Sunday, 18 January 2015
Syria: Isis crucifixion frenzy in revenge for wave of assassinations
The Islamic State (Isis) have crucified 17 young men in 48 hours in retaliation for a wave of assassinations targeting their fighters.
The executions carried out by the jihadist group, which controls vast swathes of land straddling Syria and Iraq, took place in the eastern and northern Syrian cities of Deir Ezzor (or Deir al-Zor) and Raqqa "to send a message to all their opponents after recent assassinations of 12 Syrian, Iraqi and Algerian jihadists," said London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The men, who were shot dead and then crucified for three days, were accused of fighting against Islamic State.
"Isis is sending a message to all people living under its control, to say: 'This is what will happen to any opponent'", the observatory said.
A man from the Ma'dan area in the countryside of Raqqa, the headquarters of the Sunni militant group, was executed for "taking a picture of an Isis fighter and publishing it on Facebook".
Another man, a university student in the town of al-Bolel, was accused of being an informant for the Assad regime and executed. He was initially arrested on charge of "smoking" as he returned from his university, which is located in regime-held areas.
Among those executed were five members of the Shaitat tribe, which attempted a rebellion against Islamic State rule in Deir Ezzor's Abu Hamam.
The jihadists crushed the revolt in three days, killing, beheading and crucifying members of the tribe. Around 900 people were estimated to have been killed in the bloodiest single atrocity committed by Islamic State in Syria.
Resentment among the population against Islamic State has increased in the past few months, with targeted assassinations taking out members of the group.
A senior member of Islamic State's feared al-Hesbah (or Hisbah) force in Deir Ezzor was found with his head cut off and a cigarette in its mouth. The corpse showed signs of torture and carried the message "This is evil, you Sheikh" written on it. It is unclear who carried out the decapitation but the message was obvious.
Islamic State's ban on cigarettes is one of its signature polices. It has imposed a strict set of Sharia laws barring the use of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes in the territories it has conquered.
Britain on beheading alert: Security stepped up for police and Jewish schools as fears grow of new jihadi strike
- Jewish community buildings will receive extra police protection after Paris
- Intelligence sources fear fanatics will launch their own UK terror attacks
- The country's 70 Jewish schools have been placed on high alert
- Britain's senior anti-terror police chief warned of increased risk of attack
Security was dramatically stepped up for police officers and the Jewish community in Britain yesterday amid fears of a terror attack.
Intelligence chiefs are worried that Islamist fanatics could try to copy the atrocities in France last week that cost 17 lives.
Four Jewish people and three police officers were among the dead.
Fears of similar carnage in the UK intensified on Thursday after commandos in Belgium killed Islamic State fanatics who wanted to behead a policeman or a judge. The plot held chilling echoes of the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby outside his barracks in Woolwich.
In other developments:
- David Cameron and Barack Obama pledged to stand shoulder to shoulder in the fight against terrorism;
- Intelligence sources said as many as 20 sleeper cells with 180 fanatics could be ready to strike in Europe;
- Nearly 800 people have been put on a Home Office programme targeting potential extremists;
The Duchess of Cambridge has reportedly been given enhanced security on a public appearance.
Mark Rowley, the UK’s senior counter-terrorism officer, said: ‘The global picture of terrorist activity does give us heightened concern about the risk to the Jewish community.’
The Met assistant commissioner said the murders at a kosher supermarket in Paris, coupled with a rise in anti-semitic rhetoric from extremists, justified more patrols in areas with large Jewish populations, including London, Leeds and Manchester.
Some 263,000 people in Britain describe themselves as Jewish. The country’s 70 Jewish schools have been put on high alert.
The Community Security Trust, which advises Jewish institutions and groups on safety, said: ‘We spend an inordinate amount of money on security, particularly on our schools – as we should. Obviously there’s a change in the threat level because there could be people who might be perversely inspired by what they saw happen [in Paris].’
Read more:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2914079/Britain-beheading-alert-security-stepped-police-Jewish-schools-fears-grow-new-jihadi-strike.html
MyWatch chief offers Sirul free ticket home
MyWatch chairperson R Sri Sanjeevan said since Sirul, who for unknown reasons managed to leave the country while under bail, cited financial difficulties in securing a ticket home from Australia, he is willing to foot the bill.
"I personally would like to offer him a free return ticket to Malaysia from Australia."If the reason cited by the lawyer is true and if he doesn't have the intention of escaping the Federal Court's judgment then I'm certain he would accept this offer and return home to face the court's judgment," said Sanjeevan in a statement today.
He said the excuse of financial difficulty for missing the Federal Court hearing was "totally unacceptable".
The prominent crimebuster expressed "deepest disappointment" that Sirul had been allowed to jump bail while his murder acquittal was under appeal.
How did Sirul leave?
Sanjeevan said Sirul should have been closely monitored after his release on bail.
"How is that possible for a murder case suspect in such a high-profile case leave the country without even being noticed?
"This is something that must be investigated and we should be ashamed of the inefficiency of our authorities," he said.The Federal Court decision to uphold the guilty sentence against Sirul Azhar and chief inspector Azilah Hadri over the country's most controversial murder case, was delivered on Tuesday.
The Appeals Court on Aug 23, 2013 freed the duo of the charge of causing the death of Altantuya, who had served as interpreter in the controversial Scorpene submarines deals when Prime Minister Najib Razak was defence minister.
Meanwhile, the government said it is discussing how to deal with the Australian government over Sirul's extradition, as the latter's anti-capital punishment laws forbid it from deporting one who is facing the death penalty back to face his sentence.
Ku Nan slams Perkasa for temple instigation
"I don't know why they are making noise. Building temples won't turn an entire Putrajaya into Hindus," he told reporters after launching a development project near Seri Kembangan today.
"The facilities we have at the complex can be used by Muslims as well. There's a hall, and there is a library."The way we are building this temple is different from other temples," he added.
He also said that around 600 to 700 Hindus live in Putrajaya, a district comprising many former estates with a large ethnic Indian population.
Perkasa Youth previously questioned Putrajaya’s approval for the temple, saying that the temple entrance should be facing Banting rather than Putrajaya.
The right-wing NGO had argued that Putrajaya is populated mostly by Malays.
However, MIC Youth Chief C Sivaraajh recently asked Perkasa to mind its own business and not interfere in the temple issue.
Tengku Adnan claimed that the temple can become a “tourist destination” in the future when it is built.
He also defended the ministry and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) decision to change the name of Jalan Travers in Bangsar to Jalan Rakyat.
“Of course!” he said abruptly when asked if proper consultation was done before the name change.
“Don’t always talk about negative news,” he sniped.
'Chandran’s death makes IPCMC imperative'
The malignancy of custodial deaths and the
urgency of action to prevent its recurrence has reached a stage where
the government can no longer evade the issue, said a DAP leader.
DAP national vice-chair M Kulasegaran said the findings of coroner Ahmad Bache in the 2012 death of lorry driver Chandran Perumal while in police custody, was the “latest confirmation that custodial deaths are a malignancy to which the government can no longer be callously indifferent”.
“The recommended remedy is the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), but this was mothballed due to opposition from senior police officers who have not resorted to at least the courtesy of seeing that such cases recur to mar the image of the force as a rights-sensitive and accountable body,” remarked the Ipoh Barat MP.
Kulasegaran (left)
said that it seemed not even the stinging judicial rebukes - contained
in the opinion of Justice V T Singham in the notorious M Kugan case in
2013 - appeared to be chastening enough to compel the force to adhere to
minimum standards of decency in the treatment of criminal suspects in
custody.
Alluding to Singham’s 2013 judgment in the Kugan case, he said the judge had urged the force to put an end to “horror stories” in police lock-ups.
Kulasegaran cited Singham’s opinion that “custodial death should not become the rule of the day,” as a warning to the force that it was taking its apathy towards the phenomenon to an extent that was inhuman and callous.
Quoting the judge’s scalding comments further, to wit, “It is a heinous crime perpetrated by the custodians of law,” Kulasegaran added that the government could no longer evade the moral necessity of setting up the IPCMC.
DAP national vice-chair M Kulasegaran said the findings of coroner Ahmad Bache in the 2012 death of lorry driver Chandran Perumal while in police custody, was the “latest confirmation that custodial deaths are a malignancy to which the government can no longer be callously indifferent”.
“The recommended remedy is the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), but this was mothballed due to opposition from senior police officers who have not resorted to at least the courtesy of seeing that such cases recur to mar the image of the force as a rights-sensitive and accountable body,” remarked the Ipoh Barat MP.
Kulasegaran (left)
said that it seemed not even the stinging judicial rebukes - contained
in the opinion of Justice V T Singham in the notorious M Kugan case in
2013 - appeared to be chastening enough to compel the force to adhere to
minimum standards of decency in the treatment of criminal suspects in
custody.Alluding to Singham’s 2013 judgment in the Kugan case, he said the judge had urged the force to put an end to “horror stories” in police lock-ups.
Kulasegaran cited Singham’s opinion that “custodial death should not become the rule of the day,” as a warning to the force that it was taking its apathy towards the phenomenon to an extent that was inhuman and callous.
Quoting the judge’s scalding comments further, to wit, “It is a heinous crime perpetrated by the custodians of law,” Kulasegaran added that the government could no longer evade the moral necessity of setting up the IPCMC.
Despite sedition probe, preacher hits out at Jakim
Although a lawyer has been hauled up
recently for sedition after criticising the Department of Islamic
Development Malaysia (Jakim), a preacher has joined the fray against the
religious authority.
Preacher Wan Ji Wan Hussin, who is facing a separate sedition charge himself, said it was a misconception that criticising Jakim is tantamount to insulting Islam.
"There
is a difference between Islam and a Islamic religious body. The views
of an Islamic religious body does not necessarily represent Islam.
"This is because the views of an Islamic religious body can be right or wrong, but Islam is not wrong," he said in a statement today.
Lawyer Eric Paulsen (left) is being investigated for sedition after accusing Jakim of spreading extremism in Friday sermons.
Wan Ji noted that criticising Jakim - or the sermon text prepared by the religious authority - should not be likened to criticising Islam and is, in fact, a "healthy" practice.
He stressed that the only reference for Islam should be the Quran and hadiths, not religious authorities.
Wan Ji also criticised Jakim for giving Islam a bad name over a series of decisions made by the religious body.
'Giving Islam a bad name'
An example, he added, was Jakim's demand for action against dog trainer Maznah Mohd Yusof which led to her arrest for sedition.
Jakim had ruled that a video uploaded by Maznah of her celebrating Hari Raya with her dogs was insulting to Islam.
"Jakim's action differed from the teachings in the authentic hadith.
"Prophet Muhammad had described how the sins of an Israeli prostitute was forgiven because she gave water to a thirsty dog," he pointed out.
In
another instance, he said Jakim had prohibited Muslims from touching
dogs even though there are differing schools of thought on the matter.
Wan Ji (left) said Jakim's claim that Malaysia only subscribed to the Shafie school of thought also did not hold water, as the country's does not fully subscribe to it - such as in matters concerning zakat.
He added that Jakim should not be forcing Muslims to comply with the majority view of religious scholars, as they may eventually turn into a minority opinion - such as the initial banning of musical instruments.
Wan Ji was - in September last year - charged at the Shah Alam Sessions Court with sedition for criticising the monarchy on the Internet.
Yesterday, the Shah Alam Sessions Court allowed him to challenge the constitutionality of his sedition charge at the High Court.
Preacher Wan Ji Wan Hussin, who is facing a separate sedition charge himself, said it was a misconception that criticising Jakim is tantamount to insulting Islam.
"There
is a difference between Islam and a Islamic religious body. The views
of an Islamic religious body does not necessarily represent Islam."This is because the views of an Islamic religious body can be right or wrong, but Islam is not wrong," he said in a statement today.
Lawyer Eric Paulsen (left) is being investigated for sedition after accusing Jakim of spreading extremism in Friday sermons.
Wan Ji noted that criticising Jakim - or the sermon text prepared by the religious authority - should not be likened to criticising Islam and is, in fact, a "healthy" practice.
He stressed that the only reference for Islam should be the Quran and hadiths, not religious authorities.
Wan Ji also criticised Jakim for giving Islam a bad name over a series of decisions made by the religious body.
'Giving Islam a bad name'
An example, he added, was Jakim's demand for action against dog trainer Maznah Mohd Yusof which led to her arrest for sedition.
Jakim had ruled that a video uploaded by Maznah of her celebrating Hari Raya with her dogs was insulting to Islam.
"Jakim's action differed from the teachings in the authentic hadith.
"Prophet Muhammad had described how the sins of an Israeli prostitute was forgiven because she gave water to a thirsty dog," he pointed out.
In
another instance, he said Jakim had prohibited Muslims from touching
dogs even though there are differing schools of thought on the matter.Wan Ji (left) said Jakim's claim that Malaysia only subscribed to the Shafie school of thought also did not hold water, as the country's does not fully subscribe to it - such as in matters concerning zakat.
He added that Jakim should not be forcing Muslims to comply with the majority view of religious scholars, as they may eventually turn into a minority opinion - such as the initial banning of musical instruments.
Wan Ji was - in September last year - charged at the Shah Alam Sessions Court with sedition for criticising the monarchy on the Internet.
Yesterday, the Shah Alam Sessions Court allowed him to challenge the constitutionality of his sedition charge at the High Court.
What is it with you now, Perkasa? Why target Hindu temple in Putrajaya?
By Sonia Ramachandran
PETALING JAYA: In Malaysia, catering for the needs of its multiracial and multi-religious society is something that is taken for granted.
We see that by the public holidays anointed for each religious festival and of course, the houses of worship that are constructed for citizens to perform their religious obligations.
But ultra-right wing Malay group Perkasa does not seem “too happy” with a Hindu temple being constructed in Precint 20 Putrajaya.
Perkasa Youth is reportedly curious as to why the Hindu temple has been constructed in a Malay-majority area with its chief Irwan Fahmi Ideris feeling the soon-to-be-completed Sri Lalithambikai Alayam temple has a “somewhat inappropriate location”.
Irwan also suggested that the temple’s entrance face Banting where there is a large Hindu population.
Former MIC strategic director Datuk Seri S Vell Paari told Theantdaily that logically, the temple being built there is just testament to the fact that the Barisan Nasional government in power understands the multi-religious nature of this country.
“In the political capital of Malaysia where the majority are Malays, and for the government to approve the building of the temple here just goes to show how much they value the multiracial aspect of this country.
“This temple will be an icon to show that Malaysia is made up of three major races and religions,” he said.
Vell Paari said there would always be one or two idiots among the sane whose statements you just need to shrug off, especially if they are insignificant in the larger scheme of things.
“Perkasa are not the policymakers. Look at them questioning the logic of building a temple there when there are not many Hindus in that vicinity. When they built Putrajaya, were there millions of people there then?
“The government knows that although there may only be about 1,500 Hindus living in Putrajaya currently, these numbers will grow. When they built the first Siva temple in Perth on 10 acres (4.04ha) of land, there were not many Hindus there either and it was about 20 km from the city but now the city has expanded to this area,” he said.
On Irwan’s suggestion to have the temple’s entrance face Banting, Vell Paari said: “I can tell them to point the direction of Perkasa’s door towards Hospital Permai in Tampoi where all the insane people are.
“When Perkasa talks like this, I don’t react. I’m not astonished, shocked or affected. Honestly, when you look at a group that is led by a man who looks like the twin brother of Jabba the Hutt from Star Wars, what do you expect?
“We Malaysians live together in harmony except for “worms” like them who are not human beings, let alone Malaysians. How can I comment on a statement by someone from the slug family? I can only comment on statements by human beings. After all, what do you expect to come out from the mouths of slugs except slime.”
According to Wikipedia, Jabba the Hutt is a character appearing in George Lucas's space opera film saga Star Wars and is depicted as a large, slug-like alien whose appearance has been described by film critic Roger Ebert as a cross between a toad and the Cheshire Cat.
In an interview with Malaysiakini, Irwan had reportedly said: “There are not many Hindus in Putrajaya and if the entrance faces Banting, this would make it easier for them to reach the temple.
“Although I am not sure of the exact figure, I know the majority of those living in Putrajaya are Malays.”
Irwan did, however, stress that it was the temple’s location they were questioning, not the freedom of religion.
“We will not hold demonstrations over the matter as we respect the other religions,” he said, adding that he would be meeting with the local authority, Perbadanan Putrajaya (Putrajaya Corporation), to obtain a more detailed explanation on the matter as well as Putrajaya Perkasa Youth.
There are approximately 1,500 Hindus living in Putrajaya mostly comprising civil servants.
In January 2013, former MIC president Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu, who also happens to be Vell Paari’s father, announced the construction of the temple – dubbed the “most unique temple in the country” – at a cost of RM12 million.
Just because the Hindus are a minority in Putrajaya, does Irwan expect them not to have a proper place of worship?
Does he expect them to travel long distances out of Putrajaya to pray?
What about the Hindus in Cyberjaya as well?
Another thing that is baffling is that the temple is “soon-to-be-completed”.
Wouldn’t Irwan have seen the construction going on from 2013? Didn’t he realise the location then?
And the construction of the temple had been publicised in the press.
Why is he questioning it when it is almost done? Does he expect it to be torn down or relocated?
Or is this just a ploy for publicity on a day when he just can’t seem to find any issue to make some inflammatory or incendiary remark and gain some cheap publicity?
After all, without such remarks, Irwan will just be another “Tom, Dick or Harry” on the road with absolutely no claim to fame.
- See more at: http://www.theantdaily.com/Main/What-is-it-with-you-now-Perkasa-Why-target-Hindu-temple-in-Putrajaya
PETALING JAYA: In Malaysia, catering for the needs of its multiracial and multi-religious society is something that is taken for granted.
We see that by the public holidays anointed for each religious festival and of course, the houses of worship that are constructed for citizens to perform their religious obligations.
But ultra-right wing Malay group Perkasa does not seem “too happy” with a Hindu temple being constructed in Precint 20 Putrajaya.
Perkasa Youth is reportedly curious as to why the Hindu temple has been constructed in a Malay-majority area with its chief Irwan Fahmi Ideris feeling the soon-to-be-completed Sri Lalithambikai Alayam temple has a “somewhat inappropriate location”.
Irwan also suggested that the temple’s entrance face Banting where there is a large Hindu population.
Former MIC strategic director Datuk Seri S Vell Paari told Theantdaily that logically, the temple being built there is just testament to the fact that the Barisan Nasional government in power understands the multi-religious nature of this country.
“In the political capital of Malaysia where the majority are Malays, and for the government to approve the building of the temple here just goes to show how much they value the multiracial aspect of this country.
“This temple will be an icon to show that Malaysia is made up of three major races and religions,” he said.
Vell Paari said there would always be one or two idiots among the sane whose statements you just need to shrug off, especially if they are insignificant in the larger scheme of things.
“Perkasa are not the policymakers. Look at them questioning the logic of building a temple there when there are not many Hindus in that vicinity. When they built Putrajaya, were there millions of people there then?
“The government knows that although there may only be about 1,500 Hindus living in Putrajaya currently, these numbers will grow. When they built the first Siva temple in Perth on 10 acres (4.04ha) of land, there were not many Hindus there either and it was about 20 km from the city but now the city has expanded to this area,” he said.
On Irwan’s suggestion to have the temple’s entrance face Banting, Vell Paari said: “I can tell them to point the direction of Perkasa’s door towards Hospital Permai in Tampoi where all the insane people are.
“When Perkasa talks like this, I don’t react. I’m not astonished, shocked or affected. Honestly, when you look at a group that is led by a man who looks like the twin brother of Jabba the Hutt from Star Wars, what do you expect?
“We Malaysians live together in harmony except for “worms” like them who are not human beings, let alone Malaysians. How can I comment on a statement by someone from the slug family? I can only comment on statements by human beings. After all, what do you expect to come out from the mouths of slugs except slime.”
According to Wikipedia, Jabba the Hutt is a character appearing in George Lucas's space opera film saga Star Wars and is depicted as a large, slug-like alien whose appearance has been described by film critic Roger Ebert as a cross between a toad and the Cheshire Cat.
In an interview with Malaysiakini, Irwan had reportedly said: “There are not many Hindus in Putrajaya and if the entrance faces Banting, this would make it easier for them to reach the temple.
“Although I am not sure of the exact figure, I know the majority of those living in Putrajaya are Malays.”
Irwan did, however, stress that it was the temple’s location they were questioning, not the freedom of religion.
“We will not hold demonstrations over the matter as we respect the other religions,” he said, adding that he would be meeting with the local authority, Perbadanan Putrajaya (Putrajaya Corporation), to obtain a more detailed explanation on the matter as well as Putrajaya Perkasa Youth.
There are approximately 1,500 Hindus living in Putrajaya mostly comprising civil servants.
In January 2013, former MIC president Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu, who also happens to be Vell Paari’s father, announced the construction of the temple – dubbed the “most unique temple in the country” – at a cost of RM12 million.
Just because the Hindus are a minority in Putrajaya, does Irwan expect them not to have a proper place of worship?
Does he expect them to travel long distances out of Putrajaya to pray?
What about the Hindus in Cyberjaya as well?
Another thing that is baffling is that the temple is “soon-to-be-completed”.
Wouldn’t Irwan have seen the construction going on from 2013? Didn’t he realise the location then?
And the construction of the temple had been publicised in the press.
Why is he questioning it when it is almost done? Does he expect it to be torn down or relocated?
Or is this just a ploy for publicity on a day when he just can’t seem to find any issue to make some inflammatory or incendiary remark and gain some cheap publicity?
After all, without such remarks, Irwan will just be another “Tom, Dick or Harry” on the road with absolutely no claim to fame.
- See more at: http://www.theantdaily.com/Main/What-is-it-with-you-now-Perkasa-Why-target-Hindu-temple-in-Putrajaya
Mystery man ‘HR’ as Najib spin master
Former editor Kadir Jasin raises questions about new man advising PM.
FMT
KUALA LUMPUR: Former newspaper editor A Kadir Jasin has heightened speculation about a rumoured new media and propaganda “adviser” to prime minister Najib Razak, in the latest round of attacks and counter-attacks around Najib.
Kadir said he did not dare publish the name and his link to the prime minister, only stating it with the initials “HR”.
Speculation of “HR” and the position of media adviser arose after former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, under criticism in the media, issued a statement to say he knew who had instigated the coordinated attack.
Kadir, who was former editor-in-chief of New Straits Times and Berita Harian, both Umno-controlled newspapers, is close to Daim and former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad.
He said cyberspace was “abuzz with talks that a new person outside the media circle has emerged as the new media and propaganda ‘adviser’ to the PM.
Kadir said today he had been warned off by a senior editor at a Malay-language newspaper, probably a reference to Utusan Malaysia, against talking about “HR”.
The editor had sent him an SMS that stated: “HR ini powerful.. keluar saja nama dia, terus kena serang” (HR is powerful…mention his name and get attacked) and had referred Kadir to a video on YouTube in which Kadir was attacked for his recent remarks warning Najib supporters that their anti-Daim campaign might backfire.
Kadir said his YouTube critic had asked what it was that Kadir wanted or had been denied that had made him turn against the PM. Kadir put out an 18-point response to show his professional relationship with Najib and that he had not asked for, or obtained, anything.
On Friday, Kadir said a senior mainstream newspaper editor had asked him by SMS about H… R… “yang dikatakan terlalu rapat dengan PM dan berupaya memberitahu kepala2 media prima dan utusan yang apa perlu di spin?” [Who is this person by the name H... R... who is said to be so close to the PM and is able to tell the heads of Media Prima and Utusan what they should spin?]
Kadir said he had tried, but failed, to receive any confirmation from contacts at the Prime Minister’s Office about “HR”.
KUALA LUMPUR: Former newspaper editor A Kadir Jasin has heightened speculation about a rumoured new media and propaganda “adviser” to prime minister Najib Razak, in the latest round of attacks and counter-attacks around Najib.
Kadir said he did not dare publish the name and his link to the prime minister, only stating it with the initials “HR”.
Speculation of “HR” and the position of media adviser arose after former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, under criticism in the media, issued a statement to say he knew who had instigated the coordinated attack.
Kadir, who was former editor-in-chief of New Straits Times and Berita Harian, both Umno-controlled newspapers, is close to Daim and former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad.
He said cyberspace was “abuzz with talks that a new person outside the media circle has emerged as the new media and propaganda ‘adviser’ to the PM.
Kadir said today he had been warned off by a senior editor at a Malay-language newspaper, probably a reference to Utusan Malaysia, against talking about “HR”.
The editor had sent him an SMS that stated: “HR ini powerful.. keluar saja nama dia, terus kena serang” (HR is powerful…mention his name and get attacked) and had referred Kadir to a video on YouTube in which Kadir was attacked for his recent remarks warning Najib supporters that their anti-Daim campaign might backfire.
Kadir said his YouTube critic had asked what it was that Kadir wanted or had been denied that had made him turn against the PM. Kadir put out an 18-point response to show his professional relationship with Najib and that he had not asked for, or obtained, anything.
On Friday, Kadir said a senior mainstream newspaper editor had asked him by SMS about H… R… “yang dikatakan terlalu rapat dengan PM dan berupaya memberitahu kepala2 media prima dan utusan yang apa perlu di spin?” [Who is this person by the name H... R... who is said to be so close to the PM and is able to tell the heads of Media Prima and Utusan what they should spin?]
Kadir said he had tried, but failed, to receive any confirmation from contacts at the Prime Minister’s Office about “HR”.
Curb fanatics in private schools, says Salleh
Speaker calls for tighter rules to prevent spread of extremist teachings.
FMT
KOTA BELUD: The federal government should monitor and tighten existing rules, especially on private schools in the country, which were suspected to instill fanatic ideologies, says Sabah State Assembly speaker, Salleh Said Keruak.
He said the measure was needed to curb fanatic ideologies spreading among students, and it would also prevent children from being influenced by extremist teachings that could trigger chaos and hostility.
Salleh, who is also state asseblyman for Usukan said through this monitoring, earlier decisive action could be taken by the government.
He said matters which could cause dispute should be discussed in private in the spirit of mutual respect.
“This is important in order to maintain peace, especially in Sabah, where we have been peaceful since independence,” he said in a statement here Saturday.
Salleh, who is also the former chief minister of Sabah said the education system should be able to produce a new generation of Sabahans that were disciplined, self-confident, skilled and practised moderate thinking in racial and religious relationships.
“They (students) should understand the history of the country’s formation and be able to take advantage of economic and work opportunities available anywhere, including those abroad. It has been proven, that Sabahans are capable, and can compete in all professions,” he said.
– BERNAMA
KOTA BELUD: The federal government should monitor and tighten existing rules, especially on private schools in the country, which were suspected to instill fanatic ideologies, says Sabah State Assembly speaker, Salleh Said Keruak.
He said the measure was needed to curb fanatic ideologies spreading among students, and it would also prevent children from being influenced by extremist teachings that could trigger chaos and hostility.
Salleh, who is also state asseblyman for Usukan said through this monitoring, earlier decisive action could be taken by the government.
He said matters which could cause dispute should be discussed in private in the spirit of mutual respect.
“This is important in order to maintain peace, especially in Sabah, where we have been peaceful since independence,” he said in a statement here Saturday.
Salleh, who is also the former chief minister of Sabah said the education system should be able to produce a new generation of Sabahans that were disciplined, self-confident, skilled and practised moderate thinking in racial and religious relationships.
“They (students) should understand the history of the country’s formation and be able to take advantage of economic and work opportunities available anywhere, including those abroad. It has been proven, that Sabahans are capable, and can compete in all professions,” he said.
– BERNAMA
Sedition Act: Najib’s aim to appease critics has backfired
N Surendran says right-wing elements within Umno are still attacking Najib despite him giving in to pressure to retain the Sedition Act.
FMT
KUALA LUMPUR: After years of reassuring the people that the draconian Sedition Act would be repealed, Prime Minister Najib Razak instead dragged the country down into “party authoritarianism” when he caved in to pressure from right-wing elements within his party and backtracked on his word.
So said MP for Padang Serai, N Surendran, who added that even that move has backfired for Najib since his critics have intensified their attacks against him and his brand of leadership.
In a statement, Surendran said, “Najib foolishly believed he could appease right wing elements in Umno, including Mahathir, by announcing the retention of the Sedition Act.
“But they have since only increased their attacks upon him.”
Lamenting that Najib’s move also went against “all democratic principles”, Surendran explained, “..the decision to retain the Sedition Act was not announced by Najib as Prime Minister, but by Najib as President of Umno at the Umno general assembly.”
Asking if Malaysia had now entered an “era of party rule”, Surendran also asked, “Is Umno running the cabinet and government?”
He described Najib’s U-turn as an “act of betrayal”, saying it was only a short-term strategy to “win over the public in the lengthy run-up to the 13th General election”.
Saying the move was a poor judgement call because it had shaken the public’s confidence in their leader, he said it would be long remembered and not easily forgiven by the people.
Surendran nevertheless said Najib could still make things right come March this year.
He said, “Najib still has an opportunity to redeem himself.
“He must stand up to pressure from right-wing elements from within Umno, and bring in a bill to repeal the Sedition Act during the March session of Parliament.
“He and the BN must avail themselves of this opportunity to do the right thing, or face the wrath of the voters and the harsh judgment of history.”
KUALA LUMPUR: After years of reassuring the people that the draconian Sedition Act would be repealed, Prime Minister Najib Razak instead dragged the country down into “party authoritarianism” when he caved in to pressure from right-wing elements within his party and backtracked on his word.
So said MP for Padang Serai, N Surendran, who added that even that move has backfired for Najib since his critics have intensified their attacks against him and his brand of leadership.
In a statement, Surendran said, “Najib foolishly believed he could appease right wing elements in Umno, including Mahathir, by announcing the retention of the Sedition Act.
“But they have since only increased their attacks upon him.”
Lamenting that Najib’s move also went against “all democratic principles”, Surendran explained, “..the decision to retain the Sedition Act was not announced by Najib as Prime Minister, but by Najib as President of Umno at the Umno general assembly.”
Asking if Malaysia had now entered an “era of party rule”, Surendran also asked, “Is Umno running the cabinet and government?”
He described Najib’s U-turn as an “act of betrayal”, saying it was only a short-term strategy to “win over the public in the lengthy run-up to the 13th General election”.
Saying the move was a poor judgement call because it had shaken the public’s confidence in their leader, he said it would be long remembered and not easily forgiven by the people.
Surendran nevertheless said Najib could still make things right come March this year.
He said, “Najib still has an opportunity to redeem himself.
“He must stand up to pressure from right-wing elements from within Umno, and bring in a bill to repeal the Sedition Act during the March session of Parliament.
“He and the BN must avail themselves of this opportunity to do the right thing, or face the wrath of the voters and the harsh judgment of history.”
Fresh photos of Altantuya killers coming
Police to release "most recent" photos after questions raised on hiding from public.
FMT
KUALA LUMPUR: Police are to release more recent photographs of convicted killers Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar and Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri after criticism that they were given preferential treatment in hiding their true identities from the public.
Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng demanded that the inspector-general of police explain why the authorities had gone out of their way to hide the faces of the two policemen from the public.
“What is the reason for hiding the faces of both the killers every time they appeared in court until found guilty.”
He questioned whether two photographs released by federal police headquarters on Friday were from 10 years ago, when Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu was murdered in connection with commissions for an arms deal for the purchase of the Malaysian navy’s Scorpene submarines.
The IGP, responding to media queries, denied that the police were trying to protect the identities of the killers. He said the police had released the photographs on their own initiative.
“I am not sure when the picture was taken, but we will give the most recent pictures of them that we have,” he told the Rakyat Post on Friday night.
Corporal Sirul is reported to be in Australia, and was not present in court when the Federal Court upheld the pair’s conviction and imposed the death sentence on them.
Lim said fresh photographs were required so that Malaysians in Australia “could help notify the Australian public and authorities about the presence of a killer in their neighbourhood”.
He asked if the government had asked for Sirul’s extradition from Australia. Police have issued an arrest warrant on Sirul.
KUALA LUMPUR: Police are to release more recent photographs of convicted killers Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar and Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri after criticism that they were given preferential treatment in hiding their true identities from the public.
Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng demanded that the inspector-general of police explain why the authorities had gone out of their way to hide the faces of the two policemen from the public.
“What is the reason for hiding the faces of both the killers every time they appeared in court until found guilty.”
He questioned whether two photographs released by federal police headquarters on Friday were from 10 years ago, when Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu was murdered in connection with commissions for an arms deal for the purchase of the Malaysian navy’s Scorpene submarines.
The IGP, responding to media queries, denied that the police were trying to protect the identities of the killers. He said the police had released the photographs on their own initiative.
“I am not sure when the picture was taken, but we will give the most recent pictures of them that we have,” he told the Rakyat Post on Friday night.
Corporal Sirul is reported to be in Australia, and was not present in court when the Federal Court upheld the pair’s conviction and imposed the death sentence on them.
Lim said fresh photographs were required so that Malaysians in Australia “could help notify the Australian public and authorities about the presence of a killer in their neighbourhood”.
He asked if the government had asked for Sirul’s extradition from Australia. Police have issued an arrest warrant on Sirul.
Adopt Responsible Attitude To Ensure Peace - Najib
KUALA
LUMPUR, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak wants
Malaysians to have a sense of responsibility in whatever they are doing
to ensure that the peace they are enjoying all this while can be
preserved.The Prime Minister said the people must inculcate the feeling of mutual respect and fit in with the multi-racial environment in the country besides refraining from doing anything based on total freedom.
"If we want the world to be peaceful, we must create a situation where everything that we do is done with a sense of full responsibility. If we want to say that based on freedom, (we) can criticise the other religions, then this will lead to a serious problem," he said.
He said this in his speech when officiating the 63rd Annual General Assembly of the Malaysian Youth Council (MYC), here Saturday.
Citing the Charlie Hebdo incident in France recently, Najib said such incidents could happen if religious sensitivity was not respected.
"Although in the case of Charlie Hebdo, killing is totally prohibited, there will be people who will resort to murder if we don't respect religious sensitivity.
"The Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists have sensitivity. If we understand the sensitivities of each religion, I believe Malaysia will become a peaceful nation with harmony," he said.
Najib pointed out that as the Prime Minister, he was responsible for doing whatever was best to maintain peace and harmony in the country.
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