UFOs eyed nukes, ex-Air Force personnel say

Seven former U.S. Air Force personnel gathered in Washington Monday to recount UFO sightings over nuclear weapons facilities in decades past – accounts that a UFO researcher says show extraterrestrial beings are interested in the world’s nuclear arms race and may be sending humans a message.

At a news conference at the National Press Club, the six former officers and one ex-enlisted man recalled either personal sightings or reports from subordinates and others of UFOs hovering over nuclear missile silos or nuclear weapons storage areas in the 1960s, '70s and '80s.

Three of the former Air Force officers – though they hadn’t seen the UFOs themselves - told reporters that UFOs hovering over silos around Montana’s Malmstrom Air Force Base in 1967 appeared to have temporarily deactivated some of the nuclear missiles.

Much of the testimony already has appeared in books, websites and elsewhere. But UFO researcher and author Robert Hastings, who organized the news conference, said the time has come for the U.S. government to acknowledge the UFO visits.

“I believe - these gentlemen believe - that this planet is being visited by beings from another world, who for whatever reason have taken an interest in the nuclear arms race which began at the end of World War II,” said Hastings, who added that more than 120 former military personnel have told him about UFOs visiting nuclear sites.

“Regarding the missile shutdown incidents, my opinion … is that whoever are aboard these craft are sending a signal to both Washington and Moscow, among others, that we are playing with fire – that the possession and threatened use of nuclear weapons potentially threatens the human race and the integrity of the planetary environment,” he said.

Former Air Force Capt. Robert Salas – who has written a book about the Montana incidents – said he was underground when a UFO hovered over his missile silo in March 1967, and therefore couldn’t see it. He said one of his guards above ground told him a red, glowing object about 30 feet in diameter was hovering just above the front gate of the facility, in an isolated area far from Malmstrom.

“And just as I [called my commander], our missiles began going into what’s called a no-go condition, or unlaunchable. Essentially, they were disabled while this object was still hovering over out site,” Salas said.

Salas and others said the military urged them at the time not to talk about the incidents.

Retired Col. Charles Halt recalled seeing UFOs over the woods near Royal Air Force Stations Bentwaters and Woodbridge in eastern England in December 1980. He and security personnel were investigating reports of strange lights just outside one of the bases.

“All through the forest was a bright glowing object,” he said Monday. “The best way I can describe it, it looked like an eye – with bright red, with a dark center. It appeared to be winking. It was shedding something like molten metal, was dripping off it.

“It silently moved through the trees, avoiding any contact, it bobbed up and down, and at one point it actually approached us. We tried to get closer. It receded out into the field, beyond the forest, and silently exploded into five white objects – gone. So we went out into the field looking for any evidence, because something had been apparently falling off it – and we find nothing,” he said.

He recalled subsequently seeing other objects in the sky, including one that stopped about 3,000 feet overhead and “sent down a concentrated beam at our feet.” No one was harmed.

“The best way I can equate it is sort of a laser beam. We stood there in awe. Was this a warning? Was this an attempt to communicate? Was this a weapon? Or just a probe?” he said.

At about the same time, he was hearing radio reports from base personnel that beams from some of the objects were “falling into or near the weapons storage area.”

In a staff meeting later, a general decided “it happened off base, so it’s a British affair,” Halt recalled. “In other words, they were loathe to get involved.”

The Air Force investigated UFOs from 1948 to 1969 under a program eventually called Project Blue Book. The service, on its website, says the project concluded that “no UFO reported, investigated, and evaluated by the Air Force has ever given any indication of threat to our national security.” It also says there has been "no evidence that sightings categorized as 'unidentified' are extraterrestrial vehicles."

Salas said the UFO phenomenon “is real, not imaginary.”

“There is current excessive secrecy in our government surrounding this phenomenon,” he said.

A reporter asked how many of the former military personnel subscribed to Hastings’ theory that the message of extraterrestrials is that humans should get rid of nuclear weapons, and how many of them believed that we should get rid of nukes. Of the seven, it appeared that only Salas raised his hand.

The tussles that tarnish PKR

By Low Teck Kuan - Free Malaysia Today

COMMENT The recent ongoing tussles in PKR have all but tarnished the party's reputation. Firstly, the 12 Sabah leaders who are aligned to Jeffrey Kitingan were all hauled up by the disciplinary board and some punished for their attempt a year ago to form a new party, although there was a peace deal between them and the other PKR leaders.

Then right after “the just decision” was made by the disciplinary committee, an alleged smear campaign against Zaid Ibrahim surfaced, with allegations hurled at him that he is “traitor” in a bid to tarnish his reputation and credibility in the eyes of PKR members.

Around the same time a sudden press conference was called, and attended by various strong PKR leaders in the PKR headquarters. This was done to demonstrate their endorsement and support for Azmin Ali, even though some leaders who attended the meeting claimed that they were not aware of the purpose of the conference.

This occurred without Azmin himself indicating or declaring first that he is contesting for the vice- deputy presidency. Were all these events intentional? Or were they all done voluntarily by other quarters of the party without Azmin or Zaid directing them?

If one were to notice the “coincidental” events that came up one after another, one will find it hard to believe that either of the above’s camp, especially Azmin, has no hands in it.

Although we cannot say for sure that Azmin is involved, we also cannot deny that these events tip the sentiments of the voters in his favour. In fact, one can even suspect that his silence on his candidacy was intentional, so that the average members cannot blame him for the emergence of allegations and accusations as he did not (yet) declare his intention to contest.

Nonetheless, with the recent misinterpretation over Zaid's comments on party deputy president Syed Husin Ali, Azmin, instead of personally contacting Zaid to clarify what he said, took the opportunity to make a bold (but foolish) statement to the world, lambasting Zaid for being arrogant for calling Syed Hussin “nyanyuk”.

This action has surely confirmed Zaid’s allegation that there is an ongoing smear campaign against him.

And now, without a doubt we can state with a high degree of probability that it was Azmin who wants to discredit Zaid as much as he can, and it was his camp as well who was behind the smear campaigns.

Line of respect

I personally admire both Azmin and Zaid as politicians. Azmin for his unwavering loyalty and persistence even when the tide did not favour PKR, and Zaid for his strong principles and good values that he showed when he was the law minister.

However, a line of respect must be drawn when either one decides to go on a smear campaign to tarnish the reputation of another, or used underhand tactics to eliminate his competitor, or even attempt to encourage other leaders to declare support for him so as to woo the voters to his side.

Simply put, a line must be drawn when the game of perception is not played fairly or with dignity and honesty.

Politics, as much as we want it to be based simply on ideology and strong beliefs, is a game of perception. How you influence the perception of the voters about you before any election will ultimately decide your fate.

The candidates (including Zaid himself who tried to gain some support by comparing himself to the late Ghafar Baba) are both trying to influence the perception of the members. And it is fine to do so.

It is fine to convince the voters to vote for you by telling them of your good points. In fact, it is fine to highlight the weaknesses of the opponent as a politician. However, it is definitely not justified to throw allegations or embark on a campaign to simply tarnish the personal reputation of others without any basis or proven facts.

PKR preaches democracy and fairness. It was the leaders first who decided to have a direct election system for members to choose their leaders, for which many Malaysians commended. However, what is the use of having an election if it is not fair in the first place?

Top PKR leaders carry the responsibility of preserving and uplifting the image of the party. Leaders such as Azmin have unfortunately failed to do that.

The entire episode so far has all but shattered the perception that PKR preaches justice and fairness.

To many average Malaysians, the tussles clearly showed that PKR endorses old-style politics where personal attacks and underhand tactics are legitimate tools to win an election. And that party unity and respect between member leaders are mere "slogans" to be sung whenever they need it.

Go for a debate

Perhaps Zaid and Azmin should emulate the PKR Youth, which decided to engage in a healthy presidential style debate among the candidates.

If PKR Youth can show such political maturity and understanding, I cannot see why leaders vying for the No 2 spot cannot do so.

The contest should not be about personality but about issues and ideas. Therefore a public debate will certainly empower their members to decide on the best candidate to lead them as deputy president for the next general election.

Hence, instead of publishing statements to the media undermining one or another, which in turn will give the Barisan Nasional-controlled media the much-needed ammunition to tarnish PKR’s reputation, Zaid and Azmin should face each other off in a healthy public and publicised debate.

This in turn will also be seen as a massive step up and a step ahead of other political parties in terms of political maturity. Credible leaders must be seen to walk the talk. There is no use in preaching about democracy and fairness if the fair and simple rule of not tarnishing the personal reputation of others during election is not adhered to.

---

The author is one of the many Malaysians who are saddened by the public spat between the candidates. He believes that in any election, competition between candidates should be a healthy one, based simply on ideas, policies and what the candidates could offer to the voters.

Going nuclear: 'Get public support first'

By G Vinod - Free Malaysia Today

PETALING JAYA: Klang MP Charles Santiago today urged Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to hold a public debate and secure a national mandate before building a nuclear power plant as part of the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).
“In May this year, Najib had said that a 'comprehensive study' will be done before embarking on the nuclear energy project.

“Following public outcry, he then said he would get the views of experts and the public... However, to date there had not been any meaningful debate or genuine public consultation by the government,” said the DAP parliamentarian.

However, the nuclear energy issue cropped up again under the ETP and Santiago queried why the nuclear energy programme was included as one of the 131 entry-point projects under ETP, as the government had not received any public feedback.

“If the federal government had embarked on a nuclear programme, then where is the 'comprehensive study' that backed this decision?”asked Santiago.

He expressed concern over the matter, saying despite public opposition and the presence of cheaper, safer, and more efficient energy alternatives, the government is still considering the nuclear option.

“Are there vested interests behind the nuclear power plant project?” he asked.

Alternative sources

Santiago recalled that Najib had said that all other alternative energy sources, such as from biomass and wind energy, will be considered as well.

“It is worrying that in the ‘lab’ responsible for developing ETP energy proposals, nuclear agencies were represented while the Malaysian solar industry players were not invited to participate.

“And yet, the ETP plans to make Malaysia the world’s number two solar manufacturer, displacing Germany but there are no plans for making solar power a significant contributor to our national grid.

“If we are to be a leading contender in clean solar energy, why is the riskier, hazardous nuclear option being pursued?” asked Santiago.

On Sept 21, Najib unveiled a massive economic transformation plan worth RM1.4 trillion over the next 10 years, of which 60% would come from the private sector, 32% from government-linked companies and 8% from the government.

Among other projects planned under the programme is a new mass transit system to relieve congestion in Kuala Lumpur and building a huge oil storage facility next to Singapore to form a regional oil products trading hub.

'Stop the lies', PKR chief tells Subang members

By B Nantha Kumar
SUBANG: Newly elected Subang PKR division deputy chief V Sivam has slammed mischievious party members who are bent on "trying to spread lies" about the party polls.
Dismissing speculations that the Subang division had been suspended, he said there was "no truth in the rumours".

He said PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution had mentioned in a press conference yesterday that seven divisions had been suspended.

"But I repeat Subang is not one of them. I can confirm that there is no truth in rumours that the Subang division election was suspended," Sivam said.

He added that he has received a certificate from the election officers on the outcome of the division polls

In a shocking conclusion, Subang parliamentarian R Sivarasa lost to Muhamad Najmi Samsuddin in Saturday's division polls. Sivarasa only managed to get five votes compared to Najmi's 151.

Najmi's lineup went on to capture all the seats they contested by large majority.

The Subang division election was delayed due to some technical problems. The election kicked off at 2.45pm and went on until 8pm.

When the result was announced by election committe chief Zariny Zainol, Sivarasa and his supporters went out from the hall.

Earlier in the day, the division nominated Zaid Ibrahim for deputy chairman and endorsed S Manikavasagam, N Gobalakrishnan, R Suresh Kumar and Yahya Shari for vice presidents.

Sivam said their main focus now was to defend the Subang parliament seat in the next general election.

"I am actually very busy now preparing important matters for the Subang division. The focus now is the next general election.

"We will work together with our coalition partners for this", he said.

Sivarasa and gang: Election was adjourned

Meanwhile in another development, four PKR branch leaders in Subang, including Sivarasa, insisted that the division elections had been adjourned to another date due to technical problems.

“We also condemn actions of some people who had behaved improperly on the day of the meeting to force the election officials to continue with the elections despite there being some technical issues,” they said in a statement.

“They showed no respect to democratic principles and party discipline. They had forced the elections to continue despite the returning officer announcing the adjournment,” they said, directing their attacks on Muhamad Najmi and Sivam's team.

They also claimed that returning officer Zariny had lodged a police report to state that she allowed for the elections to continue under fear.

The branch leaders urged party members from the Subang dvision to come out to vote when a new date has been fixed.

Malaysia an ‘extreme’ example of tepid investment, says World Bank

The World Bank is supportive of the reforms Najib intends to carry out.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — Malaysia is lacking in investment in human and physical capital leading to domestic savings greatly exceeding domestic investment, said a World Bank report.

The bank noted that Malaysia, like its fellow middle-income neighbours Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines, is trying to move out of the middle-income trap but said it requires investment in infrastructure, equipment, education and skills in levels far exceeding what they are currently experiencing, which is well short of the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Singapore when they were at similar per capita income levels, when they were at the same development stage.

“The slowdown in investment does not stem from a lack of savings—indeed, in all these countries, domestic saving exceeds domestic investment, resulting in external current account surpluses,” noted the bank in its report on economic policy in the developing world titled The Day After Tomorrow.

“An extreme example is Malaysia, where the current account surplus was 17 per cent of GDP in 2008 and 2009.”

It added that rigidities in the labour market and entry barriers tend to discourage private investors in Malaysia.

The bank however commended the Najib administration’s New Economic Model (NEM) with its emphasis on private sector led growth, innovation, removal of labour market restrictions and focus on talent, saying that it is representative of reforms that the nation requires. The prime minister had also earlier managed to push through several reforms such as liberalising the financial sector and selected services sub-sectors.

Malaysia has also recently embarked on a slew of private sector driven projects under its Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) that would require private funds to the tune of USD266 billion (RM822 billion).

The ETP aims to roughly triple gross national income (GNI) in the next 10 years.

Turning around the sentiment of private investors however will be one of the biggest challenges faced by the present government.

Many investors are mindful of the constraints in Malaysia including the lack of a world class workforce and education system, policy inconsistencies, bureaucratic red tape and the widespread acknowledgement that four decades of affirmative action has affected the country’s competitiveness.

A recent report by the Economist Intelligence Unit also noted that political resistance has delayed radical reform measures required to restructure the economy to a high income one.

A recent report by CIMB citing government statistics showed that Malaysians are investing more money abroad. The flow of money heading out in the second quarter saw a sharp increase to RM6.2 billion from the first quarter of this year when RM3.8 billion was recorded as direct investment abroad.

CEO of government think tank Pemandu, Datuk Seri Idris Jala appeared to acknowledge that private investment is largely a game of confidence.

“If there is no hope in the future, there is no power in the present,” he said recently.

What will be closely watched is whether the first batch of seven ETP. projects will commence soon as that would likely have a knock-on effect on investor confidence.

Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah said last week that if the seven ETP projects which are said to have named and serious investors, could take off next year, it would “give confidence”.

Rosmah asks Malaysians abroad to be colour-blind

Rosmah: Just continue to make new friends from other countries and learn their customs, cultures and way of life as well as their cuisines.

NEW YORK, Sept 28 — Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of the prime minister, has called on Malaysians abroad to maintain the good image and reputation of the country.

He said as little ambassadors of the country, they should know how to carry themselves and forge friendship with other nationalities.

“Just continue to make new friends from other countries and learn their customs, cultures and way of life as well as their cuisines,” she said at the luncheon with the members of the Malaysian Foreign Ministry Women’s Association at the Malaysian Permanent Representative Office to the United Nations (UN) here Monday.

Foreign minister’s wife, Datin Seri Siti Robiah Abdul Samad, Malaysian ambassador to the United States’s wife, Datin Seri Kalson Ismail, Malaysian Permanent Representative to the UN’s wife, Datin Amy Hamidon and Malaysian consulate general in New York’s wife, Arfah Nadiah Ahmad were present.

Rosmah said Malaysians should also maintain cordial relations among them by not associating their ethnicity and racial background in efforts to help realise the 1Malaysia concept.

She also urged Malaysians to take the opportunity to promote the country to the local communities by sharing stories on the country’s food and cuisines.

Rosmah also urged diplomats and their spouses to strive for self-improvement, including enhancing their working knowledge of English and learning French.

Earlier, Amy spoke of the activities organised by the association to promote Malaysia including holding food festivals.

Rosmah is accompanying Najib, who arrived here last Thursday to lead the Malaysian delegation to the UN General Assembly. — Bernama

How the govt victimises vernacular schools

It looks like the government's game plan is to have Chinese primary schools implode from overcrowding.


Funds allocated for vernacular schools remain at the same level under the 10th Malaysia Plan (2011-2015) as previously under the 9th Malaysia Plan even though the number of pupils have increased tremendously over the past five years.


The 10th Plan does not disclose the ratio of government appropriation to national schools relative to vernacular schools. Nonetheless, if we were to examine the 9th Malaysia Plan (2005-2010), the figures are revealing.

Under the 9th Plan, primary schools as a whole were allocated a budget of RM4.83 billion for development. Enrolment in Chinese primary schools was 20.96% of the total number of primary school pupils. Going by fair proportionality, Chinese-medium schools should have gotten one-fifth of the funding, or roughly RM1 billion-plus out of the RM4.83 billion.

Instead the Chinese primary schools only received a meagre RM170 million.


There were 70,000 non-Chinese pupils in these Chinese primary schools during the 9th Malaysia Plan period. The majority of the non-Chinese pupils comprised Malays. Therefore, a good number of Bumiputeras ended up victimized by the government's biased treatment of Chinese-medium schools.
In fact, if we were to look back at the 6th, 7th and 8th Malaysia Plans, we can see a trend where the funding for Chinese-medium schools had been progressively cut.

Appropriation of government funds to primary schools (1991-2005)

Type of primary school	Overall student enrolment	Overall student enrolment (%)	Actual state funds allocated 1991-2005 (RM/million)	If the student enrolment ratio had been followed (RM/million)	Actual fund received per student (RM)
National primary school (Malay)	6,210,055	74.86%	6,869.00 (95.04%)	5,448.80	1,106.10
Chinese national-type primary school	1,794,357	21.63%	262.30 (3.66%)	1,541.10	146.10
Tamil national- type primary school	291,595	3.51%	95.50 (1.32%)	237.00	327.50
Total:	8,296,007	100%	7,226.80	7,226.80

Source: Sin Chew Jit Poh (Nov 24, 2005)

Earlier, in 2005, Chinese primary schools accounted for about 21% of total enrolment, including more than 60,000 non-Chinese (mainly Malay) pupils.

If we scrutinize the 15-year period covered by the 6th to 8th Malaysia Plans, we can see that Chinese primary schools received as little as 3.66% of the total government funding appropriated to primary schools.

Meanwhile Tamil primary school enrolment was 3.51% of primary school pupils but the SRJK (Tamil) only received 1.32% of the total government allocations for primary schools.

Still looking at this 15-year period covered by the three Plans, we can see that the national schools or SRK received public funding of RM1,106 per pupil (mostly Malays). The SRJK (C) received public funding of RM146 per pupil (mostly Chinese), and the SRJK (T), RM327.50 per pupil (Indians).
The disparity in treatment meted to children of different races is shocking! And heartbreaking.

Heads you win, tails we lose
Malay supremacists and diehard fans of the English language like to point their finger at Chinese and Tamil schools as the cause of racism and 'disunity'.

But the fact is that more than 90% of Chinese parents and more than 50% of Indian parents send their children to Chinese and Tamil primary schools respectively. And about 80% of Chinese primary pupils and almost 100% of the Tamil proceed to Malay-medium secondary national schools.

Non-Malay parents elect for their children to have their early education in their mother tongue, and then switch to Malay and English-medium at secondary and tertiary levels.


The Malay supremacists have been actively campaigning for 'Satu Sekolah untuk Semua' with the slogan 'Satu Bahasa, Satu Bangsa, Satu Negara'.

They want 'one school' for all pupils. The system will have 'one language' as the medium of instruction. This will ultimately see as its end result the creation of 'one race'. Children of the 'one race' -- Umno's version of the 'Bangsa Malaysia' vision -- studying in 'one language' will make for a 'one united country', or so the 1-Sekolah movement claims.

Just for the sake of speculation, let's allow for a day when Chinese-medium and Tamil-medium primary schools are indeed abolished. Children of various races complete their primary education under the same roof. When all have finished Standard Six, where will they go for Form 1?

The bumiputeras will be given places at the 'Sekolah Cemerlang', the Malay-only residential schools and Mara Junior Science Colleges. The non-bumiputeras will continue to be denied places in these Malay-only secondary institutions.

It's not that we've not had past experience to learn from. When Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim had wanted to open the door of UiTM -- a predominantly one-race university -- just a crack to allow the entry of non-Malays, there was a massive uproar and demonstrations by Malay ultra nationalists.

The Malay reaction reminded us of the white segregationists of the American south who demonstrated in the 1950s and 1960s demanding that 'Coloureds' be barred from their public schools and universities.

Affirmative action advocates protection of minority rights including those of language and culture. Our Malaysia Boleh brand of affirmative action, on the other hand, is discriminative and more deserving of the term apartheid. Over the last two decades, all the elite schools have been catering for one race only. If this is not apartheid, what is?

We have in black and white the last four Malaysia Plans which prove beyond doubt the great discrepancy in funding accorded the different language education streams.

Historians have concluded that it was not the physical segregation during the apartheid era that was horrifying. Physical seperation could be dismantled overnight when apartheid was over, but it was the conceptualised 'separate development' suppressing the development of coloured schools that had hurt the self-esteem, and social and educational advancement of the non-whites.

Apartheid was not all about physical segregation but more of separate and unequal social development.

Expansion impossible!
It is quite discernible that the government is applying a containment policy on Chinese-medium schools. In 1970, there were 1,346 Chinese primary schools. In 1990, there were 1,290 Chinese primary schools and in the year 2000, there were 1,287. In 2004, the number remained unchanged at 1,287.

As the stagnant numbers indicate, it's near impossible for a new Chinese school to be established whereas the Malay-medium national schools are not impeded as the authorities will ensure that they are built wherever there are new housing estates.

On the other hand, to build a new Chinese or Tamil-medium school, the school would have to transfer its permit from another premises, meaning that this precious permit has to be recycled because fresh ones are never issued. On top of this restriction, the school would have to buy its own land and raise its own building fund.

Currently, a few thousand trained but unemployed school teachers are waiting to be posted to Malay-medium national schools. In sharp contrast, there is an acute shortage of 3,000 teachers for Chinese schools.

There is more than one way to skin a cat. Starving vernacular education of new blood is just another method to contain Chinese and Tamil schools. The government has made not only their physical expansion impossible but their manpower constricted as well.

The sad and sorry fate of vernacular schools is reflective of the systematic and institutionalised discrimination against Chinese and Indian pupils, and Malay and other pupils in these schools.

Under the 10th Malaysian Plan, each Chinese primary school would get a monthly allowance of RM2,000 for water and electricity. According to Sin Chew Jit Poh (June 20, 2010), a total of RM70 million is allocated for the maintenance of 884 semi-government sponsored Chinese primary schools, or averagely RM80,000 per school.

As comparison, the web portal The Nut Graph -- operating under private sector sponsorship -- was incurring overheads of RM80,000 per month for its half-a-dozen reporters. The Nut Graph's monthly expenditure for a small staff was equivalent to an whole year's government funding for a Chinese primary school.

Divided into 12 months, the annual 80k allocation works out to an entire school operating on RM6,670 per month.


Can you imagine a thousand pupils scraping by in a school on this tiny sum of money? It's hardly surprising then that fundraising is a never-ending affair that pupils and their parents in Chinese-medium schools have to endure.

It has been said to be "the second income tax for Chinamen" by the 'Malay administration' of Mahathir's favourite terminology.

Anwar: UMNO Played Up Diplomatic Row

From Jakarta Post

Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim blamed the Malaysian media and ruling party UMNO for adding to the political tension between Indonesia and Malaysia.

Anwar, speaking at a forum in Jakarta on Sunday, said the tendency of Malaysians to hold negative views of Indonesians was attributable, among others, to negative coverage by the Malaysian media of events occurring in Indonesia or involving Indonesians.

“When we look at Malaysian media, we see negative reports [about Indonesia]: riots, poor Indonesian migrant workers being dumped. [There is] no positive coverage at all,” he said.

“When [Malaysian media] report on [Indonesia’s] Constitutional Court and the Corruption Eradication Commission, it’s covered as if all Indonesians are corrupt, although I know Malaysia is very corrupt too.”

The former deputy prime minister of Malaysia said the negative coverage was part of the reason why “understanding and affection” between the neighbors were not as strong compared to during his youth.

Although Indonesia’s first president Sukarno had at the time declared the “Destroy Malaysia” campaign, Anwar said he observed that negative sentiment toward Malaysians was not widely shared as it was now among the Indonesian public. “This is really not healthy for the long term.”

Anwar was speaking at a lecture organized by the Soegeng Sarjadi School of Government titled “Political Reform and Democratization in Malaysia: Toward Equal Friendship Between Malaysia and Indonesia”.
In the following press conference, he said the Malaysian ruling party UMNO also played a part in raising tensions by warning of threats to Malaysians because of Indonesian anger.

“Are our domestic politics or UMNO playing up the situation? Yes, they are. [UMNO] act as if Malaysia is under threat of being attacked by the boiling rage in Indonesia, which is not true. The sentiment is not that terrible in Indonesia, although yes there is anger that has spread among the people,” Anwar said.

The bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia is on a thin, with many, if not almost every incident involving the two countries quickly sparking renewed tension.

The issue of poor treatment of Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia, border disputes and cultural claims are among the key points of disagreement.

Last month’s arrest of three Indonesian Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry officers by Malaysian authorities in disputed waters, however, raised tensions to new high, with leaders of the two countries forced to deliver speeches to specially address the issue.

Check with Bar Council on lawyers: Police

The Sun 
by Charles Ramendran

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 27, 2010): An average of one white-collar crime involving lawyers is being reported every day nationwide and the public are advised to consult the Bar Council before engaging any lawyer.

Federal Commercial Crimes Investigations Department (CCID) deputy director DCP Datuk Nooryah Md Anvar said from January till September this year, police have arrested 35 lawyers nationwide for 290 cases reported against them.

She said the offences committed were for criminal breach of trust, siphoning clients funds, falsifying affidavits, land and property titles and other documents related to the sale and purchase of fixed assets.

About half out of the 35 lawyers arrested by police this year are from Selangor and Johor.

"This is worrying as these clients placed their trusts on these lawyers to facilitate their legal needs but were cheated instead. We advise the public to be cautious when engaging a lawyer and when in doubt, please consult the Bar Council which has records of blacklisted lawyers," she said at a press conference at Bukit Aman.

Nooryah said yesterday, police arrested a lawyer who is in his 50's at his house in Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya at 8am for allegedly cheating his client in land deal worth RM15 million.

She said the lawyer was taken to a court in Kuala Lumpur where he was charged for the offence.

Nooryah said the case is not related to the Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya land deal which went awry and led to her death and three of her associates.

Contacted by theSun, Bar Council president Ragunath Kesavan said those who wish to engage lawyers could also get referals or recommendations from a trusted associate who is aware of the credentials of the counsel.

"Be cautious when you pay for the charges by asking for what you are paying for and always ensure you are issued a receipt," he said.

He said the public could check for blacklisted lawyers at the Malaysian Bar's official website or call the council to enquire on a particular lawyer.
Ragunath said action can also be taken by the council against lawyers for overcharging conveyancing fees.

Report: US seeks online spy powers

(Al Jazeera)The Obama administration is drafting new regulations that would make it easier for the US government to spy on Internet communications, the New York Times reported on Monday. The Times reported that the White House is preparing a bill that would require online communications services to be "technically capable of complying" with a wiretap order. The bill would cover all communications services, even those like Blackberry which are based outside of the United States. James Dempsey, the vice president of the Washington-based Centre for Democracy and Technology, told the newspaper the proposal would have "huge implications" for online communications. US officials said the new regulations would be necessary to keep up with changing communications technology. The government already has the power to intercept data transmitted over telephone and broadband networks, if a judge issues a wiretap order. But if that data is encrypted - like calls made over Skype, for example - it is useless to investigators. The proposed legislation would require service providers, like Skype, Blackberry and Facebook, to decrypt data in response to a wiretap order. Providers who fail to comply could face fines or other penalties. The American concerns are similar to those from governments in the United Arab Emirates and India, both of which threatened to block Blackberry service unless its operator gave them access to data sent over its networks. The proposal is likely to be controversial for a number of reasons. It would create "back doors" in services that could be exploited by hackers, and it would create a serious burden for software companies, particularly startups or small firms.

Xavier: I didn't punch or kick anyone

Zaid: I say what I think

UMNO: Electricity switch board room blast. 2,000 over Simpang Lima Tamil school children escape death. Call for almost all 523 colonial era Tamil schools to be rebuilt.

No.6, Jalan Abdullah, Off Jalan Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur. Tel : 03-2282 5241 

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Website: www.humanrightspartymalaysia.com E-mail: info@humanrightspartymalaysia.com

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Date : 27th September 2010

Y.B Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin Minister of Education Malaysia, Pejabat Menteri Pelajaran, Aras 10, Block E8, Complex Kerajaan Parcal E, Fax : 03-8889 5846 62604 Putrajaya. E-Mail: khairulam@moe.gov.my

UMNO electricity switch board room blast: 2,000 over Simpang Lima Tamil school children escape death. Call for almost all 523 colonial era Tamil schools to be rebuilt.

The Colonial era Simpang Lima Tamil school building housing their electricity switch board room and which doubled up as their store room suddenly exploded and burst into flames endangering if not the 2,000 ethnic minority Indian children escaping death. (See Malaysia Nanban 24/9/2010 at page 3 and Makkal Osai at page 8).

Hundreds of students currently sitting for their UPSR exams in the next two school blocks had suffered a shock and thereby disrupting their UPSR examinations.

To add insult to injury another colonial era Sg Tekal Triang Tamil school roof was blown away by strong winds again endangering the Indian childrens’ lives. This is again in today’s very same newsreport in Tamil Nesan 24/9/10 at page 6).

We regret to note that despite 53 years of Independence and with Malay-sia having the world’s tallest twin towers, colonial era Tamil school buildings have not been rebuild in contravention of Article 8 of the Federal Constitution which provides for Equality before the law meaning equality also between the 523 Tamil and Malay muslim schools and Article 12 of the Federal Constitution which states that there shall be no discrimination in education for schools receiving government financial assistance. Also Article 28 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 which Malaysia has rectified in 1995 which in effect guarantees compulsory and free education for all children. (NST 30/10/08 at page 10). But for almost all the 523 Tamil schools in Malaysia, the preexisting poor Indian parents have to come out with money to rebuilt the school, buy computers, sports equipment, stationary and even to pay the school water and electricity bills.

Why does all these have to happen only to Tamil schools? We have hardly read of these happening to a Malay, Chinese, Orang Asli, Kadazan or Iban schools. Why? Because of the poor and politically powerless state of the Malaysian Indians and with almost zero economic power and who are also soft targets and easy to bully?

On behalf of the Two and a half Million ethnic minority Malaysian Indian community and so that in particular this would no recur, we hereby urge your goodselves to within one week announce and also notify us in writing that all colonial era Tamil schools would be accordingly replaced with new four storey, smart and elite schools to at least undo the injustices meted out to the poor Malaysian Indians in over the last 53 years.

Kindly revert to us accordingly.

Thank You.

Yours Faithfully,

_____________

P.Uthayakumar

Secretary General (pro tem)

C.C:-

Mr. Kamal Malhotra UN Resident Coordinator United Nations Malaysia

Wisma UN, Block C, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Jalan Dungun, Damansara Heights,                                               Fax No: 603-2095 2870
50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.                                                                                                                                     Email: registry.my@undp.org

Please treat this as our formal complaint and take the necessary action. Your kind indulgence in this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.

Underworld reaching out to Indians

P Dev Anand Pillai  ,

Much hype has been created after two lawyer brothers had been arrested and remanded to help the police in the investigations into the murders the cosmetics queen Sosilawati. The two lawyer brothers being ethnic Indians, has now brought about the same old rhetoric about the modus operandi of these gruesome murders which apes the styles of murders acted in Tamil movies.

So the moral of the story is that reduce the number of Tamil movies being screened and Indian Malaysians will not resort to violence anymore. Is it as easy as that? I have my doubts. I do agree with many of the well-researched analyses provided by many that the main cause of Indian youths turning to violence is because of the lack of opportunities in any sphere of their lives.

It is easy to blame the MIC but as Indian Malaysians aren’t we also entitled to equality in treatment and opportunities in this beloved land of ours? Why do we finally say that it has been the fault of the MIC for not speaking up for the Indians? Shouldn’t it be the BN government of the day led by Umno since Independence who should bear the burden of responding to such a demand?

There was once a time when we used to see many Indian headmasters/mistresses of secondary schools, Indian police state chiefs, Indian government servants in the railways, waterworks, public utilities, sport bodies and many other arenas but all this is history now. We do not even see Indian boys and girls being elected as head prefects of their schools anymore. If ever we do come across one, it would be a rarity but sadly that is the current status quo.

So with this unequal situation, what do these youths do with their energy? If it is not tapped by the government which was brought to power with their votes, the underworld will tap into this vast human resource to expand their activities. When this happens, we quickly point fingers but do we stop to resolve a way to overcome this imbalance?

After many years of mental slumber where most were lulled into being unable to think, a revolt came and it brought about a jolt in the Indian mind which has now woken up but is it fair to blame current Pakatan Rakyat \governments for what had been socially engineered by the BN for the past 53 years? Can a new Pakatan government do magic by waving their magic wand and change the situation overnight?

From what we have seen so far in most sensational criminal cases, Indians seem to be the best ‘runners’, middlemen, henchmen, scapegoats, point men and foot soldiers for those high up in the social strata who may be of other ethnic races in the country. What can be seen from this is that for the Indian, if a call comes from those high up in positions of power, like the government, politicians and wealthy businessmen, they will heed the call and do as instructed.

So what we have is a loyal and blind allegiance mentality which many feel will uplift them socially. Can we blame them? Who won’t want that. But are we harnessing this energy for the right purpose?

What if more opportunities were given based on merit, ability, interest and the will to succeed without ever bringing in the colour of the skin or the religion that one belongs to. Wouldn’t it direct their energies to doing good and benefitting society along the way? As the HRP secretary general P Uthayakumar had pointed out, many are still roaming the country without proper birth documents although they would have been in this country for the past three to four generations.

Licenses, franchises, operating permits for petrol stations, stalls at highway rest areas are still not given to the Indians. The Umno- led federal government fails to realise that all these socials ills will eventually give Malaysia a very bad name internationally in every sphere from politics to human rights.

It will reflect badly on them but having been at the helm for the past five decades why didn’t they do some thing to stop this imbalance? Has this been a master plan to slowly get the Indians out of the mainstream or has it been a plain ‘not-at-all-bothered attitude’ shown towards the Indians?

It is of no use to coax and cajole Indians of different South Indian heritage by attending gatherings organized by the Tamils, Telegus and Malayalees. it would be better to get the job done by opening the doors of opportunity for the best to serve. If Tony Fernandez has made AirAsia soar high in the low-cost airline industry, then he must be seen as a Malaysian of Indian decent who has made the country proud instead of being seen as a threat to other races.

The same will be applicable to the likes of Ananda Krishnan of Maxis, Ganalingam of West Port and AK Nathan of Eversendai. They must be seen as the Malaysia’s ability and strength instead of being viewed with the racial lens.

Malaysia’s strength lies in its diversity and if we fail to realise and tap that resource, it will be our failure to realize a very bright future in the development of our mindset. We seek equality in every sense of the word.

Hanif: Employment reflects racism in the country

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid - Free Malaysia Today,

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Hanif Omar said today employment in this country mirrors the widespread racism which has thwarted efforts at achieving national unity.

The government has not put emphasis on national unity for the past 40 years, he said at a forum here today.

"There are not a lot of non-Bumiputeras in the civil service and in government-linked companies while there is a lack of Malays in Chinese businesses," he said.
"If there are, they're low level employees like drivers and so on," he said.

He said this was proof that the government has not done enough to address the racial division in the country, adding that the situation needed to be rectifed urgently.
Hanif also called on the government to increase more non-bumiputra participation in civil services, saying it will have a "cascading" effect that can lead to national unity.
Hanif's views echo that of the recent Chinese Economic Congress organised by the MCA where one of the resolutions called on the government to increase non-Bumiputera participation in GLCs.

It also called on the government to work for genuine participation of Malays and non-Malays in businesses, a key move to push the economy forward.

Top posts in GLCs are traditionally reserved for Malay professionals, a policy propounded under the race-based affirmative action New Economic Policy.

Leaders like Umno deputy president and Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin warned MCA to toe the line, saying its demands were in violation of the Federal Constitution.

Hanif's comments also come amidst the emergence of right-wing Malay groups like Perkasa, which are waging a fight against what they described as growing non-Malay challenge against the special position of the Malays.

Hanif did not mention Perkasa but said there is a need to refer to the Federal Constitution which was framed to ensure that the rights of all the races are safeguarded while recognising the special status of the Malays.
Hanif also called on the government to increase more non-bumiputera participation in civil services, saying it will have a "cascading" effect that can lead to national unity.

MIC, DAP claim BTN undermines 1 Malaysia

Lim described the BTN as ‘racist’. — File pic

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 — MIC and DAP leaders agreed today that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1 Malaysia was being undermined by his own men in the government’s controversial National Civics Bureau (BTN).

DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang also went a step further to accuse Najib’s deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin of backing the BTN in an open revolt to ruin the prime minister’s brainchild 1 Malaysia.

The veteran leader claimed that was because Muhyiddin was one of the biggest champions of the government’s “racist” BTN, saying that this was also one of the main reasons why he had failed to act on the racist principals.

“In the Cabinet in the past 18 months, Muhyiddin had stood out as the champion of the anti-national and anti-1 Malaysia poison spouted by the BTN.

“Is this the reason why Muhyiddin had been thunderously silent in not condemning the two school principals for their incendiary, racist and insensitive statements, telling Chinese students to go back to China and likening Hindu prayer bracelets to a dog leash, because such offensive remarks were quite in line with the poison which BTN had been dishing out to civil servants in the past two decades?” he asked in a statement today.

Lim also slammed the proclamation by BTN deputy director Hamim Husin to a Puteri Umno closed-door function today that Malay rights is a mandate to rule the country, claiming that this showed Najib’s 1 Malaysia was being hampered by enemies from within his own camp.

“The proclamation is the latest proof that the biggest enemy to Najib’s 1 Malaysia is from within his own camp, not only Umno but also BTN in the government.

“When the BTN can continue its offensive, insensitive and racist ‘brain washing’ not only among civil servants but extend it to political activists in Umno circles like Umno Puteri, it is clear that Najib is facing an open revolt, which clearly has the backing of Muhyiddin,” he said.

In his speech to Umno Puteri today, Hamim had proclaimed that the rights of the Malays was to rule the country, urging the community to unite to defend their rights.

“The rights of Malays is to rule the country. Simple. Malays must unite in the face of threats,” he had said.

Later, when acknowledging that the Malays could not rule the country without the co-operation of the non-Malays, Hamim also made derogatory references to the Chinese and the Indian communities.

“Malays cannot rule the country by themselves. That’s why we make friends with the MCA and MIC.

“The ‘si mata sepet’ that has never gone to a mosque or surau only has one vote. The ‘si botol’ that only knows how to go up to Batu Caves up and down only has one vote,” said Hamim.

Dr Subramaniam wants the government to act against the BTN deputy director. — File pic

MIC vice-president Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam joined Lim in condemning Hamim’s derogatory remarks and called for an investigation into the issue.

He also raised concerns that such remarks could be interpreted as reflecting the views of the Najib administration, which in turn would reflect badly on Najib’s all-inclusive 1 Malaysia concept.

“I refer to the article in a news portal which quoted the National Civics Bureau (BTN) deputy director as uttering derogatory remarks against non-Malays at a closed-door meeting of Puteri Umno delegates today.

“I wish to state here that the BTN is a government agency under the Prime Minister’s Department. If an officer from this agency is found to have passed such remarks, it can be construed as reflecting the views of the government.

“It will also reflect badly on the government and have adverse effects on the 1 Malaysia concept,” he said in a statement today.

The human resources minister urged BTN director-general Datuk Shagul Hamid Abdullah to investigate the matter and take further action.

Lim also urged the Cabinet to take action against the BTN by closing it down entirely and to take a clear stand on the incidents involving the racist principals.

“Will the scandal of the 46-day inaction by the Najib administration be top on the agenda of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting or will the ministers be like the traditional three monkeys with eyes that see not, ears that hear not and mouths that speak not?” he asked.

Pak Lah says Malaysia should be united by now

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 — Malaysia should have been united by now but ongoing talks show otherwise, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said today.

The former prime minister told the National Unity Forum 2010 here that the fact that he had to address the national unity issue showed little progress towards a united nation.

“Malaysia should already be united today,” he said, adding that he did not believe that there will be reforms until there is a change in the mindset of the people.

Abdullah (picture), who was prime minister from October 2003 to April 2009, said he does not want to see the country “burned” over by issues such as racism, favouritism and politically-motivated agendas.

Despite its flaws, he said Malaysia still has a very special place in his heart and should be appreciated by Malaysians.

“Malaysia will always be a home that gives us happiness and lets us enjoy prosperity and its diversity,” said Abdullah.

Suspects taken to Ladang Gadong to help find new evidence

BANTING: Four suspects believed responsible for the murder of cosmetics millionaire Sosilawati Lawiya and three others were again taken to Ladang Gadong.

The suspects clad in orange prison attire arrived in a police van at 11.20am to help the forensic team find new evidence.

Police took them away at 3.30pm after no new evidence was found during the four-hour search operation.

The search for new evidence in the high-profile murder case that has gripped the nation will continue tomorrow.

Sosilawati,47, her driver Kamarudin Shansuddin,44, CIMB Bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad, 38, and lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim, 32, were reported missing on Aug 30 after a meeting here over a land matter.

The foursome were bludgeoned to death, burnt and their ashes strewn in a river in Ladang Gadong, Tanjung Sepat near here.

Meanwhile, police today recorded a statement from S Usharani, the wife of Allal Kanthan Muthuraja, the Indian millionaire who was reported missing after arriving in Malaysia early last year.

She arrived at the Kuala Langat police station at 1.45pm, accompanied by Kapar MP S Manikavasagam and two unidentified men.

Manikavasagam said Usharani, 27, was at the police station to give a statement on her missing husband.

Police recorded her statement from 2pm to 6pm with the help of a Tamil interpreter, he added.

He said Usharani would be at a Hindu temple in Pudu tonight to conduct prayers for her husband before returning to India, scheduled on Wednesday.

Usharani had lodged a missing person report on her husband at the Kuala Langat police station last Sept 8.

- Bernama

Political twist to murdered businessman saga

By B Nantha Kumar - Free Malaysia Today,

KUALALUMPUR : A deputy minister has been implicated in the case involving Indian millionaire A Muthuraja, whom the Malaysian police believe has been murdered.

The political link was revealed by Muthuraja's brother Dr Kasi Viswanathan, who arrived in Malaysia yesterday.

According to a local tamil daily, Kasi said his family had given RM90,000 to two people who claimed to know Muthuraja well when the latter was in Malaysia.

Kasi, who runs a restaurant in Russia, said after his brother had gone missing on Jan 20, a person by the name of Ezhil Velavan called him (Kasi) and told him that Muthuraja had been arrested by the Malaysian police for drug trafficking.

However, Ezhil told Kasi that Muthuraja was not guilty but had been arrested at a club with a Nigerian drug dealer.

Claiming to be close with several senior police officers, Ezhil then asked for RM80,000 to secure Muthuraja's release.

“Two days later a 'police officer' from Malaysia by the name of Murugan called me and asked RM80,000 to free my brother,” said Kasi.

“I was suspicious because he did not sound like a real policeman,” he added.

Following this, Kasi said another “policeman”, who identified himself as “ASP Suresh”, called and asked for the same amount.

“We decided to pay because we were concerned about my brother's safety,” he added.

Kasi said when he had come to Malaysia in March, he was assisted by an Indian national known as Kannan, who had lived in Malaysia, for more than 15 years.

Kannan, he added, claimed to be close to a deputy minister.

Meeting with Indian High Commission

Kasi and Kannan then met Ezhil at a restaurant in Klang and following negotiations, Ezhil agreed on RM50,000.

After receiving the money, Ezhil took them to the Kajang and Putrajaya detention centres, but Muthuraja was not there.

“I was upset and returned to India. After that March's visit, I could not contact Ezhil again,” he said.

Kasi said Kannan then asked him to pay another RM40,000 to secure Muthuraja's release, promising to use his connections with the deputy minister.

“We gave the money, but we don't know whether he (Kannan) gave the money to the politician,” he added.

Muthuraja is believed to have been murdered by the prime suspect involved in the brutal murders of millionaires Sosilawati Lawiya and three others.

PAS' state rep dies, by-election looms

By G Vinod and Jamilah Kamarudin - Free Malaysia Today

UPDATED KUALA LUMPUR: PAS' Galas assemblyman Che Hashim Sulaima, 48, passed away this evening after a protracted battle with cancer, possibly paving the way for another by-election.

When contacted, PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub said Che Hashim had succumbed to his illness at the Islamic specialist centre in Kampung Baru here at about 4.30pm.

Che Hashim, who had colon cancer, was readmitted to the hospital earlier, in serious condition.

The first-term PAS assemblyman was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2009 and went to China last year to undergo chemotherapy treatment.

Salahuddin said Che Hashim's remains would be buried in his hometown of Gua Musang, Kelantan.

“I am very sad by this loss. I express my deepest condolences to the family and I hope they will remain patient during these testing times,” he added.
Che Hashim leaves two widows - Che Busu Junuh and Aida Zakaria, and 11 children.

In the 2008 general election, Che Hashim defeated Barisan Nasional's Saufi Deraman with a 646-vote majority.
Galas is a state seat under the Gua Musang parliamentary constituency, held by Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah. The other two state seats under this parliamentary area are Nenggiri and Paloh.
EC to meet soon
Election Commission chairman Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof, when contacted, said the EC will hold a meeting in the next 10 days to determine the next course of action.

“I just heard about Che Hashim's death. I have not received anything official from the state assembly speaker,” he said.

“We have to receive an official letter from the speaker, after which we will call for a meeting and then announce the dates for nomination and by-election,” he added.

“By law, the two-third period since the last general election ends between March and May 2011. That means we will have to hold a by-election for Galas,” he said.

Meanwhile state assembly speaker Mohd Nassuruddin Daud said his office would inform the EC on the vacancy of the Galas seat upon receiving Che Hashim's death certificate.

The Galas by-election would be the 12th one since the March 2008 polls. The last by-election – for the Sibu parliamentary seat in May saw DAP taking the seat from BN. Just weeks before that, BN wrestled the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat from PKR.

Jeyakumar and gang 'attack' candidate

By Patrick Lee - Free Malaysia Today

UPDATED PETALING JAYA: Kota Raja PKR division chief candidate Kottapan Suppiah was allegedly attacked by Dr Xavier Jeyakumar and a group of his supporters at Bukit Naga yesterday.


Kottapan, who was convinced that the Kota Raja election was not being conducted in a fair manner, wanted the polling, which took place at the MBSA Bukit Naga hall, cancelled.

He informed the PKR headquarters about it and was told the election had been nullified. Kottapan then walked into the hall and tried to stop the ballot papers that were collected from being sorted out. He was also accompanied by fellow division chief candidate, M Telai Ambalan.

It was then that Jeyakumar allegedly hit Kottapan from behind.

"I turned around and I saw Jeyakumar coming at me," Kottapan told FMT from his hospital bed in Sri Kota Medical Centre.

He added that when Jeyakumar's supporters saw him hitting Kottapan, they too joined in and started beating up the latter.

Jeyakumar, who is also currently Kota Raja PKR division chief, is also a Selangor state exco member.

Hasty getaway

Kottapan said he was able to make a hasty getaway, but one of his associates, known only as Ayyasamy, was attacked by Jeyakumar's followers, who bolted the front door of the hall.

Hearing his friend groaning in pain, Kottapan made his way to the back entrance to try and help him. But he claimed he was suddenly set upon by 20 of Jeyakumar's supporters with chairs, motorcycle helmets and iron rods.

Kottapan said his two sons, aged 13 and 20, tried to stop the group from beating up their father. But the mob turned on his children and hit them. Both of his sons sustained injuries, including broken bones.

The fight was only stopped after a group of villagers from Kampung Bukit Naga, attracted by the commotion, came to Kottapan's rescue. They then dragged him to safety.

After sending his sons to the Sri Kota medical centre, he lodged a police report last night.

According to Kottapan, trouble first started during the voting process.

"We have 7,948 members in Kota Raja, according to a list from the PKR headquarters," he said. "But yesterday, I saw a new list and noticed that (the names of) more than 500 members had been taken off."

He added that Jeyakumar issued the amended list.

Official receipt

Kottapan also said that members were only allowed to vote if they showed an official receipt indicating they have paid their election fees.

According to him, although more than 3,000 Kota Raja PKR members were present at Bukit Naga yesterday, the total ballot count came up to only 1,207.

He said he has proof that Kota Raja PKR election officials were Jeyakumar's symphatisers, and were known to be friendly to PKR strongman Azmin Ali.

According to a letter made available to FMT, Kota Raja PKR members Mair Singh and his wife, Amarjeet Kaur, were both advised by a party election officer yesterday to vote for Jeyakumar.

"We were filling the ballot paper when a man named Subramani Rengasamy came to our table," said Mair, 82.
Identifying himself as an election officer, Subramani allegedly forced Mair to tick Jeyakumar's name on the ballot paper.

"That was not my choice," Mair said in his letter, adding that the officer claimed he had the right to look at the ballot papers.

A former police officer, Mair was disappointed at the officer's conduct. "I have come to understand that many voters have also been cheated of their voting rights," he added.

When asked if the rowdy episode had caused him to lose faith in PKR, Kottapan said, "No, it's still strong. I stood because of the support I received from grassroots members."

"But what has happened is shameful,” he added. "Jeyakumar is defaming me, and wants to kick me out. These kind of people must not be in the party."

Kottapan said Jeyakumar did not take kindly to his (Kottapan's) candidacy, adding that Jeyakumar started to spread rumours about him months before the election took place, including an alleged bankruptcy.

He also said he had received a call from party supremo, Anwar Ibrahim, who promised that he would take action after seeing a detailed report.
'Jeyakumar was manhandled'
Jeyakumar was not available for comment. However his personal assistant denied the state exco's involvement in the alleged beat-up.

“It's not true. There is no such thing,” said Nathan Pakiyanathan. “He was there to make sure that things would go on smoothly.”

“He was just monitoring (the situation) and was trying to pacify the fighting.”

Adding that there were troublemakers in the hall yesterday, Pakiyanathan said that Jeyakumar had also made a police report regarding yesteryday's fracas.

The aide claimed that Jeyakumar had been manhandled, although he did not mention who had done so.
Meeting adjourned in seven divisions
Meanwhile, at PKR headquarters today, party secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that 159 of 166 PKR's divisions have completed the elections successfully.

However, Nasution admitted that seven PKR divisions have had to postpone their elections to an undisclosed date.

The PKR sec-gen attributed these problems as technical, defending the party's position on the matter. He said that even the general elections were not stranger to these issues.

He also said that it was not uncommon for some divisions to have multi-cornered contests, citing the Bukit Selambau by-election (which had 13 candidates) as an example.

Saifuddin added that party election officials seen assisting disabled or senior citizen voters with the balloting process may have been misunderstood as helping them to vote for certain candidates.

When asked if Azmin Ali or his supporters may have been causing trouble for divisions during the party nominations, Saifuddin declined to comment.

Nurul Anwar’s unanswered challenge to Mahathir and Ibrahim Ali

By all measures, Nurul’s article is an outstanding achievement, for having accurately dissected Article 153, distinguished facts from myths, analysed ambiguous notions, pin-pointed real causes and solutions, and above all, shone with earnest sincerity and honesty to work out common ground for the benefit of all.

By Kim Quek

Amidst the recent heightening of racial rhetoric, mainly originating from the incumbent ruling power Umno, former premier Mahathir Mohamad created a minor sensation when he warned that Malays will lose their power and a Chinese or an Indian may become prime minister, if opposition Pakatan Rakyat were to come to power.

This statement was immediately rebutted by Nurul Izzah Anwar, member of parliament for Lembah Pantai at Kuala Lumpur and eldest daughter of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

In a hard-hitting statement on Sept 24, Nurul accused Mahathir of playing the race card to incite racial animosities and to perpetuate the “Politics of Fear”. The cornerstone of this age-old, race-centric strategy of Umno was Article 153 of the Constitution, which Nurul said Umno has used as a “political instrument of deceit and despair”. Through mass indoctrination that constantly plays the victim mentality that “degrades, confuses and paralyses the community”, Umno has caused the Malays to be “enslaved intellectually and emotionally”. Nurul said the purpose of all this is to maintain political hegemony so that the few ruling elite can continue to enrich themselves “through corruption, abuse of power and undermining the Constitution relentlessly”.

To counter such politics, Nurul offered the “Politics of Hope and Liberation” which would transform the Malay mind from misguided fears to one that would “create a confident and liberated community”. She then “humbly offer” to debate with Mahathir to “clarify if his ‘fear’ for the Malays is really about loss of power or in reality loss of wealth for the chosen few”.

Not unexpectedly, Mahathir has maintained his ‘elegant silence’ to this offer.

Malaysia or Malaysaja?

Interesting, shortly before this incident, Nurul also suggested an “honest constructive dialoque” with Ibrahim Ali, head of Umno’s ultra racist wing Pekasa which is under the patronage of Mahathir Mohamad. Nurul’s offer was contained in her article dated Aug 31, titled “The ultimate Malaysian debate: Malaysia or Malaysaja?” (Malaysia or Malays Only?) which was actually written to quell Perkasa’s seemingly endless championing of ‘Malay rights’ which had escalated racial tension and raised political temperature by many notches. Perkasa’s vocal spokesmen Ibrahim and Mahathir seem hell bent – through such vociferous bickering – to stop Prime Minister Najib Razak from implementing his New Economic Model which is supposed to liberalise the economy from the clutches of the economically stifling, much corrupted and skewed New Economic Policy that heavily plays on ‘Malay rights’.

Nurul’s article of Aug 31 is in fact an important document that probes deep into the current Malay dilemma that has confronted so many Malays, and by extension, the entire country.

In her article, she explores, analyses, as well as answering some of these crucial questions:

What exactly are ‘Malay rights’? What is the constitutional basis of these rights? What exactly is stated in the famous Article 153 upon which the entire clamour for all kinds of racial privileges seems to have been built? What sort of racial preferences are included and what are excluded in this Article 153?

What is the nature of Malay discontent? What are they unhappy about?

What are the true causes of failure to uplift the Malay standard of living despite heavy dosage of the New Economic Policy?

What are the real solutions to overcome these predicaments?

What are the serious consequences to the country if racial bigotry were to triumph over rational solution if ‘Ketuanan Melayu’ advocates win the next general election?

Nurul proposes, in her article, to have an “honest constructive engagement or dialoque” with Perkasa to reach better understanding on key issues and to jointly look for real solutions.

By all measures, Nurul’s article is an outstanding achievement, for having accurately dissected Article 153, distinguished facts from myths, analysed ambiguous notions, pin-pointed real causes and solutions, and above all, shone with earnest sincerity and honesty to work out common ground for the benefit of all.

Wanton police acts defamed the nation

But alas, what did she get in return for such gallant effort? Instead of being heaped with accolades and positively reciprocated, she was summoned to a police station where she was subjected to investigation for alleged breach of the Sedition Act based upon a

Pakatan demands explanation for BTN's only Malays can rule

National Civics Bureau or BTN

Malaysia Chronicle

In a sign that pundits said only reflected the duplicity in Prime Minister Najib Razak’s 1Malaysia plan, the National Civics Bureau which falls under his department, continued to crank out racist propaganda aimed at shoring up Malay support for his Umno-BN coalition.

“From long ago, we have always stated that for Malaysians to take 1Malaysia seriously, the first agency to be dismantled must be the BTN," Beruas MP Ngeh Koo Ham told Malaysia Chronicle.

"But Mahathir objected and of course Najib didn’t do anything except promise that BTN courses would no longer contain racist references. But again, this has turned out to be another lie. Najib owes the nation an explanation. A clarification should be made by the BTN.

Only Malays can rule

At an Umno closed-door function on Monday, BTN deputy director Hamim Husin had made comments that suggested that only Malays had the right to rule Malaysia.

Ngeh Koo Ham

Hamim’s words comes hot on the heels of a warning by former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad that should the Malays support the Pakatan Rakyat led by Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, then they would lose political power and suffer bullying by the other races.

According to Mahathir, the prime minister of Malaysia would then be Chinese or Indian or any other non-Malay ethnicity. His remarks drew immediate condemnation, but obviously not from Umno or Najib’s department.

“The rights of Malays, is to rule the country. Simple. Malays must unite in the face of threats,” Malaysian Insider reported Hamim as telling Puteri Umno delegates on Monday.

In an immediate response, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang challenged the non-Malay components in the BN coalition to also demand an explanation from Najib.

“Will Tsu Koon, MCA, BN ministers demand that the Cabinet act against the BTN deputy director?” Kit Siang said on Twitter.

Has Nazri always been “civil to the opposition”?

By Ding Jo-Ann | The Nut Graph

“Being civil to the opposition is the right thing to do in a democracy because just like me, they are also elected by the people.”

MINISTER in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz, in an open letter to Utusan Malaysia columnist Awang Selamat. Awang had accused Nazri in his column Alahai Nazri of being too civil with the opposition. Nazri defended his civility, saying it was part of democracy. He added that Awang was caught in a “time warp”, where government Members of Parliament (MP) do not engage with opposition parliamentarians.
Nazri’s open letter drew praise on online news sites and on Twitter. (Source: Nazri’s open letter to Awang Selamat, theSun, 20 Sept 2010)

“Duduk, duduk, duduk, duduk, duduk, duduk, duduk. Racist! Ini Ipoh Barat racist! Duduk, duduk, duduk. Duduk, perkauman! Duduk, perkauman! Duduk, perkauman! … Ipoh Barat perkauman! Bloody racist, racist!”

Nazri in Parliament in 2005, debating with Ipoh Barat MP M Kulasegaran from the DAP. (Source: Parlimen Malaysia – Nazri: Racist!, YouTube, 9 May 2006)

“[Malaysia] boleh berjaya kalau orang macam ini tak ada dalam Dewan. Dia cakap semua benda yang pembohongan ja, tidak ada pertuduhan … ini otak benak tak ada otak … Otak dia bodoh, otak dia benak, orang macam ini pembohongan … Memanglah, pembohong … Bodohlah, bodoh!”

Nazri in Parliament on 21 June 2007, responding to DAP adviser and Ipoh Timur MP Lim Kit Siang on a debate involving Malaysia’s falling rankings in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index. (Source: Jawapan-jawapan lisan bagi pertanyaan-pertanyaan, Dewan Rakyat transcript, 21 June 2007)

“… memang kepala tak betul di sana. Dalam istilah orang muda sekarang ini wayar putus, kepala wayar putus … Jadi perkara ini, orang-orang pondan macam pembangkang, tak payah layan pandangan mereka ini. Kita percaya SPR adalah adil.”

Nazri, referring to the opposition as “pondan”, when responding to a question about allegations that the Election Commission was biased in carrying out its function. (Source: Jawapan-jawapan lisan bagi pertanyaan-pertanyaan, Dewan Rakyat transcript, 12 Nov 2007)

“To apologise to Fong is not on. I don’t agree.
“This is part of parliamentary debates. Both MPs uttered the words during the heat of their debate, and you cannot control people’s emotions.”

Nazri, saying there was no need for Barisan Nasional MPs Datuk Mohd Said Yusof (Jasin) and Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (Kinabatangan) to apologise to DAP MP Fong Po Kuan for their “bocor” remarks.
After she raised the issue of ceiling leaks in Parliament, Mohd Said and Bung Mokhtar had responded to Fong: “Mana bocor? Batu Gajah pun bocor setiap bulan.” (Source: Shahrizat to meet with MPs, The Star, 17 May 2007)

The Threat to India's Games

(Asia Sentinel) Security forces face many risks when the Commonwealth Games begin next week

The 19th Commonwealth Games in New Delhi were always going be an obvious and tempting target for India's enemies. By making the US$2.2 billion games a symbol of national virility, the Indian government knowingly transformed a sporting event into a political statement that would, unsurprisingly, attract an equally political response from those who wish the country harm.

A week before the games are due begin it is still uncertain whether the seven-year lead time was sufficient to enable India's sclerotic, corrupt and factionalised managerial and political classes to deliver a product intended to meet the nationalist and triumphalist expectations of the nation. So far the event has managed only to humiliate, divide and weaken the country and its rulers as the first of the 7,000 or athletes from more 70 countries arrive ahead of the Games' scheduled start on 3October.

Other far less benign elements have also had seven years to prepare for the games, and just as clean-up crews work frantically in an effort to make the foreign visitors' accommodation habitable, it must be assumed that terrorists are also being quietly prepared for their long-anticipated role in the event.

At this stage in an already fraught and tense atmosphere, with many foreign governments having given what can be only be their reluctant recommendation that the national teams travel to India, a single shot fired anywhere near a foreign national in Delhi could be all that it would take to destroy the games.

This opportunity offers an ‘open goal' in terms of political violence or terrorism. While the Indian security forces may be able to deter or confront a major and elaborate terrorist attack –though this doubtful – there is absolutely nothing they can do to prevent the small-scale shooting or bombing that would see athletes either refusing to come to Delhi or prompt a rush for the airport if they are already in the city.

There are four main security threats to the games that the 100,000 or so military and police personnel deployed to protect them will find difficult to counter. Indeed, the principal role of most of this huge force is to offer ‘reassurance' rather than protection – a function it may well fail to achieve on both counts.

The principal threat is that of a carefully-planned multi-dimensional attack intended damage India's reputation and amour-propre – and perhaps trigger a confrontation with Pakistan – by causing a large number of casualties. The games' long gestation period will have facilitated the slow build-up of personnel and resources hard to detect by the usual methodology employed by the security forces based on surges or spikes in movement, communications activity and personal behaviour patterns.

Any of a number of pre-planned attack scenarios could be selected to respond to counter-measures or target individuals, teams or facilities. The past use of suicide teams in the December 2001 attack on the parliament building in New Delhi and the November 2008 multiple attacks in Mumbai indicates the type of tactics that such a group might employ. The huge number of unformed security personnel could actually help such a terrorist operation as it is virtually impossible to provide a workable identification system between units, particularly if there are multiple actual or staged incidents. All it would require for a terrorist group to launch an attack would be access to the uniforms and weapons carried by one of the myriad military or police formation deployed to guard the Games.

An opportunistic attack in response, for example, to the rapidly deteriorating situation in Kashmir might prove less damaging in terms of casualties but would almost certainly have the same effect on India's national interest by triggering a flight to safety by many foreign teams or individuals and the abandonment of the games. Such an attack could be mounted at short notice by organised criminal syndicates rather than political groups, in a similar manner to those launched in following anti-Muslim riots in Mumbai in 1993.

Random attacks by self-radicalised or mentally ill individuals against venues or foreign visitors could also have a disproportionate impact. Foreign participants and their home governments are likely to respond to any breach in security in the now febrile atmosphere with a heightened sense of caution rather than awaiting a more forensic analysis of the source and basis of a security incident. Foreign governments are in a particularly invidious position as their diplomats have to balance their national long-term relationship with India against any immediate threat to their citizens.

This factor has led some governments to advise participation in the Games despite deep misgivings by their own risk specialists over the ability of Indian security forces to offer adequate protection to the game's venues and contestants.

The most sensitive potential source of violence may be described as ‘protective' incidents staged by elements close to the state. This would involve using a minor ‘terrorist' incident to override the other problems that threatened to wreck the games. The rationale would be that the failure of the games due to a security threat was preferable to the humiliation of having the country – and key politicians – exposed to ridicule and eventual electoral sanction over more banal factors. While it is extremely unlikely such a tactic would be readily used given the risk of exposure, nor should it be discounted given the high cost of failure.

Perhaps India's best protection against the most dangerous threat to the games, its athletes and spectators – the long-planned attack by a group with a coherent strategy aimed at damaging Indian interests – is the very chaos that has engulfed the event. As the purpose of any terrorist attack includes creating confusion and distress to its target, there may little point in expending resources when this effect has already been achieved.

An attack, in this context, may well be viewed by its architects as counter-productive as it may well only serve to mask internal political divisions and offer the government and political leadership a means of escape from a far more damaging event than the relatively short-lived impact a terrorist attack.

Gavin C. Greenwood is a security consultant with the Hong Kong-based security risk management consultancy firm Allan & Associates.