Monday, 15 September 2014
ISIS Video Shows Execution of David Cawthorne Haines, British Aid Worker
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| David Cawthorne Haines Credit Reuters |
The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria released a video Saturday of the third beheading of a foreign hostage, a British aid worker. The execution was a clear message to Britain, a vital ally of the United States as it builds an international coalition to target the militant group, which has made stunning advances across Syria and northern Iraq in recent months.
The video shows the aid worker, David Cawthorne Haines, kneeling on a bare hill under the open sky, in a landscape that appears identical to where two American journalists were killed by the group in back-to-back-executions in the past month. In the moments before his death, the 44-year-old Mr. Haines is forced to read a script, in which he blames his country’s leaders for his killing.
“I would like to declare that I hold you, David Cameron, entirely responsible for my execution,” he said. “You entered voluntarily into a coalition with the United States against the Islamic State.” He added: “Unfortunately, it is we the British public that in the end will pay the price for our Parliament’s selfish decisions.”
Nearly 1,000 French Citizens Joining 'Islamic State'
Around 930 French citizens or residents, including at least 60 women, are either actively engaged in jihad in Iraq and Syria or are planning to go there, the interior minister said Sunday.
In an interview with Le Journal de Dimanche weekly, Bernard Cazeneuve said: "930 French citizens or foreigners usually resident in France are today involved in jihad in Iraq and Syria."
According to the minister, "350 are on the ground, including 60 women. Around 180 have left from Syria and 170 are en route for the zone."
In addition, some 230 people are looking to head to areas held by jihadists. Added to this total of 930, an estimated 36 have already died out there, said Cazeneuve.
Western governments have voiced concern about the possibility of their citizens joining Islamic State terrorists in Iraq and Syria and then returning home to commit atrocities.
The man who carried out the apparent beheading of British aid worker David Haines speaks with a British accent; he is believed to be the same jihadi who appeared in the beheadings of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff.
Cazeneuve said that some returning jihadists boast about what they have done and "say they are ready to leave again."
"Others, destroyed by the violence and atrocities they saw or participated in, say they no longer want to be involved."
"Some claim to have left on a humanitarian mission, but we have reliable information that they fought in jihadist ranks," explained the minister.
He announced that "at least 70" people had been prevented from leaving after authorities received around 350 alerts about possible jihadists.
This included around 80 minors and 150 women.
France has created a law aimed at stopping aspiring jihadists from travelling, which includes a ban on foreign travel of up to six months for individuals suspected of radicalisation and gives authorities powers to temporarily confiscate and invalidate their passports.
In a recent parliamentary report, France had previously estimated that 950 suspected of engaging in jihad.
Asked about Frenchman Mehdi Nemmouche, suspected of killing four people at Brussels' Jewish Museum in May, Cazeneuve said: "The perversity of the terrorist jihadist system means that you do not necessarily have to receive a mission to carry out a terrorist act."
"When people are psychologically destroyed by daily acts of extreme violence, decapitations or other acts of barbarism, all their moral values fall, all their points of reference are wiped out."
Dr Mahathir malu dengan kaum Cina sebab Melayu malas
Bekas perdana menteri Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad mempertahankan kritikannya kaum Melayu malas, serta mengakui malu dengan kaum Cina yang disifatkannya lebih maju ke hadapan.
Dr Mahathir berkata, kaum Melayu masih tidak rajin, memberikan contoh situasi yang berlaku di pusat pengajian tinggi di mana hampir majoritinya perempuan berbanding lelaki.
"Belum rajin. Umpamanya tidak rajin belajar. Kalau kita pergi universiti, 70% perempuan. Budak-budak jantan (lelaki) apa dia buat? Jadi mat rempit, itu saya kata tidak rajin," kata Dr Mahathir dalam wawancara eksklusif bersama Mingguan Malaysia hari ini.
Menurut Dr Mahathir, walaupun mendapat tempat di institusi pengajian tinggi, kaum Melayu tidak manfaatkan masa sepenuhnya untuk belajar secara serius dan tidak membaca buku.
Dr Mahathir mengaku malu dengan kaum Cina, mengambil contoh dalam penguasaan Bahasa Inggeris.
"Saya malu, budak-budak Cina belajar tiga bahasa tetapi bercakap Bahasa Inggeris lebih fasih daripada budak-budak Melayu.
"Kita belajar dua bahasa, Bahasa Melayu dan Inggeris, tetapi orang Melayu cakap cukuplah apa hendak belajar Bahasa Inggeris lagi," kata beliau merujuk kepada keputusan Putrajaya memansuhkan Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran Sains dan Matematik dalam Bahasa Inggeris (PPSMI) yang diperkenalkannya.
Bekas presiden Umno itu berkata lebih mengecewakannya, kaum Melayu tidak bersikap jujur dan amanah serta terlalu mementingkan wang berbanding kaum Cina.
"Kedua berkenaan kejujuran, ikhlas dan amanah.
"Sekarang ini saya ada kedai roti, saya hendak terus terang, saya amat malu kerana di antara pekerja Melayu, Cina dan Myanmar atau mana-mana, pekerja Melayu kadang-kadang kalau tengok duit dia lupa, dia tidak jujur.
"Dia nampak duit, kalau boleh sapu, dia sapu.
"Orang Cina tidak begini," katanya kepada akhbar Utusan Malaysia edisi Ahad itu.
Dr Mahathir turut mengungkit sikap orang Melayu yang tidak mahu membayar hutang walaupun berkemampuan.
"Berapa banyak orang Melayu bila berhutang, tidak bayar.
"Dapat biasiswa tidak bayar balik. Bukan tidak ada duit tetapi tidak bayar. Kita kena amanah," katanya.
Menurutnya lagi, atas faktor itu juga banyak kontrak diberikan kepada Cina kerana lebih amanah berbanding kaum Melayu.
"Kita hendak beri kontrak, kita beri kepada Cina sebab kita tahu dia buat elok.
"Ini kelemahan kita, kita tidak amanah," katanya.
Bekas perdana menteri paling lama berkhidmat itu mengakui beliau mengkritik kerana enggan menipu diri sendiri, sebaliknya belajar untuk berdepan dengan realiti.
"Saya tidak pernah hendak tipu diri. Kalau malas, saya kata malas.
"Kalau orang tidak suka, tidak sukalah," katanya.
Baru-baru ini, Dr Mahathir juga secara terbuka mengakui gagal mengubah kaum Melayu yang dianggap sebagai pemalas.
Baginya, untuk kaum Melayu berjaya, mereka perlu menjadi lebih rajin dan tekun, serta mengubah cara bekerja.
"Kita kena kerja lebih tekun, lebih kuat dan lebih rajin.
"Macam saya perkenalkan Dasar Pandang Ke Timur kerana saya perhati orang Jepun rajin bekerja," katanya.
Dr Mahathir berkata, kaum Melayu masih tidak rajin, memberikan contoh situasi yang berlaku di pusat pengajian tinggi di mana hampir majoritinya perempuan berbanding lelaki."Belum rajin. Umpamanya tidak rajin belajar. Kalau kita pergi universiti, 70% perempuan. Budak-budak jantan (lelaki) apa dia buat? Jadi mat rempit, itu saya kata tidak rajin," kata Dr Mahathir dalam wawancara eksklusif bersama Mingguan Malaysia hari ini.
Menurut Dr Mahathir, walaupun mendapat tempat di institusi pengajian tinggi, kaum Melayu tidak manfaatkan masa sepenuhnya untuk belajar secara serius dan tidak membaca buku.
Dr Mahathir mengaku malu dengan kaum Cina, mengambil contoh dalam penguasaan Bahasa Inggeris.
"Saya malu, budak-budak Cina belajar tiga bahasa tetapi bercakap Bahasa Inggeris lebih fasih daripada budak-budak Melayu.
"Kita belajar dua bahasa, Bahasa Melayu dan Inggeris, tetapi orang Melayu cakap cukuplah apa hendak belajar Bahasa Inggeris lagi," kata beliau merujuk kepada keputusan Putrajaya memansuhkan Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran Sains dan Matematik dalam Bahasa Inggeris (PPSMI) yang diperkenalkannya.
Bekas presiden Umno itu berkata lebih mengecewakannya, kaum Melayu tidak bersikap jujur dan amanah serta terlalu mementingkan wang berbanding kaum Cina.
"Kedua berkenaan kejujuran, ikhlas dan amanah.
"Sekarang ini saya ada kedai roti, saya hendak terus terang, saya amat malu kerana di antara pekerja Melayu, Cina dan Myanmar atau mana-mana, pekerja Melayu kadang-kadang kalau tengok duit dia lupa, dia tidak jujur.
"Dia nampak duit, kalau boleh sapu, dia sapu.
"Orang Cina tidak begini," katanya kepada akhbar Utusan Malaysia edisi Ahad itu.
Dr Mahathir turut mengungkit sikap orang Melayu yang tidak mahu membayar hutang walaupun berkemampuan.
"Berapa banyak orang Melayu bila berhutang, tidak bayar.
"Dapat biasiswa tidak bayar balik. Bukan tidak ada duit tetapi tidak bayar. Kita kena amanah," katanya.
Menurutnya lagi, atas faktor itu juga banyak kontrak diberikan kepada Cina kerana lebih amanah berbanding kaum Melayu.
"Kita hendak beri kontrak, kita beri kepada Cina sebab kita tahu dia buat elok.
"Ini kelemahan kita, kita tidak amanah," katanya.
Bekas perdana menteri paling lama berkhidmat itu mengakui beliau mengkritik kerana enggan menipu diri sendiri, sebaliknya belajar untuk berdepan dengan realiti.
"Saya tidak pernah hendak tipu diri. Kalau malas, saya kata malas.
"Kalau orang tidak suka, tidak sukalah," katanya.
Baru-baru ini, Dr Mahathir juga secara terbuka mengakui gagal mengubah kaum Melayu yang dianggap sebagai pemalas.
Baginya, untuk kaum Melayu berjaya, mereka perlu menjadi lebih rajin dan tekun, serta mengubah cara bekerja.
"Kita kena kerja lebih tekun, lebih kuat dan lebih rajin.
"Macam saya perkenalkan Dasar Pandang Ke Timur kerana saya perhati orang Jepun rajin bekerja," katanya.
Zahid: I'm not racist, just defending Malay rights
Umno vice-president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who has
been championing the four key thrusts printed in the Federal
Constitution as the national social contract, today said that he was not
being racist or trying to deny the rights of other races.
Instead, he said he just wanted to uphold the rights and privileges of the Malays in the country.
The four main thrusts were Islam as the official religion in the federal region, sultan as constitutional rulers, Malay rights and Malay language as the national language.
"They
(other races) want equality and what we want is fairness. Why matters
concerning our rights, which are clearly stated in the constitution,
should be questioned? Are we racist if we try to defend our rights?
"Only the Malays can defend the rights of the Malays, but while doing so, we are not denying the rights of other races," he said when opening the Parit Umno divisional delegates' meeting.
Zahid said, right now, there were certain quarters who were trying to disturb the four key thrusts, especially after witnessing several disputes that had caused disharmony among the Malays.
"Let's stop fighting, no matter whether we are in Umno, PAS or PKR. We, as Malays, should stand united to defend the four key thrusts because they were too valuable and we don't want to be deleted from the constitution," he said.
He also called on Umno members to set aside their differences and take initiatives to close ranks in a bid to assist the government in helping the people.
Meanwhile, Zahid, who is also home minister, also stressed that any quarters who tried to question and disturb the four key thrusts could be investigated under the Sedition Act 1948.
- Bernama
Instead, he said he just wanted to uphold the rights and privileges of the Malays in the country.
The four main thrusts were Islam as the official religion in the federal region, sultan as constitutional rulers, Malay rights and Malay language as the national language.
"They
(other races) want equality and what we want is fairness. Why matters
concerning our rights, which are clearly stated in the constitution,
should be questioned? Are we racist if we try to defend our rights?"Only the Malays can defend the rights of the Malays, but while doing so, we are not denying the rights of other races," he said when opening the Parit Umno divisional delegates' meeting.
Zahid said, right now, there were certain quarters who were trying to disturb the four key thrusts, especially after witnessing several disputes that had caused disharmony among the Malays.
"Let's stop fighting, no matter whether we are in Umno, PAS or PKR. We, as Malays, should stand united to defend the four key thrusts because they were too valuable and we don't want to be deleted from the constitution," he said.
He also called on Umno members to set aside their differences and take initiatives to close ranks in a bid to assist the government in helping the people.
Meanwhile, Zahid, who is also home minister, also stressed that any quarters who tried to question and disturb the four key thrusts could be investigated under the Sedition Act 1948.
- Bernama
Makin parah…Nasrudin Tantawi dakwa PasMa rancang nak jatuhkan Haji Hadi
Hari demi hari yang pasti belum ada langsung tanda-tanda ketegangan dalam PAS dan begitu juga hubungan parti itu dengan PKR dan DAP makin reda.
Buktinya baca sendiri tulisan Ahli Parlimen PAS Temerloh Nasrudin Tantawi dibawah tajuk Pasma: Timbulnya Sebuah Kapal Selam di laman facebooknya petang Ahad.
Baru saja pada pada 9 September ,Nik Abduh anak kepada Musyridul Am PAS Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat cetus sensasi di facebooknya menerusi tulisannya ‘ Siapa Pengkhianat?’ dalam isu Menteri Besar Selangor.
Kebetulan kedua-dua mereka ialah Ahli Jawatankuasa Pusat PAS dan diketahui umum adalah ‘panglima’ Presiden PAS Datuk Seri Haji Hadi Awang.
Kebelakangan ini mereka berdua terus menerus menghalakan senapang kearah gelagat degil PKR dan DAP serta tindak tanduk sesetengah pimpinan PAS yang tidak mahu mendokong pendirian Haji Hadi dalam isu Menteri Besar Selangor.
Apapun isu ini sudah menjadi bertambah hangat sekarang dengan pendedahan Ketua Angkatan Muka Keadilan (PKR) ,Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad mengenai pertemuan beliau bersama Ketua Pemuda PAS dan DAP dengan Haji Hadi pagi Jumaat lalu
Presiden PAS itu bukan sahaja tidak berganjak malah secara terbuka memberitahu mereka beliau merasakan jalan keluar kepada krisis Menteri Besar ini ialah Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim dikekalkan pada jawatannya.
Ini membuatkan ramai pemerhati meramalkan Muktamar PAS yang dijadual berlangsung di Batu Pahat dari 18 hingga 20 September ini pasti hangat dan tegang.
Melihat pada senario yang makin kusut ini mungkin ramai tidak terkejut mendengar dakwaan terbaru Nasrudin.
Dakwaan itu mengambarkan krisis dalaman PAS akibat dari isu Menteri Besar Selangor sudah sampai ke tahap yang serius dan genting.
Semua orang sudah tahu tentang kewujudan PasMa yang didakwa oleh penerajunya cuma sebuah NGO dalaman parti itu.
Sebaliknya Nasrudin secara terbuka mendakwa dalam tulisan di facebooknya bahawa PasMa bukan sebuah NGO yang berorientasikan kebajikan.
“Ia adalah sebuah NGO yang diluncur ke tengah arus politik tanahair dengan sentimen dan agenda politik tersendiri,” dakwanya.
Nasrudin mendakwa satu pertemuan yang diadakan Pasma di Kota Bharu pada 31 Ogos lalu telah membincangkan bagaimana hendak menjatuhkan Presiden PAS.
Dakwanya pertemuan itu sarat dengan perbincangan dan kritikan terhadap Haji Hadi.
Juga dakwanya pertemuan itu membincangkan rancangan untuk menubuhkan sebuah parti baru bagi mengantikan PAS dalam Pakatan Rakyat.
Beliau mendakwa parti itu barangkali dinamakan Parti Ummah Sejahtera.
Bagaimanapun salah seorang yang mendakwa hadir dalam pertemuan itu menulis komen dalam facebook Nasrudin dibawah tulisan berkenaan menafikan mereka bincang rancangan untuk menjatuhkan Haji Hadi.
Katanya dakwaan Nasrudin itu fitnah dan meminta ia dihentikan.
Orang itu mengakui Presiden PAS dihentam teruk dalam pertemuan itu dan mereka bersetuju kepimpinan PAS termasuk Presiden harus ditukar tetapi tidak sampai peringkat bincang strateji menjatuhkan Presiden.
READ MORE HERE
Scorpene case will be a long drawn out affair
The indictment of the former French President and Najib becoming PM were cited as reasons for the delay.
PETALING JAYA: Suaram is asking the public to be patient over the Scorpene scandal as the French
Courts’ investigation is expected to be a long drawn out affair.
Cynthia Gabriel of Suaram explained that among the reasons for the delay was Najib’s rise to the post of prime minister of Malaysia. She said this development complicated things for the French investigation as he could no longer be subpoenaed due to the diplomatic immunity accorded to him.
She also cited the recent indictment of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy as another reason because one of the two judges in the Scorpene case was moved to Sarkozy’s corruption investigation.
Gabriel said, “Some people have decided there is no case. But there is a strong case here and it is still in progress. We are entering into the third year of the case.
“After 2012, the case was elevated to a higher court in the French judiciary system, ‘Tribunal de grande instance’ parallel to the High Court of Malaysia.”
Gabriel added, “The case was elevated to the higher courts with two new independent judges appointed, who also act as investigators as the case was getting more complicated.”
According to Gabriel, Suaram’s initial complaint of RM146 million as a service charge to Perimekar Sdn Bhd raised further questions and revealed a complex web of illicit transactions involving Malaysian companies set up in Hong Kong.
Among the companies were Terasasi (Hong Kong) Ltd, owned by Abdul Razak Baginda, a political analyst and confidant of Prime Minister Najib Razak.
Terasasi is alleged to have sold secret documents belonging to the Royal Malaysian Navy to French ship builders Thales Group.
Terasasi is also alleged to have received payments for the transaction from Luxembourg, Malta and Belgium, according to documents released by French prosecutors.
Gabriel recalled warning the press back in March 2012 that the probe on Scorpene was going to be a long drawn out affair, but felt it was important to remind the public that the “journey to reveal the truth” that started in 2010 is still very much on course.
Suaram first filed the complaint in the French judiciary in February 2010, enquiring about the formation of Perimekar after shipbuilding giant DCNS signed the deal with the Malaysian Defence Ministry, then headed by Najib.
Gabriel said, “A similar Pakistani case which involved the same French companies, took about 12 years to conclude.
“It’s going to be about the same time frame for us.
“It’s going to be a crazy wait.”
PETALING JAYA: Suaram is asking the public to be patient over the Scorpene scandal as the French Courts’ investigation is expected to be a long drawn out affair.
Cynthia Gabriel of Suaram explained that among the reasons for the delay was Najib’s rise to the post of prime minister of Malaysia. She said this development complicated things for the French investigation as he could no longer be subpoenaed due to the diplomatic immunity accorded to him.
She also cited the recent indictment of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy as another reason because one of the two judges in the Scorpene case was moved to Sarkozy’s corruption investigation.
Gabriel said, “Some people have decided there is no case. But there is a strong case here and it is still in progress. We are entering into the third year of the case.
“After 2012, the case was elevated to a higher court in the French judiciary system, ‘Tribunal de grande instance’ parallel to the High Court of Malaysia.”
Gabriel added, “The case was elevated to the higher courts with two new independent judges appointed, who also act as investigators as the case was getting more complicated.”
According to Gabriel, Suaram’s initial complaint of RM146 million as a service charge to Perimekar Sdn Bhd raised further questions and revealed a complex web of illicit transactions involving Malaysian companies set up in Hong Kong.
Among the companies were Terasasi (Hong Kong) Ltd, owned by Abdul Razak Baginda, a political analyst and confidant of Prime Minister Najib Razak.
Terasasi is alleged to have sold secret documents belonging to the Royal Malaysian Navy to French ship builders Thales Group.
Terasasi is also alleged to have received payments for the transaction from Luxembourg, Malta and Belgium, according to documents released by French prosecutors.
Gabriel recalled warning the press back in March 2012 that the probe on Scorpene was going to be a long drawn out affair, but felt it was important to remind the public that the “journey to reveal the truth” that started in 2010 is still very much on course.
Suaram first filed the complaint in the French judiciary in February 2010, enquiring about the formation of Perimekar after shipbuilding giant DCNS signed the deal with the Malaysian Defence Ministry, then headed by Najib.
Gabriel said, “A similar Pakistani case which involved the same French companies, took about 12 years to conclude.
“It’s going to be about the same time frame for us.
“It’s going to be a crazy wait.”
Have we wasted 51 years in nation building?
For five decades, Sabahans and Sarawakians have been taken for granted and their development forgotten.
By Zainnal Ajamain
In theory democracy is an appealing idea. In practice it is far from perfect.
There are people who take the cynical stand that democracy is the tyranny of the majority. In fact, that is what the people in Sabah and Sarawak have suffered in our quest to build a nation for 51 years.
The Malaysia project was never a merger of states into a complete country but a work in progress towards the building of a federation called Malaysia. This was what our founding fathers believed in and what we have been made to believe for 51 years.
The unfortunate thing is that the Malaysia project is looked upon by many as a way to sustain and maintain an elite class made up of people who are not democratically elected to be in office.
It was not the people of Malaysia that elected the Prime Minister, but a small group of people in a political party that did. As such, the Prime Minister needs only to satisfy the demands of this small group at the expense of others.
Therefore forget about seducing the people with promises that once in Putrajaya, all our problems can be resolved. Thinking this way is delusional; societies cannot simply be engineered or manufactured to suit a particular circumstance. Societies must be given a chance to evolve organically and find its own equilibrium.
It looks like we have wasted 51 years trying to build a nation.
Instead of a multi-cultural nation, we have ended up with loony supremacists and religious bigots who can only show their mob strength domestically but are out-performed and out-classed internationally.
Is this not the result of the untiring work of a benevolent despot whose objective was to establish the perception of racial supremacy based on religious beliefs rather than on the intrinsic strength of its own cognitive faculties?
These people are useful only as long as their minds are wrapped in ignorance and their lives are manipulated to serve the elite’s craving for more power. They can never understand that Malaysia is dependent on other countries.
The only strength a country has in facing global challenges is its people and the value of their intelligence. For Malaysia, this can happen only when all Malaysians stand as one, not as a slogan but as a country. Failure to understand this means the country can be easily threatened and manipulated by others for their own purposes.
Certainly Sabah’s and Sarawak’s founding fathers did not bargain to build a nation of religious zealots and bigots. They did not bargain to be manipulated and taken advantage of, and certainly they did not bargain for their wealth to be pillaged and plundered as an excuse to build this nation.
They agreed to Lord Cobbold’s definition of Malaysia: “Malaysia should be regarded by all concerned as an association of partners, combining in the common interest to create a new nation, but retaining their own individualities.”
Is Malaysia today an association of partners? Do we have a common interest to build a nation? Do Sabah and Sarawak, as partners, still retain their individualities?
We in Sabah and Sarawak have been denied many things these past 51 years, but manipulating our societies and, specifically, the minds of our youth, is unforgivable.
We have been unconscionably taken for granted and our development forgotten. Malaya is prospering at our expense.
It cannot be denied that it is our wealth that has caused all these ills and stunted Malaysia’s growth as a nation. It is our intrinsic right to take it away legally.
We have allowed Malaya and its elites to determine the pace and direction of nation building. However the present corps of intellectuals in Sabah and Sarawak are not interested in compromise any longer. If ever we consider rebuilding Malaysia, it should be from our perspective and by our standards, not the vision and standards set by Malaya and its elites.
There is obviously no beauty in division and there is no strength in unity as well. Democracy for all intents and purposes has proven to be the tyranny of the majority.
A nation is built through hard work and perseverance, not by protecting and pampering the majority at the expense of others.
Japan did it, Korea did it and Singapore did it. Why should Malaysia be an exception to this rule?
Happy Malaysia Day.
Zainnal Ajamain is an FMT reader and an economist by profession
In theory democracy is an appealing idea. In practice it is far from perfect.
There are people who take the cynical stand that democracy is the tyranny of the majority. In fact, that is what the people in Sabah and Sarawak have suffered in our quest to build a nation for 51 years.
The Malaysia project was never a merger of states into a complete country but a work in progress towards the building of a federation called Malaysia. This was what our founding fathers believed in and what we have been made to believe for 51 years.
The unfortunate thing is that the Malaysia project is looked upon by many as a way to sustain and maintain an elite class made up of people who are not democratically elected to be in office.
It was not the people of Malaysia that elected the Prime Minister, but a small group of people in a political party that did. As such, the Prime Minister needs only to satisfy the demands of this small group at the expense of others.
Therefore forget about seducing the people with promises that once in Putrajaya, all our problems can be resolved. Thinking this way is delusional; societies cannot simply be engineered or manufactured to suit a particular circumstance. Societies must be given a chance to evolve organically and find its own equilibrium.
It looks like we have wasted 51 years trying to build a nation.
Instead of a multi-cultural nation, we have ended up with loony supremacists and religious bigots who can only show their mob strength domestically but are out-performed and out-classed internationally.
Is this not the result of the untiring work of a benevolent despot whose objective was to establish the perception of racial supremacy based on religious beliefs rather than on the intrinsic strength of its own cognitive faculties?
These people are useful only as long as their minds are wrapped in ignorance and their lives are manipulated to serve the elite’s craving for more power. They can never understand that Malaysia is dependent on other countries.
The only strength a country has in facing global challenges is its people and the value of their intelligence. For Malaysia, this can happen only when all Malaysians stand as one, not as a slogan but as a country. Failure to understand this means the country can be easily threatened and manipulated by others for their own purposes.
Certainly Sabah’s and Sarawak’s founding fathers did not bargain to build a nation of religious zealots and bigots. They did not bargain to be manipulated and taken advantage of, and certainly they did not bargain for their wealth to be pillaged and plundered as an excuse to build this nation.
They agreed to Lord Cobbold’s definition of Malaysia: “Malaysia should be regarded by all concerned as an association of partners, combining in the common interest to create a new nation, but retaining their own individualities.”
Is Malaysia today an association of partners? Do we have a common interest to build a nation? Do Sabah and Sarawak, as partners, still retain their individualities?
We in Sabah and Sarawak have been denied many things these past 51 years, but manipulating our societies and, specifically, the minds of our youth, is unforgivable.
We have been unconscionably taken for granted and our development forgotten. Malaya is prospering at our expense.
It cannot be denied that it is our wealth that has caused all these ills and stunted Malaysia’s growth as a nation. It is our intrinsic right to take it away legally.
We have allowed Malaya and its elites to determine the pace and direction of nation building. However the present corps of intellectuals in Sabah and Sarawak are not interested in compromise any longer. If ever we consider rebuilding Malaysia, it should be from our perspective and by our standards, not the vision and standards set by Malaya and its elites.
There is obviously no beauty in division and there is no strength in unity as well. Democracy for all intents and purposes has proven to be the tyranny of the majority.
A nation is built through hard work and perseverance, not by protecting and pampering the majority at the expense of others.
Japan did it, Korea did it and Singapore did it. Why should Malaysia be an exception to this rule?
Happy Malaysia Day.
Zainnal Ajamain is an FMT reader and an economist by profession
Four detained over UPSR leaks
Home Minister says UPSR culprits will not be protected.
BUTTERWORTH: Police today detained four teachers during a raid in Penang and Parit Buntar, Perak over the leakages in the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) Science and English examination papers.
Home Minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the police had opened an investigation paper and were liaising with the education ministry to jointly carry out a detailed probe into the leakages.
Saying police would not protect the individuals or senior officers involved in leaking the exam questions, Zahid added, “More information will be unearthed by the police, especially on the method of distribution of question papers of not only UPSR, but also other examinations.
“The education ministry and the Malaysian Examinations Syndicate have given us much information to facilitate investigations.
“I wish to give my assurance that the police will not do a cover-up on any individual or senior officer involved in the leakage,” he told reporters after opening the Batu Kawan Umno division delegates meeting here today. - Bernama
Home Minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the police had opened an investigation paper and were liaising with the education ministry to jointly carry out a detailed probe into the leakages.
Saying police would not protect the individuals or senior officers involved in leaking the exam questions, Zahid added, “More information will be unearthed by the police, especially on the method of distribution of question papers of not only UPSR, but also other examinations.
“The education ministry and the Malaysian Examinations Syndicate have given us much information to facilitate investigations.
“I wish to give my assurance that the police will not do a cover-up on any individual or senior officer involved in the leakage,” he told reporters after opening the Batu Kawan Umno division delegates meeting here today. - Bernama
Cabinet on Wednesday should order a halt to the “white terror” intensified in the past month using the colonial law of sedition to create a new climate of fear after the Mahathir “Dark Age” as it is totally against Najib’s promise to make Malaysia “best democracy in the world”
Idris said the charge against Azmi was wrong and that the law professor should not be charged for sedition.
In a series of Twitter postings yesterday, Idris said: “Academic freedom is required in pursuit of knowledge.”
Stressing that Malaysia must continue to pursue moderation, Idris twittered: “Constructive criticism and dissent should be allowed, as long as it does not create serious fault in the social fabric of our society.”
Although admirable and commendable for daring to speak out against Azmi’s sedition charge, it is a great pity that Idris did not have the full courage of conviction that constructive criticism and dissent are lifeblood of any meaningful transformation of Malaysia to take an equally forthright and courageous stand against the sedition blitz intensified in the past month to stifle criticism and dissent which saw the malicious prosecution and persecution of some 20 Pakatan Rakat Members of Parliament, State Assemblymen, a journalist, a lawyer, an academician and several social activists under the undemocratic and repressive colonial law of sedition.
Nonetheless, Idris stands out as the lone and courageous Minister so far to speak out against the “white terror” intensified in the past month using the colonial law of sedition to create a new climate of fear in the country after the Mahathir “Dark Age”.
What about the other Ministers? Are they all craven and cowardly who dare not speak out against the sedition dragnet against virtually all and sundry who are not on the side of the powers-that-be, to strike fear among the citizenry that they will have to pay a heavy price if they stand up for justice, fair play, multi-racialism, human rights, democracy, rule of law and good governance?
It is these values and issues of justice, fair play, multi-racialism, human rights, democracy, rule of law and good governance which will decide whether Malaysia regresses into a backward, authoritarian and police state or moves forward to a more free, democratic and prosperous future.
All Cabinet Ministers should therefore take a stand at the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday to order a halt to the “white terror” intensified in the past month using the sedition law to create a new climate of fear after the Mahathir “Dark Age” as it is totally against the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s promise to make Malaysia “the best democracy in the world”.
In the national interests, is Idris prepared to take the lead for the charge in Cabinet on Wednesday to end the reign of “white terror” intensified in the past month through the undemocratic, repressive and indiscriminate use of the colonial sedition law?
(Speech at the Johor Jaya DAP Pesta Tanglung in Johor Bahru on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 9 pm)
Government Policies On Right Track, Effective - Muhyiddin
SUNGAI SIPUT, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- Government policies formulated by past leaders and continued by current leaders are on the right track and have been effective, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
He said this was evident with the country's numerous success, including recognition at international level, while the nation's policies has also been emulated by other countries.
"We have carried out the national socio-economic development agenda which turned Malaysia into a fast developing nation," he said when speaking at the opening of the Sungai Siput Umno division delegation meeting and the new Sungai Siput Umno division building here Sunday.
Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Sungai Siput Umno division head Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun who is also Lintang state assemblyman.
Muhyiddin who is Umno deputy president said economic experts have also anticipated Malaysia to reach developed nation status earlier as economic growth and household income has increased as well as better employment opportunities.
Muhyiddin said if Malaysia had been unruly, it would not be possible to record rapid economic growth as enjoyed by the people of all strata, now.
"We need to be grateful to the policies put in place by our leaders and government which we will continue to improve and strengthen," he said.
He said Umno also needed to continue its struggle with its partners in Barisan Nasional so that peace and prosperity we enjoy today can be preserved for the future generation.
Meanwhile, Muhyiddin who is also Education Minister approved the application of Sungai Siput Umno division to build a fully residential religious school in the area.
Dr Mahathir defends ‘Malays are lazy’ remark, says they prefer to be Mat Rempit
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad defended his criticism of Malays, admitting that he was ashamed that they had been left behind by the forward-thinking Chinese community.Malaysia's longest-serving prime minister said the Malays were still lazy, citing the gender imbalance at institutions of higher learning where the majority was women.
"The Malays are lazy, they are not interested in studying and revising. If we go to the universities, 70% of the students are women, where are the men?"
"They prefer to become Mat Rempit, that is why I said they are lazy," Dr Mahathir told Umno mouthpiece Utusan Malaysia in an exclusive interview published today.
Earlier this week when launching a book, Dr Mahathir had lamented that Malays do not feel ashamed of failures anymore.
He had admitted that he failed to change the mentality of the Malays in his 22 years as prime minister.
"I spend 22 years trying to change the Malays but I admit I failed. However, there are a few success stories," he said in his remarks after launching a book by Anas Zubedy on Thursday.
"If anyone asks me today, I would have to say Malays are lazy," he had said.
Dr Mahathir said although the Malays had been awarded places in institutions of higher learning, but they did not make full use of their time to focus on their studies.
"I am ashamed when I see the Chinese students studying three different languages but still have a better grasp of the English language compared to their Malay peers.
"The Malays study two languages, Bahasa Malaysia and English, but they keep saying all right, that is enough, no need to learn English anymore."
Dr Mahathir was referring to Putrajaya's decision to abolish the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English, which he had introduced in 2003.
The former Umno president said it was disappointing that the Malays were dishonest and lacked integrity because they prioritised money more compared to the Chinese.
Dr Mahathir said he was operating a bakery and had various staff working for him, including Chinese, Malay and Myanmar nationals.
"However, what I am ashamed of is that when some Malay workers see money, they forget themselves and their values.
"They see money and if they can steal it, they steal it. The Chinese are not like this," Dr Mahathir told the weekend edition of the paper, Mingguan Malaysia.
He also raised the issue of Malay attitude when it came to debts, saying they could afford to repay their debts but refused to do so.
"How many Malays are there who refuse to settle their debts? They receive scholarships and student loans but refuse to pay back.
"This is not a question of being unable to, they have the money but just refuse to honour their commitments. We must be honest."
Dr Mahathir said this was one of the factors why many contracts had been awarded to the Chinese community because they were more honest than Malays.
"When we issue a contract, we give it to the Chinese because we know they will keep their word and do a good job. That is the weakness of the Malays, we lack honesty."
Dr Mahathir admitted that he had criticised the Malay community because he did not want to lie to himself and it was better to face up to reality.
"I do not like to delude myself or lie to myself. I will call a spade a spade. If some people do not like what I say, it is their choice.
"Why did I introduce the Look East policy in 1982? It was because I admired the Japanese for their attitude towards work," Dr Mahathir said. – September 14, 2014.
Pakatan failed to be alternative to Barisan, says Najib
Datuk Seri Najib Razak took a swipe at the opposition today, saying Pakatan Rakyat has failed in its attempt to be the alternative to the ruling coalition.The prime minister said there is no “viable alternative” to the BN as the opposition has failed to copy the ruling party’s formula in promoting cooperation and mutual respect between all races.
"The opposition tried to imitate us. But in Selangor, the political understanding between the three parties has broken down," Najib said when opening Makkal Sakti’s annual meeting at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
Comparing Pakatan with BN, Najib said the ruling coalition has 13 parties and many other parties which it regarded as “friends of BN”.
"We are sincere and we want to achieve our mission together because we believe in power sharing, in the National Transformation policy, one Malaysia and New Economic Models," said Najib.
He said this is what BN is all about despite the accusations levelled at the coalition in social media and in the opposition’s campaign before and after the 13th general election.
"But today what we can see is they tried to be the alternative to BN but they failed," he said.
Najib said for a better future for the nation, there was no other viable option or alternative to BN.
"Imitation goods are not better than originals, originals are way better," he said.
Najib also said that he may not be able to fulfil all “requests” as he has to be fair to everyone.
“I may not able to satisfy and fulfil all but I have to be fair to every party. I have to take into consideration everything before making a decision. There are things that I can do and there are things that I cannot do.”
He said this was the way BN ruled the country.
The prime minister also touched on the goods and services tax (GST) which will be implemented next April. He said if the government raised more revenues, it was easier to help the people.
"Many of us are not paying tax. We cannot afford to sustain our increasing expenses. Our aim is not to burden the rakyat. GST is for the future of the rakyat. The more we make, the easier it is for us to channel aid to assist the rakyat.”
He pointed out that 162 countries have implemented the GST and Malaysia’s rate will be among the lowest at 6%.
"This is our way of managing the country. Having populist policies are not enough to rule the country.
"If we do business, we cannot give everything for free or else we will go bankrupt."
Najib said BN was a responsible party and even though it may not be able to fulfil all requests, it could ensure a brighter future for Malaysians.
Critics of the GST have claimed that the consumption tax would hit low- and middle-income earners but Najib’s administration claimed it was necessary to trim the national deficit.
MAS MH198 to Hyderabad forced to turn back, emergency landing in KLIA
Malay Mail
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 — Malaysian Airlines (MAS) flight MH198 from Kuala Lumpur to Hyderabad, India was forced to turn back and made an emergency landing at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport shortly after its departure last night after its crew detected a problem, global flight tracking agency Flightradar24 tweeted.
The Boeing 738 plane, which took off at 10.20pm last night, landed without incident at 2.01am today, MAS said in a statement posted on its website.
The national carrier attributed the cause for the turnback to a "technical problem" but did not go into specifics.
"The defect did not have any impact on the safety of the aircraft or passengers, however as a precautionary measure, the operating Captain decided to turn back," MAS said.
It added that the passengers aboard disembarked safely and have been provided with accommodation at hotels nearby the airport.
It also said Flight MH198 has been rescheduled to operate as MH198D and will leave the city at 12 noon today. The rescheduled flight is expected to land in for Hyderabad at 1.35pm local time today.
News of the unexpected emergency landing was first reported by Flightradar24, which said the plane started maintaining a holding position shortly after take-off and burnt fuel to prepare for an emergency landing.
"Yeah I was on #MH198 apparently some issues with their radio & they had to land manually after burning out fuel," a Twitter user posted on the microblogging site under the handle @im_not_sana.
The late night incident follows two air disasters for MAS this year, the first being the mysterious disappearance of Flight MH370 from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8.
More recently was the shooting down of Flight MH17 over Ukraine on July 17, killing all 298 people on board.
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| A screengrab from Flightradar24’s Twitter feed showing MAS flight MH198's forced u-turn. |
The Boeing 738 plane, which took off at 10.20pm last night, landed without incident at 2.01am today, MAS said in a statement posted on its website.
The national carrier attributed the cause for the turnback to a "technical problem" but did not go into specifics.
"The defect did not have any impact on the safety of the aircraft or passengers, however as a precautionary measure, the operating Captain decided to turn back," MAS said.
It added that the passengers aboard disembarked safely and have been provided with accommodation at hotels nearby the airport.
It also said Flight MH198 has been rescheduled to operate as MH198D and will leave the city at 12 noon today. The rescheduled flight is expected to land in for Hyderabad at 1.35pm local time today.
News of the unexpected emergency landing was first reported by Flightradar24, which said the plane started maintaining a holding position shortly after take-off and burnt fuel to prepare for an emergency landing.
"Yeah I was on #MH198 apparently some issues with their radio & they had to land manually after burning out fuel," a Twitter user posted on the microblogging site under the handle @im_not_sana.
The late night incident follows two air disasters for MAS this year, the first being the mysterious disappearance of Flight MH370 from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8.
More recently was the shooting down of Flight MH17 over Ukraine on July 17, killing all 298 people on board.
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