Sewage streams into scenic parks? One man's goal

Commuters look on as volunteers from clean steps leading down to the polluted Yamuna river during a cleansing drive in New Delhi on March 18, 2010.

 

New Delhi, India (CNN) -- Walking is a perilous endeavor in New Delhi's traffic bedlam.

Pedaling around the city of more than five million vehicles weaving through whatever space they find is not without danger either.

As New Delhi grapples with the woes of rapid urbanization of largely rural India, some enterprising citizens are turning to an unexplored territory to find solutions.

Architect Manit Rastogi scurries through thick pockets of bushes along filth-filled, age-old drains that he is convinced can be transformed into scenic lakes with walkways and cycle tracks alongside.

He believes technological interventions can do wonders with the 350-kilometer circuit of dirty streams that dump tons of household sewage into the River Yamuna, New Delhi's heavily polluted lifeline.

Originally, the centuries-old system -- called nullahs -- emptied excess rain water into the river, but in modern Delhi, it is mostly carrying untreated waste, Rastogi said.

Rastogi has pitched his drain-cleaning plans to authorities in New Delhi and is now identifying locations for at least three experiments that he proposes to complete by the end of 2010.

"We can treat sewage at its source with the help of mini-equipment before it flows into the nullahs," he said.

Limitedly, enzymes can also be used to attack contaminants in a technique he describes as "bioremediation."
Video: Plan turns dirty drains into bike paths
The main problem that a project like this faces is ... the fact that there is no one person accountable for the city of Delhi

Littered with garbage, the stinking network of 17 nullahs are free of human occupation in a city otherwise struggling to deal with the rampant encroachment of public streets.

An expert in urban planning and the head of a private architecture and design firm, Rastogi envisages turning those tracts into landscaped passages for New Delhi's pedestrians, cyclists and solar-powered rickshaws.

"The city will then be interconnected with an eco-friendly and safe transport network," he said.

According to India's Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), one-third of New Delhi's daily commuters walk to work.

"They walk in extremely unsafe and hostile conditions, in constant conflict with motorized traffic and are easy victims to crashes and accidents," CSE said in a report last year.

Pedestrians in New Delhi, it added, accounted for 47 percent of road accident deaths.

"All the ills of urban development exist in this one city," Rastogi said, noting New Delhi's gridlocked roads, rapidly increasing population and high levels of pollution.

Figures posted on the Delhi government Web site show that the city received 233,000 migrants from other states -- apparently in search of work -- in 2006, a number higher than the population growth that took place naturally that year here.

Spread over about 1,500 square kilometers, New Delhi is home to about 17 million people.

The 40-year-old, London-educated architect seems confident that he can ease some of the city's burden.

But what Rastogi is seeking for his proposed answer to New Delhi's problems is cooperation from a complex bureaucracy.

"The main challenge of a project like this surprisingly is not funding, it's not technology either. The main problem that a project like this faces is a multiplicity of agencies and the fact that our city has no CEO, the fact that there is no one person accountable for the city of Delhi," he said.

Child marriage fair in Islam, foul by law

By Boo Su-Lyn - The Malaysian Insider


PETALING JAYA, April 9 — Religious experts are split whether child marriages are legal in Islam but all agree that Malaysia’s civil laws prohibit such nuptials.
The issue came to light when an 11-year-old girl named Siti Nur Zubaidah was married off to a 41-year-old man in Kampung Jelawang, Kuala Krai last month. Also in Kelantan was a case involving a 10-year-old girl who was allegedly forced to marry a man in his 30s.
Kelantan Women, Family and Health executive councillor Hajah Wan Ubaidah Omar said Islam condoned such marriages if they were approved by the Syariah court.
“In God’s eyes legal, but in laws of the country (Malaysia) not legal,” said the Kijang state assemblywoman when questioned on the legality of child marriages.
Speaking about the 11-year-old, Ubaidah said that it was clearly wrong as the girl’s father had not received permission from the Syariah court to marry the girl off to the older man. She added that the girl’s mother had requested for the religious department to annul the marriage.
Section 8 of the Kelantan Muslim Family Law Enactment (2000) states that any girl below 16 cannot marry, except with written permission from the Syariah Court.
When questioned on what criteria would merit such consent, Ubaidah replied that in cases where a girl and her partner are “madly in love beyond control”, the court would grant them permission to marry. A father who wishes to marry the girl off to a rich man may also receive similar authorisation from the court.
Although Ubaidah said that a girl’s consent and understanding is needed before marrying her off, she said: “Silence is consent”. If a girl is married off without her consent, she can seek help from her relatives or approach the religious department herself, Ubaidah added.
Ubaidah explained that in Islam, it is the father who usually gives his daughter up for marriage. This role is called the wali or guardian. If the father is not available, the role of the wali can be played by the girl’s grandfather, brother, or uncle.
However, former Perlis mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin rejected the Syariah view that invests power in the father to give his daughter up for marriage. “Fathers do not have absolute power,” he said in a telephone interview.
“Women must make their own decision,” he stressed, adding that before marrying, a girl must have reached puberty, is mature, and be able to make decisions.
Non-governmental organisation, Sisters in Islam (SIS), was adamant that child marriages were wholly unacceptable, as stated in their letter to the editor on March 12, 2010.
SIS argued that puberty alone is not an indication of sufficient maturity for marriage, citing the need for soundness of judgment and maturity of mind as indicators of marriageable age, based on Surah an-Nisa’ 4:6 which requires orphans who reach the “age of marriage” or “a marriageable age” be tested for “sound judgment” or “maturity of mind”.
SIS also called for the government to raise the minimum age of marriage for Muslim girls from 16 to 18, in line with the Child Act that defines children as those below 18 years of age.
The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) could not be reached for comment on the matter.
Islam is a state matter under the respective state rulers although Jakim has been tasked to ensure all Islamic laws are uniform in Malaysia.

Sibu MP dies: Another by-election

FMT ALERT KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional's Sibu MP Robert Lau passed away today after a protracted illness, paving the way for another by-election.

The Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) leader was also deputy transport minister.

In the 2008 general election, Lau had defeated DAP state chief Wong Ho Leng and PKR's Lim Chin Chuang.

Selfish Musa only after his own interests, says SAPP

By Queville To - Free Malaysia Today,

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) has accused Chief Minister Musa Aman of only protecting his own position and interests, instead of the state and its people.
Its Information Chief Chong Pit Fah said this was obvious when Musa refused to seek for a higher oil royalty from the Federal Government who have full control of Petronas.
“He (Musa) is only protecting his own position and interests, that is why he said there is no need for the State to ask for higher oil royalty from Kuala Lumpur,” said Chong.
He was responding to Musa’s statement that the amount of allocations from the Federal Government pouring into Sabah was more important than discussing an increase in oil royalty for the state.
Musa said whether or not the oil royalty is increased, when Sabah asked for allocation from the Federal Government, the latter gives.
Chong however said it was unacceptable that Musa has refused outright to negotiate with the Federal Government for a higher oil royalty, which would significantly boost the development of the State and the standard of living of its people.
“Even though he is the Chief Minister of Sabah, he has no right to deprive the State and its people of something that is so important and beneficial without first consulting the people.
“ What more when he acknowledged that being the second largest state in the country, Sabah required huge funds to develop, especially areas in the rural and interior,” he said.
He reminded that Sabah is currently the poorest state in the country with the highest number of jobless people and at the same time is blessed with abundance of natural resources, in particular oil and gas.
Chong said Musa’s refusal to seek for higher oil royalty clearly showed that he did not care whether the state and the people are poor.
“He is more concerned about his job and the perks. Everybody knows that he (Musa) is appointed by Kuala Lumpur. It is no wonder that he dare not ask for more oil royalty."
SAPP is fighting for an autonomous state government to allow the state to make policy decisions that are beneficial to the people without having to refer to Kuala Lumpur.
"We are supposed to be equal partners when we formed the Federation of Malaysia together with Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak in 1963,” Chong said.
He claimed that a majority of the Sabah Barisan Nasional component parties are unhappy with Musa’s administration with LDP deputy chief Chin Su Phin exposing this when he called for changes to the current Sabah Barisan Nasional leadership.
Chong claimed that even the UPKO leaders and members were grumbling about it.
He said despite all the talk of billions of allocations from the Federal Government all these years, there has still been no satisfactory explanation from the state government on the persistent power supply shortage and healthcare problems in the State.
He noted that Musa had said that under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP), Sabah received more than RM20 billion from the Federal Government, which did not include funds from the Private Funding Initiative (PFI).
Chong especially questioned why despite being a cash-strapped Government-linked Corporation (GLC) Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) resolved to purchase second hand generators to boost power supply in Sabah.
He said this clearly showed that the Federal Government was not sincere in wanting to resolve the perennial power supply problem affecting the State.
“Sadly, Musa and the entire State Cabinet continue to keep mum or play dumb for fear of losing their jobs,” he said.
On Musa’s remark that Sabah always get funds from the Federal Government when it asks, Chong turned around and asked if this was so why is Sabah still far behind the other States in terms of development.
In view of this, he said that it is only appropriate that the state government seek higher oil royalties from the Petronas and use the money to uplift the peoples’ living standard, instead of having to constantly beg from the Federal Government.
“Furthermore, the oil is found in Sabah’s own backyard. Tengku Razaleigh was right in saying that Sabah’s oil is for the people of Sabah,” he said.

Quick-draw Samy shoots Palanivel in the foot

By S Rutra - Free Malaysia Today
KUALA LUMPUR: The ongoing drama surrounding the candidacy of G Palanivel for the Hulu Selangor seat is a result of MIC president S Samy Vellu 'jumping the gun'.
Otherwise, MIC former youth chief SA Vigneswaran said it would have been a non-issue.
"There is no use in (Samy Vellu) blaming others for his mistake by alleging that his rivals are out to sabotage the MIC candidate. He is the one who behaved like the Barisan Nasional chairman," he told FMT.
Samy Vellu had named MIC deputy president Palanivel as the candidate, a day after the incumbent Hulu Selangor MP PKR's Zainal Abidin Ahmad passed away.
This irked certain quarters since it is the BN chairman, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, who should make the final decision.
Vigneswaran said if Palanivel's name was announced by Najib two to three days before nomination day, then the current episode would not have occurred.
"An experienced party president like Samy Vellu should have kown better. He should have gauged the response from the ground before making recommendations,” he added.
In view of this, Vigneswaran asked what was the motive behind Samy Vellu's action.
Palanivel is the best choice
On the same note, the former youth leader, who heads the BN supporters club, believes that Palanivel is the best man for the job.
He warned that if the BN leadership opted for someone outside of Hulu Selangor, it would be an uphill task to wrest the seat back from PKR.
On Wednesday, FMT quoted party sources as claiming that Palanivel had been dropped, and BN may opt for a local leader, namely Hulu Selangor MIC Youth chief V Mugilan.
The same day, Najib confirmed that MIC would be given the seat, but added that he would personally decide on who the candidate should be.
Previously, there were reports that Umno had wanted the seat.
In the 2008 general election, Zainal had defeated Palanivel by a razor-thin majority of 198 votes.
Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is the BN elections director, would announce the coalition's candidate on April 15.
Nomination is on April 17 and the by-election would be held on April 25.

Talking about Islam

thenutgraph.com

Dr Ahmad Farouk Musa (Background image source: Wiki commons)

CAN Muslims and non-Muslims question or critique Islamic laws? Are Islamic laws inherently unjust? Should Malaysia be an Islamic state? Does one need to be an Islamic "authority" in order to figure these issues out?
Islamic Renaissance Front founder and chairperson Dr Ahmad Farouk Musa shares some of his ideas with The Nut Graph, in the second and final part of this 5 Apr 2010 exclusive interview in Kuala Lumpur.
TNG: Many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and state leaders have repeatedly stressed that Islamic law and opinion cannot be questioned in Malaysia. Let's take the example of forbidding the use of "Allah" by non-Muslims — would you consider it fair for something like this to be criticised or questioned by the public?
Dr Ahmad Farouk Musa: For the record, it was very commendable of (Opposition Leader) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to invite the various Islamic NGOs to a meeting at his residence on the "Allah" issue. It was well attended and we had lengthy discussions, and we heard various opinions.
A verse in the Quran says, "And if you ask them who created the heavens and the earth, they will certainly say: Allah" (Surah Luqman, verse 25). Now PAS and Parti Keadilan Rakyat look at this and agree that "Allah" can be used by non-Muslims. So they can use the kalimah of "Allah", as long as it is not abused.
Perhaps that is an easier thing to discuss, because that is a matter of theological opinion. What about public criticisms or questions on Islamic laws?
The reason why we have the kind of Islamic laws we have [in Malaysia] is because we are kind of trapped in one mindset, that we must follow only the Shafie school of jurisprudence. But this stand doesn't seem to apply when we discuss the Islamic economic system. In Malaysia, we allow ideas from any mazhab (school of jurisprudence) to be applied in this system. But when it comes to hudud, we want to be strict in applying only Shafie jurisprudence. Why can't we be open in this area as well?
Do you believe that non-Muslims, then, also have the right to question or critique Islamic laws?
Yes, they do. After all, their lives are affected, too, in this state, whether directly or indirectly, by the application of these laws.

They must understand, though, that syariah and fiqh are two different things. Syariah is divine, while fiqh is not. Fiqh is merely an extrapolation of syariah by human interpretive faculties. And "syariah laws" as we know them actually fall under fiqh.
But on one end of the spectrum, there will also be those who say that it is Islam that is inherently unjust and cruel. What would you say to them?
I think they should differentiate between the divine and [human constructions]. This is not just a problem among non-Muslims, this is also a problem with many Muslims: they accept codified Islamic laws as being divine. But these laws were established by human ijtihad, or independent reasoning.
If we dissect this claim, perhaps it is based on the fact that across many Muslim societies, their codified Islamic laws largely violate international human rights standards.
Yes, well, across the Muslim world you have people trying to portray themselves as more "Islamic" than their opponents. This is part of current politics in Malaysia and other countries, too.
By introducing more "Islamic" legislation, these leaders think they can gain popularity. But the more important thing is really to ensure that society is just. We want a society that upholds equitable rights, and in which freedom of religion and expression, and the right to association, and a vibrant democracy are all intact. We tend to forget these prerequisites to a just society and just impose more "Islamic" laws on people — and then many of these laws end up going against the spirit of the Quran itself.
I recall a provision in Sabah's Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment, which criminalises non-performance of the five daily obligatory prayers. It seems as though the law conflates non-performance of a personal, religious obligation with a crime against the state. Is this what you are talking about?
Yes, they are infringing upon Allah's hak (rights) versus the people's hak. There are certain things that should just be left as is; for example, your conviction or observations of your religious duties. What's more important is that we respect the rights that are due to Allah, and defend the individual's rights in society; for example, to be free from slander.
The Nut Graph has been asking Members of Parliament from both the Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat if they think Malaysia should be a secular or Islamic state. Their responses have been quite diverse, and so we thought it would be interesting to ask what you think about this issue.
We have to understand that the term "daulah", or state, in the sense of "political power", cannot be found in the Quran. The closest term is "dulah", which means "economic power".

I think the only reason many Islamists believe they need to set up an Islamic state is because of some of the obligations God has prescribed, such as the need for a cavalry in times of war. How are you going to have a cavalry if you don't have a state? That sort of thing. So they extrapolate on these verses to justify setting up an Islamic state.
But the Quran is actually silent on the form of state that is needed [for a just society]. It is clear on two things: one, the sovereignty of Allah, and two, that justice and ihsan need to be upheld. Muhammad Asad believes that in terms of principles of governance, the Quranic exhortation to syura (consultation) can actually be interpreted as an endorsement of democracy.
It seems as though whether Islamists or secularists, the hot-button issues [some use] to evaluate a person's "Islamic" position are on apostasy, tudung and gays. In other words, to be a real Muslim by whosever's definition, you have to want to punish apostates, impose the tudung on women, and kill homosexuals. What do you think?
I think I've answered two out of three of these issues (laughs). Look, let's just take one example. I said before that the Quran is timeless, not time-bound. And so, for example, on the issue of hijab or tudung, the Quran laid down some basic guidelines.
What's more important is the principle of modesty. The verse in the Quran (Surah An-Nur, verse 31) that calls for women to cover up says "except for the parts [of your body] which are apparent". The majority of ulama have interpreted this as meaning only the hands and the face of the woman.
The Quran is actually silent on what is the definition of "apparent". But the same verse is explicit about the need to cover the cleavage or the bosom. And so, while the Quran is silent on the extent to which we define what is "apparent", it is clear that a woman's bosom is non-negotiable.
And so, standards of modesty can be and are determined by every society. What if a woman surgeon needs to, as part of her practice, wash her arms up to her elbows? Doesn't that fall under what is "apparent"? What about women padi farmers who need to roll up their sarongs up to their knees? Aren't their calves or shins part of what is "apparent"?

(Pic by Hayat Alyaqout / sxc.hu)

You are a medical doctor, and yet you also lead an Islamic organisation. What would you say to critics who claim that you are not qualified to do this, since you are not a traditionally trained alim?
I really have no hang-ups or insecurities about this. If you look at the verse, "Those of His servants only who are possessed of knowledge fear Allah" (Surah Fatir, verse 28), you will see that the verses preceding this describe the heavens, the earth, the rivers and mountains, saying that these also contain signs for humankind.
And so, according to the Quran, God speaks to us in two ways: one is through the Book, or the Quran, and other is through the book of the universe. If we are knowledgeable in anatomy, or biology, or chemistry, or physics, we, too, will understand the workings of God.

“Anwar will be PM”

Abdul Kudus Omar — Picture by Choo Choy May

At 70, Abdul Kudus Omar, even with his thinning shock of white hair, cuts a slim, trim and youthful figure.
His eyes, now crinkled at the corners, tell of stories long past and experiences that, although sometimes bitter, have also become the potion of life that has kept him fuelled throughout the years.
To Abdul Kudus, it is not the number of years in one’s life that matters — it is how much life one injects into those years that really counts. And for the grandfather of 11, the very essence of that life was his unfaltering faith and belief in the struggles of one man — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Ironically, Abdul Kudus’ friendship with the fiery opposition leader, dating as far back as 1974, had sparked off from a rather bizarre setting — in the interrogation room of the Bukit Aman police headquarters.
Then a corporal with the force’s Special Branch unit, Abdul Kudus who is today the division chairman for PKR Tanjung Karang, was tasked with interrogating the young student leader Anwar, who had been detained — for the first time — under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for rallying against rural poverty and hunger.
“It was a 60-day long interrogation. I was assigned to the duty with two others but I did most of the questioning for the others often found ways to get out of it,” Abdul Kudus told The Malaysian Insider in an exclusive interview here this week.
The septuagenarian gestured energetically as he recalled the details of his early friendship with Anwar and looked right at home in the tiny coffee shop nestled at the fringes of Desa Maju, Kampung Sungai Tengi. Despite his advanced years, the pint-sized activist commutes at least one hour daily to the village, known to be an Umno stronghold, to spearhead activities for his party’s campaign in the Hulu Selangor by-election on April 25.
“I had already known of Anwar before, as the leader of Abim (Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement), but we only met when he got arrested. It was too bad that he got arrested. At the time, the Home Ministry claimed that his actions had been under the influence and instigation of Parti Komunis Malaya — they were trying to implicate him with the communist party.
“Anwar was placed under solitary confinement for his involvement in the protests and my job was to speak with him every day for 60 days, to determine if he was indeed a threat to national security,” said Abdul Kudus.
In the 60 days, he said, his admiration for the young Anwar grew.
“He was co-operative, there was no exchange of harsh words or violence. We discussed things; education policies, politics, everything,” he said.
It was during that time, said Abdul Kudus, that he “fell in love” with Anwar’s courage and powerful convictions.
“There was something inside this guy, something in his style that told me: this man will be the prime minister of Malaysia one day,” he said.
Abdul Kudus said that although Anwar was sent to serve a 20-month sentence at the Kamunting detention camp, his friendship with him never wavered.
“We stayed in touch and when he was released, we would meet up, sometimes as often as once a week. We spoke extensively about the future of Islam, the wellbeing of the people and the future of the country,” he said.
Abdul Kudus added that he had initially been opposed to the idea of Anwar joining Umno. “I do not know what it was, I just felt something was not good. At the time, it was (former prime minister Tun) Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) who invited him in. He called Anwar’s father-in-law, Datuk Wan Ismail and said that he wanted Anwar to join his Cabinet,” he said.
Despite his uneasiness at the proposition, Abdul Kudus said his support for Anwar continued throughout the years, until the leader reached the pinnacle of his career in the Federal Government — he had become the country’s second-in-line to the premiership as the deputy prime minister.
Anwar’s steady climb to the top came to an abrupt stop, however, when he was suddenly sacked in 1998 over allegations of sodomy and corruption, and subsequently sent to jail until 2004.
“In Sept 2, 1998, I was in Seremban visiting my children when I heard the news — Anwar had been removed. I knew immediately he had been framed. I knew it without a doubt.
“Since that day, I joined the reformasi (reformation) movement and never looked back,” he said.
Abdul Kudus admitted that although his faith in Anwar had already become an impenetrable fortress, it had not been an easy transition to move from his cushy life as a pro-establishment supporter to the opposition camp.
“I had joined Umno in 1996 already. I was in the party as a member for almost two years when Anwar was removed. But it mattered little for I knew, and I strongly believed, that this man had been framed,” he said.
In Sept 16, 1998, Abdul Kudus organised a mammoth rally for Anwar at his home in Tanjung Karang, giving the leader the platform to explain his predicament to the people.
“Thousands gathered to hear him. It was surreal,” he said.
On Sept 20, Anwar was arrested. A few days later, Abdul Kudus, and many of his family members were sacked from Umno.
“Anyone with the ‘bin Omar’ name was sacked. But it was funny — we laughed until our stomachs exploded,” he said.
Abdul Kudus went on to explain that even his contract for an excavator service business that he had just started at the time, was also taken away.
“They took everything from us, from me. Even my brother, who was not an Umno member, was apparently sacked from Umno. Do not ask me how, we received the letters and we just laughed,” he said.
The losses, however, never once dampened Abdul Kudus’ resolve to stand strong for the reformasi movement, and his blind faith in Anwar even withstood the test of whopping offers of gifts and monetary rewards.
“I am quite somebody in Selangor. And they (Umno) knew that. I am very valuable to them because the people of Selangor know me,” he said.
He claimed that he had been approached with contract offers and cash rewards in exchange for his return to Umno and his departure from the reformasi movement.
“They asked me — how many million ringgit worth of contract do you want? I was asked also to hand over my membership form to Umno to a prominent politician onstage during one function and when I descended from the stage, I was to receive RM5 million upfront,” he said, smiling coyly.
Abdul Kudus claimed he politely declined the offers.
“After 34 years of clean service with the force… I never once accepted corrupt offers… and now, when I am old and decrepit, why should I sacrifice all those years?” he said.
Instead, Abdul Kudus said he chose to follow his heart.
“And I had already, from years before, fallen in love with Anwar’s fight. What Anwar is preaching is the very value I admire… I fall in love with people who preach the universal values of mankind — that mankind is equal, that we are all one people.
“I see that he is not only a leader to his family, to the people but also, he is a leader of the world. When Anwar speaks, everyone listens — the Muslims, the Christians, the Buddhists, everyone,” he said.
Abdul Kudus expressed disgust at leaders who ruled only for the sake of holding on to power and not to use that power to improve society.
“They do not care, they would do anything to stay up on that pedestal,” he said.
He noted that Anwar, however, had not only gone to the far corners of power but had also been dragged mercilessly from the throne and thrown into the dark recesses of incarceration.
Even then, he said, the now 62-year-old leader had still emerged upholding the very same principles he had admired in the young student leader whom he met in 1974.
It was this determination, concluded Abdul Kudus, that would make his prediction, made within the four walls of the dank interrogation room at Bukit Aman more than 30 years ago, come true.
“Anwar will become the prime minister of Malaysia one day.”

I was angry, real angry in Parliament (video)

By Lim Kit Siang,


I was angry, real angry when I spoke in Parliament during the 2009 Supplementary budget committee stage debate of the Prime Minister’s Department yesterday morning at the “blind and brute” Barisan Nasional simple majority in rejecting my motion on Wednesday (April 7, 2010) to refer the BN MP for Pasir Salak, Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman to the Committee of Privileges over his lies and baseless allegation that “pemimpin Pulau Pinang” frequently visited Singapore and Hong Kong to “sell national secrets” and that I was former political officer to Lee Kuan Yew as well as over the mindless passage of a motion by the UMNO MP for Kuala Krau Datuk Ismail Said to refer the PAS MP for Pokok Sena Datuk Mahfuz Omar to the Committee of Privileges over the “Umno Apco, Apco Umno” chant – resulting in Parliamentary proceedings going out of control which had to be adjourned more than an hour earlier as scheduled.

Part 1


Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

‘We can’t satisfy everybody’

The Sun

FOLLOWING a series of allegations lodged against the Orang Asli Affairs Department (JHEOA), its director-general, Datuk Sani Mistam, says that the uproar over orang asli rights is a "seasonal issue" that arises from time to time.

"Soon it will pass and maybe other agencies will feel the heat," Sani said in an interview with theSun. Also present was his deputy, Nisra Nisran Asra Ramlan, who is an orang asli.

The department’s main objective is to improve the orang asli’s socio-economic status and competency, increase national involvement for economy, social and political development while preserving the identity and values of the aboriginals.

Land and health-care for orang asli are two areas which have been the subject of recent media attention. This was in line with the protest and memorandum submission by over 2,000 orang asli in Putrajaya with regards to a proposed amendment to Act 134 on distribution of land and to demand for a say in electing a senator to represent the community.

"The policy was approved during the National Land Council meeting last year, and we are fine-tuning the implementation aspect before tabling it in Parliament," he said.

Sani said that it had taken the department eight years to draft the new land distribution policy that involves over 50,000ha which has been gazetted and approved for gazette under Act 134.

"From 2002 to 2009, we have had at least five major meetings that involved various parties including representatives from the orang asli community.

"Their opinions were sought through the indigenous Community Development National Advisory Council under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, headed by its minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal.

"We have also conducted road shows to orang asli villages to get the grassroots opinion on the policy," he said, adding that based on response from the community, they did not disagree but were merely "not ready".

"There is no element of force involved. Once the policy is put in place, there is no time limit to it. Once they are ready, they can approach us and we will come and measure their land."

"During our roadshows, the feedback we received included to increase the amount of land accorded to each head of household (2-6 acres). The policy also states that land will only be awarded to one household head per house – which means if there are a few generations under one roof – only the oldest man will be granted land.

On concerns raised by the orang asli that they will lose their tanah adat territory, Sani said: "Our focus is only on the 50,000ha because we have no authority over other areas or land occupied by orang asli; it is out of our jurisdiction.

"It is up to the state government whether to allow them to stay on the land."

On the appointment of agencies to develop the agricultural land: "The appointed bodies have expertise to develop the land and ensure that it yields returns for the orang asli, so they can afford to pay instalments owed to the developer.

"Cash crops planted include rubber and palm trees, but we also provide orang asli with plants like banana and tapioca."

On allegations of mismanagement and sub-standard health-care services lodged against the JHEOA hospital in Gombak, Sani maintained his previously reported statements that it has "no basis and done with intentions to discredit JHEOA and the hospital management".

"I don’t understand the motive of some people who are intent on digging up old issues," he said, referring to a report by Dr

Selvaa Vathany Pillai, former medical-officer at the hospital who brought up the matter at a press conference last month.

Selvaa in her report to the prime minister and relevant ministries and agencies had among other things alleged mismanagement of the hospital, mistreatment of patients by staff and misuse of funds meant for aid distribution – all of which resulted in poor health-care services for the community, and specifically a high malnutrition, morbidity, and mortality among orang asli children.

Malnutrition is at the root of health problems affecting orang asli children and Selvaa quoted Ipoh Hospital head & consultant paediatrician (community) Dr Amar Singh who in 2008 in his study had set the community’s childhood malnutrition rates at between 30% and 60%, and its infant mortality rate at 15 times higher compared to non-orang asli children in Malaysia.

Sani, however, disputed the statistics quoted by Selvaa, stating she is not allowed as a government servant to issue any statement or reveal any documents.

He said that JHEOA had in 2008 introduced a "Food Basket" programme with an allocation of RM13.4 million a year. Each basket is worth RM200 and contains essential food stuff such as rice and cooking oil.

"The baskets are distributed to orang asli families with total income of less than RM420 a month (miskin tegar).

"For orang asli living deep in the interior, aid is sent by helicopters and we try to do it once a month. However, due to circumstances and constraints, there are times when distribution is not regular but we always double or triple it to make up for lost time," Sani said.

On allegations that items meant for distribution were short-changed, Nisra said: "Those were not part of the Food Basket programme, but ‘candy’ brought by flying doctors to entice orang asli to come for treatment."

Among items in question include tinned Milo and biscuits which Selvaa in her report claimed had been opened and redistributed in smaller packs.

Sani said that aid is also channelled through the Gombak hospital "transit post", where orang asli who are undergoing treatment can bring along their family to stay at the post for free.

He attributed the transfer of then hospital director Dr Saaiah Abdullah and the appointment of Dr Akmal Dahaman to a "mere coincidence".

Asked to comment on the apparent disconnection between orang asli leaders and grassroots, Nisra said: "Orang asli who have become successful must go back to the villages and return to the grassroots. When I go back, I also get many positive feedback from them. You can’t satisfy everybody."

Fakta 'terkejut' mengenai PDRM

Mr. Izhak Naskar & Dr. Ido Schechter ketika pelancaran bursa saham syarikat TIS di Bursa Saham Tel Aviv

Tulisan di bawah ini diperolehi dari penghantar email / orang sumber yang sama yang telah mendedahkan maklumat mengenai PDRM dan agen Zionis. Diperturunkan di sini maklumat lanjut dari pendedahan awal tempoh hari.

Singapura
Republik ini walaupun kecil tetapi taringnya lebih besar dari Harimau Malaya. Maka tidak hairanlah jika ada orang mengatakan jika Malaysia berperang dengan Singapura maka Malaysia akan kalah.Sejauh manakah kebenaran kata-kata ini?

Ianya memang benar. Singapura yang kecil itu sebenarnya menguasai hampir keseluruhan sistem keselamatan Malaysia melalui tali barut-tali barut di Malaysia. Boleh dikatakan tiang seri ekonomi Malaysia hampir 60 % dimakan anai-anai Israel yang bersarang di Singapura.

Israel Menguasai Malaysia Melalui Singapura
Dalam menguruskan sistem keselamatan negara, salah satu aspek penting ialah sistem komunikasi dalaman iaitu antara pejabat persekutuan dengan ibu pejabat negeri. Kawalan ke atas sistem komunikasi amat penting kerana kebocoran maklumat akan menyebabkan pihak luar mudah meneroka strategi rahsia keselamatan negara.

Namun sekarang, ia bukan sekadar tidak selamat, malah dimiliki sepenuhnya oleh Israel melalui agen-agennya di Singapura. Sistem komunikasi PDRM dimonopoli terus oleh syarikat-syarikat Yahudi di Singapura. Perkara ini disahkan sendiri oleh akhbar The Star pada 5 Ogos 2008 (Selasa)

Agen Israel Dalam Sistem Komunikasi PDRM
Keseluruhan tender pembinaan sistem komunikasi yang akan ditukar dari analog kepada digital telah pun diserahkan secara rasmi kepada Asiasoft (M) Sdn. Bhd. (no. Syarikat : 150529-H). Syarikat ini adalah milik penuh kepada syarikat tunggalnya iaitu Asiasoft Pte. Ltd. yang berpengkalan di Singapura.

Nilai penuh tender yang diberikan kerajaan Malaysia ialah RM1 billion tetapi dikecilkan menjadi RM42 juta. Apa yang mencurigakan ramai penyelidik ialah 'individu' yang bertanggungjawab membina sistem itu. Individu tersebut dikenalpasti sebagai bekas tentera Israel yang berkhidmat sebagai programmer semasa di Israel.

Programmer yang bernama Izhak David Naskar yang memegang pasport Israel bernombor 10902695 itu masih lagi warganegara Israel. Jadi, bolehkah kita menganggap ini suatu kebetulan? Paling membimbangkan ialah Izhak bukanlah tentera atau programmer biasa, beliau adalah 'pakar' sistem komputer yang telah memenangi anugerah daripada Kementerian Pertahanan Israel. Malah beliau juga bertanggungjawab membina sistem risikan berteknologi tinggi untuk pasukan pertahanan Israel sekitar 1970 hingga 1987.

Seorang lagi rakan Izhak yang bertanggungjawab membina sistem komunikasi PDRM ialah Ido Sccheschter yang memegang pasport Israel bernombor 56626252. Ido pula lebih mencurigakan kerana selaku ahli pasukan yang bertanggungjawab membina sistem komunikasi untuk PDRM bersama-sama Izhak, hingga saat ini beliau masih lagi seorang tentera Israel yang sah bukannya tentera pencen. Apakah yang menyebabkan PDRM mengambil orang-orang Israel ini? Adakah kerana terdesak atau didesak? Bukankah lebih baik jika melantik programmer-programmer dari kementerian pertahanan Iran yang sememangnya lebih pakar dari Israel .

Penguasaan Singapura dan Israel di Malaysia
Seperti yang didedahkan sebelum ini bahawa Henry Kisingger telah pun berbincang sesuatu dengan mantan Perdana Menteri. Tetapi kita harus ingat perletakan jawatan Dr. Mahathir bukanlah titik noktah penguasaan Yahudi ke atas Malaysia.

Kerja-kerja penguasaan Israel ini disambung pula oleh Khairy Jamaludin apabila bertungkus lumus menjual saham Pantai Holding kepada Parkways Holding iaitu syarikat milik pelobi zionis terkenal iaitu Richard Blum.

Isu-Isu yang perlu diberi perhatian
Penjualan saham Pantai Holding oleh Khairy Jamaludin kepada Parkways Holding. Jumlah saham sebanyak 31 peratus. Penjualan saham Telekom sebanyak 5 % kepada syarikat Singapura iaitu Temasik Holding. Syarikat MITV milik Israel di Singapura berjaya memenangi lesen penyediaan 3G di Malaysia. Kemenangan mengalahkan syarikat lain yang lebih layak iaitu DiGi.

Penjualan air Malaysia kepada Singapura yang tidak masuk akal sebanyak 3 sen untuk 1000 gelen. Untuk menampung keperluan air rakyat Johor, kerajaan perlu membeli semula air kepada Singapura dengan nilai 50 sen untuk 1000 gelen. Ini seperti memberi air percuma kepada Singapura. Dikhabarkan sistem keselamatan komputer Kementerian Pertahanan (MINDEF) sentiasa diserang hacker dari luar negara

Kesimpulan
Sehingga kini Singapura amat bergantung hidup kepada Amerika dan Israel. Keseluruhan sistem keselamatan dan ketenteraan Singapura adalah kembar siam dengan ketenteraan Israel. Apabila keberkaitan ini berlaku maka harus bagi kita melihat akan tujuan tersembunyi Singapura yang cuba menguasai ekonomi Malaysia.

Kita harus sedar, negara Israel yang kecil itu sudah pun menguasai ekonomi kebanyakan negara-negara dunia berkuasa veto. Orang-orang Israel adalah pemilik-pemilik saham terbesar bagi syarikat-syarikat gergasi dunia. Saham adalah kunci pintu gerbang untuk memasuki ruang pembuat keputusan sesebuah negara.

Walaupun pemimpin dipilih rakyat dan pemimpin akan mengikut kehendak rakyat, namun putaran itu akan kembali semula kepada penentu kemajuan ekonomi negara iaitu pemilik-pemilik syarikat gergasi dalam negara.

'Raise bumi equity stake to 50% in NEM' - Malaysiakini

The Selangor Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (DPMMS) feels that the economic equity of bumiputeras, particularly Malays should be raised to 50 percent under the New Economic Model which was announced by Prime Minister Najib Razak recently.

DPMMS chief Rozali Ismail said based on the first tabling of the NEM, a thorough study was needed in the efforts to ensure that the economic equity of bumiputeras is increased.

"If under the New Economic Policy, we had aimed at a 30 percent equity for bumiputera, the NEM should be capable of of pushing the Malays' economy up to 50 percent," he told reporters after opening DPMMS' general assembly here today.

He said in order to achieve the aim, a lot of efforts to educate the people must be undertaken especially on the assistance and cooperation available from banks and ministries for entrepreneurs capable of expanding their businesses and starting new ones.

Towards this, Rozali said 21 bodies under the Federation of Selangor Malay Entrepreneur Associations (GAPUMS) will be holding a meet next month to discuss responses to the NEM.

The input, suggestions and feedback from the discussions will be forwaded to the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia for presentation to the Prime Minister in the efforts to strengthen the country's and bumiputeras' economy, he said.

'Let us participate in projects'

On plans under the NEM, where the government and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) will be building a new hub in Sungai Buloh for the Klang Valley, Rozali said DPMMS hoped that the government will consider giving entrepreneurs under DPMMS the chance to participate in the project.

"We hope that the government will consider giving DPMMS the chance to participate in the project, taking into view that the hub is to developed in Selangor," he said.

He said a development proposal will be sent in by DPMMS to EPF which is the owner of the 1,200-hectare piece of land in the area, so that they can evaluate DPMMS' capabilities.

A committee will be formed to discuss this plan, he said.

To date, the 2,774 registered members of DPMMS are involved in the sectors of information communication technology, science and biotechnology, services and utilities, agro based industries and plantations, manufacturing and production, construction, real estate as well as wholesale and retail.

- Bernama

Racial remark: Noh Omar says 'sorry' - Malaysiakini

Selangor Umno deputy chief Noh Omar today apologised over his keynote address at the Selangor BN convention yesterday, which has been slammed for its racial overtones.

In a statement, Noh said he had no intention to hurt anyone in his speech in which he quoted former MCA president Tan Siew Sin and former MIC president VT Sambanthan.

Noh's speech quoted speeches by Tan and Sambanthan in the 1960s praising Umno and the Malays for granting citizenship to the non-Malays.

"For me, this is an important bit of history to ensure that our country remains peaceful and its multi-ethnic populace and live in harmony, in line with 1Malaysia," read the statement, in which the word '1Malaysia' was bolded.

"Moreover, my purpose of quoting those speeches was to strengthen the spirit of cooperation and friendship among members and leaders of BN component parties.

"If these quotations are not suitable for contemporary times and if it hurt the feelings of anyone, I thus apologise," read the three-paragraph statement.

Exclusive to Chinese dailies

The statement, written in Bahasa Malaysia, was distributed to reporters from Chinese dailies at the Parliament cafeteria this afternoon.

Reporters had gathered there in anticipation of a press conference, after being prompted by BN Backbenchers Club secretary Huan Cheng Guan.

Noh, who is also agriculture and agro-based industry minister, said the written statement was sent to Chinese dailies because the contentious quotes were only highlighted by them.

Asked if he was under pressure to apologise, Noh replied: "No , I just don't want to this to turn into an issue."

Noh's speech was among reasons for 15 representatives of Kapar MCA division to walk out of the convention in Shah Alam yesterday.

The walkout was a major embarrassment for Umno, the organiser of the event, who organised the contention to forge closer ties among BN component parties with the aim of recapturing the Selangor state government.

Second major apology

Meanwhile, MCA Kapar division chief Song Kee Chai (right) said he and his members accepted Noh's apology, stressing that it was done in the BN spirit of cooperation.

"Whatever the problem, it can be resolved based on the BN spirit... thus we accept the apology," he said.

Meanwhile, DAP's Sungai Pinang state assemblyperson Teng Chang Khim expressed doubts on Noh's sincerity.

"If not for the Hulu Selangor by-election, would he apologise?" asked Teng in his Facebook status update.

This is the second major public apology which Noh had to make in the political career.

At the height of the 'nude squat' controversy in 2005, Noh was forced to apologised after telling foreign visitors to return to their home countries should they feel that the Malaysian police was cruel.

Noh, who was then deputy internal security minister, apologised for his remark and promised to be more cautious in issuing statements in the future.

Hulu Selangor gimmick: If PKR comes to power all red IC holders would be given citizenship, says Selangor PKR MP mandore.

This is the sub headlines in today’s Malaysia Nanban 8/04/2010 at page 2)

Selangor is the richest state in Selangor.

Just before the 25^th November 2007 Hindraf Rally the former Selangor M.B Khir Toyo had admitted to the effect that 50, 000 even fifth and sixth generation Malaysian born Indian children had been denied their birth certificates (B.C) by UMNO.

Now the PKR led Selangor state government could have helped to undo these very serious injustices to a certain extent by forming a B.C Secretarial at the Selangor State Secretarial led by a Director, five regional managers, ten supervisors and 100 staff with the view to record, register, monitor forward and facilitate with National Registration Department and follow up and put pressure with their now 78 MPs’ in Parliament on a regular basis. This pro active measures to solve this long outstanding birth right and slated and targeted to be solved by PKR within six months is certainly a step forward.  

Even if PKR has no powers to grant the BC’s and IC’s but they would have taken a pro active stand in trying to undo the 50 year old serious injustices meted out by UMNO to these Indians. This proposal we have written and forwarded to the PKR, DAP and PAS leadership humpteen times but to no avail.

But now in view of the upcoming Hulu Selangor by elections, PKR gets their M.P mandore to do the usual MIC style wayang kulit using the Tamil newspapers that once PKR gets to Putrajaya, all Red I.C holders would be granted citizenship.

If PKR does not do their bin while they are in power in Selangor they are not likely to deliver when they get to Putrajaya. Remember politics is about (empty) promises and perceptions.

Karunai Nithi @ Compassionate Justice

Special position of Malays should be reviewed every 15 years – Tunku Abdul Rahman to Lord Reid on 27/9/1956. But abused by UMNO for 53 years now

Special position of Malays should be reviewed every 15 years – Tunku Abdul Rahman to Lord Reid on 27/9/1956. But abused by UMNO for 53 years now.
DAP Chairman Karpal Singh had asked the Federal Government to give a time frame for the gradual removal of special privileges accorded to Malays and other bumiputeras in the spirit of equality under the 1 Malaysia concept (The Sun 5/4/2010 at page 6 and Utusan Malaysia 7/4/10 at page 9).
For this the UMNO sponsored Perkasa is going to lodge a police report against Karpal (UM 7/4/2010 at page 9).
The answer lies in the historical facts as revealed in our Public Forum on 50 Years of Violations of The Malaysian Federal Constitution By UMNO controlled Government (Based on declassified documents from the public records office, Kew, London) dated on 28/07/2007.
At the hearing (and presentation to the Reid Commission) of the Alliance Party on 27/9/1956 at 10.00 a.m Tun Abdul Razak had presented that the special position of the Malays should be reviewed 15 years after independence.
At the minutes of the meeting with the Reid Commission again on 27/9/1956:
Chairman: Are you putting any period of compulsory review?
Tunku Abdul Rahman:- the suggestion is that there should be a review every 15 years.
Chairman: The main thing the special position of Malays should be reviewed every 15 years for Federal and State.
Tunku: Yes
Article 153 of the Federal Constitution is silent on this review of the Malay special position every 15 years. In the circumstances we have to go by the Tranvaux Preparations ie by perusing the documents minutes of meeting etc to establish the intention of the parties or stakeholders of the Federal Constitution. Just like how when there is an ambiguity in the Law the Courts going back to the Parliamentary Hansard to establish the true intention of Parliament in interpreting the law.
But in this case the position is very clear, it is unambiguous – The Malay special privileges was originally meant to be for 15 years and to be reviewed on the 15th year. But it was never reviewed by UMNO in the 15th year. And it still proceeding on full steam and in fact trampling on even the basic and fundamental rights of the poor Indians in Malaysia on a day to day basis by UMNO.
So much so that the Indians have been denied most of the State funded educational opportunities, licences, permits, panel-ship with the government, banks, business opportunities, ten acre Felda like land ownership schemes, job opportunities in the government, government linked companies (GLC) and even the UMNO and non UMNO controlled private sector.
But now the UMNO sponsored Perkasa lodges 14 police reports nationwide against Karpal (The Malay Mail 7/4/2010 at page 5).
P. Uthayakumar

Hulu Selangor PKR gimmick: 100, 000 people to get Selangor land titles but no land for 98 Tamil schools, all Hindu temples and crematoriums and Indian poor landless.

The Malaysian Nanban on 8/04/2010 in it’s front pages and NST 8/04/2010 at page 13 reported that 100, 000 people would be granted land titles.

But why the PKR Selangor pin drop silence for land for all 98 Tamil schools in Selangor for a start. And then land for all Hindu cematories and all Hindu temples all in one go as opposed to the wayang kulit and false promises of land for this Hindu temple here and Tamil school there through their Indian Exco & MP Mandores. Thousands of Indian land settlers now evicted and to be evicted as squatters have yet to be given even their offer to purchase low cost houses. The latest example being the 200 over PJS and Lembah Subang Indians.

PKR then get their Indian Exco, MP, ADUN and other mandores to do the propaganda that PKR/PR has only been in power for two years unlike  UMNO that has ruled for 50 years. So they need time and to get to Putrajaya first before giving land to Tamil schools, Hindu temples and crematories.

Our answer is land is exclusively within the preview and almost absolute powers of the State government and not the UMNO Federal government.

If PKR, DAP and PAS do not give land to Tamil schools, Hindu temples and crematories all in one go and not piecemeal basis which they have 100% control the chances are they are not going to solve the 100 over other critical Indian problems when they get to Putrajaya.

We are committed to ending UMNO’s 53 year rule of Malaysia without a break in the chain empowerment strategy with our public interest 15 MP’s and 38 ADUN’s will be the PR’s check and balance in both Putrajaya and the State assemblies in the seven Indian concentrated states.

Our forward moving plan is the Indian political empowerment strategy – the way forward. http://www.humanrightspartymalaysia.com/books/TheWayForwardEnglishversion.pdf

S. Jayathas

Information Chief 

 

Daily Hulu Selangor PKR Indian Exco Mandore “Padam” (Theatrics) for Banting Indian poor.

The Tamil Nesan sub-head lines reads that the Indian settlers on the river reserve problems would be spoken to “Pesa Padam” with the Selangor M.B.

Padam aptly and literally also means wayang kulit (theatrics).

This is exactly what the MIC Exco mandores have been doing in the previous 50 years. For almost every problem you bring to these MIC Exco member, we will say that he will speak to the Menteri Besar. And now this mandorism has spread to this PKR Indian Exco Mandore who is parroting exactly the same thing that the MIC mandores have been doing in the previous 50 years. Also this Indian PKR Exco mandore thinks that he has scored political points in the Tamil newspapers.

This only goes to prove that this PKR Exco mandore like his MIC Mandore predecessors have no power and are merely used as showncases and show pieces by the PKR “tuans” just as the UMNO “tuans” have been doing in Selangor the previous 50 years.

Karunai Nithi @ Compassionate justice.

Hulu Selangor: UMNO – MIC gets to contest. PKR – Malay gets to contest. Who is more racist? Anwar Ibrahim or UMNO?

MIC gets to contest ( The Star 8/4/2010 at page N2)

MIC Wakil BN (Berita Harian headlines 8/4/2010)

MIC jadi pilihan: Najib Calon parti itu jadi taruhan BN rampas kerusi Hulu Selangor (Sinarharian 8/4/2010 at page N4).

 

UMNO Bahagian Hulu Selangor sokong calon MIC.

Hulu Selangor: BN letak calon MIC (Utusan Malaysia 8/4/2010 at page 2}.

Also in the three Tamil press, NST, etc.

 

They all scream that UMNO/BN would support an MIC candidate in Hulu Selangor.

But as it stands the PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim seems to be focusing on a Malay candidate.

So who is more racist in so far as seat allocation for minority Indians where ethnicity is concerened. UMNO’s Najib or PKR’s Anwar Ibrahim?

We hope we are wrong on the talk some ten years ago contesting that the most racist in UMNO are now in PKR.

Beginning from 1999 onwards from the traditional Indian seat by Lunas, and Ijok in the 1999 and 2004 general elections were all grabbed by the PKR Malays.

On the contrary in the traditional Malay seats by-elections of;

Sanggang

Indera Kayangan 

Kuala Berrang

Pengkalan

Pasir Talam

Penanti

Manek Urai

Permatang Pasir

Bagan Pinang

Permatang Pauh

Kuala Terengganu

Bukit Gantang

They  were all contested by Malays from PKR or PAS. The same in the 1999, 2004 and 2008 general elections.

Similarly in the traditional Chinese seats of

Indera Kayangan

Ketari and

Machap, these seats were all given to the Chinese.

But when it comes to traditional Indian seats PKR grabs it away and gives it to a Malay. And is this the direction they are heading in Hulu Selangor?

Whereas Anwar Ibrahim turns around and accuses Hindraf of having a racist agenda when we simply point out these injustices.

Karunai Nithi @ Compenssionate Justice

Hulu Selangor: PKR takes away 80 & 70 year old Indian couples jasmine flower plantation land.

The couple planted jasmine plants for flowers on a plot of land opposite their house but the local authority removed them to build food stalls. “I fell on my knees asking for them to leave us alone but they did not listen. They told me I may ask for one of the stalls but nothing worked out”. 

Today, the stalls are mostly abandoned and no one has benefited. 

“If only they had left us alone”, said, his wife R. Saraswathy, 70, tearful. The jasmine flowers would have given them a stable income to carry on with life. 

Gurusamy expects more promises during this by-election but is hugely skeptical. (NST 8/4/2010 at page 12) 

Res Ipsa Loquiteour (the facts speak for itself). 

This is just the tip of the iceberg. We are aware of scores of Indians planting jasmine flowers who have been thrown out of even land under the high tension wires in Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Klang, etc.

Well to undo the injustices done by the previous UMNO government in Selangor, the present PKR led Selangor state government who have already been ruling for over two years could have offered these Indians land for these jasmine flower plantations, something like the Felda like ten acre land schemes for the Indian poor in Selangor by the PKR led Selangor by the PKR led Selangor State government. 

Does the Selangor PKR government even have any plan for the displaced Gurusamy?

Karunai Nithi @ compassionate justice. 

UMNO theatrics; one Indian boy in colour picture in media but 1,900 other are Malays who are actual beneficiaries.

  UMNO theatrics; one Indian boy in colour picture in media but 1,900 other are Malays who are actual beneficiaries.

Prime Minister Najib Razak’s wife Rosmah unveiled 2,000 form four students under a special programme for 100 schools throughout the country to engage them at 14 public institutions of higher learning (The Star 7/4/2010 at page N18).

As usual UMNO showcases highlights and make the centre of attention one Indian boy in colour picture in the local print media so as to create the illusion that the Indians are included in the mainstream Education development in Malaysia.

We estimate only this one Indian boy is included and the rest of them to be all malays.
This is how craftily UMNO has ruled in particular the Malaysian Indians in over the last 53 years – by perceptions and promises.
Trust UMNO not.
Karunai Nithi @ Compensation Justice

Click to enlarge the images

UMNO & PKR One year on and Tamil school drain not closed up

  UMNO & PKR One year on and Tamil school drain not closed up
The presence of a partially closed drain at the entrance of a school is worrying parents and teachers of the Sungai Manggis Tamil Primary School in Banting.
Parents fear that their children could fall into the drain which is 1.5m deep.
But both the UMNO Works Department and the PKR Selangor State government does not care, it is “merely a Tamil School and the would be victims would only be the Indians.
This is just the tip of the iceberg where it concerns Malaysian Indians concerns.
P. Uthayakumar

Click the images to enlarge