Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Istanbul monastery 'to be turned into mosque'
A ruined fifth century monastery in Istanbul is to be turned into a mosque next year, local media reported Tuesday, amid a row with Greece over possible similar moves for…A ruined fifth century monastery in Istanbul is to be turned into a mosque next year, local media reported Tuesday, amid a row with Greece over possible similar moves for the ancient Hagia Sophia complex.
The plans for the Monastery of Studios, which was dedicated to St John the Baptist and was considered the most important of Constantinople, were revealed by the Hurriyet Daily News.
Religious authorities in the city could not immediately be reached for comment on the report, which comes amid increasing criticism of the government over its attempts to impose Islamic values on secular society in Turkey.
Last week, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc angered Greece when he voiced hope that Hagia Sophia, a stunning Byzantine monument that dates back almost 1,500 years, would be converted into a Muslim place of worship.
Two churches of the same name in other parts of Turkey have recently been turned into mosques, adding to the estimated 83,000 across the country.
Hurriyet said the monastery, which has been left in ruins by fire and earthquakes with only part of the church remaining, would be restored next year and then converted.
Hagia Sophia, now one of Istanbul's most popular tourist attractions, was a church for centuries -- and the seat of the Patriarchate of Istanbul -- before the Ottomans turned it into a mosque in the 15th century.
Both Hagia Sofia and the Monastery of Studios were turned into museums after the founding of modern Turkey by Mustafa Kamal Ataturk in 1923.
Debate about the role of religion in Turkish society has intensified in the run-up to a highly-charged election period, kicking off next March with local polls.
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Islam
Truth about Gani could have altered Umno polls results, says ex-CID chief
The outcome of the Umno polls last month could have been different if party president Datuk Seri
Najib Razak had revealed the contents of a statutory declaration on Pulau Batu…
The outcome of the Umno polls last month could have been different if party president Datuk Seri
Najib Razak had revealed the contents of a statutory declaration on Pulau Batu Puteh, said former city CID chief Datuk Mat Zain Ibrahim.
In a statement today, Mat Zain said he had sent a 31-page statutory declaration to the prime minister on October 9 on the alleged wrongdoings of Attorney General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail (pic) with regard to Pulau Batu Puteh, but Najib chose to remain silent on the matter until today.
Mat Zain felt that if the content of the SD was made public, voters at the Umno polls would have voted differently.
“There were Umno supreme council candidates who are known to have been protected by Abdul Gani when allegations of wrongdoings were raised against them. There is a strong possibility that Umno members would not have voted in these candidates.
"Umno supreme council candidates, especially those from Sabah, would not have fared well either as Abdul Gani is from Sabah and has family ties with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
"Musa himself has been accused of being protected by Abdul Gani on several occasions when he was accused of corruption and abuse of power. I believe that if Najib had told the assembly about my SD, the outcome of the polls would have been very different," Mat Zain said.
Mat Zain said concealing material information was tantamount to deception.
"And by concealing the content of the SD, Najib could be said to have deprived the members of their rights in choosing the right candidates in the party polls.”
Mat Zain said the Registrar of Societies should declare the results of the 2013 Umno elections null and void.
"The RoS must show that it has a backbone and is able to take action against any political party which has violated the laws or party constitution," Mat Zain said, adding that deception and intentionally hiding vital information was a serious offence.
He said following the Lahad Datu incursion in February, Corporal Hassan Basari of the Special Branch was sentenced to seven years' jail for hiding information relating to the intrusion by the Sulu gunmen.
"The one who decided to charge Hassan was none other than Abdul Gani, who is from Sabah," said Mat Zain.
"I hope Hassan's case will make Najib and other ministers realise how serious the issue of concealing information is, especially when it concerns the nation's security and sovereignty.
"If a mere corporal can be sentenced to seven years' jail, what more someone who caused Malaysia to lose Pulau Batu Puteh?"
Both Malaysia and Singapore had claimed Pulau Batu Puteh, a dispute which was later settled by the International Court of Justice in 2007. The ICJ ruled in favour of Singapore, a decision which put Abdul Gani under the spotlight.
Mat Zain alleged that Abdul Gani had deliberately lost the case resulting in the ICJ ruling in favour of Singapore. He alleged that a substantial amount of money had been deposited into a bank account in Hong Kong.
"A heavy punishment is in order, especially if there is information and evidence that hundreds of millions of ringgit changed hands. Najib should form a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate these claims against Abdul Gani."
Mat Zain said Pulau Batu Puteh should not be seen as a cluster of rocks in the middle of the sea and without any commercial value. Malaysia gave up the coastal waters and air space when it lost the island.
"What is the actual reason for Malaysia losing Pulau Batu Puteh to Singapore? The RCI must be formed to investigate and maximum penalties must be levied on whoever is guilty of betraying Malaysia's sovereignty."
The former CID chief pointed out that Najib's silence on major issues could backfire on him and his government.
"Perhaps he has been wrongly advised.
"Najib should be transparent. Whenever there are allegations against the AG, no matter how serious they are, the PM will somehow brush them aside.
"As the prime minister, he should not show that he is afraid of Abdul Gani." – November 26, 2013.
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AG chamber
Ministers' wives lectured on the wrongs of Shiism
This story, related by Jakim’s assistant director of Akidah Mohd Aizam Mas’od, had the wives of ministers in stitches.About 30 members of the Wives' Charities and Welfare Body (Bakti), including prime minister’s wife Rosmah Mansor, were today lectured about the Shiite sect, and how it clashes with the Sunni brand of Islam, as practised in Malaysia.
The ladies took down notes as Mohd Aizam held a power-point presentation.
The presentation illustrated the millennium-old history of the second largest denomination of Islam - its leaders, practices, teachings and geographic spread and why it was wrong.
Two million Shiite followers in South-East Asia
Practitioners of Shiism, widely found in Iran but considered heretics in Malaysia, look to Ali, Prophet Muhammad's son-in-law, as the divinely-appointed successor to Muhammad, and the first Imam.
"It is the oldest and most classic heresy in the history of Islam," said Mohd Aizam. "Shiism is the main enemy of Islam after the Jews and the Christians (in the historical context)."
Although Sunnis and Shiites had shared roots in the Quran, Mohd Aizam said that the advent of the Shiite sect had been warned about by Prophet Muhammad himself.
The
sect was gazetted as ‘haram’ (prohibited in Islam) by the Malaysian
National Fatwa Council for Islamic Affairs, Muzakarah Special Committee
on May 5, 1996, as its teachings were feared to create factions among
Muslims.Mohd Aizam said in South-East Asia, there were two million followers of Shiism or about 1 percent of the Muslims in Indonesia, 21,000 in Thailand, 5,000 in Singapore and only 1,500 in Malaysia.
Mohd Aizam’s figure was in contradiction with a recent Home Ministry estimate of 250,000 Shiite followers identified nationwide consisting of 10 active groups.
But the Jakim official clarified that his figure referred only to Shiite followers who were Malaysians, not foreigners.
There also many splinter groups within the Shiite religion, Mohd Aizam warned.
Amongst the most widespread in Malaysia, he said, were the believers in the "Twelver Shiites" who believe in twelve divinely ordained leaders, known as the Twelve Imams, with a last Imam to be revealed when Al-Mahdi returns.
The talk lasted nearly two hours before it went into a closed-door question-and-answer session.
Trouble in MIC over Palani’s stance
Party boss told to be clear about whether he is endorsing anyone for vice president.
PETALING JAYA: An MIC leader today demanded that party president G Palanivel state clearly that…
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PETALING JAYA: An MIC leader today demanded that party president G Palanivel state clearly that…
Party boss told to be clear about whether he is endorsing anyone for vice president.
PETALING JAYA: An MIC leader today demanded that party president G Palanivel state clearly that he has no preferences among the candidates vying for vice presidential positions.
Palanivel had been making confusing statements about the issue, said the party leader, who declined to be named.
“Last night, at a meeting with delegates from Perak in Ipoh, the president said he was not supporting anyone in the vice president race,” the source told FMT. “But this morning he held a meeting with the Selangor MIC liaison committee and declared that he was in support of two candidates in particular.”
The source claimed he was at today’s meeting, which he said was held at the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and attended only by members of the Selangor liaison committee.
“Who is he trying to bluff? I am sure he knows things like this leak out. One day, he says he is not supporting anyone, then the very next day, just after 12 hours, he says he is backing the two candidates.”
The two, according to the source, are party treasurer general Jaspal Singh and former youth chief SA Vigneswaran. Palanivel also mentioned them last Saturday at a meeting with Selangor delegates who will vote at the election on Nov 30.
Jaspal and Vigneswaran are among eight candidates fighting for the three vice presidential positions. The others are Youth and Sports Deputy Minister M Saravanan, Perak state assembly speaker SK Devamany, former youth chief T Mohan, former vice president S Sothinathan, Johor Baharu MIC division leader KS Balakrishnan and Bukit Bintang division leader James Selvarajah. Saravanan and Devamany are incumbents.
Soon after the Saturday meeting, several of the aspirants contacted FMT to voice their displeasure over Palanivel’s open endorsement of the two candidates.
Palanivel had told the meeting that he was not endorsing them but was merely introducing them to the delegates.
“There was not need for him to introduce the two because Vigneswaran is from Selangor and not a new MIC member contesting for the post and Jaspal has been the treasurer general for the last three years,” said FMT’s source. “Everybody in the party, including grassroots members, know who they are.
“If he is sincere, then he must once and for all say he is not supporting anyone in the race.”
Peace deal
Palanivel and his deputy, Dr S Subramaniam, won their positions uncontested as part of a peace deal brokered by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and finalised last August. Another part of the deal stipulates that neither Palanivel nor Dr Subramaniam should take sides in the veep race.
Dr Subramaniam, who is on medical leave following a road accident last week, is yet to comment on the latest turn of events.
Observers say Najib’s peace plan was in danger of being torn up.
“The plan was put in place so that there will not be a split in the party,” said an observer who declined to be named. “But if the president takes sides, then the other candidates may revolt and this will eventually divide the party. Some may even cross over to the opposition and this will give a bigger headache for Najib and Barisan Nasional.
“Instead of keeping the party united, Najib’s peace plan may just divide and weaken the party further because of Palanivel’s action.”
However, several party leaders close to some of the vice presidential candidates said Palanivel might just be trying to “please everybody” although he was not doing it well.
“He knows things will go out of control if he announces his choice of veep candidates,” said one source. “People like Saravanan, Devamany and Mohan are not going to take this quietly. There will be a revolt and he knows it.
“Those three can do a lot of damage to Palanivel and the party. Can you imagine if they leave the party to become independent? They need not even jump over to the opposition. The repercussions on the party and Palanivel would be considerable.
“But before they do that, they will surely sully Palanivel’s leadership and character. This is not good for MIC and the Barisan Nasional.”
More trouble
The party’s decision today to suspend the MIC Youth polls results too did not go down well with many of the candidates vying for leadership slots in the party polls.
These leaders claimed Palanivel had “shot himself in his foot” by suspending the MIC Youth polls on grounds of irregularities, including the possibility of having bankrupt and phantom voters.
The decision to suspend the outcome was announced by party secretary-general A Saktivel at the MIC headquarters today.
Following this suspension, a total of 38 youth delegates will not be allowed to cast their votes in the upcoming party elections on Nov 30.
“This is quite strange. Who is actually at fault here? Isn’t it the party HQ for failing to monitor the delegates?” asked a CWC candidate.
He further said that the party should also look into the number of bankrupt candidates who were involved in nominating Palanivel for the presidency.
“Will he stand down pending an inquiry?” he further asked.
Another senior party leader said with this latest development, the best thing Palanivel could do was to postpone the party elections until the mess was cleared.
Meanwhile, a source close to C Sivarraajh who won the Youth chief’s post by defeating V Mugilan by 44 votes, said they were contemplating of taking the matter to the Registrar of Societies (ROS).
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PETALING JAYA: An MIC leader today demanded that party president G Palanivel state clearly that he has no preferences among the candidates vying for vice presidential positions.Palanivel had been making confusing statements about the issue, said the party leader, who declined to be named.
“Last night, at a meeting with delegates from Perak in Ipoh, the president said he was not supporting anyone in the vice president race,” the source told FMT. “But this morning he held a meeting with the Selangor MIC liaison committee and declared that he was in support of two candidates in particular.”
The source claimed he was at today’s meeting, which he said was held at the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and attended only by members of the Selangor liaison committee.
“Who is he trying to bluff? I am sure he knows things like this leak out. One day, he says he is not supporting anyone, then the very next day, just after 12 hours, he says he is backing the two candidates.”
The two, according to the source, are party treasurer general Jaspal Singh and former youth chief SA Vigneswaran. Palanivel also mentioned them last Saturday at a meeting with Selangor delegates who will vote at the election on Nov 30.
Jaspal and Vigneswaran are among eight candidates fighting for the three vice presidential positions. The others are Youth and Sports Deputy Minister M Saravanan, Perak state assembly speaker SK Devamany, former youth chief T Mohan, former vice president S Sothinathan, Johor Baharu MIC division leader KS Balakrishnan and Bukit Bintang division leader James Selvarajah. Saravanan and Devamany are incumbents.
Soon after the Saturday meeting, several of the aspirants contacted FMT to voice their displeasure over Palanivel’s open endorsement of the two candidates.
Palanivel had told the meeting that he was not endorsing them but was merely introducing them to the delegates.
“There was not need for him to introduce the two because Vigneswaran is from Selangor and not a new MIC member contesting for the post and Jaspal has been the treasurer general for the last three years,” said FMT’s source. “Everybody in the party, including grassroots members, know who they are.
“If he is sincere, then he must once and for all say he is not supporting anyone in the race.”
Peace deal
Palanivel and his deputy, Dr S Subramaniam, won their positions uncontested as part of a peace deal brokered by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and finalised last August. Another part of the deal stipulates that neither Palanivel nor Dr Subramaniam should take sides in the veep race.
Dr Subramaniam, who is on medical leave following a road accident last week, is yet to comment on the latest turn of events.
Observers say Najib’s peace plan was in danger of being torn up.
“The plan was put in place so that there will not be a split in the party,” said an observer who declined to be named. “But if the president takes sides, then the other candidates may revolt and this will eventually divide the party. Some may even cross over to the opposition and this will give a bigger headache for Najib and Barisan Nasional.
“Instead of keeping the party united, Najib’s peace plan may just divide and weaken the party further because of Palanivel’s action.”
However, several party leaders close to some of the vice presidential candidates said Palanivel might just be trying to “please everybody” although he was not doing it well.
“He knows things will go out of control if he announces his choice of veep candidates,” said one source. “People like Saravanan, Devamany and Mohan are not going to take this quietly. There will be a revolt and he knows it.
“Those three can do a lot of damage to Palanivel and the party. Can you imagine if they leave the party to become independent? They need not even jump over to the opposition. The repercussions on the party and Palanivel would be considerable.
“But before they do that, they will surely sully Palanivel’s leadership and character. This is not good for MIC and the Barisan Nasional.”
More trouble
The party’s decision today to suspend the MIC Youth polls results too did not go down well with many of the candidates vying for leadership slots in the party polls.
These leaders claimed Palanivel had “shot himself in his foot” by suspending the MIC Youth polls on grounds of irregularities, including the possibility of having bankrupt and phantom voters.
The decision to suspend the outcome was announced by party secretary-general A Saktivel at the MIC headquarters today.
Following this suspension, a total of 38 youth delegates will not be allowed to cast their votes in the upcoming party elections on Nov 30.
“This is quite strange. Who is actually at fault here? Isn’t it the party HQ for failing to monitor the delegates?” asked a CWC candidate.
He further said that the party should also look into the number of bankrupt candidates who were involved in nominating Palanivel for the presidency.
“Will he stand down pending an inquiry?” he further asked.
Another senior party leader said with this latest development, the best thing Palanivel could do was to postpone the party elections until the mess was cleared.
Meanwhile, a source close to C Sivarraajh who won the Youth chief’s post by defeating V Mugilan by 44 votes, said they were contemplating of taking the matter to the Registrar of Societies (ROS).
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MIC
MIC Youth results suspended
The MIC leadership has suspended results of the MIC Youth polls held on Nov 16 pending investigations.
PETALING JAYA: The MIC leadership has suspended the party’s Youth wing’s election results…
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PETALING JAYA: The MIC leadership has suspended the party’s Youth wing’s election results…
The MIC leadership has suspended results of the MIC Youth polls held on Nov 16 pending investigations.
PETALING JAYA: The MIC leadership has suspended the party’s Youth wing’s election results pending investigations into alleged irregularities in the polls.
Party secretary general A Sakthivel in announcing this, said a Youth member had lodged a complaint on the running of the Youth elections and the party had decided to investigate the matter.
“During this period, the Youth wing election results would be suspended,” he told FMT when contacted.
The MIC secretary general had earlier held a press conference to announce the suspension. Only Tamil vernacular dailies were invited to attend the press conference.
Speaking to FMT, Sakthivel said the Youth wing election results would remain suspended until a probe on it was completed.
“We do not have a time frame for the suspension. We will decide on the next course of action only after we complete the investigations,” he added.
The suspension is because there were claims that seven people who were bankrupt were allowed to vote in the Youth polls. There is also allegation that a ballot belonging to a delegate, who was overseas during the election, was in fact cast by someone else.
Following suspension of the Youth wing election results, some 38 Youth delegates will not be able to cast their ballots to pick three vice-presidents and 23 central working committee members at the party annual general assembly on Nov 30.
Former Youth secretary C Sivarraajh won the wing’s top post at the election, defeating deputy chief V Mugilan by 44 votes.
Sivarraajh obtained 278 votes to Mugilan’s 234 to take over from out going Youth chief T Mohan who is contesting for vice-president this time.
The deputy’s post was won by MIC youth legal bureau head R Thinalan who garnered 321 votes, beating Malacca MIC youth deputy chief K Sashi who obtained 188 votes.
It must be noted that Mugilan was favoured by party president G Palanivel while Sivarraajh was backed by Mohan.
Ulterior motive
Party sources claimed that the MIC leadership headed by Palanivel has an ulterior motive in suspending the Youth polls.
“He does not want the Youth’s 38-votes at the assembly as he knows the youth wing will not vote candidates favoured by him (Palanivel). They will follow what Mohan says…so what a better way to get rid of them for now.
“After the election this weekend, they will either reinstate the Youth wing results or call for new polls.
“Either way the 38 Youth leaders chosen at the Youth elections will miss out in picking the vice-presidents and the central working committee members,” said a national leader who declined to be named.
Another party leader when contacted was equally miffed with the latest ruling on the Youth wing election.
“Who did Palanivel consult before making this decision? The central working committee was not called. The MIC management committee was not consulted…so who made this decision?
“Furthermore, if bankruptcy is a problem, then what about those who nominated Palanivel for president. Their nominations should also be null and void and if that is the case, there is a need for Palanivel to hold the presidential nominations again.
“How many of those who nominated Palanivel are bankrupts? Are we going to suspend them as well? To stop all this once and for all, the party should postpone its polls on Nov 30 until this matter is sorted out,” he said.
Palanivel was elected unopposed at the MIC presidential election nominations in August this year.
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PETALING JAYA: The MIC leadership has suspended the party’s Youth wing’s election results pending investigations into alleged irregularities in the polls.Party secretary general A Sakthivel in announcing this, said a Youth member had lodged a complaint on the running of the Youth elections and the party had decided to investigate the matter.
“During this period, the Youth wing election results would be suspended,” he told FMT when contacted.
The MIC secretary general had earlier held a press conference to announce the suspension. Only Tamil vernacular dailies were invited to attend the press conference.
Speaking to FMT, Sakthivel said the Youth wing election results would remain suspended until a probe on it was completed.
“We do not have a time frame for the suspension. We will decide on the next course of action only after we complete the investigations,” he added.
The suspension is because there were claims that seven people who were bankrupt were allowed to vote in the Youth polls. There is also allegation that a ballot belonging to a delegate, who was overseas during the election, was in fact cast by someone else.
Following suspension of the Youth wing election results, some 38 Youth delegates will not be able to cast their ballots to pick three vice-presidents and 23 central working committee members at the party annual general assembly on Nov 30.
Former Youth secretary C Sivarraajh won the wing’s top post at the election, defeating deputy chief V Mugilan by 44 votes.
Sivarraajh obtained 278 votes to Mugilan’s 234 to take over from out going Youth chief T Mohan who is contesting for vice-president this time.
The deputy’s post was won by MIC youth legal bureau head R Thinalan who garnered 321 votes, beating Malacca MIC youth deputy chief K Sashi who obtained 188 votes.
It must be noted that Mugilan was favoured by party president G Palanivel while Sivarraajh was backed by Mohan.
Ulterior motive
Party sources claimed that the MIC leadership headed by Palanivel has an ulterior motive in suspending the Youth polls.
“He does not want the Youth’s 38-votes at the assembly as he knows the youth wing will not vote candidates favoured by him (Palanivel). They will follow what Mohan says…so what a better way to get rid of them for now.
“After the election this weekend, they will either reinstate the Youth wing results or call for new polls.
“Either way the 38 Youth leaders chosen at the Youth elections will miss out in picking the vice-presidents and the central working committee members,” said a national leader who declined to be named.
Another party leader when contacted was equally miffed with the latest ruling on the Youth wing election.
“Who did Palanivel consult before making this decision? The central working committee was not called. The MIC management committee was not consulted…so who made this decision?
“Furthermore, if bankruptcy is a problem, then what about those who nominated Palanivel for president. Their nominations should also be null and void and if that is the case, there is a need for Palanivel to hold the presidential nominations again.
“How many of those who nominated Palanivel are bankrupts? Are we going to suspend them as well? To stop all this once and for all, the party should postpone its polls on Nov 30 until this matter is sorted out,” he said.
Palanivel was elected unopposed at the MIC presidential election nominations in August this year.
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MIC
London slavery: Family of Malaysian woman held as slave in London comes forward
The Daily…
The Daily Telegraph spoke to retired teacher Kamar Mautum who claims to be the sister of the 69-year-old victim, whom Kamar said disappeared from the family’s lives after joining a Maoist sect.
Kamar names the victim as her sister Aishah, who she says was a bright student who studied in an elite school here before winning a Commonwealth scholarship, which brought her to London in the late 1960s.
Screenshot of The Telegraph of Kamar Mautum.
Aishah and her fiancé became a part of an organisation called Malaysian and Singaporean Students Forum (Mass), believed to be one of the more extreme Maoist groups in London.
After coming under the influence of Aravindan Balakrishnan (better known as Comrade Bala) and his partner Chanda, she gave up her relationship, as well as her plans to build a career and family.
Aishah eventually became so involved in the group that she ceased contact with her family, who were against her involvement with the left-wing group.
It was reported that Kamar wishes to meet her sister at least once before either of them dies.
Was IGP just firing blanks?
PKR accuses Khalid of backpedalling on his line-of-fire offer to Surendran.
PETALING JAYA: PKR today accused Inspector General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar of backtracking on his challenge to Padang…
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PETALING JAYA: PKR today accused Inspector General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar of backtracking on his challenge to Padang…
PKR accuses Khalid of backpedalling on his line-of-fire offer to Surendran.
PETALING JAYA: PKR today accused Inspector General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar of backtracking on his challenge to Padang Serai MP N Surendran to accompany policemen in an anti-crime ops.
In a media statement issued here, PKR’s Subang MP R Sivarasa said it was “absurd” for the police to insist that Surendran first agree to clear them of any responsibility for his safety before being allowed to join in such an operation.
He said Surendran was ready to participate in the police operation and urged Khalid to “to stop this charade and withdraw this unlawful and unethical condition.”
Sivarasa is Surendran’s legal advisor.
Last month, Surendran, who is the Padang Serai MP, criticised Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for telling police to “shoot first” at criminal suspects.
In response, Khalid challenged Surendran to accompany police on anti-crime missions, promising to provide him with body armour. The MP accepted the challenge, saying he was willing to place himself “in the line of fire with the policemen who are subject to similar risks.”
In his statement today, Sivarasa said he received a letter from CID chief Hadi Ho last week which listed 10 conditions for Surendran’s participation in the police mission, one of which was that he must not blame the police if anything untoward were to happen to him.
“It is unacceptable for the police to insist on such a demand,” he said.
“It is now clear that the IGP has backtracked on his earlier offer to Surendran. The IGP had made the offer in a knee-jerk manner in response to Surendran’s criticism of the police’s shoot-to-kill policy.”
Sivarasa said the offer was made to intimidate and silence Surendran.
“If the IGP is serious about the offer, he would not impose such an absurd and unacceptable condition”.
Sivarasa also urged Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to take punitive action against Zahid for his “shoot first” statement.
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PETALING JAYA: PKR today accused Inspector General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar of backtracking on his challenge to Padang Serai MP N Surendran to accompany policemen in an anti-crime ops.In a media statement issued here, PKR’s Subang MP R Sivarasa said it was “absurd” for the police to insist that Surendran first agree to clear them of any responsibility for his safety before being allowed to join in such an operation.
He said Surendran was ready to participate in the police operation and urged Khalid to “to stop this charade and withdraw this unlawful and unethical condition.”
Sivarasa is Surendran’s legal advisor.
Last month, Surendran, who is the Padang Serai MP, criticised Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for telling police to “shoot first” at criminal suspects.
In response, Khalid challenged Surendran to accompany police on anti-crime missions, promising to provide him with body armour. The MP accepted the challenge, saying he was willing to place himself “in the line of fire with the policemen who are subject to similar risks.”
In his statement today, Sivarasa said he received a letter from CID chief Hadi Ho last week which listed 10 conditions for Surendran’s participation in the police mission, one of which was that he must not blame the police if anything untoward were to happen to him.
“It is unacceptable for the police to insist on such a demand,” he said.
“It is now clear that the IGP has backtracked on his earlier offer to Surendran. The IGP had made the offer in a knee-jerk manner in response to Surendran’s criticism of the police’s shoot-to-kill policy.”
Sivarasa said the offer was made to intimidate and silence Surendran.
“If the IGP is serious about the offer, he would not impose such an absurd and unacceptable condition”.
Sivarasa also urged Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to take punitive action against Zahid for his “shoot first” statement.
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IGP,
Lawyer of liberty
College rejects claims of duping foreign students
The college in KL is accused of duping Indian and Nepali students by offering them non-existent courses.
PETALING JAYA: A college in Jalan Geraja, Kuala Lumpur which has been accused…
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PETALING JAYA: A college in Jalan Geraja, Kuala Lumpur which has been accused…
The college in KL is accused of duping Indian and Nepali students by offering them non-existent courses.
PETALING JAYA: A college in Jalan Geraja, Kuala Lumpur which has been accused of cheating hundreds of India and Nepali students have rebutted the allegations made by Tenaganita yesterday.
Several of the college’s students yesterday had claimed in a press conference held by human rights organisation Tenaganita that the college has allegedly cheated hundreds of students from India and Nepal over a diploma course in cruise management, internship and job placements.
Tenaganita also urged the Education Ministry to seriously investigate the college over the matter.
Responding today to the claims made against it, a college spokesperson who was accompanied by a lawyer, denied that it was cheating students.
The college spokesperson showed all relevant documents and approval from the Education Ministry to run its programmes.
He also claimed that some 60% of its students who had graduated from the cruise management programme have been offered job placements with cruise liners.
They said they were disappointed with the manner Tenaganita had conducted the press conference yesterday without inviting the college representatives.
“We never knew there was such a press conference to be held until we received numerous phone calls from the media.
“At least Tenaganita should have invited us and we could have clarified the matter in public,” said the spokesperson.
Nevertheless, the college has requested to meet Tenaganita officials to clarify the matter and a meeting is expected to be held today.
Yesterday, at Tenaganita’s office, a student from India said he had paid RM20,000 for the one-year diploma course in cruise management but after a year, he received Food & Beverages Services certificate instead.
He said he never signed up for such a programme. When the student failed in his attempt to get the college to keep to its promise of offering him a course in cruise management, he filed a complaint with the Consumer Tribunal for a refund from the college.
The tribunal found the college liable and ordered it to pay RM19,320 to the student. However the college appealed the tribunal’s verdict at the High Court. The High Court on Nov 19 upheld the decision of the Consumer Tribunal.
It was also alleged that some 400 foreign students were affected by the college’s scam in offering non-existent diploma programme.
The college spokesperson however said the Food & Beverages Services certificate was part of the programme as some students, when they enter the cruise line industry, would find it helpful to land a job in F&B section.
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PETALING JAYA: A college in Jalan Geraja, Kuala Lumpur which has been accused of cheating hundreds of India and Nepali students have rebutted the allegations made by Tenaganita yesterday.Several of the college’s students yesterday had claimed in a press conference held by human rights organisation Tenaganita that the college has allegedly cheated hundreds of students from India and Nepal over a diploma course in cruise management, internship and job placements.
Tenaganita also urged the Education Ministry to seriously investigate the college over the matter.
Responding today to the claims made against it, a college spokesperson who was accompanied by a lawyer, denied that it was cheating students.
The college spokesperson showed all relevant documents and approval from the Education Ministry to run its programmes.
He also claimed that some 60% of its students who had graduated from the cruise management programme have been offered job placements with cruise liners.
They said they were disappointed with the manner Tenaganita had conducted the press conference yesterday without inviting the college representatives.
“We never knew there was such a press conference to be held until we received numerous phone calls from the media.
“At least Tenaganita should have invited us and we could have clarified the matter in public,” said the spokesperson.
Nevertheless, the college has requested to meet Tenaganita officials to clarify the matter and a meeting is expected to be held today.
Yesterday, at Tenaganita’s office, a student from India said he had paid RM20,000 for the one-year diploma course in cruise management but after a year, he received Food & Beverages Services certificate instead.
He said he never signed up for such a programme. When the student failed in his attempt to get the college to keep to its promise of offering him a course in cruise management, he filed a complaint with the Consumer Tribunal for a refund from the college.
The tribunal found the college liable and ordered it to pay RM19,320 to the student. However the college appealed the tribunal’s verdict at the High Court. The High Court on Nov 19 upheld the decision of the Consumer Tribunal.
It was also alleged that some 400 foreign students were affected by the college’s scam in offering non-existent diploma programme.
The college spokesperson however said the Food & Beverages Services certificate was part of the programme as some students, when they enter the cruise line industry, would find it helpful to land a job in F&B section.
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Education
Emotionally blackmailed Malaysians desire change but fear to act
Mariam MokhtarOUTSPOKEN: Millions of Malaysians have spent their entire lives in the captivity of Umno-Baru and the Barisan Nasional (BN), and they do not know any other type of…
Mariam MokhtarOUTSPOKEN: Millions of Malaysians have spent their entire lives in the captivity of Umno-Baru and the Barisan Nasional (BN), and they do not know any other type of government. They are not used to anything different, so they would be confused if they were given the smallest amount of extra freedom.
Enslaved Malaysians only accept things which are familiar. Just imagine how difficult it is for them to grasp some of the most important aspects of everyday life, such as the rule of law, democracy, human rights and equality.
Reports of a 69-year-old Malaysian woman who has been kept as a slave, with two others, in England, for the past 30 years have shocked the world. It is a story that resonates with Malaysians.
Just like the three enslaved women, Malaysians are victims of emotional blackmail. Despite wanting change to improve their lives and the lives of their children, many Malaysians are repressed by an invisible force which stops them from rejecting Umno-Baru.
The rakyat, principally the Malay community, has been brainwashed into thinking that only Umno-Baru can “save” them, protect their way of life, their rulers, their language and their religion. They are told that a vote for the opposition will lead to a nation ruled and dominated by Chinese and Christians, whilst Malays will become beggars.
Details are sketchy, but the three London women were beaten and emotionally manipulated by the suspects, a married couple from Tanzania and India. The women were rescued when one of them watched a television programme and contacted the Freedom Charity.
Policemen handling the case said that there was a possibility that there were thousands of others who are being held in similar circumstances. Malaysians empathise. Many of us are like those women, being held captive against our will, unable to free our minds of the pervasive influence of Umno-Baru.
I have no intention of trivialising the London women’s experience, but there are many similarities between their plight and ours.
Various British newspapers say that the women were forced into a life of servitude. To their neighbours and outsiders, the suspects gave the impression of being a “normal family”.
Isn’t this similar to Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s representation on the world stage of Malaysia as a nation of moderate Muslims? Only Malaysians know that extremism and nationalist policies dominate. An ignorant and ill-informed rakyat will always pay homage to Umno-Baru. Didn’t Najib also say he would tackle corruption, and yet he and his cabinet ministers are allegedly still implicated in many corruption scandals?
The British policemen describe “invisible handcuffs” being used to metaphorically shackle the women, at a house in south London. Sadly, Malaysians know only too well what it is like to be restrained by “invisible handcuffs”, with civil servants and students suffering most from Umno-Baru’s enforced enslavement.
It is alleged that teachers who vote for the opposition can be traced by the serial number on their ballot papers. This is a means of control and it forces everyone who values his job to vote Umno-Baru.
It is also alleged that civil servants who attend opposition ceramahs face a bleak future. They are denied promotions, unlike their peers who climb speedily up the career ladder. This means of control ensures loyalty to Umno-Baru. Civil servants are not enamoured of Umno-Baru policies, but they are forced to toe the line.
Students who attend opposition marches also allege discrimination by the college authorities. Scholarships may be withdrawn. Student leader Adam Adli faced a severe punishment and was suspended from college.
The subtle message is that if you are anti-Umno-Baru or anti-BN, your career prospects and future will be severely restricted. These are not the acts of a democratic government, but more the by-products of a tyrannical government. As long as we think we cannot escape Umno-Baru, we will forever be their slaves.
Fear of destroying your career is understandable, but the time is right to take the brave step and vote Umno-Baru out of office, at the 14th general election. If you do this, your life will blossom.
Malays who are pro-opposition but who are not civil servants face additional challenges. They are denied various opportunities and benefits, such as being unsuccessful in bids for a government tender, having their application for educational grants rejected and their request for government land turned down.
Millions of Malaysians know about the corruption, the abuse of power and the mishandling of the economy. They want an improvement in their lives and they are desperate to embrace change. These same people are also difficult to convince to act. Ironically, it is most difficult to persuade these people to act to save themselves.
Although they want change, they are also very scared. For 56 years, they were led to believe that only Umno-Baru can ensure their survival. If you know someone like that, your job should be to steadily show them that they can and must rebuild their lives, just like the three women in London, who stopped being slaves and are now embracing freedom.
Mariam Mokhtar is "a Malaysian who dares to speak the truth."
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How to Fix Malaysia In Five Easy Steps
The question then is why isn't it being done if it is in fact that easy? Politics. It does not matter if it is in fact Barisan Nasional or Pakatan…
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The question then is why isn't it being done if it is in fact that easy? Politics. It does not matter if it is in fact Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat, neither gives two hoots for the public.
Vivegavalen Vadi Valu
You often read about the never-ending issues ailing our country and sometimes we get tired and frustrated by the politicians *cough* [idiots] who run the country. The thing is, have you stopped to think that all our problems are actually a repeated cycle and can be solved easily? Today, the Prime Minister is quoted to say "it's either GST or face bankruptcy". Now, while the statement may seem exaggerated it is not in fact that far off the actual reality facing Malaysia's looming economic disaster.
In 1993, the World Bank produced a 400 page report on the Asian Economics, and Malaysia was dubbed the “Tiger of Asia” with an annual growth of 9% in comparison with South Korea’s 6% and Singapore’s 7%. Our GDP per capita stood at US$350 in contrast to South Korea’s US$130. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was also at its highest of US$7.3 Billion, whereas our market capitalisation was ranked 1st in Asia at 14.6% (excluding Japan).
Fast forward to the present, Malaysia has never recovered from the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997, and since then we have fallen behind Singapore, South Korea and Hong Kong, and now sit at par with Indonesia and Philippines.
While both Singapore and Hong Kong built up their portfolios by providing lucrative incentives and a favourable environment for investors to do business, Malaysia’s stock exchange recorded a drop in listings from 1,025 companies to 976 in 2009. The final blow came from the World Investment Report 2010, which stated that Malaysia suffered a staggering 81.1% drop in FDI compared to Thailand’s 30.4% and Indonesia’s 44.7%.
This shocking indictment of the current economic state of our country should come as no surprise, for it was revealed that as of 30 June 2011, the country’s debt stands at 54% wherein if it touches 55%, the Constitution will have to be altered to increase borrowings, and we may face the similar disposition of Greece and opt for a bailout.
As Malaysia continues to be ploughed under debts, the Government continues to spend lavishly, ignoring the economic climate to ensure that the ruling power remains in their hands. Most notably, petrol and sugar prices both respectively being subsidised have been kept in check although being distorted by market value. The question that begs to be answered is why as petroleum producers, do we currently face this deplorable disposition?
The New Economic Model (NEM) proposed by the Prime Minister in the first year of his regime failed to curb our decline as he released Part 1 which was effectively rendered useless as we continued the implementation of the New Economic Policy (NEP) which advocates racial-policies instead of merit-based policies albeit using the backdoor. The 30% quota for tenders and projects reserved exclusively for Bumiputeras continued and this further added to wounds of the economy.
Furthermore, the country's Corruption Perception Index (CPI) stands at #54 below countries like Rwanda while Singapore sits at #5. The perceived illicit outflow per annum stands at RM 30 Billion and it should therefore come as no surprise that the implementation of GST is a must as we can ill afford to depend on Petronas.
The crux of the matter here is mismanagement and corruption, nothing more and nothing less and the generation that will pay the ultimate price will be mine and yours. Then, how do we fix Malaysia?
1) Absolute judicial independence, practicing proper separation of powers between the Executives, Judiciary and Legislature + a shadow cabinet with funding allocated to provide for proper check and balance.
2) Revamp the MACC and PDRM with an independent commission reviewing abuse of powers to ensure those who are put in place to serve the people actually do just that instead of serving those who sign their monthly pay slips.
3) De-regularize government purchases, practice transparency with ethics and ensure total open tenders with documents of sale and purchase being made public.
4) Improving the education system with globalization and pro-employment reforms with special emphasis given to children from rural areas, especially those from Sabah and Sarawak.
5) The absolute banning of all racial politics and policies with maximum punishment meted out for repeat offenders. Enough of the bullshit that racism begins at home, it is time we implement a non-partisan and merit-based system for all.
The question then is why isn't it being done if it is in fact that easy? Politics. It does not matter if it is in fact Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat, neither gives two hoots for the public save maybe a few but the overriding do not and that is all that matters. What can you do about it? Simple, citizen activism - reclaim your rights and powers, for demanding for change will not suffice, it is nigh time to act upon it.
▲
Vivegavalen Vadi Valu You often read about the never-ending issues ailing our country and sometimes we get tired and frustrated by the politicians *cough* [idiots] who run the country. The thing is, have you stopped to think that all our problems are actually a repeated cycle and can be solved easily? Today, the Prime Minister is quoted to say "it's either GST or face bankruptcy". Now, while the statement may seem exaggerated it is not in fact that far off the actual reality facing Malaysia's looming economic disaster.
In 1993, the World Bank produced a 400 page report on the Asian Economics, and Malaysia was dubbed the “Tiger of Asia” with an annual growth of 9% in comparison with South Korea’s 6% and Singapore’s 7%. Our GDP per capita stood at US$350 in contrast to South Korea’s US$130. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was also at its highest of US$7.3 Billion, whereas our market capitalisation was ranked 1st in Asia at 14.6% (excluding Japan).
Fast forward to the present, Malaysia has never recovered from the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997, and since then we have fallen behind Singapore, South Korea and Hong Kong, and now sit at par with Indonesia and Philippines.
While both Singapore and Hong Kong built up their portfolios by providing lucrative incentives and a favourable environment for investors to do business, Malaysia’s stock exchange recorded a drop in listings from 1,025 companies to 976 in 2009. The final blow came from the World Investment Report 2010, which stated that Malaysia suffered a staggering 81.1% drop in FDI compared to Thailand’s 30.4% and Indonesia’s 44.7%.
This shocking indictment of the current economic state of our country should come as no surprise, for it was revealed that as of 30 June 2011, the country’s debt stands at 54% wherein if it touches 55%, the Constitution will have to be altered to increase borrowings, and we may face the similar disposition of Greece and opt for a bailout.
As Malaysia continues to be ploughed under debts, the Government continues to spend lavishly, ignoring the economic climate to ensure that the ruling power remains in their hands. Most notably, petrol and sugar prices both respectively being subsidised have been kept in check although being distorted by market value. The question that begs to be answered is why as petroleum producers, do we currently face this deplorable disposition?
The New Economic Model (NEM) proposed by the Prime Minister in the first year of his regime failed to curb our decline as he released Part 1 which was effectively rendered useless as we continued the implementation of the New Economic Policy (NEP) which advocates racial-policies instead of merit-based policies albeit using the backdoor. The 30% quota for tenders and projects reserved exclusively for Bumiputeras continued and this further added to wounds of the economy.
Furthermore, the country's Corruption Perception Index (CPI) stands at #54 below countries like Rwanda while Singapore sits at #5. The perceived illicit outflow per annum stands at RM 30 Billion and it should therefore come as no surprise that the implementation of GST is a must as we can ill afford to depend on Petronas.
The crux of the matter here is mismanagement and corruption, nothing more and nothing less and the generation that will pay the ultimate price will be mine and yours. Then, how do we fix Malaysia?
1) Absolute judicial independence, practicing proper separation of powers between the Executives, Judiciary and Legislature + a shadow cabinet with funding allocated to provide for proper check and balance.
2) Revamp the MACC and PDRM with an independent commission reviewing abuse of powers to ensure those who are put in place to serve the people actually do just that instead of serving those who sign their monthly pay slips.
3) De-regularize government purchases, practice transparency with ethics and ensure total open tenders with documents of sale and purchase being made public.
4) Improving the education system with globalization and pro-employment reforms with special emphasis given to children from rural areas, especially those from Sabah and Sarawak.
5) The absolute banning of all racial politics and policies with maximum punishment meted out for repeat offenders. Enough of the bullshit that racism begins at home, it is time we implement a non-partisan and merit-based system for all.
The question then is why isn't it being done if it is in fact that easy? Politics. It does not matter if it is in fact Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat, neither gives two hoots for the public save maybe a few but the overriding do not and that is all that matters. What can you do about it? Simple, citizen activism - reclaim your rights and powers, for demanding for change will not suffice, it is nigh time to act upon it.
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Show us your income tax returns, Najib
PM Najib Razak recently called tax evaders "traitors". Columnist Kee Thuan Chye has a proposal for him which he hopes Najib will accept to prove his sincerity and accountability as…
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PM Najib Razak recently called tax evaders "traitors". Columnist Kee Thuan Chye has a proposal for him which he hopes Najib will accept to prove his sincerity and accountability as a leader.
By Kee Thuan Chye
Dear Najib,
You have come out to call tax evaders traitors. That’s a very strong word. If you had used it on corrupt public officials and politicians, especially government ministers, that would have been more apt. It would have struck a resonant chord. It would also have indicated your seriousness in fighting corruption within your ranks.
As it is, according to your minister Paul Low, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrested nine politicians who were reported to be involved in corruption between 2010 and August 2013, and only five have been charged. That’s a pretty low number over the course of four years. The minister did not clarify who these politicians were, but one would presume that they were part of the ruling party.
It may well be that Malaysian politicians, including those holding public office, are generally clean, but the unofficial allegations that have been brought up from time to time tell us a hugely different story. You may be aware of them yourself – allegations about this minister living beyond his means, like building a palatial home, and that minister receiving kickbacks or laundering money for his so-called “adopted son”. And of course the biggie surrounding Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud and his relatives, some of whom were caught on video earlier this year by the international NGO Global Witness allegedly offering logging licences in return for profit.
Only a few days ago, Sarawak Report exposed another alleged scheme of Taib and his family in exploiting the Bandar Samariang low-cost housing project for their own financial gain. If these allegations about the family are true, what would you call the people involved? More important, would you launch an investigation and haul them in for corruption?
Okay, let’s get back to the tax evaders issue. I have a proposal for you that I hope you will accept to prove your sincerity and accountability as a leader.
Since you call tax evaders traitors, show us you are not one. Release your income tax returns to the public. Let us know how much income you make, what assets you own and how much tax you pay. Get your ministers to do the same. Show us that you are not a traitor, that you do not under-declare your income or resort to tax shelters in order to pay less tax.
Don’t try and back out of this one, with some excuse or other. The US president publicly reveals his income tax returns and declares how much tax he pays. And that’s good, don’t you think? He apparently has nothing to hide. Even if he tried to, it’s all out there in the open. If he’s found out later, he can be held accountable.
You should do the same. Since you condemn others for evading tax, it is all the more incumbent on you now to show that you are not doing it yourself. You probably know the saying, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”
For your information, the tax returns of US presidents are protected by law from public disclosure, but since the late 1960s, most of them have chosen to release their returns publicly. Apparently, Gerald Ford is the only exception. Even candidates for the presidency do the same, including those contesting in party primaries.
If you want to look at the combined tax returns of Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, for 2012, please click here.
Barack and Michelle reported an adjusted gross income of US$608,611. They both paid US$112,214 in total tax. It could have been higher if they had not donated about 24.6 per cent of their adjusted gross income to charity. That’s a generous US$150,034.
Out of curiosity, may I ask how much you donate to charity? You may of course include your wife’s donations too, if you like. Oh, by the way, does she pay income tax?
On top of the federal income tax, the Obamas also released their state tax returns and reported paying US$29,450 to their home state of Illinois.
For Vice-President Joe Biden and his wife Jill’s combined federal tax returns for 2012, have a look here.
They reported an adjusted gross income of US$385,072 and paid US$87,851 in total tax. For state income tax, they filed separate returns, with Jill filing a non-resident one for the state of Virginia. They paid US$13,531 to Delaware and US$3,593 to Virginia.
The Bidens gave to charity US$7,190. That’s a small fraction of what the Obamas donated, but that’s not the point.
The point is, don’t you think this sort of declaration contributes to a wonderful and open system?
Other countries that operate with such openness and transparency include Sweden, Finland and Norway. In fact, there, everyone’s income tax returns are made public. It is said to cohere with the Scandinavian tradition of jantelag, which roughly means that nobody is better than anyone else.
It should also cohere with the “best democracy” that you promised for Malaysia in the speech you made on September 16, 2011. Don’t you agree?
If you recall, on that occasion, you announced the repeal of the Internal Security Act (ISA), which effectively outlawed the use of preventive detention in Malaysia. Now that preventive detention is back – reinstated through the recent amendments to the Prevention of Crime Act – does your promise of “best democracy” still hold true?
In that speech, you also said the repeal of the ISA was part of the political transformation that your government was carrying out pertaining to human rights. You said, “The time has come for us to take another step forward not only in economics and education but also in upholding democratic principles.”
Do you still believe that?
If you do, walk the talk. For now, to put your money where your mouth is, disclose your tax returns publicly. And get your deputy and your other ministers to do the same. Be a leader and lead the way. Prove to us that you can lead.
Otherwise, you are just sounding like a prime minister who is talking in abrasive language because your coalition didn’t win the popular vote at the last general election in May.
Otherwise, we will not know for sure that you are not a traitor – like any vile, shameful, despicable, crooked, cheapskate tax evader.
Sincerely,
Chye
* Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to MSN Malaysia
* Kee Thuan Chye is the author of the new book The Elections Bullshit , now available in bookstores.
▲
By Kee Thuan Chye
Dear Najib,You have come out to call tax evaders traitors. That’s a very strong word. If you had used it on corrupt public officials and politicians, especially government ministers, that would have been more apt. It would have struck a resonant chord. It would also have indicated your seriousness in fighting corruption within your ranks.
As it is, according to your minister Paul Low, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrested nine politicians who were reported to be involved in corruption between 2010 and August 2013, and only five have been charged. That’s a pretty low number over the course of four years. The minister did not clarify who these politicians were, but one would presume that they were part of the ruling party.
It may well be that Malaysian politicians, including those holding public office, are generally clean, but the unofficial allegations that have been brought up from time to time tell us a hugely different story. You may be aware of them yourself – allegations about this minister living beyond his means, like building a palatial home, and that minister receiving kickbacks or laundering money for his so-called “adopted son”. And of course the biggie surrounding Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud and his relatives, some of whom were caught on video earlier this year by the international NGO Global Witness allegedly offering logging licences in return for profit.
Only a few days ago, Sarawak Report exposed another alleged scheme of Taib and his family in exploiting the Bandar Samariang low-cost housing project for their own financial gain. If these allegations about the family are true, what would you call the people involved? More important, would you launch an investigation and haul them in for corruption?
Okay, let’s get back to the tax evaders issue. I have a proposal for you that I hope you will accept to prove your sincerity and accountability as a leader.
Since you call tax evaders traitors, show us you are not one. Release your income tax returns to the public. Let us know how much income you make, what assets you own and how much tax you pay. Get your ministers to do the same. Show us that you are not a traitor, that you do not under-declare your income or resort to tax shelters in order to pay less tax.
Don’t try and back out of this one, with some excuse or other. The US president publicly reveals his income tax returns and declares how much tax he pays. And that’s good, don’t you think? He apparently has nothing to hide. Even if he tried to, it’s all out there in the open. If he’s found out later, he can be held accountable.
You should do the same. Since you condemn others for evading tax, it is all the more incumbent on you now to show that you are not doing it yourself. You probably know the saying, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”
For your information, the tax returns of US presidents are protected by law from public disclosure, but since the late 1960s, most of them have chosen to release their returns publicly. Apparently, Gerald Ford is the only exception. Even candidates for the presidency do the same, including those contesting in party primaries.
If you want to look at the combined tax returns of Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, for 2012, please click here.
Barack and Michelle reported an adjusted gross income of US$608,611. They both paid US$112,214 in total tax. It could have been higher if they had not donated about 24.6 per cent of their adjusted gross income to charity. That’s a generous US$150,034.
Out of curiosity, may I ask how much you donate to charity? You may of course include your wife’s donations too, if you like. Oh, by the way, does she pay income tax?
On top of the federal income tax, the Obamas also released their state tax returns and reported paying US$29,450 to their home state of Illinois.
For Vice-President Joe Biden and his wife Jill’s combined federal tax returns for 2012, have a look here.
They reported an adjusted gross income of US$385,072 and paid US$87,851 in total tax. For state income tax, they filed separate returns, with Jill filing a non-resident one for the state of Virginia. They paid US$13,531 to Delaware and US$3,593 to Virginia.
The Bidens gave to charity US$7,190. That’s a small fraction of what the Obamas donated, but that’s not the point.
The point is, don’t you think this sort of declaration contributes to a wonderful and open system?
Other countries that operate with such openness and transparency include Sweden, Finland and Norway. In fact, there, everyone’s income tax returns are made public. It is said to cohere with the Scandinavian tradition of jantelag, which roughly means that nobody is better than anyone else.
It should also cohere with the “best democracy” that you promised for Malaysia in the speech you made on September 16, 2011. Don’t you agree?
If you recall, on that occasion, you announced the repeal of the Internal Security Act (ISA), which effectively outlawed the use of preventive detention in Malaysia. Now that preventive detention is back – reinstated through the recent amendments to the Prevention of Crime Act – does your promise of “best democracy” still hold true?
In that speech, you also said the repeal of the ISA was part of the political transformation that your government was carrying out pertaining to human rights. You said, “The time has come for us to take another step forward not only in economics and education but also in upholding democratic principles.”
Do you still believe that?
If you do, walk the talk. For now, to put your money where your mouth is, disclose your tax returns publicly. And get your deputy and your other ministers to do the same. Be a leader and lead the way. Prove to us that you can lead.
Otherwise, you are just sounding like a prime minister who is talking in abrasive language because your coalition didn’t win the popular vote at the last general election in May.
Otherwise, we will not know for sure that you are not a traitor – like any vile, shameful, despicable, crooked, cheapskate tax evader.
Sincerely,
Chye
* Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to MSN Malaysia
* Kee Thuan Chye is the author of the new book The Elections Bullshit , now available in bookstores.
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Najib
Lawyer Sues Attorney General, 10 Others
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- A lawyer has filed a multi million
civil action against the Attorney General, former Inspector General of
Police, Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief…
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KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- A lawyer has filed a multi million
civil action against the Attorney General, former Inspector General of
Police, Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner
and seven others for malicious prosecution.
Rosli Dahlan filed the suit involving more than RM47 million on Friday at the Civil High Court here through Messrs Kumar Partnership.
He named Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, Tan Sri Musa Hassan, Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed, the MACC, Malaysian Government, Royal Malaysian Police, three deputy public prosecutors, a MACC investigation officer and a police officer as defendants.
In his statement of claim, he said the defendants conspired to arrest and charge him in court for a MACC case.
He said he was acquitted by the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Dec 20, 2010.
Rosli is seeking punitive, aggravated and exemplary damages totaling RM47 million, special damages of RM750,000, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court.
-- BERNAMA
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Rosli Dahlan filed the suit involving more than RM47 million on Friday at the Civil High Court here through Messrs Kumar Partnership.
He named Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, Tan Sri Musa Hassan, Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed, the MACC, Malaysian Government, Royal Malaysian Police, three deputy public prosecutors, a MACC investigation officer and a police officer as defendants.
In his statement of claim, he said the defendants conspired to arrest and charge him in court for a MACC case.
He said he was acquitted by the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Dec 20, 2010.
Rosli is seeking punitive, aggravated and exemplary damages totaling RM47 million, special damages of RM750,000, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court.
-- BERNAMA
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