty of the crime, but the Court of Appeal set the two free after reversing the findings of the trial court in 2013.

Sirul was absent when the apex court in January overturned the decision of the Court of Appeal and sentenced the two to the gallows.

Sirul had left fled the country to Australia last October, but was detained by Immigration authorities there following a red alert by Interpol.

Allegations have been brewing since 2006 that Altantuya was ordered to keep quiet about purported kick-backs to high-level Malaysian officials over the US$2 billion purchase of two French Scorpene submarines when Najib was defence minister.

Najib has vehemently denied knowing or meeting Altantuya and the Malaysian government refuted allegations of any wrong doing in the submarine deal, which is the subject of an investigation by a magistrate in Paris. - March 11, 2015

'IGP jumped the gun with posting probe order'

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar is accused of jumping the gun by instructing the Penang police to act on a Facebook posting attributed to Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy, which says he has no fear of facing the Malays.

Ramasamy said the posting Khalid referred to was "doctored" by BN cybertroopers, and carried a challenge to the Malays to bring on the May 13.

"It is a malicious lie out to slander me. Whoever did it even spelt my name wrongly. Didn't the IGP notice that? This is the work of BN cybertroopers," he said.

"The IGP should investigate the matter first, to see if the posting really came from me, before instructing the Penang police chief (Abdul Rahim Hanafi) to come after me," Ramasamy (left) told Malaysiakini.

Today, the IGP tweeted a photo of the alleged Fcebook posting by Ramasamy, which says, "Saya tidak pernah gentar berdepan dengan orang Melayu. Sekiranya peristiwa berdarah itu berulang kembali pada hari ini. Kerana saya sudah lama bersedia. MIC, Gerakan dan MCA mungkin takut. Jika anda mahukan 13 Mei, anda bawa la sekarang...".

The posting was signed off as "R. Ramasami, Deputy Chief Minister II."

(Translation: I have never been afraid of confronting the Malays. If the bloody incident recurs today. Because I have long been prepared. MIC, Gerakan and MCA may be scared. If you want 13 May, bring it on, lah).

About 9am this morning, Khalid had tweeted "Kerap kali @PDRMsia ingatkan supaya hati2 keluarkan statement, masih ada yg degil. KP Pg sila jlnkan tugas..."

(Translation: The PDRM has constantly reminded people to be careful when making statements, there still are the stubborn. Penang police chief, please do your duty...).

May 13, 1969, was the worst racial riots the country has seen and both sides of the political divide have been reminding the nation not to encourage a repeat of the bloody incident.

Ramasamy said he was already investigated by the police last year about a tweet on May 13, but nothing came out of the case.

The statement then was a response to Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who said it was possible May 13 would recur if there were no efforts to preserve racial harmony in the country.

"I am ready to be called in by the police, but please do your homework first before seeking me out," added Ramasamy, who is the assemblyperson for Perai.

Jaws drop as topless duo frolic in the sun

The topless girls were holidaying at Pulau Sulug totally oblivious to local sensitivities.

FMT

KOTA KINABALU: It was a sight not many tourists in this more conservative part of the world are used to, so many found themselves genuinely shocked to see two young foreign tourists frolicking topless in the sun at Pulau Sulug.

With children gaping at them, other beach-goers decided to make the most of the experience by recording the young women’s antics, the Malaysian Digest reported.

One tourist, Mardiana Abdul Ezam 33, said she saw the girls after her son told her about them. It was around 9am Sunday.

“At first, I thought my son was just joking when he told me that he saw women playing on the beach nearby without wearing clothes.

“I then looked in the direction he pointed and was surprised to find out what he said to me was true,” she told a local Malay daily, yesterday.

It is not known at this point if the authorities, namely Taman-Taman Sabah, which manages the beach, was able to talk to the young women and advise them to cover up.

Kamal Haasan’s latest flick to be on MH370

The Tamil star is believed to begin pre-production work for the movie next month.

FMT

PETALING JAYA: While the world acknowledges the first anniversary of one of aviation’s greatest mysteries – the disappearance of MAS flight MH370, one Tamil superstar plans to make a move based on it.

According to online India news portal www.iluvcinema.in, Kamal Haasan is believed to be producing the movie under the Raj Kamal Films International banner, with pre-production work scheduled for next month, The Rakyat Post reported.

Besides the Tamil hotshot, the movie will be directed by top choreographer Prabhu Deva, who has a string of Tamil, Telugu and Bollywood hits to his credit.

Kamal Haasan meanwhile has a movie that will be released soon, Uthama Villain, which he produced, wrote and acted in.

Police detect two individuals involved in IS through umrah

Police believe that the umrah agency had no connection with the individuals involved in the IS.

FMT

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have detected two individuals who joined the Islamic State (IS) militant group through their umrah (minor haj) trip before meeting up with the militants in Syria.

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said they had used the services of an umrah agency for the trip to ease their plan and to avoid detection by the authorities of their real intention.

“So far, we have detected two such cases where on the pretext of going for umrah, they actually wanted to join the IS militants.

“They went (to the Holy Land) not for a religious purpose….imagine, the umrah being misused,” said Khalid, who declined to reveal the identity of the two individuals.

He was met by reporters after handing out letters of appreciation to selected courteous road users and the best police contingents in the “Op Selamat” 6/2015 held in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration.

Khalid said police believed that the umrah agency had no connection with the individuals involved in the IS.

He said the problem, however, needed to be tackled holistically, including through legal means.

The IGP said police had so far identified 50 Malaysians who had gone to Syria to join the IS, while another 70 had been arrested including those trying to leave the country to go to Syria and also those who had returned from there.

Recently, Deputy Foreign Minister Hamzah Zainuddin revealed about individuals planning to join the IS movement through the umrah package, and information on this was obtained through sharing of information with certain countries, including members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

On another development, Khalid said police would call Penang Deputy Chief Minister II, P. Ramasamy over his statement deemed as racist which appeared on social websites.

“I have been informed that it is an old tweet, but we will still investigate whether it is an old or new tweet. We will call him and investigate the matter.”

Khalid said to avoid trouble or tension, elected leaders and community leaders should be careful before making statements, especially on social websites, as these could incite their followers.

- BERNAMA

Zzzzzz… sleeping beauties give cops a bad name

The duo are awaiting disciplinary action from their superior and have been transferred to another department.


FMT

GEORGE TOWN: Two policemen, who were caught sleeping in the Mak Mandin police community beat base, were immediately transferred to another department pending disciplinary action.

Penang CPO, Senior Deputy Commissioner (SDC) Abdul Rahim Hanafi ordered an internal investigation into the embarrassing incident as a photograph of the two sleeping police personnel went viral rapidly yesterday.

The duo was transferred immediately to the district police control room at north Seberang Perai (SPU) where they will work until suitable disciplinary action is taken.

The no-nonsense DCM Abdul Rahim, who said he would not compromise on disciplinary problems among police staff, added, “Such matters are serious and we will take appropriate and stern action on them.”

Free medication a miracle, says Dr M

The former prime minister wonders how the government can continue dispensing free drugs with costs going up.

FMT

SERDANG: It’s a near miracle that the government is able to continue giving free medication at public hospitals considering the escalating costs, according to former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad.

“When I was prime minister, we were worried about how to finance the free medicine that we were giving to Malaysians,” he told reporters here.

“During the British time, when I was still practising, it was one cent per bottle of cough mixture. So the government wasn’t spending too much money.

“But the costs of medicines have gone up. How the government can still sustain this free medical treatment is something that is almost a miracle.”

He was speaking at a press conference after witnessing the signing of an agreement between Perdana University and University of California San Diego for a medical and research programme.

He noted that not all medicines will be exempted from the GST, which will be introduced next month. Only drugs that come under the National Essential Drug List will be zero-rated, but Mahathir said some essential medicines had been excluded from the list.

He said the public should let the government know if they feel burdened by the GST.

“‎It is for the people to respond,” he said. “If this is a burden to them, they can tell the government, ‘If you charge taxes, we will not vote for you anymore.’”

Mahathir surprised journalists for refusing to give any comment on 1MDB, of which he has been outstandingly critical.

He was asked to comment on the Cabinet’s announcement that the Auditor-General has been directed to investigate 1MDB’s controversial finances, but he said he would not answer questions about the company or about politics.

He maintained his silence on the two subjects despite persistent questioning, saying he would limit his answers to questions about the healthcare system and Perdana University, of which he is chancellor.

The Najib administration has become a hydra-headed government with Ministers and heads of departments giving different stands on a whole variety of issues

By Lim Kit Siang Blog

The Najib administration has become a hydra-headed government with Ministers and heads of government giving different stands on a whole variety of issues.

The present meeting of Parliament is providing multiple examples of a hydra-headed government.

For instance, the Home Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi in a written answer to the DAP MP for Kulai, Teo Nie Ching, said police have completed investigations on incendiary statements by Umno leaders, the Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and the former Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim and are waiting for further instructions from the Attorney-General.

A total of 32 police reports were lodged against Ismail over his call for Malay consumers to boycott Chinese businesses as a way to force down the prices of goods while ten police reports were lodged against Mashitah, who had said that Chinese people had burned the Quran in a religious rite in Kuala Kedah, which was a downright lie as it never happened.

But while the Home Minister said that the Police are waiting for instructions from the Attorney-General, another Minister, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, cleared Ismail Sabri of any offence or any crime!

In a written reply to the DAP MP for Taiping, Nga Kor Ming, Shahidan defended Ismail’s statement claiming that Ismail’s call was “directed to all races and not certain races” – which flies in the face of Ismail’s original statement, which was a very explicit, clear-cut and unmistakable statement calling on Malay consumers to boycott Chinese businesses.

If the Prime Minister’s Department is defending and exonerating Ismail’s racist statement, why is the Home Minister indulging in the rigmarole in Parliament with his written answer that the Police are waiting for instructions from the Attorney-General?

This is not the only example from yesterday’s Parliament that the Najib administration has become a hydra-headed government.

In a written reply to my question, Zahid endorsed the twitter-happy Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar who used the social media platform to make announcements of police actions and investigations.

Zahid said Khalid’s twitter habits were aimed at keeping the public informed on the police actions and were not politically motivated or out to scare anyone.

Can Zahid cite a single instance where Khalid had tweeted about police action against UMNO/Barisan Nasional leaders whether Ismail Sabri, Mashitah Ibrahim or even Zahid himself?

If Zahid is unable to cite a single instance, and all Khalid’s tweets were directed at Pakatan Rakyat leaders and NGO activists, this is irrefutable proof of the IGP playing with twitter to harass and intimidate PR leaders and NGO activists as part of a politically-motivated campaign.

Khalid was clearly abusing his powers by using his tweets to announce police action against PR leaders and NGO activists, as he was in the process, as good as passing judgment that the PR leaders and NGOs activists had committed offences even before any police investigation had been commenced and the case referred to the Attorney-General for instructions.

Even if the Attorney-General decides on prosecution, an accused is still innocent until proven guilty, but the IGP had already jumped the gun, not once but thrice, in deeming a person guilty of crime firstly, before police investigations commenced; secondly, before the Attorney-General’s instruction to prosecute, and thirdly, before the court’s conviction (subject to appeal process) had been delivered!

Is this how a conscientious and responsible Inspector-General of Police in a country which really respects and upholds the rule of law and a just administration of justice should behave himself?

For such grave transgressions, the Home Minister should have called up the Inspector-General to put him on a correction course.

But how is Zahid to try to discipline Khalid when Zahid had himself been guilty of gross indiscipline and offence, even in breach of the Official Secrets Act, of writing the infamous letter to Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) vouching for the integrity of an alleged Malaysian gambling kingpin Paul Phua standing trial in Las Vegas, Nevada in direct contradiction to the police’s earlier communication with FBI?

The Home Minister and the IGP seemed to be trapped in a “Catch 22” situation where neither one can impose authority or correct the other, as each is aware of the other’s vulnerability!

The has resulted in the most ludicrous ministerial reply when the DAP MP for Segambut, Lim Lip Eng was told by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Shahidan Kassim that information relating to Paul Phua is a “huge secret” classified under the Official Secrets Act and that the government has no plans to reveal it.

In the first place, how does Shahidan know that any information relating to the international gambling kingpin Paul Phua is a “huge secret” under the OSA?

If so, why is Zahid allowed to violate the “huge secret” in his infamous letter to the FBI, without authority, sanction or knowledge from the Police, the Foreign Ministry, the Cabinet and the Prime Minister?

Furthermore what are the criteria for classifying a secret as a “huge secret” under the OSA?

Is the information on Paul Phua more of a “huge secret” than all the other information under the OSA, including respectable characters like members of Cabinet, Parliament and the civil service?

Silence by Shahidan or even the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak on this issue of the “huge secret” under the OSA can only undermine public confidence in the credibility and integrity of the Federal Government.

The Najib administration has been make a fool of itself with the hydra-headed replies in Parliament.

For instance, when the Foreign Minister, Datuk Anifa Aman in a written reply to DAP MP for Batu Kawan, Kasthuri Patto defended the appointment of Datuk Shafee Abdullah as Malaysia’s representative at the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission of Human Rights (AICHR), he said Shafee has an “institutional memory” on human rights.

Is Shafee’s “institutional memory” on the suppression and repression of human rights or on the promotion and protection of human rights?

It is indeed sad that Shafee, who had not distinguished himself as a human rights champion in Malaysia, is touted for his “institutional memory” to justify his qualification to represent Malaysia on AICHR!

If all the human rights NGOs in Malaysia disagree that Shafee has the “institutional memory” to protect and promote human rights, will the Malaysian Government replace Shafee on AICHR?

But the answer which must take the cake for being most hilarious is the answer by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Nancy Shukri to DAP MP for Bakri Er Teck Hwa that Shafee is being paid only RM1,000 for his services as the prosecutor by fiat in the Anwar Ibrahim Sodomy II case at the Court of Appeal and Federal Court stages.

The RM1,000-answer has raised eye-brows throughout the country and not just the legal and judicial community as there are those who believe that going by Shafee’s rates, his services as prosecutor by fiat at the Court of Appeal and Federal Court would have been in the million-ringgit bracket.

The hydra-headed character of the Najib premiership is also illustrated by the many scandals in the country – with the Cabinet Ministers clearly not on the same page on the scandal of Zahid’s infamous letter to FBI vouching for the character of the international gambling kingpin Paul Phua.

This is also the case of the biggest financial scandal in the nation’s history, the RM42 billion 1MDB scandal.

In fact, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister are clearly at loggerheads over the 1MDB scandal, although Muhyiddin Yassin is subsequently trying to paper over the cracks after his repudiation of Najib’s PMO Communications Unit statement after the Cabinet meeting last Wednesday.

How long will Najib’s hydra-headed government last?

National Debt At RM582.8 Billion, Says Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 (Bernama) -- The federal government's external debt at end-December 2014 stood at RM582.8 billion (or 54.5 per cent of GDP), of which RM566.1 billion (97.1 per cent) was domestic debt while the remaining RM16.8 billion (2.9 per cent) was in offshore loans, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

"The federal government's debt position remains manageable and puts the country in the moderately-indebted category.

"The government is committed to ensuring the federal government's debt level does not exceed 55 per cent of GDP," the premier, who is also Finance Minister, said in his written reply to William Leong Jee Keen (PKR-Selayang) today.

Leong had wanted to know the reasons for the dramatic rise in the country's external debt to RM740 billion in the third quarter of 2014 from RM43 billion in 1990, and its effects on the government's finances and economy.

Najib said to ensure the federal government's debt remains low and manageable, fiscal consolidation measures would continue to be taken to lower the deficit in stages, reducing the need for the government to borrow and thus reducing the debt level.

"Strict adherence to fiscal discipline and good debt management should be given emphasis to ensure a strong fiscal position and macroeconomy as well as to withstand any crisis," he said.

Najib said Malaysia's external debt was RM740.7 billion in the third quarter of 2014, compared to RM41.5 billion in 1990 and RM196 billion at end-2013.

He attributed the drastic increase to the redefinition of external debt in use since 2014, in line with international reporting requirements, which now put the country's external debt as comprising offshore borrowings by the federal government, public enterprises and the private sector as well as holdings of debt securities, deposits and trade credits denominated in ringgit by non-residents.

Najib said the higher external debt under the new definition reflects the high level of non-residents' holdings of ringgit-denominated debt securities, constituting nearly two-thirds of the rise in the country's external debt.

"This is due to the wider depth, openness and attractiveness of the Malaysian financial market.

"At the same time, the new definition allows the government to better assess the risk exposure to non-residents," he said.

At end-2014, Malaysia's external debt stood at RM744.7 billion or 69.96 per cent of GDP, he added.

Al-Aqsa Mosque Address: May the Muslims Wage War on America

Speaking at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Palestinian Arab researcher calls on Muslims to pray that Allah will enable them to wage war on America.

In a recent address at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a Palestinian Arab political researcher launched a verbal tirade against the United States.

The researcher, Ahmad Al-Khatwani, also known as "Abu Hamza", declared that Muslims should pray that Allah will enable them to wage war on America and vanquish it.

Abu Hamza also expressed his desire that the Muslims "raid America on its own land." The address was given on February 18, 2015, and was translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI).

“What is the way to confront this American war on Islam? It is by treating Islam in a political manner, on the basis of the Islamic creed in its political sense. If the Muslims accept Islam as a political and ideological foundation and guide, they will be able to confront America and its war on the Muslims, and they will be able to vanquish it with ease,” Al-Khatwani said.

“We pray that Allah will enable the Muslims to wage war on America and against its true terrorism. May He grant victory to the Muslims, and may they raid America on its own land and the land of heresy everywhere,” he added.

Radical Muslims often use addresses and sermons at the Al-Aqsa Mosque for purposes of incitement.

Examples include a rally last year in which members of radical Islamic organization Hizb ut-Tahrir called upon the army of Pakistan and the Islamic nation to liberate Jerusalem from “Jewish filth”.

In another incident, a preacher at the mosque engaged in blatant incitement against Jews and Israel and declared, “I say to the Jews: the time for your slaughter has come.”

Survey reveals Aussie Muslims who think ISIS has legitimate grievances

A DISTURBING number of Australian Muslims say terror groups such as ISIS have legitimate grievances, despite condemning terrorism.

And the findings of a study to be released this week reveal the terrorists’ relentless propaganda war is tapping into Islamic community angst over Australia’s counter-terrorism crackdown.

“One of the key messages of terrorist groups ... is that Muslims are a victimised and suppressed minority,” University of Queensland researcher Dr Adrian Cherney said.

He said the survey of 800 Muslims showed political leaders’ attacks on Muslims “can push them to actually say: ‘Well hang on a second, the terrorists are right. Some of their grievances are true’.

“I think that’s what it is tapping into,” Dr Cherney said. “But that doesn’t mean they (Australian Muslims) are going to go out and start attacking people.”

More than one in five participants agreed terrorists had legitimate grievances.

But Brisbane Muslim leader Ali Kadri stressed the findings should not be interpreted as supporting terror groups.

“(Most) Muslims do not condone the killing and persecution of innocent people ,” Mr Kadri said. Citing atrocities committed by the Assad regime in Syria, he said: “Protecting civilians from these atrocities is a legitimate grievance, however using terror and persecution ... is not legitimate or productive.”

Up to Attorney-General to act on ‘racist’ remarks by Umno ministers, says Home Ministry

Police have completed investigations on incendiary statements by Umno leaders Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and are waiting for further instructions from the public prosecutor, the Home Ministry said today.

A total of 32 police reports were lodged against Ismail, the agriculture-and agro-based industries minister, over his call for Malays to boycott Chinese businesses as a way to force down the prices of goods.

Ten police reports were lodged against Mashitah, who had said that Chinese people had burned the Quran in a religious rite in Kuala Kedah, despite facts to the contrary.

A written parliamentary reply by the Home Ministry to DAP's Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching today said that police had completed investigations into both cases, and had handed the investigation papers to the Attorney-General's Chambers for further action.

Teo had asked the home minister to state the number of police reports lodged against both Umno leaders and for an update on the status of investigations.

The Home Ministry said that in Mashitah's case, investigations were made under Section 505 (b) of the Penal Code, which covers statements "conducing to public mischief".

Mashitah, the Baling Umno Wanita chief, at the Umno general assembly in November last year riled up party delegates with her speech in, which she accused Chinese of burning the Quran.

However, Kedah police and state Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir had already by then clarified that the culprit was a mentally unsound man who was later warded in hospital.

Ismail, meanwhile, created an uproar after singling out the Chinese, and also the DAP, for the high price of goods. He called for a boycott of Chinese traders on his Facebook page but subsequently deleted the post.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak later cleared Ismail of any ill-intent, saying that his remark was aimed at profiteering traders instead, but it did not stop Chinese-based parties in the ruling Barisan Nasional from demanding a public apology, while many others called for Ismail to resign. – March 10, 2015.
- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/up-to-attorney-general-to-act-on-racist-remarks-by-umno-ministers-says-home#sthash.f3nEJQwJ.dpuf

It wasn't me, Palanivel says of 'doctored' video

MIC president G Palanivel said he would never make the colourful statements made in a video purported of him circulated online.

Blaming the video on the MIC re-elections, he said he will lodge a police report on the “doctored” video clip and urge action on those responsible.

 “I categorically state that the contents of the video clip have been doctored and are completely untrue. I have never made and will never make such untrue statements or remarks…

“I am appalled that people can stoop to such a low level to doctor untrue video clips for reasons best known to them,” he said.

“I can only see this being the result of the fresh elections for MIC that I have called and the solid show of support by the branch chairmen of MIC to my leadership.”

In the 3 minute 16 second video clip uploaded online, a man who looks and sounds like Palanivel he has close ties with PKR and blames Indian voters for BN’s smaller majority in Cameron Highlands in the 13^th general election.

"I won every Malay vote box you see, (the other candidates) will get 70 votes, I will get 400 votes. I only lost the bloody Indian vote box."

In the last general election, Palanivel defeated four other candidates with a slim 462 vote majority.

He received 10,506 votes with DAP's M Manogaran trailing behind him with 10,044 votes.

In the video, the person interviewed also disclosed how  PKR "commanders" brought the crowd to his recent birthday bash.

"I call all the PKR commanders to my house, I can show you photographs, I am close to PKR you see.

"They are the ones who brought the crowd (to my birthday party), not my own kind, our MIC fellas cannot do that," he said

Pro-Anwar White House petition back online

 

The White House petition urging the United States to make the release of jailed Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim a top foreign policy priority is back online.

It reemerges on the White House website about 2,000 signatures shy of reaching its goal of 100,000 signatures by the Mar 12 deadline.

However a counter-petition urging the Obama administration to not interfere in the Malaysian judiciary is missing from the White House website.

The pro-Anwar petition initiated by former United States ambassador to Malaysia John Malott was yanked from the White House website yesterday for “violation of their terms of participants”.

A petition requires 100,000 signatures to warrant a response from the US president.

 

As at 11.50pm Tuesday, the petition garnered 97,793 signatures.

More than 30,000 people signed the petition since yesterday, likely due to heavy campaiging by PKR and DAP.

The petition was launched on Feb 10 - the day Anwar was sentence to five years in jail for sodomy.

“The future of democracy in Malaysia is at stake. Securing Anwar's release from prison must be a top priority in US policy towards Malaysia, to be advanced in every way possible,” says the petition.

 

The second online petition countering Malott's (above) and urging against US inteference stood at about 70,000 signatures on Tuesday morning.

 

It was neck and neck with Malott's a day ago, even overtaking it by a few thousand signatures when the pro-Anwar petition stagnated at 61,000.

Rafizi arrested for Kita Lawan, Nik Nazmi freed

Rafizi Ramli is the fourth PKR leader to be arrested for the pro-Anwar Ibrahim Kita Lawan rally.

Laywer Melissa Sasidaran said he is held at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters where he had gone to lodge a police report against 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

The PKR vice president was detained at about 7pm under Section 143 of the Penal Code and Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act.

However, Sasidaran told Malaysiakini that Rafizi was released at 9.10pm on police bail after his statement was taken. He was questioned for about 45 minutes.

"They were questioning about his involvement, his speech, and were also trying to find out who is the organiser of the rally," she said.

Police have arrested PKR Youth leader Saifullah Zulkifl, PKR Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and PKR supreme council member Fariz Musa over the rally.

Nik Nazmi was released on police bail at 8.20pm, Sasidaran said.

The Seri Setia assemblyperson was arrested on Sunday afternoon and slapped with a three-day remand.

"He is okay but he is a bit tired from the lack of sleep in the lockup," she said when asked of his condition.

Some 10,000 protestors thronged downtown Kuala Lumpur for the Kita Lawan rally on Mar 7, in solidarity with Anwar who is serving a five year jail sentence for sodomy.

The rally was also to call for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's resignation.

IGP: Decision-makers will be focus of 1MDB probe

 

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said if an investigation is initiated on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), the focus would be on the ailing firm's decision makers.

However, he told Malaysiakini the decision to launch a probe would depend on the audit findings.

Khalid said since Auditor-General Ambrin Buang disclosed this morning that an audit has been initiated, the police would wait for the outcome.

He also clarified media reports which quoted him as stating that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, who also oversees the finance portfolio, would be questioned.

"What I meant was that the police would speak to all those whom it believes can shed light on the case. But the focus would be on the decision makers of the company.

"And let me reiterate, this is only if the auditor’s report discovers discrepancies and indications of wrongdoing. Otherwise, there is nothing to investigate," he added.

At the same time, Khalid cautioned all parties against lodging reports without any basis, saying the police would take action against those who deliberately waste its time and resources.

There have been several police reports on the issue, including one by Umno man Khairuddin Abu Hassan.

Khairuddin, who was recently sacked from his Batu Kawan Umno vice-chief post for being a bankrupt, had raised eyebrows with his report, leading to speculation that former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad was behind him.

Elaborating on the task force, which is headed by the Attorney-General’s Chambers, Khalid said it was formed in order to ensure that an investigation, if conducted, would be streamlined and effective.

"It is far more effective for all relevant agencies involved to pool their resources together to investigate the matter, as opposed to carrying out separate investigations," he stated.

In addition to the police's commercial crimes division and the AG Chambers, the task force also incorporates the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
  
Yesterday, Khalid announced the formation of the task force.

Last week, Najib ordered the auditor-general to dive into the debt-laden 1MDB's accounts.

During a meeting with Umno division chiefs over the weekend, the prime minister also pledged that there would be no cover up.

The pressure on Najib regarding 1MDB went up several notches after the recent damning revelations of documents and email communications.

Malays hugging dogs, wearing crosses! What next?

All this shows, stressed Jahara, that they no longer subscribe to Islamic beliefs. “They are more taken up by liberalism.”

FMT

GEORGETOWN: Penang Opposition Leader Jahara Hamid isn’t surprised if the picture of a young Muslim girl in tudung, and carrying a dog, turns out to be authentic. The picture has since gone viral in social media.

“This is nothing new, in fact it’s getting worse” said Jahara who is also Teluk Air Tawar assemblywoman. “The young Muslims think that this is a fashion, a trend. There are others sporting the cross around their necks.”

All this shows, she stressed, that they no longer subscribe to Islamic beliefs. “They are more taken up by liberalism.”

She urged the Majlis Agama Islam Negeri Pulau Pinang (MAINPP) to get out from their slumber and take appropriate action against those openly indicating that there’s nothing wrong with liberalism. “This involves issues of faith,” said Jahara.

The picture of the young Muslim girl carrying a small dog at a function, “Out to Adopt” sponsored by a private college at a shopping complex, was reportedly taken by a male individual using a mobile phone, and appears in the Facebook pages of Penang Kini and Penang Times Square.

Mohamed Hafiz Mohamed Nordin, who heads the Badan Bertindak Jaringan Muslimin Pulau Pinang (JMPP), urged the Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Islam Pulau Pinang (JAIPP) to take appropriate action against the young girl seen in the picture.

“Out to Adopt”, a four-day programme which ended yesterday, organised by diploma level students of the college concerned, was reportedly designed to expose the general community to the idea of taking in strays as pets.

Palanivel says ’bloody Indians’ prefer voting for PKR

MIC president is caught on video condemning Indians, and revealing his close ties with PKR leaders.

FMT

PETALING JAYA: A damaging video that shows MIC President G Palanivel condemning Indians, including those in his party, has been uploaded onto the Facebook page of KitchenUP TV.

Lasting some three plus minutes, with a follow-up video to come, Palanivel is seen and heard condemning Indians for preferring to vote the opposition instead of Barisan Nasional, although he said they would do this on the quiet.

In response to a question on how BN would fare should a Permatang Pauh by-election be called, Palanivel said, “Do you think the MIC vote is going to give to another Indian guy? They won’t give. They will all go to PKR … very quietly they’ll go and put for PKR … and Barisan will lose.”

He also blamed the Indians in Cameron Highlands for his poor performance in the last general election and explained: “I won every “peti undi Melayu, you see. Ah, that fella will get 70, I’ll get 400 votes.

“I only lost the bloody Indian vote box … I got 52 per cent Indian votes, I should get 70 per cent”.

In the video, Palanivel also explained the chaos that was bound to erupt in MIC if he was not made a candidate in the coming GE, after the Sultan of Pahang alluded to it last year in the wake of the tragic landslides there.

“(If) they don’t give me the candidature, … there will be an uproar, MIC will have disorder, you know. They won’t come and campaign and all.

“It’s a serious crisis, they cannot play the fool on this kind of thing la.”

Surprisingly enough, Palanivel also talked about his close ties with opposition party PKR, saying he had entertained many of the party’s top bosses at his recent birthday bash and that they were responsible for bringing in a huge crowd for the event.

He however did not have kind words for his own MIC members when he said, “They (PKR) are the ones who brought the crowd yesterday. Not my own kind. My own MIC fellas cannot do that.”

The Facebook page operator, when contacted by The Malaysian Insider, said he uploaded the video so that people would know “what type of leaders we have now.”

Giving his name only as Jason, he said he had more videos that he planned to release in stages.

MIC Youth chief C Sivarraajh meanwhile expressed his dismay over the president’s demeaning way of referring to Indians and said, ““As a president he should not say blood Indian. In whatever scenario, he should not say that. He must clarify whether he is the man in the video.”

Police deny rumors of bomb in KLIA

Police deny having found any bombs in the KLIA vicinity.

FMT

SEPANG: Police have dismissed rumours that a bomb was found nearby the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here yesterday.

The rumours which spread quickly on social media caused panic among the public.

Sepang police chief ASP Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim confirmed to reporters here today that police did not receive any such report.

“No bomb was found near KLIA yesterday. This is not true,” he said, adding that he was aware of the claim that was spread on social media.

According to the message that was spread on the Whatsapp application since yesterday, a bomb had been placed within a 30-kilomtre radius of KLIA.

However, a picture uploaded with a message showed the employment pass of a male MASKargo employee named ‘Bom’.

- BERNAMA

Aminulrasyid’s friend did not expect police to fire 15 shots

Defendants lawyer claims Amirulraysid should have stopped the car upon hearing the sirens of the police car.

FMT

SHAH ALAM: A private college student told the High Court here today that he suggested to Aminulrasyid Amzah that he stop his car when they were being chased by a police patrol unit.

Muhamad Azamuddin Omar, 20, testifying in the civil suit filed by Aminulrasyid’s family against Corporal Jenain Subi and four others, said instead his friend continued to drive the car.

When questioned by lawyer Zulkifly Omar who represented Jenain, Muhamad Azamuddin, who at the time of the incident was 15 years old, said: “I suggested that he (Aminulrasyid) stop to discuss (with the police) but he kept quiet and continued to drive the car.”

“If you were the one driving the car and it was being chased (by the police) at that time, would you have stopped?” asked Zulkifly, to which Muhamad Azamuddin answered “probably”.

Muhamad Azamuddin, however, agreed with the suggestion by Senior Federal Counsel Normastura Ayub, who represented the other four defendants, that Aminulrasyid should have stopped the car when he was told to do so, furthermore the police patrol car which chased them had also switched on the police siren.

The witness also agreed with a suggestion by Normastura that the shooting incident happened because of Aminulrasyid’s failure to stop the car.

Aminulrasyid’s mother, Norsiah Mohammad, 66, and his elder sister Nor Azura, 45, as plaintiffs, named Jenain, former Selangor Police Chief Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar (now Inspector-General of Police), Shah Alam District Police Chief, the Inspector-General of Police and the Government of Malaysia as defendants.

The plaintiff’s are seeking compensation of almost RM50 million on the grounds that Aminulrasyid’s death was due to gunshot wounds in the head caused by Jenain’s carelessness.

In November 2013, the Appeals Court upheld the High Court’s decision to acquit Jenain from a charge of causing Aminulrasyid’s death while chasing him in Jalan Tarian 11/2, Section 11, here between 1.10 am to 2 am on April 26, 2010.

When acquitting Jenain in 2012, the High Court decided that Jenain had no intentions of causing Aminulrasyid’s death, but shot the car that the 15-year-old was driving, with the intention of stopping it.

Replying to a question from lawyer N.Surendran, who represented Aminulrasyid’s family, Muhamad Azamuddin said he did not expect the police to fire the shots just because his good friend was driving it fast.

He also did not expect the police to fire 15 gunshots towards the Iswara Aeroback car he and Aminulrasyid were in during the incident in the early hours of April 26, 2010.

Muhamad Azamuddin also did not expect the car his friend was driving would be shot at by the police when Aminulrasyid was trying his best to return to his home in Section 11 here.

“Aminulrasyid was driving fast because he was afraid and felt guilty as he had made a big mistake by driving the car without his mother’s permission,” he said.

The hearing before Judge Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim continues on May 5 and 15.

-BERNAMA