Engaging the diaspora on the path to progress

M. Dinesh Varma

Against the backdrop of frantic changes, this year’s convention assumes significance of unexpected magnitude

— Photo: AFP

COLOURFUL EVENT: The Chennai Trade Centre, the venue of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2009, is all decked up.

CHENNAI: In between two editions of an annual global event during which India and its diaspora analyse their progress and discuss the future, none could have predicted such momentous changes.

makkal Osai 080109

Set against the backdrop of frantic changes, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2009 (January 7-9), the premier NRI networking event, assumes a significance of unexpected magnitude.

Over a year that eventually saw the lows upstage the highs, 2008 bowed out against the backdrop of serious challenges to the country’s secular, multicultural ethos in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks, even as the global economic crisis continues to sap what was until recently a sprinting economy.

Yet, a cynical worldview will be the least plausible outcome when some of India’s leading lights from across the spheres of politics and governance and the intelligentsia apply their minds to evolving solutions to contemporary issues. In fact, at a pre-event press conference, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi acknowledged the opinion-making influence of NRIs across the world, more so in the U.S. and parts of Europe, and how the Centre wished to increasingly leverage this factor.

The Ministry, he said, was keen on engaging the politico-economic influence of the Indian diaspora in key nations to press its case on a whole lot of national and international issues.

Chennai, which is hosting the programme for the first time, will witness Prime Minister Manmohan Singh opening the event on Thursday. And, by the time President Pratibha Patil addresses the valedictory session after conferring the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards for 2009 on January 9, an estimated 1,500 delegates would have contributed to charting the course for India to realise its 2020 vision. The broad theme of the seventh convention is ‘Engaging the Diaspora: The Way Forward.’

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is primarily a three-way partnership among the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), though a host of corporates chip in with their best.

Organisers say the event creates opportunities for exploring mutually beneficial trade and business relationships and networking among the community. It also symbolises the continued interest of the Indian government in the progress and well-being of overseas Indians.

Event managers feel that the key to boost the confidence of the diaspora is the formation of a separate Ministry for the welfare of an estimated 25 million overseas Indians, including those who still hold Indian passports (NRIs) and those who don’t (People of Indian Origin).

Among the positive outcomes of the previous editions of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas are the decisions to establish Overseas Citizenship of India, the Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre, a PIO University, which is set launch courses this year, and the establishment of the Prime Minister’s Global Advisory Council of People of Indian Origin.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2009 will feature sessions on the preservation of diaspora language and culture and the importance of diaspora as facilitators and bridge-builders.

The first plenary focusses on ‘India as an Emerging Power: The Diaspora Factor’ against the backdrop of the contributions made by 25 million NRIs to the scaling up of educational achievements and income levels, and their role in determining the future course of their motherland.

For non-residents torn between respect for their new country and love for their homeland, a session will help to strike a balance, the key being more linkages between the two. In fact, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2008 identified the ways in which the diaspora could join India’s development process.

The key participants are External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee; Dato’ Seri S. Samy Vellu, president, Malaysian Indian Congress, Malaysia; Shashi Tharoor, chairman, Afras Ventures, U.S.; Sam G. Pitroda, chairman, C-Sam, U.S.; Sugata Bose, Gardiner Professor of Oceanic History and Affairs, Harvard; and Ruby Dhalla, MP, Canada.

Plenary II, which deals with the current ‘Economic Crisis-Diaspora Concerns,’ will think aloud whether stimulus packages will do the trick.

A note circulated by the organisers says: “…even though governments are scrambling to put together bailout and stimulus packages, developing economies have lost growth momentum. In India, the GDP growth projections have been revised downward from 9 per cent to less than 8 per cent, and export-based sectors such as information technology, textiles and automotives are under pressure.” This in turn has deprived overseas Indians of job opportunities. Can India provide them with an alternative economic opportunity, and what are the prospects for their remittances and savings?

The session will seek to find out whether India is relatively well placed to ride out this storm and provide the impetus that the global economy needs for growth and whether this challenge can be transformed into an opportunity to invest in India for better returns.

The key participants include Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Kamal Nath; T.K.A. Nair, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister; C.K. Prahalad, Professor, University of Michigan Business School; and K.V. Kamath, president, CII, and Managing Director and CEO, ICICI Bank.

Concurrent sessions will also be held on ‘Building Bridges: Trade & Investment,’ ‘Building Bridges: Diaspora Philanthropy,’ ‘Education & Diaspora Knowledge Network,’ ‘Media & Entertainment,’ ‘Increased Interaction with Diaspora Women’ and ‘Health for All: Role of Diaspora.’

The plenary on ‘Diaspora interaction with the States’ will examine the areas that could still be in government domain, the levels of diaspora engagement on this front and how best to develop and leverage the diaspora-State engagement.

Sharing stage with the chief guest, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, will be the guest of honour Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi; Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission; Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh; and Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat.

An exhibition on trade and industry, live demonstrations by craftsmen, cultural evenings and sightseeing tours are part of the package.

Exchanges of fire mar 3-hour truce in Gaza

JERUSALEM (CNN) -- A planned three-hour lull in Israel's assault on Gaza was marred by sporadic attacks by Hamas militants and retaliatory fire from Israeli forces.

Flames rise into the sky after an Israeli airstrike Wednesday night in Rafa, on the Gaza-Egypt border.

The suspension of the campaign from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. (6 a.m. to 9 a.m. ET) was intended to allow residents of the Hamas-ruled Palestinian territory to receive food and medical supplies.

U.N. Relief and Works Agency spokesman Chris Gunness said a three-hour truce is not enough to alleviate the "deepening humanitarian crisis" in Gaza.

"We are feeding 750,000 (people) on a permanent basis," Gunness said. "More than three hours a day are needed for that."

A three-hour truce is scheduled to take place every other day, Israeli Defense Ministry spokesman Peter Lerner said.

"We need to build on this three-hour window; we need to expand that window and let it lead to a permanent cease-fire," Gunness said.

Israel said Wednesday that it "welcomes" a truce plan by Egypt and France and will continue its discussions with both countries about how to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza, an Israeli government spokesman told CNN.

Israel will send two envoys to Cairo, Egypt, in the coming days to discuss a Gaza truce plan, an Israeli foreign ministry official said Wednesday.

The envoys -- Defense Ministry official Amos Gilad and Shalom Turgeman, a political adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert -- could head to Cairo as early as Thursday, the official said.

It is not clear whether Hamas, the Palestinian movement that governs Gaza, will send representatives to Cairo. Israel refuses to speak directly to Hamas, which it considers a terrorist organization, but it has negotiated with Hamas through Egypt in the past.

By Wednesday evening, 16 rockets had struck the Jewish state, according to the Israeli military. There was no immediate report of injuries.

At least 680 Palestinians have been killed and 3,000 wounded in Gaza since the campaign began on December 27, Palestinian medical officials said.

Nearly a third of the deaths and 45 percent of the injuries are women and children, according to the U.N.'s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Seven Israeli soldiers and three civilians have been killed.

Israeli warplanes and helicopter gunships hit 30 targets in Gaza overnight, while land-based artillery and warships offshore fired at Palestinian fighters in support of Israeli ground troops, the Israel Defense Forces reported as the campaign entered its 12th day.

Tuesday was the bloodiest day of the Israeli ground offensive to date, when Israeli shelling struck a U.N. school in northern Gaza that was being used as a shelter by hundreds of civilians.

The Israeli military said Hamas militants were firing mortars from the school, prompting an artillery strike that killed at least 40 people and wounded dozens more. U.N. officials said there were no militants at the school.

"We are 99.9 percent certain that there were no militants. There were no militant activities in the school or in the school compound," said Gunness of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency.

The Palestine Red Crescent said five ambulances had been hit by Israeli forces, killing six people. The agency did not give a breakdown of paramedics and patients, and CNN was not able to independently verify these allegations.

The Israeli military said it was unaware of any such incidents.

Despite problems, PKR says common hatred for BN will hold party together

By Neville Spykerman(Themalaysianinsider)

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7- PKR secretary-general Datuk Salehuddin Hashim today brushed aside recent squabbles in the party, and said a common hatred for the Barisan Nasional (BN) and race politics, are the bond that is holding the party together.

He told The Malaysian Insider that the party's 500,000 strong membership was steadily increasing and contrary to press reports, he denied PKR was plagued with problems.

Salehuddin said that there is tremendous interest in the party especially in Sabah and Sarawak, which has been identified as its new beach head.

Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Pas candidate Abdul Wahid Endut (in the middle) shaking the hand of a supporter in Kuala Terengganu's Chinatown this afternoon. — Photo by Choo Choy May

"I tell you what qualifies as a plague; money politics in Umno and the subversion of public opinion by the government in power, using tactics not available to others."

Salehuddin described recent controversies involving party leaders in Selangor and Perak as differences of opinions which were not a breach of discipline until it is expressed in bad faith.

"Then it will be dealt with in accordance to our constitution."

Salehuddin said there was no problem with local elections to appoint village heads, by PKR's national vice-president and Gopeng MP Dr Lee Boon Chye and Simpang Pulai state assemblyman Chang Ming Kai, in Perak recently.

He said the move was just an expression of preference in a political process.

Salehuddin said S.Manikavasagam may sound like a dissenting voice, but he said the Kapar MP has yet to raise the matter in a proper forum, in the party.

"Until he does, the only people wildly interested would be those who do not know how to reinvent their own organisation and therefore look forward to other parties cracking up."

Salehuddin said the multi-racial party's membership roughly reflect the racial demographics of Malaysia.

He rejected the description that PKR was a party of dissidents, with disgruntled politicians from other parties, and members with different ideologies.

"Dynamism and vibrancy is sometimes wrongly equated with that description."

Sri Setia Assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad described PKR as a "Rainbow Coalition' comprising various groups including common Malaysians, striving for change.

Nik Nazmi, who is also the political secretary to the Selangor Menteri Besar, said the party born in 1998 during the Reformasi movement, has evolved into the biggest opposition party in Parliament.

He said a broad spectrum of opinions are represented in the party and there are bound to be conflicts.

However he said the party had survived many challenges during its 10 year existence and differences of opinions between leaders are nothing new.

"Over the years, some leaders have left us but the party is still intact."

PKR Information chief and Batu MP Tian Chua said recent press reports about friction in the party were blown out of proportion by the main stream media and manufactured as a diversion to the upcoming Kuala Terengganu by-election.

He said Manikavasagam's dissatisfaction with the relocation of the Klang bus terminal, was 'made' into an Indian issue by the media, when the move would have affected all races.

He said differences of opinions within the party were healthy and part of the democratic process.

Zaid: Malaysians have more sense than their leaders

JAN 7 - The politics is messier. Race relations are slumping. Religious conflicts are being played out publicly. Still, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim believes that Malaysia has a good future. The reason: the majority of Malaysians are sensible people and the results of Election 2008 show that the rakyat wants democracy.

The former de facto Law Minister said: "Ordinary people have more sense than their leaders sometimes. They know the value of co-operation, mutual respect and harmony. I believe the people have spoken out loudly and clearly.

"The future direction of the country is no longer going to be solely in the hands of the political masters. They have had enough of scandals, abuse of power, and poor administration.''

Speaking at a talk organised by the Insititute of South East Asian Studies in Singapore today, he disagreed with the school of thought led by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who argued that many Malaysians voted for the Opposition on March 8 as a protest against the Barisan Nasional.

"The people voted for the Opposition as a manifestation of their desire for a better country; for themselves, their families, their children, '' he said, adding that he was cheered by the results of the general elections.

Given what happened on March 8, he believed that Malaysia will prosper in a way that will benefit all including the Bumiputras; will see the rights and the dignity of all respected and protected; will witness compassion becoming the central consideration in the formulating of public policies.

"Finally, as a lawyer, I want to see justice and the rule of law re-established and flourishing. These are simple ambitions, I think. Given the results of the 8 March 2008 election, there is some hope that they will be fulfilled in my lifetime. The rakyat has shown that it wants democracy and all that it portends, '' said Zaid, who resigned from the government because he did not agree with the use of the Internal Security Act and could not accept the policies and resistance to change in Umno.

SPECIAL SESSION OF DEWAN RAKYAT ON 12 JANUARY 2009 TO DISCUSS ON ISRAEL -PALESTINE CRISIS

Members of Parliament have been notified that a Special session of the Dewan Rakyat will be held on Monday, 12 January 2009 at 2.30 pm to discuss on the current Israel - Palestine crisis.

It was further reported that the government has donated RM1 Million.

news n photo courtesy of Agendadaily

Uthayakumar’s shut away but won’t shut up

By Baradan Kuppusamy

themalaysianinsider.com, Jan 07 2009

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 – In a New Year message issued from behind the walls of Kamunting, Hindraf founder and legal adviser P. Uthayakumar remains defiant, lambasting Umno and blaming it for all the woes faced by Malaysian Indians but also giving hope to followers that more success lies ahead.

He also reveals deep frustration at the “boring and routine prison life” and tells all about his health. He suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure and hyperkinetic heart condition.

The only thing to look forward to, he said, is the weekly visits of his family.

He also said he has decided to “go for broke” but does not explain what his future plans are.

“I have decided to go for broke because I very strongly believe in the cause I am fighting for and I have no regrets.

“Umno will not change. We will have to get rid of Umno in the 2012/2013 general elections,” he said in the message that is now widely circulating here and abroad through the Internet.

Uthayakumar and four other Hindraf leaders were detained on Dec 13, 2007, about a month after the Nov 25 rally they had organised that saw over 30,000 Indians demonstrating in the city against Umno’s “Malay supremacists” ideology for marginalising them.

Uthayakumar and his brother, P. Waythamoorthy, are also seeking consensus among PKR and DAP MPs and leaders to form a new Indian party that would “truly” represent working class Indians and have negotiated with both the BN and Pakatan Rakyat Governments for better benefits, especially a affirmative action policy to lift the Tamil masses from poverty, similar to the help given to Malays.

Their target is to get a new party up and going before the next general election to be in a strong position to bargain.

Although Indians form only about 8% of the population, they are a significant minority in 56 Parliamentary constituencies in the west coast of the peninsular and can make or break the winner if they vote as a block, as they had done for PR parties on March 8.

However, squabbles have broken out between Indian leaders in the PR alliance, especially in PKR and DAP, with some top leaders claiming they got a raw deal despite helping to make March 8 a big success.

Uthayakumar has had a stormy relationship with PKR and DAP leaders before March 8 and had rejected numerous offers from them to stand as a candidate in the landmark general election.

“Dec 13 marked our first dark anniversary of detention without trial under the draconian ISA for two years and might continue indefinitely thereafter,” Uthayakumar said.

“But I have no regrets. I fought for a just cause so that Umno would stop all acts of bullying, especially against the poor and underprivileged Indians,” he said.

He spends his time reading and writing for 12 to 13 hours a day.

“The food is pale and stale,” he said in the message, adding guards check on him hourly and record their observations into their diaries.

“Otherwise prison life is a routine where nightfall follows daylight, and daylight is waiting for nightfall. Life is a predictable routine,” he said, adding the highpoint is the weekly visits by his mother, fiancée and sisters.

He sleeps on a “one-inch thin” mattress on the cement floor.

He says he suffers from “lumbar spondalysis and arthritis.”

“I can no longer even jog slowly after this one year. I cannot squat without pain in my knees and backbone,” he said. “I also suffer from two kinds of skin diseases.”

He alleged that the medical care he is receiving is sub-standard and lambasted Suhakam for failing to highlight his woes, describing the body as the “servant and slave of the ruling Umno government.”

“But I have no regrets and am prepared for the worst. When I started the struggle 16 years ago, I always had at the back of my mind that I could one day be detained under the ISA,” he said.

He said Hindraf’s biggest success to date is the fact that the authorities have stopped demolishing Hindu temples, “at least for the moment”.

Emerging ethnic Indian communities

P. S. Suryanarayana, The Hindu, Jan 07 2009

Shades of opinion from across the diffused political spectrum of the people of Indian origin in Malaysia may be “articulated” at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

Delegates from Malaysia are making a beeline for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in Chennai, carrying assorted bags of sweet-and-sour tales on the “situation” of ethnic Indians in that upscale developing country. An “India-Diaspora vision plan” is also to be found in this diffused cultural baggage.

The long-established Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) delegates are often a conspicuous lot at the annual PBD gatherings. This time, though, there may be an additional and qualitative difference, according to some of the likely participants.

Vying for attention in Chennai, leaders of Pakatan Rakyat (People’s Alliance) and Makkal Sakthi (People Power) will be present for the first time at a PBD event, alongside the MIC. The possibility of such an unusual qualitative ambience has been emphasised by the leaders of these groups in several telephonic conversations with this correspondent in Singapore in the past few days.

Far from any likelihood of a confrontation among these leaders, what is projected by them is a scenario of their possible competition to brief the “larger PBD Diaspora” on the “true” Malaysian Indian “situation.” Shades of opinion from across the diffused political spectrum of the people of Indian origin in Malaysia may be “articulated” during the course of the entire event. It is not clear, though, whether the conference format in Chennai will give the different groups a chance for direct engagement between each other during any particular thematic session.

Relevant to the overall PBD context is the “reality” of an “emerging ethnic Indian voice” within the different but friendly camps of Pakatan and Makkal Sakthi. At the federal level in Malaysia, Pakatan — a coalition of two multi-ethnic parties and an Islam-based outfit with a “changing world view” — made key gains in the snap general election that took place after last year’s PBD. In the process, the MIC was among the parties in a long-governing federal coalition that lost many seats in the House of Representatives, without losing grip on power as such. Until then, the MIC was widely seen in Malaysia and outside as the sole authentic voice of the PIO segment in that country.

No less importantly, the Pakatan came to power in several states in Malaysia, all with a sizable PIO presence. The PIO segment, at around two million people in all, is Malaysia’s second-largest minority group after the ethnic Chinese there; and Malays form the majority. A number of factors, really unrelated to the PBD, fashioned that particular poll outcome. However, a key issue in focus in that poll was the “political articulation” of the “marginalisation” of ethnic Indians in Malaysia since its independence in 1957.

The Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), an ethnic Indian activist-group with “Makkal Sakthi” as the credo, had sought to draw attention to the “marginalisation” issue and also backed Pakatan in the 2008 poll context. And, with the Malaysian authorities recently proscribing Hindraf, its old “political space” has now been taken over by Makkal Sakthi as a new interest-group.

Unsurprisingly, leaders of Pakatan and Makkal Sakthi are convinced of the likely relevance of these aspects to the “larger Indian Diaspora” during the Chennai PBD this week.

Samy Vellu, the long-serving MIC leader, speaking from Kuala Lumpur, indicated that he would shine the spotlight on the big picture: “the creation of [an Indian Diaspora] circle of excellence.” And, given the “supremacy” of India in the information technology sector, it was important to think now about nurturing the “next generation of [science and technology] entrepreneurs” among Indians across the world. He would, therefore, suggest the formation of “an India-Diaspora Business Consultative Group.”

At another level, “a borderless global Indian workforce” was already a factor to reckon with in many places. Both Indian nationals and ethnic Indians in other countries were in this category. Mr. Samy Vellu, a senior Malaysian Minister until recently, said “a vision plan” for India should be to “select, train, and send a global workforce of Indian origin” in a range of sectors including the high-tech domain.

On the current “Malaysian Indian situation,” the MIC leader said: “They [his critics] can raise anything [as an issue]. I am prepared to answer.” While Mr. Samy Vellu was honoured at a previous PBD, another MIC leader is likely to be similarly recognised this time. While the names of awardees would be announced only during the conference, a key MIC participant this time will be Malaysia’s Human Resources Minister S. Subramanian. Both he and Mr. Samy Vellu will speak at the PBD-preceding ‘Tamil Economy’ meet as well.

P. Ramasamy, Deputy Chief Minister of Penang State, appreciated India’s gesture of acceding to Pakatan’s request for representation at the Chennai PBD this time. He said, over telephone from Penang, the purpose of the request was “not so much to put down the MIC as to convey a true picture of the actual situation of [ethnic] Indians in Malaysia.” The other reason: nearly 70 per cent of Malaysian Indians live in the states now under Pakatan’s rule. He himself is the first-ever ethnic Indian to hold high office in a province.

Taking exception to the “uncritical” labelling of overseas Indians, Prof. Ramasamy said East Asia was actually home to distinctive “Indian communities,” not a “Diaspora” in a narrow sense. Ethnic Indians were originally “transplanted” in this region, mainly as workers during the colonial era.

However, they later evolved into “communities” through interaction with native Malays or Chinese and other societies. Such an evolution was also shaped by the ethnic-Indian “struggles” of the labour movement during the colonial period.

Given his own “labour” family background, Prof. Ramasamy said: “I am very concerned at the treatment meted out to Indian workers [from India] in Malaysia. I don’t understand why they want to come to Malaysia.”

Makkal Sakthi leader P. Waytha Moorthy, speaking from London, said he would attend the PBD “as a Malaysian,” determined to present “a clear and true picture of the plight of Malaysian Indians.” He would do so through personal interactions with the delegates from other countries. Another Makkal Sakthi activist, Manickavasagam, parliamentarian from a Pakatan constituent party, is also likely to be present at the conference.

Aborted IJN takeover a victory for People Power

(Anilnetto)Sime Darby’s decision to call off its takeover of the government-owned National Heart Institute (IJN) is a stunning victory for People Power.

The rakyat have spoken. Ordinary people, through their vocal opposition to the proposal, have defeated a plan put forward by the largest oil palm plantation firm in the world, which is also one of Malaysia’s most powerful conglomerates.

In a poll on this blog of over 800 respondents, 96 per cent of you were against the takeover, reflecting widespread public opposition to the move.

Sime Darby said its decision was based on the public sentiment and feedback received. In other words, it was forced to back off. If it hadn’t, the takeover plan would have been a major issue in the Kuala Trengganu parliamentary by-election.

This episode shows that the rakyat will not take kindly to any corporation out to make a quick profit by trying to undermine or take over a public institution that is providing an essential service at an affordable price.

It also shows that the rakyat can make a difference when they stand united on an issue of public interest.

Weeping for Gaza

poster above taken from WHY? here, pic right here, and pic below here.

(Rocky´sBru)Today is the 10th of Muharram, the day of Asyura.
A day also to weep for the children of Gaza, as Israeli forces hit a UN shelter and killed 40 Palestinians, mostly women and children.


p.s. To keep us updated, I have changed the Google Newsreel (just before my blogroll) to issues related to Gaza and Israel's atrocities.

Suhakam: Cops guilty of excessive force

Israel: Hamas mortars prompted attack near U.N. school

GAZA CITY (CNN) -- Three artillery shells believed to have been fired by Israeli forces struck near the perimeter of a U.N. school in northern Gaza on Tuesday, killing at least 30 people and wounding 55, a U.N. official said.

In a handout photo from Israel Defense Forces, troops deploy Tuesday in northern Gaza.

The Israeli military said Hamas militants had fired mortar shells at Israeli forces, prompting return fire, according to its initial investigation.

U.N. Relief and Works Agency Director John Ging said most of the casualties were outside the school in the Jabalya refugee camp.

"It's a very built-up area, so of course it was entirely inevitable that if artillery shells landed in that area there would be a high number of casualties," he said at a U.N. briefing from Gaza City.

Palestinian sources said 44 were killed in the attack.

The Israeli military said it is checking the report. The Israeli government has barred CNN and other news from entering Gaza.

A short time later, another artillery shell struck inside a second U.N. school in Jabalya, but Ging said the boys' prep school was empty at the time.

It was the third Israeli strike affecting a U.N. school in Gaza. Three Palestinian men, all members of the same family, were killed Monday night in Gaza City by a direct hit on an elementary school, the U.N. agency said.

The schools were in use as shelters for civilians fleeing the military operation. The buildings were "clearly marked" with U.N. flags, and the agency said it had given the global-positioning coordinates of all its schools to Israeli authorities.

The U.N. agency said 400 Palestinians were staying in the Asma Elementary School at the time of Monday night's airstrike.

The latest incidents came as Israeli ground forces surrounded densely populated Gaza City after at least 50 airstrikes pounded the region overnight.

Other airstrikes hit the homes of people linked to Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules Gaza, including the Wadi family in Jabalya, Hamas security sources said. Eight people were killed in that strike. An overnight airstrike hit the Jabalya home of Imad Siam, one of the leaders of Hamas' military wing.

Israel claimed Tuesday to have killed 130 Hamas fighters since beginning a ground offensive at dusk Saturday. An Israeli soldier was killed Tuesday morning in northern Gaza City, the Israeli military said, bringing to six the number of Israeli forces who have died in Gaza since Israel launched its ground incursion.

As Israeli forces encircled Gaza City -- which has a population of about 400,000 -- diplomats turned up the heat for a cease-fire.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice briefed President-elect Barack Obama on Monday about American diplomatic efforts in the conflict, her spokesman said Tuesday.

Rice will confer Tuesday at the United Nations with officials including Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, the State Department said.

Abbas plans to present a resolution drafted by the Arab League to the U.N. Security Council. The resolution will call for Israel to stop its offensive in Gaza and for Hamas to cease firing rockets at the Jewish state.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Monday told French President Nicolas Sarkozy that Israel wanted a "full solution" to the conflict, not just a cease-fire that allowed Hamas to fortify itself, Olmert spokesman Mark Regev said.

"Before the last cease-fire with Hamas began, Hamas had missiles with a range of 20 kilometers," Regev said Tuesday. "By the end of the cease-fire, the range of the missiles grew to 40 kilometers. Israel does not want the next cease-fire to allow them to get missiles with a range of 60 kilometers."

A Hamas rocket penetrated farther than ever before into Israel on Tuesday, landing in the town of Gadera, about 23 miles (36 kilometers) north of the Gaza border, the Israeli military said. On Monday, a rocket hit a kindergarten in Ashdod, about 16 miles (26 kilometers) north of Gaza.

Hamas had fired 30 rockets at Israel by Tuesday afternoon, the Israeli military said. Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida has warned Israel that the militants will continue rocket attacks "for many months" and vowed to strike deeper into Israeli territory.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated. Hundreds of wounded people swarmed into Gaza's largest hospital.

The Israeli military said 80 trucks with humanitarian aid would be allowed to pass into Gaza on Tuesday at the Kerem Shalom crossing.

Before the second school attack, Palestinian medical sources said 23 people were killed Tuesday in Gaza, bringing the Palestinian death toll to 555 since Israel commenced airstrikes December 27.

No peace for mother and daughter

Almost scarred for life!

Anwar says Umno is like Israel

By Debra Chong

KUALA TERENGGANU, Jan 7 - Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim drew parallels tonight between the conflict in Gaza and what he called the sufferings of Malaysians as he hit the campaign trail at a mammoth rally attended by thousands here.

Attempting to touch a sensitive chord among the mainly Muslim constituency here, he accused Umno, the main party in the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, of acting like Israel.

"The leadership is busy collecting wealth. While Israel is punishing the Palestinian people for choosing Hamas, it is no different from Umno punishing Malaysians for choosing the Pakatan Rakyat," he told a ceramah here on the first day of campaigning for the Kuala Terengganu by-election.

Thousands of local residents had gathered to listen to a star-studded Pakatan Rakyat (PR) rally here where besides Anwar, the DAP's Lim Kit Siang and Pas president Hadi Awang were also among the top draws.

The flag-waving crowd cheered loudly during Anwar's speech, punctuated with shouts of "Allahu Akbar", which translates as "God is Great," the standard clarion cry of the Pas faithful.

With a majority of Malaysia's Muslims backing the Palestinian cause, Israel's ongoing invasion of Gaza is having a major impact on domestic politics.

Political leaders from either side of the divide have been busy burnishing their Islamic credentials, and Anwar's attack against Umno tonight will likely put BN on the defensive in the days to come.

The Kuala Terengganu by-election sees a three-way fight between BN's Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Salleh, Abdul Wahid Endut of Pas and independent Azharuddin Mamat.

Setting the tone for the campaign, Anwar told the huge flag waving crowd gathered at a beach behind the Astaka shopping centre here that the problem with Umno was that it was corrupt and ignored the suffering of ordinary Malaysians.

Sticking to his Gaza theme, he said: "Umno, like Israel, does not recognise the chosen Hamas leadership."

The Opposition Leader also spoke on the Hudud issue, and blamed "Umno and its controlled media" for fanning religious and racial hatred.

Pas vice-president Husam Musa's recent remarks that his party would want to introduce Hudud, the strict Islamic code which prescribes amputation, stonning and whipping as punishment for criminal offences, had touched off criticisms from non-Muslim groups, including PR partners DAP.

While the Hudud issue has caused uneasiness in other parts of the country, it has little traction in the east coast states, where a huge majority of the population, are conservative Muslims.

Still, with a tight race anticipated, both the BN and PR campaigns are mindful of the need to secure the Chinese vote, which represents around 11 per cent of voters here.

In Chennai, a new party for Indians in Malaysia?

By Baradan Kuppusamy

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 6 - Plans are afoot for a new political party to tap the support of working class Indians for the outlawed Hindraf movement.

Malaysian Indians from across the political divide and who have been at each other's throats recently have taken their differences to Chennai where a three-day Indian Diaspora Conference starts tomorrow.

While the MIC, DAP and PKR teams are expected to stick to their usual “at each other” script, the real new development there is the exploratory talks to be chaired by Hndraf chairman P. Waythamoorty that will take place on the sidelines of the conference, to form a new Indian political party.

Waythamoorty and his brother, Hindraf legal adviser P. Uthayakumar, who is being detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA), had decided during a “discussion” on Dec 30 that the best way to move forward theirs and Hindraf's agenda is to set up a new Indian political party that can consolidate the gains of the Nov 25, 2007 protest and maximize the political awakening of the Tamil working class masses.

They feel that the Hindraf movement has been “hijacked” by the opposition political parties including even PAS through its network of PAS Indian Clubs, and that the awakened Indian voice has become fragmented and submerged by the Malay agenda in PKR and the Islamic agenda of PAS.

They also feel that the DAP is too much of a Chinese party to adequately represent Indian interests and that the party's Indian leaders had also rode the Hindraf wave and benefitted hugely but had not pressed the DAP and by extension the Pakatan Rakyat to alleviate the pressing problems faced by the Indian community.

Hindraf insiders said Waythamoorty's next important task, besides getting a new Indian party moving, is to free the movement's leaders, especially Uthayakumar, from Kamunting.

He is even lobbying Sonia Gandhi, the real power behind Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, to help intervene on his behalf to free his brother.

It is no secret that Uthayakumar and Waythamoorty have had a huge falling out with other Hindraf leaders in ISA detention, accusing some of them of being Special Branch agents.

His relationship with DAP's M. Manogaran is also on the rocks, insiders said, adding Uthayakumar wants to “break free from the others and save Hindraf before it is to late.”

While there are no signs as yet from the government over the release of the five, the decision to form a new Indian party would have a significant impact on Indian politics.

A lot however depends on whether Waythamoorty is able to win over PKR Indian leaders like S. Manikavasagam and some DAP Indian leaders to the idea of a new party.

It would be an uphill task, especially with DAP Indian leaders like Dr P. Ramasamy and M.Kulasegaran, who are loyal not only to the party but also to DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang.

They are unlikely to break away.

But the same cannot be said of PKR Indian leaders like Kapar MP Manikavasagam who are more amenable to forming a new Indian party especially when such a move is ego-satisfying, glamorous and gives high status among Tamils.

These leaders are also close to Uthayakumar and see him as their political and ideological guru.

There are already talks that a hidden hand is behind the move to form a new Indian party to wean away Hindraf supporters from Pakatan Rakyat and especially PKR.

There is strong emotional attachment for the Hindraf Five among working class Indians who see them as individuals who took great personal risks to champion their cause.

They also feel that the five sacrificed themselves for them and that it was time to pay back in kind. If Uthayakumar forms a new Indian party it is likely he will win strong support from the Tamil masses.

Such a party, if it takes off, would have a major impact on Indian support for Pakatan Rakyat, the MIC and even the BN.

“We think that the time is right for Hindraf to come together into a political party and negotiate with both the Pakatan and BN governments for better benefits for Indians,” said a Hindraf leader now in Chennai.

“We are awakened and we must forge our own political path and not beg from either the BN or the Pakatan for help,” he said. “We are a significant minority and both sides need us and want us and that gives us bargaining powers.”

“We should use this opportunity to better ourselves,” he said.

KUALA TERENGGANU PARLIAMENTARY BY-ELECTIONS - THREE CORNER CONTEST

It is a three corner contest for the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-elections by Barisan Nasional's Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid and PAS' Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut with an independent candidate Azharudin Mamat @ Adam.

Nominations which was held at the Stadium Negeri in Jalan Sultan Mahmud, Kuala Terengganu which closed at 10am and a hour later the candidates were announced by the Election Officer.

Nominations is over, now the election campaign commences.

17 January will be polling day to determine who will be elected to represent the Kuala Terengganu residents and voters from among these 3 candidates.

news n photos courtesy of Malaysiakini

Newscaster, actress face drug rap

By : Meor Shariman and V. Shuman
NST, Jan 06 2009

KUALA LUMPUR: The female newscaster and a part-time actress-cum-scriptwriter who were picked up during an alleged sex party on New Year Eve's are expected to be slapped with drug charges soon.

City police narcotics department chief Assistant Commissioner Kang Chez Chiang said the two women, along with seven revellers, tested positive for ecstasy and ketamine.
Kang said: "We are awaiting further test results."

The newscaster was identified as Farahrizan Abdul Razak (picture), 22, with Astro Awani channel while the identities of the others were not revealed. Farahrizan is said to be a popular face on the 24-hour news channel.

She and the other eight were among 26 revellers between the ages of 18 and 31 who were nabbed when police gate-crashed the New Year Eve's party at a serviced apartment in Jalan P. Ramlee here about 3.30am on Thursday.

The raiding party found liquor and ketamine, ecstasy and syabu in the 11th-floor unit. It also found unused condoms.

Kang said: "All 26 suspects have been remanded until Sunday. We are trying to find out who supplied the drugs."

Police, however, will not pursue sex charges against the 26 as investigations revealed that no sex party had taken place.

City Criminal Investigations Department chief Senior Assistant Commissioner II Ku Chin Wah, while confirming this, said it was a narcotics investigation.

It was reported that those who attended the party knew each other through Friendster, a social networking site on the Internet. Among those who turned up were college students.

It was also reported that the group had met earlier at a nightspot in Mont Kiara before adjourning to the serviced apartment.

Mahathir kata Wan Farid kroni PAK LAH

Mantan Perdana Menteri, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad kecewa dengan tindakan pemimpin UMNO memilih Dato’ Wan Ahmad Farid sebagai calon Barisan Nasional (BN) bagi pilihanraya kecil Parlimen Kuala Terengganu. (Gambar - Wan Farid dan Pak Lah begitu mesra....gambar dirakam dalam pesawat peribadi Perdana Menteri)

Beliau berkata demikian dalam satu sidang akhbar di Putrajaya semalam.

"Setiap orang akan melihatnya sebagai hanya seorang proksi... seseorang yang boleh dipergunakan kemudian jika Najib menjadi perdana menteri," katanya yang dipetik akhbar internet Malaysiakini.

Walaupun beliau enggan mengulas lanjut, namun secara jelas beliau merujuk Wan Ahmad Farid adalah seorang yang rapat dengan Perdana Menteri Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Dr Mahathir juga menyifatkan pilihanraya kecil Kuala Terengganu bukanlah agenda yang amat penting bagi Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak, yang menjadi Pengarah jentera kempenUMNO dan Barisan Nasional kali ini.

Klik Untuk Lihat Video Klip Sidang Media Tun Mahathir

Sime Darby gives up on IJN

6/1 Sime Darby pulls out, announces it will not pursue plan to acquire stake in National Heart Institute (IJN)/STAR

Thank you, IJN doctors and consultants
Thank you, bloggers
Thank you, Dr M
Thank you, YB Wee Choo Keong, YB Dr Khir Toyo and other politicians who spoke and wrote against the IJN takeover bid
Thank you, Rocky Bru's readers
Thank you to everybody who sat and spat on Sime Darby for trying to take away IJN from the Rakyat.

Sime's Zubir still thinks he was right, though, and is talking about how the takeover would have been a "winning proposition" for all, including you and I. Read Malaysiakini's article here.

A doctor's advice - For the Health of All ... Watch the New Media

How To Change The World

I had heard of Haris Ibrahim even before I met him. Some acquaintances had told me of a lawyer who was seemingly singlehandedly taking on the world in his defence of principle. At the time he was involved in the case of the Besut Four, four individuals who had been convicted by a syariah court and sentenced to three years jail even though they had renounced Islam. His was the titanic struggle that pointing to an unpopular and inconvenient truth always is.

Reading of the case in the newspapers, it had struck me how frustrating it must have been for Haris to have to contend with a system that seemed more concerned with finding excuses than solutions. I wondered what it was that made him do what he did.

I came to see the sense of his choices when I met him for the first time at a Bar Council human rights training session a short while later. I saw a man who embraced the world and whose heart had enough space in it for everyone.

Over the years, we have collaborated on various initiatives, driven by a common belief in Malaysia’s need for an open and inclusive society in which all its children, irrespective of race, religion or culture, can have the freedom to pursue their dreams. It is this common belief that saw us developing a proposal for a commission that would be empowered to enquire into matters of religious harmony. It led us to engaging in a public awareness campaign aimed at creating awareness about worrying constitutional trends. It also prompted us to team up in a number cases that we believed had great bearing on the way things would be and which have ultimately left their marks on this nation.

Haris has become one of the most important civil society voices of this era. His highly influential blog, The People’s Parliament, and the range of civil society initiatives he gave life to over the last two years are breathtaking for their depth of reflection and breadth of reach. He was a prime mover of The Peoples’ Declaration, the Barisan Raykat and a host of other initiatives all of which were aimed at making the rest of us see that we had the power to effect change in our hands.

Before we began to believe in ourselves, Haris already did. March 8th proved his faith not to be misplaced. As much as this was about the soundness of his vision of what could be, it was equally about the correctness of his method. I have had the privilege of seeing some of his ideas come to life and I can say with conviction that nothing happened overnight. They developed one step at a time, from conceptualizing to planning to implementation, everything had its time and place.

The lesson I took from this is that to change the world, you must want it to and then take it one small step at a time.

Any effort aimed at improving our community, no matter how small, is a worthwhile one. Change is the by-product of an accumulation of worthwhile endeavours that may have as individual efforts escaped notice. We might think that one person’s choice not to engage in corrupt practices anymore would not bring endemic corruption to an end. If however there were sufficient numbers of such individuals, a tipping point could be reached and we might see a day when those who bribe stood out as the exception rather than the norm.

Understanding that our every action has a consequence is therefore the key that unlocks the door to change. Revolutions always start small. Consider the signals we send to people around us - family, friends or colleagues - and how those signals will be received. If you are a father and you bribe a police officer in front of your child, what you are in effect saying is that corruption is acceptable no matter how you might try to justify your behaviour. In the same way, if you are racist then those who you influence, even indirectly, will be influenced. It is the less obvious dimensions of what we do on a daily basis that trap us into vicious cycles of destructive conduct.

The change we effected last year was only skin deep. For us to transform ourselves we must confront the question of whether we really want change. We cannot run away from the fact that though the politicians are to blame for a good number of things, the ills that ravage our society stem from a value system that we have allowed to warp over time for our own convenience.

The question for us is what we propose to do about it.

(Malay Mail; 6th January 2009)

Malik Imtiaz Sarwar

Hamas won't stop rocket attacks on Israel

GAZA CITY (CNN) -- Hamas militants fired dozens of rockets into southern Israel on Monday despite a 10-day Israeli military campaign that reportedly has left more than 500 Palestinians dead.

Senior Hamas official Mahmoud al-Zahar says rocket attacks on Israel will continue.

Neither Israel nor the Hamas leaders in Gaza showed any sign of considering a cease-fire in the face of continuing international pressure to do so.

"I can understand the eagerness of the international community to see the return to calm," Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni told European foreign ministers in Jerusalem. "This is our dream as well. This is what we are looking for. Unfortunately, there are those who cannot accept the idea of living in peace in this region."

Abu Obeida, a spokesman for Hamas' military wing, warned Israel that Izzedine al Qassam Brigades will continue rocket strikes "for many months" and vowed to strike deeper into Israeli territory. He spoke on Hamas' Al-Aqsa TV.

Senior Hamas official Mahmoud al-Zahar also gave a televised address Monday, saying that the leadership in Gaza salutes "the resistance men" and that their actions were justified because of what Israel has done.

"They [Israeli forces] shelled everyone in Gaza. ... They shelled children and hospitals and mosques," he said. "And in doing so, they gave us legitimacy to strike them in the same way."

Israel on Monday continued its military assault on Gaza from the air and the ground. Heavy fighting erupted Monday night around Gaza City, the Israel Defense Forces said. Earlier in the day, Israeli forces took "tens of Hamas militants" into custody, the military said. IDF also said that fighting between Hamas militants and Israeli troops left several of the militants injured, but it did not say how many.

Eight Israeli soldiers were lightly wounded during battles with Hamas militants Monday afternoon, IDF said. On Sunday, an Israeli soldier was killed, marking the first military death since the ground operation was launched Saturday night.

The military campaign has not stopped militants in Gaza from firing on southern Israel: 47 rockets and mortars struck Israel on Sunday and at least another 40 on Monday, the Israeli military said.

One of the rockets hit a kindergarten in Ashdod, the military said. The school, like all Israeli educational facilities near the Gaza border, was closed.

The Israeli military said the ground assault -- which was launched Saturday night -- is the second phase of the operation to stop militants from firing rockets and mortars into southern Israel.

Israel began its air assault on Gaza on December 27 to stop the rocket attacks that have killed four Israelis since the military campaign began.

"Before the military operation, the equation was that Hamas targets Israelis whenever it likes, and Israel shows restraint," Livni told foreign ministers from the European Union on Monday.

"This is not going to be [any] longer the equation in this region. When Israel is targeted, Israel is going to retaliate."

Thousands of Israeli troops, backed by tanks, artillery and helicopters, have pushed deep into Gaza, essentially splitting it into the south and north.

"Every couple of minutes we hear an explosion," Gaza City resident Safa Joudeh said Monday. "We can see tanks coming closer and closer into Gaza."

She said most residents are confined to their homes and are without electricity and running out of food and water.

The ground war has resulted in mounting casualties in Gaza. More than 530 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its operation, including at least 100 women and children, according to Palestinian medical sources. That number includes 82 Palestinians killed since the ground invasion -- 30 of them children and 20 women, the sources said. In addition, 2,750 Palestinians have been injured, most of them civilians, the sources said.

Israel also stepped up its psychological campaign Monday, trying to turn Gazans against Hamas.

"Urgent message, warning to the citizens of Gaza," said a recorded phone call to Gaza resident Moussa El-Hadad. "Hamas is using you as human shields. Do not listen to them. Hamas has abandoned you and are hiding in their shelters."

The Israeli military also dropped leaflets into the streets of Gaza warning residents that the IDF will continue using "full force against Hamas." It also warned that the military "also has other means to deal with Hamas."

"If the army uses them, the toll will be very painful," said the leaflet, signed by IDF command.

A delegation of EU foreign ministers is in Jerusalem to push for a truce, while Egypt is putting pressure on Hamas leaders in Gaza.

Israel on Monday allowed 80 trucks filled with humanitarian supplies to pass into Gaza.

Heavy police presence in KT because of past election violence, says IG

By Adib Zalkapli, The Malaysian Insider

The Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said the heavy police presence for the by-election here is necessary as Kuala Terengganu has a history of election violence.

"We don't want rioting, stopping of buses, smashing of police cars to happen here," said Musa referring to the incident that happened in the last general when busses were stopped from entering the district, as they were suspected to be ferrying phantom voters.

"When there is no police, people complain, but when we deploy, they say it's too many," said Musa after attending a briefing by Terengganu police chief Datuk Shukri Dahlan.

Today DAP Parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang questioned the move by the police to deploy a high number of personnel for the by-election, saying that it is an abuse of power.

"This is why the police arrest of five members of Parti Keadilan Rakyat youth wing, including the Terengganu Youth chief Faris Musa, is a matter of grave concern," said Lim in a statement.

"Is this already proof of police double standards in the Kuala Terengganu by-election?" he asked.

Some 3,800 police personnel are being deployed in the constituency of 80,000 voters.

"Is 3,800 too many? There are 143 polling centres, we cannot just place one or two men in each centre," said Musa.

He also gave an assurance that there will be no shortage of police personnel in other districts due to the large deployment in Kuala Terengganu.

"We have our way of planning," he said.

The police has also setup four tactical centres in every state constituency in Kuala Terengganu to coordinate its work.

The centres said Musa allow the people to have direct access to the police and police reports can be lodged at the centres.

Musa also reminded all political parties to apply for police permits 24 hours before organising any ceramah, adding that the move is to ensure order and stability during the by-election.

"Do not apply too late, as we need time to study the suitability of the ceramah venue," he said.

Panel To Probe MIED Award Of AIMST Contracts

pic: makkal osai 030109

RM 18,000 income per month is apparently not enough for MIED CEO Chitra Kala. KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 4 (Bernama) -- A three-member panel has been formed to investigate alleged misappropriation in the award of contracts by MIC's education arm Maju Institute for Education Development (MIED) for the party's Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST), according to sources. They said the MIED board of directors, which met on Friday, had appointed former MIC treasurer-general Tan Sri K.S. Nijhar to head the panel. It is learnt that the others on the panel are MIC deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel and party disciplinary committee chairman Tan Sri G. Vadiveloo. makkal osai 030109 RM 18,000 income per month is apparently not enough for MIED CEO Chitra Kala. ********** makkal osai 030109 ********** The sources said the panel was formed on the instruction of MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu at the meeting. Contacted by Bernama, Nijhar confirmed the formation of the panel and said formal investigation had yet to begin. "I am just looking through all the documents and have not gone into the details of the contracts. The panel will meet once I have sorted out the documents. The panel was not formed to get anyone in particular but to ensure that everything is in order," he said. It is learnt that the panel had obtained all files on the alleged misappropriation from the MIED office. Two weeks ago, Samy Vellu removed Tan Sri M. Mahalingam, 73, from the post of MIC treasurer-general, saying that there was a need for a younger person to take over the position as part of the party's rebranding exercise. Mahalingam was replaced by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk S.K. Devamany, 51. The sources said Samy Vellu was concerned over the awarding of three contracts claimed to have been given out at an inflated value. They said the panel would also investigate two contracts given to companies linked to a senior MIC leader. The cost of construction of AIMST, which opened its doors a year ago, had ballooned from an initial estimate of RM230 million to RM500 million, the sources said. Mahalingam, when contacted, said he was in the clear and was willing to answer queries from the panel. "For me, there is nothing to hide. I did as instructed by the (MIC) president. There was no misappropriation of funds or on the contracts on the part of MIED," he said. The MIED CEO is Chitrakala Vasu. -- BERNAMA

Malaysian Indian 'Showdown' In Chennai

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 5 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Indian political leaders from both sides of the country's political divide are heading to Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu in India this week to attend a conference which is likely to be an explosive affair. Malaysian Indian political leaders from the MIC, DAP and PKR are heading for the southern Indian city to attend the three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, better known as the Indian Diaspora Conference, starting Wednesday at the Chennai Trade Centre.

The event will also be attended by representatives of the outlawed Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf). MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu will lead a 150-member delegation comprising top brass and divisional leaders of the largest Indian-based political party in the country. "We would first attend the World Tamil Conference on Jan 6, also in Chennai. The next day would be the Pravasi. We would attend that too before flying back on Jan 10," he told Bernama. The DAP would send a 20-member delegation, led by Penang Deputy Chief Minister P. Ramasamy. This is the first time in the conference's history that Malaysian opposition parties are attending the Pravasi held in a state where the majority of Malaysian Indians originated from. Ramasamy's delegation, it was reported, would consist of Perak state executive councillor A. Sivanesan and Selangor state executive councillor Xavier Jayakumar. PKR, meanwhile, would be sending a 40-member delegation. Kapar Member of Parliament S. Manikavasagam, who recently created a controversy by threatening to quit the opposition party, said the delegation would comprise politicians and businessmen. A check on the Pravasi website revealed that Malaysia would have four speakers, and they are Samy Vellu, Ramasamy, Malaysian Human Rights (Suhakam) Commissioner Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria and Human Resource Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam, who is also the MIC secretary general. After each speaker has delivered his address, the floor would be given at least 15 minutes to seek explanations from the speaker, and this is where trouble is expected. An opposition leader who declined to be named said the opposition delegation was expected to question MIC leaders on the state of affairs of Indians in the country since the party was from the Barisan Nasional, the ruling coalition. "Well, we have an opportunity to question them directly. We do not have the opportunity here, so I feel they would take whatever chance they have to question the MIC leaders," he said.

To top it all, Hindraf chief P. Wathyamoorthy, who is now living in a self-imposed exile in London, is expected to attend the event with several supporters from Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA

DR M says that Wan Farid is a bad choice for KT

By Lee Wei Lian(Themalaysianinsider)

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 5 – Dr. Mahathir may have jeopardised Barisan Nasional's (BN) chances in the crucial Kuala Terengganu by-election when he said that the ruling coalition's candidate, Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, is a bad choice and merely a proxy.

“The choice of the candidate is really very bad because people see him as a proxy to be used if Najib becomes prime minister,” the former prime minister said.

This condemnation of the BN candidate is seen as another swipe at Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“The candidate was the prime minister's choice because he was working with the prime minister,” he added.

Wan Ahmad, the former deputy home minister and member of the senate, who resigned both posts last Friday, will contest against Wakaf Mempelam state assemblyman Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut of PAS.

Even without Dr Mahathir's remarks, Pakatan Rakyat (PR) was expected to use his close links with Abdullah to attack him in the campaign.

This latest bombshell by Dr Mahathir could lead to a repeat of the March 8 general elections where his attacks on the government and calls for a stronger opposition were credited with helping the opposition to their biggest electoral gains ever.

Dr Mahathir's attacks were widely perceived to be personal in nature, and a calculated strategy to force his successor from power.

The prime minister became a focus of Dr Mahathir's attacks when he was blamed for the reversal of several of Dr Mahathir's pet projects including the crooked bridge to Singapore and the decision by Proton to offload Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta for one euro.

Dr Mahathir, who is Proton's advisor, had supported Proton's purchase of MV Agusta and was bitterly opposed to its sale.

In the Permatang Pauh by-election last August, Dr Mahathir had predicted that the BN candidate Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah would lose but with a reduced margin.

Three USM students detained for distributing leaflets

2330: Freed! The students have now been released.

2300: Three USM students were detained at 9.15pm while they were distributing leaflets in the campus. The three were bundled into a van apparently without any explanation and taken to the campus’ security department.

The leaflets provided an introduction to the “Pro-Mahasiswa” group and a bit of publicity about the group’s appointment to meet the USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor tomorrow. The students are believed to be preparing for campus elections expected to be held soon and are seeking free and fair campus elections.

Bundling students into a van? Is this the way an “apex university” handles students’ affairs? Do they think they can rise up the THES global rankings this way?

The three students held are:

• Yap Heng Lung
• Ch’ng Hui Yang
• Chew Kai Sheng

Some 50-70 students are now keeping vigil outside the security deparment now (Phone: 04-657 3970 and 653 4333)

KT by-election - Najib not campaigning as DPM and police should not apply double-standards

(Lim Kit Siang)The police in Kuala Terengganu by-election campaign should not apply double standards and should treat Datuk Seri Najib Razak as one of the party leaders in town for the by-election and not as a Deputy Prime Minister or Prime Minister-elect.

At a time when the retiring Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is trying to give new life to his National Integrity Plan and anti-corruption efforts in his last three months in office, the way the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election is conducted will be a test as to whether his national integrity efforts and the newly-minted Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) have any real meaning.

For instance, would the police in Kuala Terengganu treat Najib at par with other party leaders, whether Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat, for the duration of the by-election, as there is no business for a Deputy Prime Minister to be campaigning in Kuala Terengganu in his official capacity.

Najib is in Kuala Terengganu as UMNO Deputy President and Barisan Nasional Deputy Chairman and not as Deputy Prime Minister, and this distinction must be scrupulously observed not only by the police and all relevant government departments but also by Najib himself!

Najib should dispense with the horde of police outriders during his visit to Kuala Terengganu to show that he is not abusing his powers and be an example to all other Ministers and VIPs – that they should not misuse scarce police personnel and resources in having to provide outriders and escorts.

Najib should issue a clear directive that during the duration of the by-election, no police outriders or escorts would be provided to Cabinet Ministers or what-not VIPs for they will be campaigning in their party capacities.

Or is this one reason for sending 6,000 police reinforcements to Kuala Trengganu for the by-election, more to provide escort-riders and VIPs to the horde of Ministers, Deputy Ministers and other BN VIPs expected to descend on Kuala Terengganu during the 11-day by-election campaign?

This is why the police arrest of five members of Parti Keadilan Rakyat youth wing, including the Terengganu Youth chief Faris Musa, is a matter of grave concern.

Is this already proof of police double standards in the Kuala Terengganu by-election?

Why should the five be arrested for putting up posters of murdered Mongolian national Altantunya Shaariibuu as part of the Kuala Terengganu by-election campaign starting tomorrow, just because Najib will be in town for the by-election nomination tomorrow?

Furthermore, will the MACC be in Kuala Terengganu to take action against all those guilty of electoral offences corrupting the voting the process – as for instance the public pledge by the Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said that the state government would spend RM5.8 million to repair drains and roads and carry out several small projects in Kuala Terengganu provided the Barisan Nasional candidate wins?

This is money politics and political corruption at their most blatant. If the MACC is as indifferent and impotent as the previous Anti-Corruption Agency to such blatant electoral corruption, there cannot be a worse start for the new MACC which is supposed to be another ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption of Hong Kong) in its first week of establishment!

1. Saya ucap terima kasih kerana ramai yang membuat komen berkenaan beberapa tulisan saya. Justeru saya tidak dapat jawab semua, hanya beberapa sahaja. Namun saya ambil perhatian akan seberapa banyak yang mungkin.

Automatic Government

2. Saya pohon maaf jika pegawai Kerajaan tersinggung dalam rencana "Automatic Government".

3. Setahu saya apabila Kerajaan isytihar "public holiday" pekerja di sektor swasta berhak dibayar kerja lebih masa empat kali ganda. Saya tak tahu samada ini benar atau tidak atau kakitangan Kerajaan juga berhak.

4. Kita belum lagi jadi negara maju. Oleh itu kita perlu kerja lebih kuat.

"Cuti" ke Yemen

5. Ini pendapat saya sahaja. Saya bukan bercuti di Yemen. Saya dijemput untuk memberi syarahan-syarahan dan berdialog dengan pegawai Kerajaan dan swasta.

6. Mereka ingin tahu bagaimana Malaysia, sebuah negara pertanian dapat menjadi negara industri.

7. Saya melawat projek-projek mereka, termasuk pelabuhan Aden, yang dahulu terkenal dan mungkin akan terkenal semula jika perancangan mereka berjaya.

8. Rakyat Yemen miskin. Tetapi apabila mereka berhijrah keluar negara mereka amat berjaya. Demikian Bin Ladin adalah kontraktor terbesar di Arab Saudi. Di Malaysia semua yang bergelar Syed atau Sheikh adalah dari Hadramaut. Ramai mereka berjaya dalam bidang perniagaan dan profesional.

Institut Jantung Negara

9. I don't know who came up with the idea of privatising Institut Jantung Negara. It is DUMB! My suspicious mind tells me someone wants to make money.

Religion

10. Let us not make comments about other people's religions.

11. All I can say is about my own religion which says clearly in the Qur'an; "To you your religion, to me mine".

12. The Quran also makes it clear that there is no compulsion in religion.

13. All religions teach us to be good. But we often interprete them wrongly to justify the bad things that we do.

Beban Doktor

14. Saya dahulu bekerja sebagai doktor dalam hospital Kerajaan, kemudian sebagai doktor swasta.

15. Semasa saya masih kecil ibu saya berpesan jangan jadi inspektor polis atau doktor kerana tak dapat tidur malam.

16. Saya jadi doktor juga. Betul kata Mak!

17. Tetapi pengalaman sebagai doktor mengajar saya bekerja tanpa mengira masa.

18. Saya mungkin akan dapat bintang KSM - Kerja Sampai Mati!

Ma'al Hijrah

19. Ma'al Hijrah is the time to change, as this was what the Prophet did 1430 years ago. For Muslims it is the time to resolve to work harder, acquire more knowledge and more skills and help in bringing back the respect for Islam and the Muslims in the years to come.

UMNO President's speech

20. I don't know why my speeces as President of UMNO should cause Sapatchai to be alienated from me. As I remember it, most of my speeches as UMNO President was about scolding the Malays for not working hard and changing their ways. Being chairman of Barisan Nasional I was careful not to antagonise the non-Malays. Some believe I should never talk about Malays but only about Malaysians. If I did not and the current situation of disparities remain then we would always have this feelings of jealousy and envy.

21. Imagine a Malaysia where Malays no longer need help in trying to catch up with the non-Malays in business and the professions; imagine a Malaysia where Malays and non-Malays go to school, live, work and play together and go back to the same housing estates, imagine a Malaysia where everyone is sensitive to the sensitivities of everyone else, then you can be sure the UMNO President will cease to urge Malays to seize the opportunities in the New Economic Policy. In fact the Malays themselves would not want the NEP because they can compete successfully and look after themselves without the Government having to look after them.

Sains dan Matematik

22. Saya ucap terimakasih kepada Cikgu Dari Uluyang belajar sains dalam bahasa Melayu sepenuhnya dan sekarang menjadi guru sains dalam bahasa Melayu juga.

23. Namun saudara sokong penggunaan bahasa Inggeris untuk sains dan matematik.

24. Ya. Program ini bukan untuk memusnahkan identiti bangsa Melayu.

25. Saya sebenarnya mendapat pelajaran dari sekolah rendah hingga ke Universiti (perubatan) dalam Bahasa Inggeris.

26. Saya fikir saya masih boleh bertutur dan menulis dalam bahasa Melayu, walaupun tidak sebaik seperti pakar bahasa.

27. Adat resam dan budaya saya adalah adat resam dan budaya Melayu.

28. Saya percaya saya diterima sebagai Melayu.

29. Jelas menguasai ilmu dalam bahasa Inggeris tidak menjadikan saya kurang Melayu.

30. Takkanlah hanya kerana belajar sains dan matematik dalam bahasa Inggeris akan menyebabkan kita lupa bahasa kita, dan kita kurang Melayu.

31. Mempelajari sains dan matematik dalam bahasa Inggeris bukan untuk mempelajari dan menguasai bahasa Inggeris. Untuk ini sudah ada matapelajaran bahasa Inggeris.

32. Penggunaan bahasa Inggeris untuk Sains dan Matematik adalah kerana ilmu ini mengguna perkataan-perkataan yang berlainan daripada bahasa Inggeris biasa. Juga ilmu-ilmu baru dalam bidang sains terutamanya diterokai dan diperkenalkan melalui kertas-kertas akademik hampir tiap hari. Dan hampir semuanya didapati di dalam bahasa Inggeris.

33. Kita boleh terjemahkan kertas-kertas ini. Untuk ini kita perlu penterjemah yang fasih dalam bahasa Inggeris dan bahasa kita dan juga berkelulusan dalam bidang sains berkenaan. Kita tidak ada ramai orang seperti ini sekarang pun. Jika ada pun mereka tidak berminat untuk kerja ini sepanjang hayat. Apabila semua belajar sains dan matematik dalam bahasa Melayu, di manakah akan kita cari orang yang fasih dalam bahasa Inggeris untuk membuat penterjemahan.

34. Dalam satu pertemuan saya telah beri contoh dalam bidang telekomunikasi, khususnya telefon sel. Kecanggihannya bertambah sepanjang masa. Ini semua adalah hasil pemahaman dalam ilmu dan teknologi "micro circuit", dalam cip, dan bagaimana menulis "software" untuknya.

35. Kita tidak perlu bahasa Inggeris untuk mengguna segala kemudahan dalam cell-phone. Tetapi untuk mencipta dan meningkatkan keupayaan cell-phone kita perlu ilmu yang berkenaan yang mana ilmu ini terdapat dalam bahasa Inggeris. Mungkin sudah ada buku-buku dalam bahasa Melayu berkenaan sains ini tetapi saya belum jumpa buku yang boleh menolong kita mencipta alatan yang mengguna sains ini. Sehingga kita ada buku ini kita perlu buku dalam bahasa Inggeris, syarahan dalam bahasa Inggeris, tunjuk ajar dalam bahasa Inggeris. Jika tidak maka kita akan terus jadi bangsa pengguna.

36. Untuk menjadi bangsa maju kita perlu ilmu pengetahuan yang luas. Hanya boleh bertuturkata dalam bahasa sendiri tidak mencukupi untuk menjadikan kita bangsa yang maju setaraf dengan bangsa-bangsa maju yang lain.

37. Saya sayangkan bahasa saya. Sejak 1947 lagi saya telah perjuangkan bahasa saya. Bukanlah niat saya untuk mengenepikan bahasa dan bangsa saya apabila saya buat keputusan untuk mengguna bahasa Inggeris dalam sains dan matematik. Niat saya ialah sebaliknya. Niat saya ialah supaya bangsa saya tidak ketinggalan dalam penguasaan ilmu sains dan matematik yang begitu penting dalam menentukan maju/mundurnya sesuatu bangsa. Niat saya ialah supaya bangsa saya akan dapat berdiri sama tinggi dan duduk sama rendah dengan bangsa-bangsa yang termaju di dunia.

38. Insya'allah apabila kita di masa akan datang sudah dapat mendiri tamadun Melayu yang termaju sama seperti tamadun moden yang terkenal di dunia, apabila pendita-pendita dan saintis Melayu dapat meneroka dan menyumbang kepada keilmuan sains dunia, maka pada masa itu para saintis asing akan mempelajari bahasa Melayu untuk mendapat ilmu sains sepertimana orang Arab mempelajari bahasa Yunani, Hindi, Cina, untuk menguasai ilmu-ilmu yang diterokai oleh bangsa-bangsa ini; sepertimana orang Eropah mempelajari bahasa Arab untuk menguasai ilmu-ilmu sains dan matematik yang diterokai dan dikuasai oleh orang Arab pada abad ke-15 Masehi.

39. Inilah sejarah keilmuan tamadun manusia sejak zaman Hammurabi lagi.

Pilot

40. There is today a worldwide shortage of pilots and aeronautical engineers. The demand for them will continue whatever the economic situation. More Malaysian youths should train as pilots. It costs money. But if the Government is interested in jobs for graduates it should provide the fund

Sayap pendidikan MIC dilanda skandal

MIC dilanda skandal yang membabitkan sayap pendidikannya, Institut Pembangunan Pendidikan Maju (MIED) berhubung dakwaan berlaku penyelewengan dalam pemberian kontrak penyelenggaran Institut Perubatan, Sains dan Teknologi Asia (AIMST) milik parti itu.

Sumber-sumber berkata, ia berlaku apabila MIED diarahkan supaya membatalkan dua kontrak yang diberikan berdasarkan sistem 'tender terbuka'.

Sebaliknya, pihak pengurusannya dikatakan diarahkan supaya memberinya kepada mereka yang rapat dengan presiden parti, Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu.

Dua kontrak tersebut adalah untuk kerja memotong rumput dan pengendalian kantin di universiti tersebut.

Sumber-sumber itu berlaku, jumlah tawaran tender oleh pihak-pihak baru itu - seorang daripadanya berpejabat di Ipoh - dianggap lebih tinggi daripada tawaran tender yang telah diterima.

Ia adalah antara lima kontrak yang diberikan oleh MIED untuk pelbagai perkhidmatan tahun lalu.

Dijangka akan berlaku pemecatan - malah, pemecatan bendahari agung MIC, Tan Sri M Mahalingam dua minggu lalu, dikatakan ada kaitan dengannya, walaupun Samy Vellu, berkata pertukaran itu adalah perkara 'rutin'.

Pada 23 Disember, Mahalingalm juga melepaskan jawatannya sebagai pengerusi MIED Capital Sdn Bhd - syarikat yang menguruskan Universiti AIMST yang terletak di Semeling, kedah.

Dr M: Wan Farid a proxy for Pak Lah