Hindraf Press Statement about Anwar and Kg.Tanjung Tokong

The latest initiative taken by Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the De Facto Leader of the opposition in voicing his concern for Tanjung Tokong is definitely welcomed but HINDRAF is surprised…

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The latest initiative taken by Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the De Facto Leader of the opposition in voicing his concern for Tanjung Tokong is definitely welcomed but HINDRAF is surprised and disappointed that he chose to observe silence in the Kg Buah Pala issue.

The rhetoric of every Malaysian is “Anak Saya” seems very shallow now when no voice was heard from him as the Leader of the opposition party in the Kg Buah Pala issue.

Dato Seri Anwar, stating that the land issue comes under the purview of the state authority have urged the authorities, UDA and residents> to discuss and address the issues of compensation, resettlement and preservation of the heritage value, but why did he stay silence on the Kg Buah Pala issue? Didn’t the state authority have the power then to preserve Kg Buah Pala or the Indians are so insignificant in the opposition’s Malaysian agenda?

The residents of Kg Buah Pala is as much as a citizen of Malaysia as anyone else and they had fought tooth and nail by themselves to preserve their land only to be manipulated by the obstinate approach and attitude taken by the opposition led government in Penang with their endless spin along with the Developer.

HINDRAF although had urged the Malaysian Indians to throw in their support for the opposition in hope of a change, it is now seems quite transparent that the Malaysian Indians have again been short changed with the double standard practiced by the opposition similar to what had been done to the Indians over the last 52 years by the facist BN led government.

On March 8, 2008, the public in unity had made the change to ensure that the opposition will step in and ensure that the public interest is taken care for rather than feeding its own political agenda and survival according to the segment of the society as what has been the ruling government’s modus operandi.

The path created by the opposition leader in having selective process in dealing with different segment of the society leaves the the masses of the Indian society in such a precarious position on whom to trust as in reality nothing have changed for them. The selective process exercised by the De Facto leader as seen in this case sets dangerous precedent for the actual objective of the opposition leader who has portrait himself to be working for all Malaysian irrespective of their origin.

Notwithstanding the biased approached taken by the opposition against the Malaysian Indians, HINDRAF is in full support of any pro-active action taken by the state authority to safeguard Kampung Tanjung Tokong for its historical value although it failed in Kg Buah Pala.

R.Shan
HINDRAF
International Coordinator
+16466378600

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‘Human rightism’ vs religion

Therefore, respect each other’s position, do not interfere in any subject matter that we are not well informed of, or that does not concern our interest. To foster a better…

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Therefore, respect each other’s position, do not interfere in any subject matter that we are not well informed of, or that does not concern our interest. To foster a better understanding and harmonious co-existence, let’s have more dialogues, with open-mindedness.

By Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Ahmad, The Star

THE doctrine of human rights seems to have developed into an ism that has rapidly spread, and been embraced, defended and championed by an increasing number of people beyond ethnic and cultural boundaries worldwide.

This universal human rightism is also perceived by many as an ideology that prevails over national laws and even transcending religions.

For some reasons, conflicts are always portrayed to happen when the values of human rightism are brought against the teachings of Islam.

Such a confrontation either results from a form of discreet campaign to smear Islam out of historical vengeance, fear of the unknown, suspicion and envy, or sheer ignorance and obstinacy of certain quarters to heed to acknowledge the truth.

The drinking case of Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno and the punishment meted out by the Syariah Court has been, again, exploited as another occasion where the clash purportedly occurs. It generated tremendous interest from inside and outside the country.

A number of self-appointed individuals and organisations came forward to speak for and against Islam, commenting on its legal and judicial system, and the wisdom of the authorities involved.

On the one side, many would agree with the decision to punish Kartika as a deterrent measure and a lesson to other Muslims.

But in the process, was she being sufficiently advised? Is it justified to impose a maximum whipping punishment on a first offender?

All these must be clearly explained in the written judgment of the judge concerned, if any.

On the other side, I wonder why the Syariah Court looks a bit shaky in handling the issue and appears to succumb to external pressure. Once the decision has been made, though deemed controversial from certain perspectives, the court must stand firm by its judgment.

The caning, despite being questioned, must be carried out.

But when the court somehow retracted or deferred the decision, its integrity is at stake. People are making mockery out of the whole episode.

They query the court’s consistency and ability to deal with such a case and similar situation in the future. Sadly, the perceived failure has denigrated the public confidence of the court, and this has to be remedied.

Let’s turn to the mockers of the case. Some remark that whipping for drinking intoxicating beverages is not there in the Quran. It’s true, but the sources of Islamic law is not confined to the Holy Book alone.

Certain provisions of the Syariah are also derivable from three other authentic sources, namely, the prophetic Traditions, analogy and consensus of jurists.

Once established, after fulfilling certain stringent criterion, that particular provision becomes a text of law which is basically unalterable.

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At last, Nurin's father learns truth about pictures

By Alang Bendahara, NST

Two policemen have been held responsible for the circulation of Nurin Jazlin Jazimin's post-mortem photographs on the Internet.

Nurin was the 8-year-old girl who was abducted,…

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By Alang Bendahara, NST

Two policemen have been held responsible for the circulation of Nurin Jazlin Jazimin's post-mortem photographs on the Internet.

Nurin was the 8-year-old girl who was abducted, sexually abused and murdered two years ago in a case which shocked the nation.

What made it worse was the circulation, on the Internet, of her post-mortem photographs, deemed confidential, for which her father, Jazimin Abdul Jalil, sued the police for negligence.

In a recent interview with the New Straits Times, Jazimin, 35, said he received a letter from the Attorney-General's Chambers informing him that two policemen were identified as the culprits for the circulation of the photographs.

Jazimin Abdul Jalil (second from right) and his family — (from left) wife Norazian Bistaman, and daughters Nurin Jazlisha, Nurin Jazrina and Nurin Jazshira — are still learning to deal with the loss of Nurin Jazlin, who was found murdered two years ago.

The letter, dated Aug 3, was signed by the chamber's prosecution head, Tun Abd Majid Tun Hamzah.

"It was a reply to my lawyer's letter. Only then was I informed what was happening to that investigation," said Jazimin at his home in PPR Kampung Air Panas, Setapak here, where he stays with his wife Norazian Bistaman, 37, and daughters, Nurin Jazshira, 11, Nurin Jazrina, 8, and Nurin Jazlisha, 3.

"The letter stated that no charges have been brought against the two policemen but disciplinary action was recommended on the two."

Jazimin expressed his disappointment that police did not inform him on this development.

"It seems that if you want answers, you have to go through a lawyer," he said.

Federal Criminal Investigation Department deputy director I (intelligence and operation) Datuk Mortadza Nazarene confirmed that disciplinary action was taken on one of the policemen.

"He was removed from CID where he was able to access sensitive data. He is currently on desk duty," said Mortadza.

"In the case of the second policeman, investigations are being finalised. Both of them are under investigations. We are looking to charging them as well as taking internal disciplinary action."

He denied police were dragging their feet, adding that the investigation papers had been sent to the A-G's Chambers.

In his suit, Jazimin is seeking an unspecified amount in general, exemplary and aggravated damages, interest, cost and other relief deemed fit by the court.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan, Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar, Petaling Jaya district police chief Assistant Commissioner Arjunaidi Mohamed and the government were named as defendants in the suit.

Nurin, a Year Two pupil of SK Desa Setapak, was abducted some 500m from her house in Wangsa Maju here on Aug 20, 2007.

She was sexually violated and brutally murdered before her body was found in a sports bag outside a shoplot in Petaling Jaya on Sept 17.

Her case received wide media coverage and the post-mortem showed that she had been sexually assaulted with a brinjal and a cucumber. She died from infection as the objects had ruptured her abdomen.

No one has yet been charged with the murder.

Nurin would have celebrated her 10th birthday on Sept 11.

Last Friday, the family visited her grave at the Muslim cemetery in Taman Ibukota, Setapak.

"Every Friday, I visit her grave and recite prayers for her. I also pray that justice will prevail," Jazimin said.

"Even though I have accepted her death, I am disappointed that there is no closure to this case and that this may turn out to be another unsolved murder."

Jazimin is now appealing to Yang Dipertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to look into the case.

"It seems that the investigations have stopped. The police have stopped contacting me or informing me of any updates. The only updates I get are from the media."

He said the people around him, his neighbours and new found friends were the ones still showing concern over the case.

"They have come out with a video of her and keep updating me if they hear anything in the news."

"Sometimes, I think that the killer may have been among the hundreds who attended my daughter's funeral.

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Bagan Pinang By-Election: Umno leader sounds the alarm

By Patrick Sennyah, NST

A senior Umno division leader has called on the party to close ranks in the state and work as a team or risk losing the Bagan…

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By Patrick Sennyah, NST

A senior Umno division leader has called on the party to close ranks in the state and work as a team or risk losing the Bagan Pinang by-election.

The veteran party member (he declined to be named) said it was no secret that there was a split in the state Umno, which, unless rectified, could lead to defeat in the coming by-election.

He said his greatest fear was not the opposition but the possibility Umno members would work against each other.

"I fear that disunity among members could escalate and thus divide the votes further.

"There is an urgent need to close ranks and put all differences aside for now.

"Another important factor is the choice of candidate. He must not only be one liked by the people but must also be agreeable to all party members."

He said Malay voters made up 64 per cent of the over 14,000 voters in Bagan Pinang and it was crucial for Umno to garner more than 90 per cent of this for a confirmed win.

"We cannot take chances on the postal votes and those from the other communities. We must work to ensure all Malay votes come to Umno and the only way to do this is to work together," he said.

He said while Teluk Kemang Umno division chief and former menteri besar Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad would be the best choice as candidate, there were fears that his past involvement with money politics could work against the party.

He said the Barisan Nasional did not want to repeat its mistake in the Permatang Pasir by-election, where it is widely believed that the fielding of disbarred lawyer Rohaizat Othman contributed to the party's defeat.

Isa was suspended for three years from June 24, 2005 for money politics in the 2004 party elections. He was originally suspended for six years or two terms but this was reduced after he appealed.

The Bagan Pinang seat fell vacant following the death of Umno's Azman Mohd Noor, 55, on Sept 4.

The state seat is one of five under the Teluk Kemang parliamentary constituency, which is held by Parti Keadilan Rakyat.

Nomination has been set for Oct 3 and polling for Oct 11.

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Light at end of tunnel over KTM’s Singapore land

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 — The contentious bilateral talks over the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) land in Singapore appears to have moved forward with a proposal to swap it for…

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KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 — The contentious bilateral talks over the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) land in Singapore appears to have moved forward with a proposal to swap it for valuable land near the island state’s first casino in Marina South, instead of scattered pieces across the tiny republic.

Government sources said Singapore has submitted a proposal to Wisma Putra last month for a joint-venture company that will develop the new piece of land. Malaysia will hold 60 per cent equity in the company while Singapore will hold the balance, both through their respective sovereign wealth funds.

“The ball is now in Wisma Putra’s court,” a source told The Malaysian Insider.

It is understood that Malaysia has already appointed private valuers to ascertain the exact land value of the site, which is in lieu of the 217 hectares that KTM now owns in Singapore.

“Singapore claims the new site is in the heart of the most ‘happening’ place in the city, with massive new developments earmarked around the area,” he added.

The site is near the Marina Bay Sands, which was due to open end 2009 but has now moved its opening launch to early 2010. It also overlooks the Singapore F1 race track comprising streets in the republic’s priciest commercial zones.

A view of the Marina Bay Sands casino resort under construction and Singapore’s financial district at night. — Reuters pic

The source said Wisma Putra is now mulling the proposal but foreign ministers from both neighbours are unlikely to meet anytime soon because of the on-going United Nations (UN) General Assembly sessions. It will mark Malaysia’s Datuk Anifah Aman’s debut in the UN.

However, the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) is scheduled to meet in mid-October and could discuss the proposal.

The land swap has been contentious since the Malaysia-Singapore Points of Agreement (POA) was signed in 1990 over the issue of the future of the railway land. The POA was signed between former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and former Malaysian Finance Minister Tun Daim Zanuddin.

Under the agreement, KTM was to vacate its historic station at Tanjong Pagar and move to Bukit Timah while all of KTM’s land between Bukit Timah and Tanjong Pagar would revert to Singapore. The land at Tanjong Pagar would be handed over to a private limited company for joint development — of which its equity would be split 60 per cent to Malaysia and 40 per cent to Singapore — as it is in the latest proposal.

But the key contention was the interpretation of the agreement as Singapore insisted the agreement meant KTM had to move its terminal from Tanjong Pagar to Bukit Timah within five years of its construction, when the republic moved its railway immigration in August 1998.

But Putrajaya said it would only be effective once it decided to move the station.

The railway land was acquired under a 1918 colonial ordinance specifically for use by Malayan Railway (Keretapi Tanah Melayu or KTM) for a period of 999 years. That same ordinance limits the use of this land. The land, which the main railway station is situated on, is considered prime land.

The 1990 POA states that the KTM railway station would be moved either to Bukit Timah first, or directly to Woodlands. In exchange, under the 1990 POA, three parcels of railway land — at Tanjong Pagar, Kranji, and Woodlands — would be jointly developed on a 60/40 basis with the Malaysian Government holding the larger share.

However, three years later, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad expressed his displeasure with the POA as it failed to include a piece of railway land in Bukit Timah for joint development.

KTM’s Bukit Timah railway station. — Wikipedia.org pic

In September 2001, both neighbours reached a comprehensive agreement with an understanding that the Malaysian immigration checkpoint on the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore railway line will be moved from Tanjong Pagar to Kranji.

Las Vegas casino chain Sands has committed to invest S$3.85 billion (RM9.43 billion) in the project in Marina South, not including the fixed S$1.2 billion cost of the 6,000,000-sq ft site itself, which by most estimates will make it the most expensive casino in the world.

The total cost of the development is placed at S$8.0 billion. In addition to the casino, other key components of the plan are three hotel towers with 2,600 rooms and suites; a 200,000-sq ft arts and sciences museum; and a convention centre with 1,200,000-sq ft of space, capable of accommodating over 52,000 people.

The resort, inspired by card decks, was designed by Moshe Safdie. The company has promised to create 10,400 jobs for the project, 75 per cent of which will be reserved for Singaporeans.

Marina Bay Sands will feature three 55-storey hotel towers which were topped out in July 2009. The three towers will be connected with a 1 hectare sky terrace on the roof.

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Samy Vellu ready to quit, but...

“I am ready to go, I am ready to pass the leadership to Palanivel.” — file pic

PETALING JAYA, Sept 22 — Taking hints from an impatient Umno, veteran MIC…

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“I am ready to go, I am ready to pass the leadership to Palanivel.” — file pic

PETALING JAYA, Sept 22 — Taking hints from an impatient Umno, veteran MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu is prepared to quit immediately but only if his anointed successor and deputy Datuk G. Palanivel is ready to assume the party leadership.

“I am ready to let go (of the position). I am ready to go. Monday... or even tomorrow if Palanivel feels that he is ready to take over the party leadership. I am ready to pass the leadership to him,” the former works minister told MStar Online yesterday.

His comments came after Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak had said he would discuss the party succession issue with Samy Vellu, who has held power since 1979.

The Indian leader has had run-ins with Umno since losing in Election 2008, with former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad calling him a liability to the ruling Barisan Nasional.

However, Samy Vellu added a caveat by mimicking Dr Mahathir’s excuse of wanting to leave behind a party that is united and without problems.

“I have no problem. It is not like I want to hold on to this post forever. But there are many things that need to be resolved (for the party and community),” he added.

Samy Vellu, who became acting president in 1979 before being elected as MIC president in 1981, was re-elected for his 11th consecutive term in April.

He said he would discuss the issue with Palanivel after the latter returns from India. “I will meet him to discuss this... to ask if he is ready to take over as president. And if he is, I will hand it over to him,” he added.

Samy Vellu claims he will quit if Palanivel (right) is ready to take over. — file pic

Palanivel successfully defended his deputy president’s post in the recent party elections on Sept 12. He, too, lost in Election 2008.

But Samy Vellu reiterated that the party would face many problems if he were to step down now.

“There are many things that need to be settled. I have many things to do. I want to ensure that they are all resolved and the party is in good shape before handing it over to my successor,” he said.

The MIC leader added that the top leadership line-up was still fresh although they had been old faces in the party. “They are old faces in the party (as members), but they are a new leadership line-up which had just been elected,” he said.

Samy Vellu also said he had agreed to meet Najib soon to discuss MIC’s leadership succession.

Asked if he would stick to his earlier plan to step down when his term expires in 2012, he said: “I don’t want to say anything about it. I want to let the issue die down.”

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AG receives investigation papers over royal brawl

Tunku Nadzimuddin holds pictures showing his injuries allegedly sustained in the Oct 25 brawl. — file pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 — The Attorney-General’s Chambers have received the police investigation…

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Tunku Nadzimuddin holds pictures showing his injuries allegedly sustained in the Oct 25 brawl. — file pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 — The Attorney-General’s Chambers have received the police investigation report over the alleged brawl last year between two groups from the royal families of Johor and Negeri Sembilan, and will soon decide whether to charge any parties over the incident.

Member of Negeri Sembilan royalty Tunku Nadzimuddin Tunku Mudzaffar last week blew the lid wide open on the incident, which has seen very little publicity because of the sensitivities surrounding royal households.

He claimed he and his friends were badly beaten up at gunpoint by the Raja Muda of Johor, Raja Muda Tunku Ismail Idris Abdul Majid, and his bodyguards at the Crowne Plaza Hotel here in the wee hours of the morning on Oct 25 last year.

With the submission of the report, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein says the police have concluded their responsibility by investigating the claims and the ball was now in the AG’s court whether charges would be filed.

Hishammuddin explained that the belated conclusion of the investigation — coming 11 months after the brawl — was because the two parties reportedly had wanted to settle the matter privately. He added, however, that the incident was an offence regardless.

The incident may reignite debate about the indiscretions of royalty here. In the 1990s former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad managed to push through amendments to the Constitution which removed the immunity of royalty from prosecution.

Under the Constitution, the country’s nine Sultans can be tried only by a special court. Other members of royal households are not immune from prosecution and can be charged for criminal offences.

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IAEA selects Malaysian envoy to head board of governors

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 — The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) board of governors has elected Malaysian envoy to Austria, Datuk Mohd Arshad Hussain, as its chairman, replacing Taous…

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KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 — The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) board of governors has elected Malaysian envoy to Austria, Datuk Mohd Arshad Hussain, as its chairman, replacing Taous Feroukhi of Algeria today.

He is the second Malaysian to assume the post in the 52-year history of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog. Arshad said the first Malaysian to be chairman of the board was ambassador Datuk Khor Eng Hee, who served between 1977 and 1978.

“I am humbled by this honour and privilege given to me but it’s a bigger honour for Malaysia and an apt recognition of our consistent and principled position on international nuclear issues, our commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and disarmament,” he said when contacted after Wisma Putra issued a statement of his election.

“My task for the next 12 months will be immensely challenging, the board is one of the two policy-making organs of the IAEA after the General Conference,” said the 58-year-old career diplomat.

Arshad takes up the post for a one-year term. The IAEA has appointed Yukiya Amano of Japan as new director-general to succeed Dr Mohamed ElBaradei in December.

He represented Malaysia in the 35-member board since last October for a two-year term. Board members are elected by the General Conference from 150-member states.

The newly-elected board for 2009-2010 comprises Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, China, Cuba, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Peru, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Ukraine, Uruguay and Venezuela.

It is another feather in Arshad’s cap. He is concurrently accredited to the Slovak Republic and is also Malaysia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna.

He had also served as envoy to the Philippines and Australia in his 35 years with Wisma Putra, with postings to eight countries. — Bernama

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The long slog against terror

The New Straits Times

SEPT 21 — The elimination of Noordin Top, the Malaysia-born terrorist leader, is a landmark development. His death in an Indonesian raid in Central Java on…

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The New Straits Times

SEPT 21 — The elimination of Noordin Top, the Malaysia-born terrorist leader, is a landmark development. His death in an Indonesian raid in Central Java on Thursday removes a catalytic figure in Southeast Asia's war to weed out the deep roots of terrorism. Confirmation by police of his death is also important in disabusing some Javanese of a belief that an aura of magic had helped Noordin to evade justice. (This is not as far-fetched as some think: Noordin escaped capture in 2005 and again last month, when the Indonesian authorities prematurely announced his death in a shootout.)

His death is a significant blow to the terrorism movement in Indonesia, and beyond. A former accountant and mathematics teacher, Noordin's background made him stand out as a terrorist among terrorists. Indonesian security believes he was involved in every major attack made on Indonesian soil since 2002, the most recent one being the bombings of the Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott hotels in Jakarta in July. Noordin also trained future generations of bomb-makers and operatives. In a rift with Jemaah Islamiah's (JI) core leadership, he was believed to have created a splinter group to achieve his heinous goals by even more violent means.

Still, there is no time to celebrate the success. There is some debate as to whether Noordin led a shrinking terror outfit or had managed to attract more recruits and resources in recent years. If his group had managed to establish firmer links with Al-Qaeda in the form of funding, expertise and recruits, the threat to Indonesia and the region will remain serious. It has also been reported that a number of terrorist leaders close to him are still on the run. They include Saefuddin Zuhri, a high-ranking Al-Qaeda operative who recruits suicide bombers, and his brother Mohamed Syahrir.

Moreover, it should be noted that the strategy of JI and Al-Qaeda is not merely physical terror but also the psychological form. By definition, the power of terrorism lies in the art of coercion. Mass killings and damage to property are only part of a bigger plan to paralyse populations by instilling fear in them. The best way to fight terror is to fear it, but not excessively. More importantly, to not be paralysed by fear but to get on with life. This was a lesson New York residents learnt after the Sept 11 attacks. Mumbai people also held their nerve after the bombing last year. Increasingly, Indonesia has come to grips with this truism. In the long term, psychological underpinning to complement the hunt-and-destroy campaign will be a key asset for Indonesia and the region in the long slog against terror.

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Menuntut Pilihanraya Yang Telus Dan Adil

Sebaik disinggung tentang Pilihanraya Kecil DUN Bagan Pinang, persoalan undi pos dibangkitkan.

Ternyata persepsi umum adalah bahawa undi pos tidak bebas dan telus. Kita menjangkakan Suruhanjaya Pilihanraya (SPR) akan menangkis…

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Sebaik disinggung tentang Pilihanraya Kecil DUN Bagan Pinang, persoalan undi pos dibangkitkan.

Ternyata persepsi umum adalah bahawa undi pos tidak bebas dan telus. Kita menjangkakan Suruhanjaya Pilihanraya (SPR) akan menangkis pantas “tohmahan” tersebut.

Mereka sekonyong-konyong terbabas manakala ditilik semula amanah pembentukan suruhanjaya bagi menjamin pilihanraya bebas dan adil.

SPR perlu memperbaiki sistem dan kaedah pengundian – menjamin kerahsiaan, membenarkan kehadiran wakil calun, mengira pada hari yang sama.

Terlalu banyak bukti yang dikemukakan sabelum ini, tetapi disangkal angkuh tanpa sebarang jaminan perubahan wajar.

Kita ulangi tuntutan supaya pengundian bebas, telus dan adil. Hak rakyat termasuk pasukan keselamatan wajar dihurmati.

ANWAR IBRAHIM

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Ferry Sinks In Eastern Indonesia, 15 Killed

JAKARTA, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- Fifteen passengers were killed while 16 others were injured when a overloaded ferry sank in the waters of East Halmahera, North Maluku…

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JAKARTA, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- Fifteen passengers were killed while 16 others were injured when a overloaded ferry sank in the waters of East Halmahera, North Maluku in Indonesia on Monday afternoon, China's Xinhua news agency reported Tuesday, citing a local TV station.

MetroTV reported Tuesday that another three passengers are believed to be missing when the wooden ship sank at around 16:00 local time (0700 GMT) on Monday while traveling from Desa Gotowace village to Mabah village.

However, local Police Chief Subagjo Dwi said that coule be more than 40 people missing from the tragic accident, and the police are still searching for the missing passengers.

He said the possible causes for the accident could be the bad weather and also overcrowding in the ferry.

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A munāfiq reflecting on Aidil Fitri?

By Screenshot

Frankly, everybody's life on earth is on borrowed time. So, I thought we should rather be a musafir of diverse worldviews than being a munāfiq gift-wrapped as the…

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By Screenshot

Frankly, everybody's life on earth is on borrowed time. So, I thought we should rather be a musafir of diverse worldviews than being a munāfiq gift-wrapped as the most pious man on earth.

But on the day of Aidil Fitri, when one rises from a month of madrasah during Ramadan, and when Malaysians extend to one another the greetings of maaf zahir dan batin, this Utusan Malaysia article by Ridhuan Tee Abdullah rang like a battery of alarm clocks. Malaysia's future is in trouble when democracy is despised, dissent crucified.

Quote from 'Orang Melayu mudah ‘cair’ bila dipuji':

KADANGKALA saya musykil kenapa orang Melayu mudah menjadi ‘cair’ apabila mendengar orang bukan Islam bercakap pasal Islam atau memuji Islam atau memetik satu dua ayat Quran untuk dijadikan hujah sandaran. Misalnya, ucapan beberapa pemimpin pembangkang bukan Islam yang memetik beberapa ayat suci al-Quran dan mahu mengambil pendekatan urus tadbir negeri mengikut cara pemerintahan Umar Abdul Aziz.

Benar, dari satu segi nampak orang bukan Islam cenderung kepada Islam. Tetapi kita perlu ingat adakah mereka ini benar-benar mahu beriman atau percaya kepada al-Quran atau sekadar lakonan semata-mata untuk mengaburi mata orang Melayu Islam? Saya cukup yakin bahawa golongan ini sudah dapat membaca dan memahami psikologi orang Melayu. Mungkin orang Melayu boleh memberikan jawapan apakah mereka sebenarnya sudah memahami psikologi mereka? [...]

Kita tidak pernah belajar atau mahu belajar dari sejarah, bila berhadapan dengan golongan seperti musang berbulu ayam ini. Pengalaman telah banyak mengajar kita. Mereka ini tidak pernah bersetuju dengan Islam apatah lagi agenda untuk menegakkan negara Islam dan hukum Islam. Penolakan mereka selama ini amat jelas. Tidakkah kita pernah mendengar kata-kata “Langkah mayat aku dulu jika mahu menegakkan negara Islam”, " Malaysia mesti kekal menjadi negara sekular”, “Negara Malaysia bukan kepunyaan orang Melayu”, “Melayu adalah juga pendatang” dan berbagai-bagai kenyataan yang menyakitkan.

Tidakkah orang Melayu sedar akan agenda mereka? Apakah kita tidak takut dengan ancaman golongan ini terhadap agama kita? Tidakkah kita terfikir bahawa parti ini amat baik dengan parti yang memerintah negara Singapura yang merupakan pecahannya? Bagaimana suatu hari nanti, mereka berpakat-pakat untuk melemahkan kita? [...]

Jika perjuangannya adalah Malaysian Malaysia seperti mana yang diperjuangkan oleh Parti Tindakan Rakyat (PAP), sampai bila-bila saya tidak akan percaya.

As you know, a Malaysian Malaysia and the adulating admiration of the governance style of Khalifah Umar Abdul Aziz had been often times referred to by Guan Eng in DAP.

However, by the stroke of a pen, DAP are a bunch of demons in the eyes of a saudara baru. And Utusan Malaysia is ever ready and willing to print it on the day of Aidil Fitri.

All men are on borrowed time. A biological reminder alerts me that, I'd rather be a musafir of diverse worldviews than a fanatical munāfiq that spits venom.

And Ridhuan Tee appears less a munāfiq than a consummate practitioner of political Islam. He currently earns his keeps as a senior lecturer, remunerated by taxpayers' money collected sinfully or otherwise, to teach at the Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, the cradle that breeds many a soldier of our land.

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Mother guilty of daughter murders - BBC

Kumari-Baker's defence team claimed she had an "abnormality of mind"

A mother who stabbed her daughters to death at her home in Cambridgeshire has been found guilty of their murder.…

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Kumari-Baker's defence team claimed she had an "abnormality of mind"

A mother who stabbed her daughters to death at her home in Cambridgeshire has been found guilty of their murder.

Rekha Kumari-Baker, 41, admitted the killings but had denied murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Davina Baker, 16, and Jasmine Baker, 13, were killed with a kitchen knife in a frenzied attack in 2007.

A jury at Cambridge Crown Court took about 30 minutes to reach a verdict of guilty on both counts of murder. She will be sentenced on Tuesday.

The court heard Davina was stabbed 39 times at the house in Stretham, on 13 June 2007. There were defence wounds on the girl's body.

'Something terrible'

Kumari-Baker, a hotel worker, then attacked her younger daughter in similar fashion.

The jury was told that after killing the children she rang a friend to say: "I have done something terrible."

In a hand-written note she left at the murder scene, she wrote: "I don't want them to get hurt as I did."

She concluded the note by writing: "My kids will not be a burden to anyone anymore."

Davina and Jasmine were killed with a kitchen knife

The court heard there was "much contention" between the defendant and her ex-husband over the care and custody of their children.

Jurors were told one theory was that Ms Kumari-Baker wanted to "wreak havoc" on her ex-husband David Baker by killing the girls.

She had also been distressed by a break-up of a relationship with her boyfriend Jeff Powell, the court heard.

Evidence was also heard that Kumari-Baker twice told her older daughter "I wish you were dead", during a meeting with teachers in 2004.

Prosecutor John Farmer said Kumari-Baker had bought the murder weapon at an Asda supermarket in Cambridge on 11 June 2007.

He said she had woken early on 13 June and then gone to the girls' bedrooms and murdered them.

Psychiatrist Lyle Hamilton - who was called to give evidence by Kumari-Baker's lawyers - said medical literature showed that women had killed children because they were "mentally ill" and because they were a "retaliatory type".

Kumari-Baker left a note after murdering her daughters

He said Kumari-Baker displayed a combination of both categories.

But Dr Neil Hunt, a consultant psychiatrist, told jurors he did not think there was evidence of any mental illness, despite Kumari-Baker's "extreme and unusual behaviour".

After the verdicts, Det Insp Jim McCrorie said: "It became clear, as this investigation progressed, that Rekha Kumari-Baker set out to murder her children.

"Only she will know the reasons why she carried out such a vicious and deliberate attack as they lay sleeping in their beds.

"Davina and Jasmine were two innocent young teenagers who were killed by the person they should have been able to trust most in this world.

"In 25 years in the police service I have never before investigated such an upsetting or sickening crime. "

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US general warns of Afghan failure - Al Jazeera

General Stanley McChrystal (R) said the overall effort in Afghanistan is 'deteriorating' [AFP] The most senior US and Nato commander in Afghanistan has said the war against the Taliban "will…

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General Stanley McChrystal (R) said the overall effort in Afghanistan is 'deteriorating' [AFP] The most senior US and Nato commander in Afghanistan has said the war against the Taliban "will likely result in failure" if more troops are not sent and a new strategy developed. General Stanley McChrystal said in a leaked report obtained by the Washington Post that, despite some progress, "many indicators suggest the overall effort is deteriorating". Inability to provide adequate resources "also risks a longer conflict, greater casualties, higher overall costs, and ultimately, a critical loss of political support" he said, according to the Post report published on Monday. "Any of these risks, in turn, are likely to result in mission failure." 'Government corruption' His said in his assessment that Taliban fighters controlled entire sections of the country. He also criticised the Afghan government for failing the public and said it was riddled by corruption. "The weakness of state institutions, malign actions of power-brokers, widespread corruption and abuse of power by various officials, and Isaf's own errors, have given Afghans little reason to support their government," McChrystal wrote. He called for an "urgent need for significant change in our strategy" in Afghanistan, saying the US needs to interact better with the Afghan people and better organise its efforts with Nato. "Our objective must be the population. The objective is the will of the people, our conventional warfare culture is part of the problem, the Afghans must ultimately defeat the insurgency," he wrote. Waning support The 66-page report, which was confirmed as being genuine by McChrystal's spokesman in Kabul, was sent to Robert Gates, the US defence secretary, in August, and is being reviewed by US President Barack Obama. McChrystal is expected to ask for a troop increase in the coming weeks, with reports he may request up to 30,000 new combat troops and trainers. But a request for extra soldiers faces resistance from within Obama's Democratic party and some Republicans, while opinion polls also show public support for the war is waning. A recent CNN/Opinion Research poll showed about 58 per cent of Americans oppose the Afghan war, while 39 per cent support it. The number of US troops in Afghanistan has almost doubled this year from 32,000 to 62,000 and is expected to grow by another 6,000 by the end of 2009.

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Anwar wants all parties to meet on Tanjung Tokong - Malaysiakini

PKR wants the authorities in Penang to hear out the residents' views pertaining to their calls to preserve Kampung Melayu Tanjung Tokong as a heritage village before making a decision…

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PKR wants the authorities in Penang to hear out the residents' views pertaining to their calls to preserve Kampung Melayu Tanjung Tokong as a heritage village before making a decision on future development in the area.

“I want all parties to enter into serious negotiations to find an amicable solution on issues of compensation, resettlement and heritage,” said PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the Penang government, Urban Development Authority (UDA) and Tanjung Tokong residents should meet to discuss all outstanding issues.

Although the development was undertaken by UDA, a federal agency, he said the state government must take part in the dialogue with the people because it involved land matters, which come under the state purview.

“Firstly, all residents shall be compensated adequately,” the parliamentary opposition leader told journalists when hosting a Hari Raya 'open house' in Taman Guar Perahu, Penanti today.

Anwar pointed out that deliberations on the heritage issue should take into account the historical background of the village, which had existed way before the colonial era.

He also stressed that the role of UDA, a government agency established in 1971, was to develop Malay settlements in the country's urban areas.

“The agency was also meant to ensure that Malay areas are not left out of mainstream development,” said the Permatang Pauh parliamentarian.

He said whatever decision taken on the issue should not be at the expense of the re-development programme to upgrade and modernise the coastal area's infrastructure and living environment.

“All demands and decisions shall be reasonable, amicable and acceptable by all parties,” he said.

PM urged to intervene

Tanjung Tokong Villagers Association has called on Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to give the village heritage status.

Its chairperson Mohd Salleh Yahaya said the villagers have now lost all their rights after UDA declared them as 'squatters' in a statutory declaration late last year.

The association has started a nationwide signature campaign to drum up support and urge the prime minister to intervene.

Mohd Salleh's call has received support from Penang Malays Association (Pemenang), which called on the authorities to preserve the village in the overall development plan in Tanjung Tokong.

Pemenang president Yussof Latiff stressed that UDA was duty-bound to preserve Kampung Melayu Tanjung Tokong because the village was the oldest living Malay cultural village in Penang.

UDA has reportedly stated that the multi-billion ringgit Tanjung Tokong development programme would not include the preservation of the village as a living human cultural site.

Transparency needed on postal votes

On Bagan Pinang by-election, Anwar called on the Election Commission (EC) to undertake pro-active steps to overcome negative public perception the constituency's postal vote rolls.

“EC should clean up and update the postal vote list and allow representatives from all contesting parties to observe its balloting process.

“The postal votes shall also be counted at the polling station immediately after the balloting was over.

“I don't see any difficulties in EC fulfilling these demands,” said the Pakatan Rakyat leader, stressing that EC was duty bound to uphold democratic electoral process.

He said although Pakatan was confident of giving BN and Umno a tough fight at the by-election, the postal voters remained a major obstacle to victory,” he said.

There are 13,664 voters in Bagan Pinang, of which 9,060 are ordinary voters with the remainder of 4,604 - or about one-third - being postal voters.

The large number of postal voters is due to the several army camps located in the constituency.

Nomination is on Oct 3 (Saturday) and polling is on Oct 11 (Sunday).

The seat fell vacant following the death of incumbent BN assemblyperson Azman Mohammad Noor on Sept 4 from blood infection.

In the general election in March 2008, Azman defeated PAS' Ramli Ismail with a majority of 2,333 votes. He polled 6,430 votes against Ramli's 4,097.

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Kepimpinan Umno lemah, terpaksa minta tolong Dr M

(Harakah) - Kepimpinan Umno dan Barisan Nasional (BN) kini terbukti paling lemah dalam sejarah apabila terpaksa mendapatkan khidmat Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad sebelum berani membuat keputusan, kata Naib Presiden PAS,…

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(Harakah) - Kepimpinan Umno dan Barisan Nasional (BN) kini terbukti paling lemah dalam sejarah apabila terpaksa mendapatkan khidmat Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad sebelum berani membuat keputusan, kata Naib Presiden PAS, Datuk Mahfuz Omar.

"Memang pemimpin tertinggi Umno hari ini paling lemah dalam sejarah. Contohnya dalam isu calon (pilihan raya kecil bagi kerusi Dewan Undangan Negeri) Bagan Pinang, (Perdana Menteri yang juga Presiden Umno, Datuk Seri) Najib (Tun Razak) dan (timbalannya, Tan Sri) Muhyiddin (Yassin) tak berani langsung hendak menyatakan mereka tak mahu (Ketua Umno Bahagian Telok Kemang, Tan Sri Mohd) Isa (Abdul Samad).

"Pemimpin-pemimpin Umno yang paling lemah dalam sejarah itu terpaksa memperalatkan keberanian Dr Mahathir," kata beliau.

Bekas Perdana Menteri sebelum ini mengingatkan Umno dan BN supaya jangan meletakkan Mohd Isa sebagai calon di Bagan Pinang kerana bekas Naib Presiden Umno itu pernah disabitkan dengan kesalahan politik wang.

Mohd Isa digantung keahliannya di dalam Umno selama tiga tahun pada 2005 lalu kerana kesalahan tersebut.

Walau bagaimanapun, Mahfuz mengucapkan tahniah kepada para pemimpin Umno kerana selepas ini mereka mempunyai alasan untuk menolak Mohd Isa sebagai calon di Bagan Pinang.

"Tahniahlah sebab pemimpin Umno sudah dibantu oleh bekas presiden parti mereka untuk menghadapi Isa.

"Ketika mereka kelihatan begitu takut untuk menyatakan pandangan mereka mengenai Isa, tiba-tiba Dr Mahathir memberikan mereka alasan untuk menolak Isa.

"Selepas ini bolehlah Presiden dan ahli-ahli Majlis Tertinggi (MT) Umno tidur lena. Ada Dr Mahathir tolong buat kerja untuk mereka," kata Ahli Parlimen Pokok Sena itu.

Beliau bagaimanapun menjangkan Mohd Isa tidak akan berdiam diri jika beliau merasa dimangsakan.

"Bagi Isa, jika (Ketua Menteri Melaka, Datuk Seri Mohd) Ali Rustam yang juga dihukum kerana kesalahan politik wang boleh mengekalkan kedudukannya sebagai Ketua Menteri malah dilantik pula sebagai Ahli MT, mengapa pula beliau tidak boleh menjadi calon di Bagan Pinang.

"Sedangkan, kedudukan sebagai Ketua Menteri dan Ahli MT jauh lebih tinggi berbanding kedudukan sebagai calon BN di Bagan Pinang," kata beliau.

Mohd Isa juga, kata Mahfuz, tentu melihat pilihan raya kecil Bagan Pinang boleh menjadi "pusat pemulihan" kepada kerjaya politiknya jika beliau dipilih sebagai calon BN dalam pilihan raya itu.

"Apabila kerjaya politiknya telah dipulihkan, Isa yang sebelum digantung merupakan Naib Presiden Umno paling kanan tentu mahu mendapatkan kedudukan sebagai Timbalan Presiden Umno yang sepatutnya boleh beliau menangi jika bertanding kalau tidak digantung keahliannya sebelum ini," kata beliau.

Jika pilihan raya kecil Bagan Pinang dapat dijadikan pusat pemulihan kepada kerjaya politik Mohd Isa, kata Mahfuz lagi, beliau mungkin akan menggerakkan tindakan mencabar kedudukan Muhyiddin sebagai Timbalan Presiden Umno.

"Barangkali untuk menjauhkan pertembungan seperti itulah yang menyebabkan Timbalan Perdana Menteri tidak berani bercakap terus-terang untuk menolak Isa dan sifat vokal Dr Mahathir mesti mereka peralatkan," katanya.

Ketika menolak Mohd Isa sebagai calon BN di Bagan Pinang, Dr Mahathir berkata, imej Umno akan terjejas jika bekas Menteri Besar Negeri Sembilan itu dicalonkan kerana dianggap tidak serius dalam memerangi politik wang sekiranya masih meletakkan mereka yang sudah didapati bersalah dalam rasuah politik sebagai calon.

"Isa sudah didapati bersalah, kalau Umno letak dia juga bermakna bahawa Umno tak ambil berat tentang kes-kes macam ini," kata beliau.

Bekas Bendahari Umno, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah pula menasihatkan Umno supaya mengambil iktibar daripada keputusan pilihanraya kecil Permatang Pasir, dalam memilih calon yang sesuai bagi mempertahankan kerusi DUN Bagan Pinang.

Ahli Parlimen Gua Musang itu berkata, pembangkang telah memenangi tujuh pilihanraya kecil di Semenanjung Malaysia selepas pilihanraya umum tahun lalu.

"Umno bertanding dalam enam pilihanraya kecil dan kalah semuanya. Kini tidak siapa yang boleh meragui bahawa rasa tidak puashati rakyat terhadap BN yang mengakibatkannya ia kehilangan lima negeri dan majoriti dua pertiga di Dewan Rakyat, masih belum pulih," tulis Tengku Razaleigh dalam blognya.

Menurutnya, punca rasa tidak puashati rakyat terhadap BN itu adalah persepsi bahawa mereka yang memegang kuasa adalah angkuh dan korup.

Pemilihan calon yang dibatalkan lesen guamannya sebagai calon BN di Permatang Pasir serta mengenepikan bantahan terhadap pemilihannya, telah mengesahkan persepsi tersebut, katanya lagi.

Bagan Pinang mempunyai 13,664 orang pengundi dan 4,604 dari jumlah tersebut adalah pengundi pos.

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What the opposition did right ten years ago

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Barisan Alternatif had a Joint Election Manifesto (Manifesto Bersama BA), which was about what BA wanted and not about what keADILan, DAP, PAS or PRM wanted. What keADILan, DAP, PAS and PRM want does not matter. It is what BA wants that counts.

NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin

In 1999, almost as soon as Parti Keadilan Nasional (keADILan) was launched on 4th April, the opposition got itself organised. Together with DAP, PAS and PRM, the opposition coalition called Barisan Alternatif (Alternative Front) was created to house the four parties.

But it was a loose coalition, unfortunately, and although many were of the opinion that Barisan Alternatif (BA) should be legally registered with its own logo and flag, this was not done. The reason given was that you need at least seven parties to register a coalition so the only four in BA would not meet the requirements.

Nevertheless, in spite of the loose coalition having no real legal status or its own flag and logo, the opposition did not do too badly in the November 1999 general election. It not only retained Kelantan with a very comfortable majority but it won Terengganu as well. And in Kedah the opposition won 8 out of the 15 parliament seats. It did not win enough state seats to be able to form the new Kedah state government but exactly one year later it managed to deny Barisan Nasional its two-thirds majority in the state assembly when keADILan won the Lunas by-election.

There were many creative things which BA did in the seven months leading to the November 1999 general election, plus the year or so after that. It formed a presidential council where the top leaders of the four parties met once a month to come out with its policies, strategies and programmes. It had a media coordination unit that issued press releases and statements on behalf of all four parties but under the name of BA.

In fact, in the run-up to the general election between Nomination Day and Polling Day, the BA media coordination unit held a daily press conference every noon so that the media could be updated with the latest developments. And the late Rustam Sani from PRM was in charge of this unit and was the official spokesman for BA. The individual parties -- keADILan, DAP, PAS and PRM -- were not encouraged to hold their separate press conferences or issue separate media statements as they did not want any conflicting statements to the BA official stand.

The opposition coalition had a shadow cabinet with a full committee in each ‘ministry’ that was headed by a ‘minister’. And they would monitor the performance of the Barisan Nasional-headed ministries. For example, a few days before the government tabled its budget in parliament every year around November, BA would hold its own budget presentation in parliament and the press would be invited and encouraged to ask questions.

The opposition, of course, already knew what the government budget was (in spite of the OSA) so all they needed to do was to counter-propose a better budget. On more than one occasion the government was forced to go back to the drawing board to revise its budget so that the opposition budget would not outshine the government budget. At least the opposition was able to force the government to give the voters and taxpayers a better deal even though the government and not the opposition got the credit for this.

There was a research and development unit that did all the research and helped prepare data and statistics for the opposition parliamentarians. There were many an occasion when the opposition ‘minister’ knew more about the goings-on and developments in the government ministries compared to the minister himself. The minister would be left red-faced and would beg the parliament Speaker for time to reply to the question in writing because he or she did not know the answer to the question the opposition had raised.

The BA Members of Parliament outshone the BN Members of Parliament, even those with Cabinet positions, by far. The many units, committees, think tanks, etc., set up to assist the opposition parties and its leaders were so efficient and professional that the government MPs ended up looking rather stupid by comparison.

Back in 1999, the opposition comprised of politicians, activists, academicians and intellectuals. It was a formidable team. There were professors, lecturers, journalists, writers, and whatnot in the team. Barisan Alternatif got some of the best brains in the business. And these people were very creative and progressive and were prepared to try many new things, most which worked with extremely positive results. This team really gave new meaning to the term politik baru (new politics).

Barisan Alternatif had a Joint Election Manifesto (Manifesto Bersama BA), which was about what BA wanted and not about what keADILan, DAP, PAS or PRM wanted. What keADILan, DAP, PAS and PRM want does not matter. It is what BA wants that counts. And the BA Joint Election Manifesto was very clear and the voters loved it. It was a fantastic balance that went down well with the voters.

Then PAS decided to do what was good for its own party and not what was good for the coalition. It proposed Islamic laws in Terengganu. And then DAP decided to do what was good for its own party and not what was good for the coalition. It left the coalition in protest and in opposition to PAS’s Islamic laws proposal. Then, much later though, keADILan and PRM decided to merge into one party.

Then, in the following general election in 2004, the opposition parties decided to not work as an opposition coalition but instead each party would go solo. In some constituencies there were three- or four-corner contests. The opposition not only lost badly in these three- or four-corner seats but in some instances the candidates lost their deposits as well.

The opposition got slaughtered. It was like Custer’s last stand. DAP, PAS, keADILan and PRM thought they did not need each other. They thought they could take on the 14-member coalition called Barisan Nasional, plus each other in the same process, and still form the next government. They could not even retain their deposits let alone win the election.

It was so embarrassing.

The opposition had become arrogant. It got too big for its shoes. It thought even God Himself could not stop the opposition from forming the next government. And they did not need a coalition to do that. One opposition party can take on the 14-member Barisan Nasional, plus the other opposition parties as well, and will win all the seats. Single-handedly, one opposition party can win all the states and enough parliament seats to form the federal government.

I suppose they thought the same thing about the Titanic when they said even God Himself could not sink this ship. But it was sunk -- just like how the opposition parties were sunk back in 2004. It was taught a lesson it will never forget in a long time.

Of course, in 2008, the opposition parties came back together as Pakatan Rakyat. And it did better than in 1999 because of that. But this is still not enough. Pakatan Rakyat needs to reflect on what BA did back in 1999 and repeat that success. In fact, today, it can now do better than what it did in 1999 because, today, more people believe in the opposition than they did in 1999.

The opposition is, again, starting to become arrogant. Let us hope they do not start to get swollen headed like they did back in 2000-2001. If they do then the next election, whenever that may be, would be a repeat of the 2004 disaster.

There are many smart people out there who are prepared to contribute their time and brains to the opposition cause. Some would even spend their own money doing so and do not expect any compensation. But the opposition should stop thinking that it is already very smart and that it does not need any outside help. Everyone needs help, in particular the opposition. You just need to know who to ask. And if you are too big-headed and too proud and think that you need no one because you are clever enough to do everything on your own, then expect to be taught a lesson come the next election.

And it will be a lesson you truly deserve.

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MCA central committee flexes muscles

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 — Just when the MCA seemed all set to hold its extraordinary general meeting (EGM), in the wake of deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi…

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KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 — Just when the MCA seemed all set to hold its extraordinary general meeting (EGM), in the wake of deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek’s dismissal, the party’s central committee (CC) has flexed its muscles to overturn the decision and suspend him for four years instead.

This begs the question of whether the power of the CC was overlooked, or even underestimated, in the fractious past weeks which saw more than a fair share of barbs traded between rival supporters of party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and Dr Chua.

"They overlooked the CC as an independent body and pre-empted us by going straight for an EGM which should be called only as a last resort, and not the first resort. Members should not have jumped the gun," CC member Datuk Ti Lian Ker, of Pahang, told Bernama.

He said disgruntled members should have waited first to see how the CC would act before pushing for the EGM, now fixed for Oct 10, after the presidential council sacked Dr Chua for tarnishing the party's image over a sex video scandal.

Ti said the party constitution empowered the CC to take disciplinary action against any elected party official including to suspend or to expel with the support of two-thirds of the CC members present at the meeting.

Under Article 128 of the constitution, the CC has the final say on disciplinary matters and that cannot be challenged, even in a court of law.

Ti said he had insisted that Dr Chua's issue be discussed at the marathon seven-hour CC meeting last Saturday, to show that the party president could not act arbitarily, or that the CC was just a rubber stamp.

Currently, there are 43 CC members, with 25 elected, seven appointed by the president while the rest are party office-bearers.

Ti denied that the CC's move was tantamount to a lack of confidence in the presidential council, saying that at the same meeting the CC had overturned other disciplinary decisions as well.

Party sources said Dr Chua's issue was brought up by Senator Datuk Wong Siong Hwee from Kelantan and all were given the opportunity to express their views, including the most senior CC member, Datuk Wong Mook Leong.

Wong re-told his experience when he was sacked during the party crisis in the 1980s, saying that a suspension would have a similar effect as an expulsion, the source said.

"Some CC members sympathised with Dr Chua. They felt there was no need to push an already broken man and believed he should be given a chance to salvage a bit of his shattered honour," it added.

Ong, who chaired the meeting, had to "eat humble pie" in the face of the check and balance on his leadership by the CC, the source noted.

Enraged supporters of Dr Chua, however, hit back that it was not appropriate and an act of disrespect to the central delegates for the CC to discuss the matter as the rival factions had already agreed to the EGM and agenda.

Even Dr Chua spoke up: "Are they trying to say the CC is more supreme than the EGM?"

Party veteran Datuk Yap Pian Hon maintained the CC had the mandate because all decisions, including disciplinary matters, must go through both the presidential council and CC, the two decision-making organs in the party.

"If we stop at the presidential council level, it can be argued later that the decision is invalid because the due process was not complete," he said.

Dr Chua's supporters are pointing fingers that it was Ong who first called for an EGM on Aug 31, when they had barely started their signature campaign to push for one to annul Dr Chua's sacking.

A political observer, who declined to be named, views the CC's decision as a "smart tactical move" by Ong's side to neutralise the sympathy factor towards Dr Chua for the EGM.

The suspension may cause some of the 2,377 delegates to reconsider their views and swing away from Dr Chua as he would only be a party member after four years.

After all, Dr Chua had said he wanted to die an MCA member, the observer noted. — Bernama

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31 deaths on day 8 of Ops Sikap

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 — Thirty-one deaths were recorded in road accidents nationwide yesterday, bringing the total to 144 deaths on the eighth day of Ops Sikap which started on…

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KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 — Thirty-one deaths were recorded in road accidents nationwide yesterday, bringing the total to 144 deaths on the eighth day of Ops Sikap which started on Sept 13.

According to a statement from Bukit Aman police headquarters, 16 deaths were reported on federal roads, six on state roads, four on highways, three on municipal roads and two on other roads.

Up to yesterday, the three categories which registered the most fatalities were motorcycle users with 76 deaths, followed by car users with 54 deaths and pedestrians with seven.

Five deaths involved bicycle users while the rest were either passengers or drivers of taxis, vans, jeeps or lorries. - The Malaysian Insider

The number of accidents yesterday totalled 1,013 and summons were issued to 4,766 offenders, police said. Municipal roads registered the highest number of accidents with 340 cases, followed by federal roads with 277, state roads with 225, other roads with 118 and highways with 71.

The 20th edition of Ops Sikap is on until Sept 27 with the aim of reducing accidents during the Hari Raya festive season. — Bernama

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Rumah Terbuka Eidulfitri DUN Bagan Pinang, 22 September 2009

Anwar Ibrahim akan berada di DUN Bagan Pinang bersama pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat pada hari raya ketiga sempena sambutan Rumah Terbuka Eidulfitri anjuran Ahli Parlimen Telok Kemang.

Tarikh: 22 September 2009…

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Anwar Ibrahim akan berada di DUN Bagan Pinang bersama pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat pada hari raya ketiga sempena sambutan Rumah Terbuka Eidulfitri anjuran Ahli Parlimen Telok Kemang.

Tarikh: 22 September 2009 (Selasa)

Masa: 12.00 tengahari – 3.00 petang

Lokasi: Restoran Jom Makan, Bt 6 1/2,Jalan Pantai, Port Dickson.

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PEJABAT DATUK SERI ANWAR IBRAHIM

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Woman Convicted In Rajiv Gandhi Murder Fasts To Death

By P. Vijian

CHENNAI, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- Former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomb squad member Nalini Murugan, convicted for her involvement in the…

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By P. Vijian

CHENNAI, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- Former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomb squad member Nalini Murugan, convicted for her involvement in the high-profile assassination of then-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, began her fast to death at the Vellore Central Prison this morning.

Then a young and pregnant Nalini, a member of the now-defunct LTTE women's wing, was sentenced to death in 1991, when she was found guilty of being part of the suicide bomber squad which blew up Gandhi in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Her death sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment, and for the last 18 years, she has been languishing in the high-security jail in the women's cell.

The 43-year-old's husband is also in the same prison.

"She has begun to fast since this morning, demanding premature release from prison," prison superintendent Jaya Barathi told Bernama on Monday.

In a letter dated Sept 20 addressed to her jailers, Nalini pleaded that 19 of her co-accused in Gandhi's murder were released from prison but she was still behind bars.

"Of the 26 accused, 19 were acquitted but there was no place in the law for my release...how to justify that?

"I will fast to death as there is no other way for me under this circumstances," she said in the letter that was written in Tamil.

LTTE suicide bomber Thenmozhi Rajaratnam assassinated Gandhi, on May 21, 1991, while he was about to attend a pre-election rally in Sriperumbudur in the southern state.

At least, 20 people were killed in the blast.

Last week, Nalini moved another petition at the Madras High Court for her release.

Under the Indian Criminal Procedure Code, a convict imprisoned for life could seek premature release on the grounds of good conduct, after serving at least 14 years in jail.

Early this month, Nalini managed to obtain her Master's Degree in Computer Application from the Indira Gandhi National Open University, studying from her cell.

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11/10, a turning point for Umno? - Rocky's Bru

Bagan Pinang by-election. Blogger Sakmongkol, his AK-47 in their faces, is telling the "PR people" to prepare to lose. In Bagan Pinang - Vote for Normalcy, he said…

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Bagan Pinang by-election. Blogger Sakmongkol, his AK-47 in their faces, is telling the "PR people" to prepare to lose. In Bagan Pinang - Vote for Normalcy, he said things are getting back to normalcy and that's bad news for Pakatan:

"... once things get back to normalcy, PKR starts to get panicky. This is what the situation in Bagan Pinang represents. Things are getting back to normalcy."

Sakmongkol, I think, is tired with PR's claims that postal votes are going to be rigged in favor of the BN. He sees the postal voting issue as just an excuse offered ahead by PR to blame UMNO for its loss.

"This coming win by BN in Bagan Pinang will expose the PR as a party which thrives only under abnormal conditions and that their extensive win at the 12^th General Elections was just an aberration. This coming by elections, the Bagan Pinang folks are voting for normalcy. That's why they are voting BN."

Sakmongkol's words, NOT mine. I just happen to agree with a lot of the things he wrote here.

Nomination is Oct 3 and polling has been set for Oct 11, a Saturday.

Related reading: PAS tak payah berlakun, dah pun kempen dalam kem

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Guard dies of injuries inflicted by robbers

BUKIT MERTAJAM, Sept 21 — An elderly security guard has died of head injuries after he was beaten up by four robbers at a fish factory in Tanjung Berembang, Nibong…

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BUKIT MERTAJAM, Sept 21 — An elderly security guard has died of head injuries after he was beaten up by four robbers at a fish factory in Tanjung Berembang, Nibong Tebal, early yesterday, police said today.

Penang police deputy chief Datuk Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah said the guard, identified as Abu Bakar, died at about 6.30am. He said a fellow guard, a 30-year-old Myanmar national, was also beaten up by the robbers who fled with a lorry-load of birds’ nests valued at RM100,000.

“Police found the lorry about two kilometres from the factory,” he told reporters at the Seberang Perai Tengah police headquarters, here.

Tun Hisan said police arrested a 26-year-old suspect at a house in Taman Permai, Parit Buntar, Perak at about 11am.

They also found a fake pistol and a mask, apparently used by the suspect in robberies, he added.

Tun Hisan also said police were looking for one Lim Choon Beng, 26, of Mukim Dua Samagagah, Permatang Pauh, to help in the investigation into several robberies and snatch thefts in Seberang Perai.

Anyone with information can contact the Seberang Perai Tengah police headquarters at 04-538 2222 or any police station. — Bernama

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Noordin's first wife to claim body

The first wife of slain militant Noordin Mohamad Top, who was Asia's most wanted terrorist, and her elder brother are to leave for Jakarta soon to claim Noordin's body for…

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The first wife of slain militant Noordin Mohamad Top, who was Asia's most wanted terrorist, and her elder brother are to leave for Jakarta soon to claim Noordin's body for burial in Malaysia.

A security source said the wife, a Quran teacher in Ulu Tiram identified as Rahmah, and her brother Yahya were expected to bring back Noordin's body on Sept 29 for burial in Pontian.

The source said Indonesian government agencies were on Aidilfitri holiday now and it would take time for Noordin's body to be sent back to Malaysia.

Noordin, 41, who had led a more radical splinter group of the Jemaah Islamiyah, was shot dead in an operation carried out by an Indonesian elite anti-terrorist squad in Solo, central Java, on Sept 17, ending a nine-year hunt for the elusive militant who had hailed from Malaysia.

Three other terrorists were also killed in the operation.

Noordin is claimed to have masterminded several terrorists attacks in Indonesia.

- Bernama

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Pakistan arrests top Taliban commander

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistan has arrested a key militant commander suspected of launching suicide attacks in the country's northwest, Pakistan's army announced Monday.

Abu Faraj was arrested during a…

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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistan has arrested a key militant commander suspected of launching suicide attacks in the country's northwest, Pakistan's army announced Monday.

Abu Faraj was arrested during a military operation in the Swat region, but the army statement did not say when. Abu Faraj is believed to be one of the key commanders for Maulana Fazlullah, the head of the Pakistani Taliban in Swat, who is still at large.

Fazlullah has stated that his goal is to impose a harsh interpretation of Islamic law in northwest Pakistan.

Fazlullah's father-in-law, pro-Taliban leader Sufi Mohammed, helped mediate a peace agreement with the Pakistani government earlier this year.

That deal collapsed, and paved the way for Pakistan's current military operation against Taliban elements in the northwest. Shortly after his father-in-law's peace deal took effect, Fazlullah proclaimed himself the emir of Swat.

Swat is a region in Pakistan's northwest that continues to experience near-daily attacks by Islamic militants on civilians and on security forces conducting the military operation against them.

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