Will Pakatan save Barisan for the next 10 years?

If historical pattern of Umno’s revivals after 1990 and 1999 can be of any guide for the future, Umno is now deprived of its first favourable condition: policy or leadership change.

Wong Chin Huat, Fz.com

MANY people will celebrate this coming Saturday as the 6th anniversary of the 2008 Political Celebration.

For Malaysians who want regime change, March 8 is the most commemorative date on the calendar because it gives them hope, or in the words of writer Kee Thuan Chye, it was “the day Malaysia woke up.”

March 8 six years ago was the day the Opposition parties, for the first time after 1969, denied the ruling coalition its customary two-thirds, and first time ever, rule a host of five states. It was the day many Malaysians discovered that their votes actually could make a difference.

But the very reason why March 8 is so widely commemorated by Pakatan Rakyat and Civil Society is also really because they cannot celebrate May 5, the day that is supposed to end Umno’s 59/51 years rule of Malaya/Malaysia.

In other words, every celebration of the greatness of March 8 is an unspoken mourning over the failure of May 5.

So, how many more years will the Malaysia democrats celebrate most grandly the March 8 near-miss because they cannot celebrate regime change?

How did Umno/BN rebound from near-misses?

The answer may lie with Pakatan Rakyat: PKR, PAS and DAP.

Lest we forget, 2008 was not the first time Umno and BN escaped their defeat. In fact, it was the third, after the 1990 and 1999 abortive attempts. Each time, Umno and BN bounced back stronger than before.

In both the 1990 and 1999 episodes, three things happened: change – of policy or leadership – in BN; break-up of the opposition coalition; and, seat increase and constituency redelineation.


1. Change in BN Policy/Leadership

Conventionally, the First-Past-The-Post electoral system forces political parties to win the middle ground voters. Hence, electoral set-backs will often lead to change of policy or leadership to restore a party’s popularity or voters’ confidence on it.

BN followed this rule in 1990 when the opposition won 47% of votes, and some 70% support amongst Chinese voters. But it managed to secure majority of Malay voters west of Banjaran Titiwangsa because Tengku Razaleigh wore a Kadazan traditional headgear with a crucifix-like pattern. That became the evidence he sold out the Malay-Muslims to Kadazan-Catholics.

To win back the Chinese voters, within four months from election, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad dished out Vision 2020 and introduced cultural and educational liberalisation, which paved way for significant increase in Chinese support of BN for the next three elections.

In 1999, BN secured the support of the Chinese who were largely afraid of another 1969-style post-election riot as well as an Islamic State should PAS come to power. But the Malays were polarised by Mahathir, whose sacking of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was seen by many Malays as tyrannical and un-Malay.

To save Umno, Dr Mahathir retired on November 2003. In March 2004, his successor Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi called a fresh poll and won a 91% parliamentary majority.


2. Break-up of Opposition Coalition

Umno/BN’s revival requires the Opposition coalitions to break-up so that middle-ground voters can be convinced that Umno/BN is the only electable party to run the country.

Some misunderstood that the opposition parties were more disunited than the BN parties. The actual fact is that coalitions are much built by the benefits and prospects of staying in power.

That’s why Umno schisms in both episodes would lead to formation of opposition coalitions which were respectively led by Razaleigh’s S46 and Anwar’s Keadilan.

When the opposition coalitions lost the elections without even denying BN’s two-third majority, the incentives to hold the opposition parties together disappeared.

After 1990, PAS pushed Hudud Law in Kelantan, S46 became more Malay nationalistic, and DAP soon quitted the opposition pact. And PAS and S46 too fought in Kelantan before Razaleigh’s troop rejoined Umno.

After 1999, PAS pushed Hudud Law in Terengganu, while PKR with Anwar in jail couldn’t do much, not long after the 911 Incident, DAP again called it quit.

And of course, disarrayed oppositions made BN naturally appealing, especially after policy and leadership changes respectively.


3. Seat Increase and Constituency Redelineation

While the above two factors are well-known, few realise the BN’s rebound was amplified by seat increase and constituency redelineation in the Peninsula that happened before the next election.

The 1994 redelineation was packaged with an increase of 12 seats in Peninsula, leading to a net of six more seats allocated for Umno to contest.

While Mahathir’s BN was no doubt way more popular in 1995 than in 1990, DAP and PAS were shortchanged in the Peninsula by constituency redelineation.

In 1990, DAP won 20 seats (then 15.15% of the Peninsula’s total) with 18.04% of votes, yielding a vote value of 84%. To get the concept of vote value, think of vote analogously as a bank note, DAP could only get RM 0.84 worth of goods with a RM1 note.

By 1995, its vote share dropped by about one third to 12.13%, but its seat dropped sharply to only 8 (now 5.56%), yielding a vote value of 46%. In other words, the value of a DAP vote was almost halved.

Similarly, despite a slight increase of vote share from 7.79% to 8.45%, PAS found itself still winning only seven seats in a larger pool. The value of a vote for PAS dropped from 68% to 58%.

Abdullah’s 91% parliamentary landslide in 2004 was BN’s largest since Independence but his vote share, 63.85%, was only the second highest. Mahathir bagged the highest vote share of 65.16% in 1995 but only 84.38% of seats.

How did Abdullah do better than his predecessor? Again, his magic is in seat increase and constituency redelineation.

The Election Commission under Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman helped him with an increase of 26 seats in the Peninsula and Sabah (including Labuan) in 2003.

In 1995, Mahathir’s BN won 65.27% of votes in these two regions, which was translated into 82.42% of their total seats, yielding a vote value of 126%. By 2004, Abdullah’s BN won 90.05% of seats with 63.72% of votes, yielding a vote value of 1.41.

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Kajang by-election: Unholy haste to fix Anwar Ibrahim

The dates insisted upon by the Court of Appeal are on the eve of nomination day for the Kajang by-election.
P Ramakrishnan, Aliran executive committee member

It is conceded that Anwar Ibrahim will definitely win the Kajang by-election with a runaway majority.

Nothing can stop or impede that inevitability. That win will be a mortal blow to the Barisan Nasional whose fortunes will crumble thereafter.

Politically the BN can do nothing to arrest this trend. And it is desperate to stop Anwar from contesting the Kajang by-election.

Will the outcome of his court case stop Anwar from his foregone victory in Kajang? Thinking Malaysians seem to think that would be the case!

YB N Surendran’s press statement disclosing some disturbing details is rather ominous. We have to fear for Anwar.

It is said, “Justice is that virtue that assigns to every man his due.” Is Anwar being given his due? That is the crucial question.

According to Surendran, “The appeal had been fixed for case management on 28 February 2014. Anwar’s lawyers then received a call from the deputy registrar of the Court of Appeal asking for free dates between 7 March and 10 March 2014. It should be noted that the dates insisted upon by the Court of Appeal are on the eve of the nomination day for the Kajang by-election. (If Anwar is convicted, he would be disqualified from contesting the by election.)”

It is very strange that the appeal had been fixed for case management on 28 Feburary and six days later the government’s appeal against Anwar’s acquittal was scheduled to proceed on 6 March 2014.

It is inexplicable that the court should insist on fixing 6-7 March as appeal dates despite Anwar’s lawyers stating that those were not free on those dates. Shouldn’t this fact be taken into account when fixing the dates? After all, shouldn’t Anwar’s lawyers be free to do justice to Anwar’s defence? Why should the court fix the dates that are not free and convenient to Anwar’s lawyers?

Why should the court be so insistent? According to Potter Stewart, “Swift justice demands more than just swiftness.”

If the business of the court is to deliver justice, shouldn’t the court be guided by mercy and compassion as well?

Anwar was acquitted on 9 January 2012, more than two years ago – almost two years after the trial started. If it had taken more than two years to come to this stage, would a delay of a few weeks or months have interfered with justice?

What were the compelling reasons for wanting the appeal to proceed specifically on 6-7 March? What was the rational for dismissing the fact that Anwar’s lawyers are not free on those dates fixed by the court?

“Justice and judgment lie often a world apart,” said Emmeline Pankhurst, British political activist and leader of the British suffragette movement who helped women win the right to vote. In Anwar’s case this seems to be so true.

It is this development that has disturbing implication. It has led many to wonder why the judiciary is so rigid in Anwar’s case. There is this public perception that the judiciary may be used by the BN to stop Anwar in his tracks.

Our courts should not be seen to be used for political vendetta; it must not even be perceived to be so.

If Anwar is disqualified from contesting the Kajang by-election on 11 March, then this perception will, unfortunately, become a fact. That would be a tragedy not only for all of us but also for the nation.

Let’s remember and be reminded by what was said by William Ewart Gladstone: “National injustice is the surest road to national downfall.”

Applauding Khairy’s suggestion to revise BTN

The Malay Mail Online
March 6, 2014

MARCH 6 ― In The Malay Mail dated 5 March, Umno minister Khairy Jamaluddin has suggested a revision of the country’s National Civics Bureau (BTN) training courses, saying undergraduates should be treated like adults and not taught to be blind supporters of the government.

I, myself have never been to any of BTN courses. However, a few years back, a friend of mine who was working for a government agency and was dating a lovely Chinese lady received a directive from his superior to attend a BTN course.

Upon returning from the course held somewhere in the state of Pahang, we went for our weekly coffee session and he shared with me his experience about the course he attended. He mentioned,

“The course made me racist. I feel that the other races are not thankful enough for being in Malaysia. We should show them that we are the boss and they better respect it.”

I was shocked.

This came from a person who I knew since I was ten, had zero racist streak in him and I must highlight that he professed his love to his (then) Chinese girlfriend every day (and night, almost).

My other friend who was with us was not surprised because he heard the same thing from his other friends who attended one or more of those courses. Apparently, BTN is known for brainwashing the participants by masquerading as an agency tasked to instil patriotism and train Malaysia future leaders.

The closest one I had to BTN was when I was in secondary school, a substitute teacher for Sejarah put the map of Malaysia on my classroom’s whiteboard, and told the whole class that the Malays sacrificed Tanah Melayu for Malaysia. He said that our nation was supposed to be land of the Malays, but we tolerated and accepted ‘them’ and changed the name of our beloved land from Tanah Melayu to Malaya and later, Malaysia.

(Yes, this was years before ISMA came out with a ‘scientific study’ claiming the existence of Malay genetic could be traced back to 30,000-40,00 years earlier compared to the Chinese and the Indians.)

Honestly, at that time, I bought it. There was a sense of pride came rushing over me and for a good week or two, I looked at my non-Malay friends differently, in a not so good way. Thinking that I was above them. Fortunately, I got over it when I had to go to them for help with my Mathematics exercise (or was it to chat about the latest high school drama that was happening that week?)

Back to BTN. Are these allegations true? If they were, the time, energy, funds (paid by the taxpayers) and efforts that are being used to inflict hate and further causing racial and religion polarisation should be properly channelled to encourage patriotism, inspire unity, and promote toleration and togetherness among Malaysians.

The suggestion by our Youth and Sports Minister to revise BTN training courses and encourage critical thinking skills should be welcomed. I too agree with the Rembau MP when he said that youths should not blindly support the government but should be able to decide for themselves if the government deserves such backing.

I was also under the impression that KJ admitted BTN has a must-have-syllabus on giving thanks and being grateful to the government.

BTN should be a delightful course to educate the participants about our beloved country, to remind them of our colourful history, to make patriotism cool and to show how proud we are to be Malaysians.

Instead of shoving one-sided information to our students, similar revision or reform should be applied to our current education system as well, say by removing the political element in our already too far politicised education system? Well, that is another story.

* Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud is a political secretary to MP of Gelang Patah, YB Lim Kit Siang.

Najib Hopes Malaysia Can Develop Stronger Link With British Industries

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Thursday night expressed the hope that Malaysia could develop a stronger link with British industries, especially in Islamic Finance, and open up wider opportunities for shariah-compliant investments.

"Last year, together, we successfully brought the World Islamic Economic Forum to London; and in the spirit of friendly competition and shared prosperity, we were pleased to see the United Kingdom making a play for the Islamic finance market," he said when speaking at the British-Malaysian Chamber of Commerce's 50th Anniversary Gala dinner, in Kuala Lumpur.

Najib said the visit by British Prime Minister David Cameron two years ago signalled the beginning of a stronger economic relationship, one founded on closer political cooperation.

"To sustain this momentum, Prime Minister Cameron and I pledged to increase investments and double the value of bilateral trade to 8 billion pound sterlings or about RM26 billion by 2016.

"This commitment was needed because our long history of engagement is not reflected in our bilateral trade figures," said Najib, who is also Finance Minister.

Besides Islamic Finance, the tourism sector also continued to feature high on engagement with the United Kingdom, the prime minister said.

"Last year's Malaysia Night saw Trafalgar Square bursting with Malaysian colour. More than 35,000 visitors attended the event and, knowing British tastes, I suspect a similar number of roti canai were sold," he said.

As Visit Malaysia Year 2014 gets underway, Najib is confident that the British-Malaysian Chamber of Commerce will continue to play their part in encouraging Britons to come to Malaysia, whether for business or pleasure.

"And in the end, it is good people-to-people contact that defines and enrich our economic relationship," he said.

At the event, Najib also signed a Bilateral Trade Support Initiative between Malaysia and the United Kingdom with the objective to encourage more British small and medium entrepreneurs to export to Malaysia.

The key focus area under the initiative is the Overseas Business Network Initiative, which has been designed to provide assistance and support services to British SMEs looking to expand overseas.

Najib said: "I am pleased to note that the chamber is playing an important role in helping to deliver that commitment, becoming the local partner for the Overseas Business Network Initiative.

"We have come a long way and the British-Malaysian Chamber of Commerce has been an invaluable travelling companion, bringing our nations closer together by finding common opportunities," he added.

Protesters try to storm court during Allah trial

Jealous husband 'killed Westernised Muslim wife after her birthday sex with another man'

Court is told Jahangir Nazar was a possessive, controlling and violent partner who stabbed his wife to death in a "ferocious attack"

Farkhanda Younis was stabbed 19 times in the neck in a "ferocious" attack at her home in Oldham 

By News agencies

A jealous husband killed his "promiscuous" wife after she returned from having "birthday sex" with another man, a court has heard.

Farkhanda Younis, 30, known to friends as 'Jabeen' was stabbed 19 times in the neck in a "ferocious" attack at her home in Oldham, in the early hours of April 19, 2013.

Her body was found after her young son, who cannot be named for legal reasons, rang 999 because he could not rouse her and her bedroom door was locked.

Jahangir Nazar, 35, who married Ms Younis in an Islamic ceremony in 2012, has admitted manslaughter but denies murder in a Manchester Crown Court trial, claiming his responsibility was diminished by mental illness.

The prosecution say the takeaway delivery driver's behaviour after the killing, when he allegedly withdrew money, disposed of blood-soaked clothing and filled up his car, shows a "mental agility" inconsistent with his account.

John Jones QC, opening the case for the prosecution, described Nazar as a possessive, controlling and violent partner who set up a mobile phone as a 'listening device' to check up on Ms Younis when he was out.

He was also said to have been facing deportation and to have believed that marrying Ms Younis in a civil ceremony would secure his stay in Britain.

The court heard that hours before her death, she met up with another man, who was also married, for sex to '"celebrate his birthday". In that time, Nazar tried to call her 25 times, but none of the calls were answered.

It is alleged that when she returned home Nazar was "lying in wait for her".

Mr Jones said: "It's clear that Jabeen and the defendant had entirely different attitudes to life - it's clear from others who witnessed the couple that the defendant was very possessive and very controlling of Jabeen.

"She was far more Westernised, outgoing and one has to say, promiscuous in the conduct of her life, if what other witnesses say about her is correct.

"That is not said in a critical way, Jabeen was entitled to behave in a way she chose, this is not a court of morals or a judgement on her lifestyle.

"But, the fact remains that Jabeen lived in every sense an entirely Westernised lifestyle. She went to nightclubs, she had many boyfriends, she drank alcohol and she wore Westernised designer clothing. It's clear she was a very attractive and flirtatious woman.

"Nazar resented it and sought to control it, and on the night in question, it led to uncontrollable rage.

"The end result was a significant attack by a man fearful of deportation, jealous of other men, and resentful of the promiscuity of his girlfriend."

Najib revives Cabinet Committee on Indian Affairs

After a three year hiatus, the Prime Minister will chair the first meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Indian Affairs today.

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has revived the Cabinet Committee on Indian Affairs and the committee made up of MIC top guns will meet at the Prime Minister’s office today for its first meeting in three years.

The meeting will be attended by MIC president and Natural Resources and Environment Minister G Palanivel, Health Minister and MIC deputy president Dr S Subramaniam, Youth and Sports deputy minister M Saravanan, who is also MIC vice-president and P Kamalanathan, the deputy Education minister and MIC central working committee member.

The chief secretary to the government Ali Hamsa will also be in attendance.

The cabinet committee on Indian Affairs became dormant after Palanivel took over the MIC presidency from former president S Samy Vellu in 2010.

Questions are now being asked why the Prime Minister revived this committee at this time? Is Najib unhappy with the way the MIC president has been running things in the party in serving the community? Or is it due to the resignation of P Waythamoorthy as deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

Sources say the answer to both the questions was a resounding ‘yes’.

“It is a bit of both. Palanivel has forgotten what he needs to do to win back the community. Nothing is moving in the MIC. The party has come to a stand still in addressing problems of the Indian community,” said a source in the Prime Minister’s office.

Hindraf’s Waythamoorthy was made deputy minister after he signed a memorandum of understanding with the government before the last general election

He was entrusted to look into Indian affairs but resigned abruptly last month saying that Najib did not have the will to walk the talk as far as Indians are concerned.

“The revival of the committee also shows that the Prime Minister intends to deal with Indian issues on his own. He is not letting MIC tackle these issues on their own because the party is not doing anything. Nothing has happened after the general election. This meeting would kickstart programmes for the community,” he said.

Among issues to be discussed at the meeting today would be the plight of Tamil schools, seats available for Indian students in public and private higher learning institutions, issuance of MyKad and birth certificates for Malaysian Indians and creation of more job opportunities for Indian in the government.

The cabinet committee will also deliberate on skills training and economic empowerment of Indian youth, construction and refurbishing of temples and community halls.

The government had in 2010 awarded RM100 million to upgrade Tamil schools in the country. The announcement was made in the 2011 Budget tabling by Najib in Parliament.

“This proposal was put up by Samy Vellu and SK Devamany (former deputy minister and ex-MIC vice-president). Najib decided to approve this and made the announcement. But since then MIC has been dragging it feet and this is alarming the Prime Minister.

“This is why he has taken it upon himself to look into this matter. He wants aid and assistance to reach the community fast. He is speeding things up but can the party keep up with this speed is another matter,” said the source.

201 kelahiran bayi direkod di Sekolah Harapan

Sehingga kini seramai 216 remaja hamil dari seluruh negara ditempatkan di sekolah berkenaan.

MELAKA: Pusat perlindungan remaja hamil, Sekolah Harapan di Jasin mencatatkan sebanyak 201 kelahiran bayi sejak penubuhannya pada September 2010.

Exco Wanita, Pembangunan Keluarga dan Hal Ehwal Kebajikan Melaka Datuk Latipah Omar berkata sehingga kini seramai 216 remaja hamil dari seluruh negara ditempatkan di sekolah berkenaan dengan mencatatkan 14 penghuni pada 2010; 2011 (84); 2012 (51); 2013 (61) dan enam penghuni bagi dua bulan pertama tahun ini.

“Perbelanjaan keseluruhan sekolah adalah ditanggung oleh Majlis Agama Islam Melaka dengan pengisian keagamaan dijalankan pada sesi pagi manakala sesi petang diisi dengan pelajaran akademik,” katanya ketika menjawab soalan Md Rawi Mahmud (BN-Tanjung Bidara) mengenai perkembangan pusat perlindungan itu pada persidangan pertama penggal kedua Dewan Undangan Negeri Melaka ke-13 di sini, ini.

Katanya dalam tempoh itu juga sebanyak 28 penghuni mengambil peperiksaan awam dengan 21 orang menjalani peperiksaan Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) dan Penilaian Menengah Rendah (7).

Dalam sidang akhbar selepas itu, Latipah berkata bayi berkenaan kebanyakannya dijaga oleh ibu kandung mereka selain ada yang diserah kepada keluarga angkat.

Katanya pihak Sekolah Harapan turut melakukan pemantauan berkala terhadap remaja terbabit yang kembali kepada keluarga masing-masing setelah habis tempoh berpantang.

“Sehingga kini, kita tidak menerima sebarang aduan mengenai kes pengabaian bayi dan juga tiada laporan mengenai berulangnya kes hamil di luar nikah,” katanya.

Bernama

Federal Court reserves decision on ‘Allah’

The Federal Court has reserved its decision, whether to grant leave to the Catholic weekly publication, the Herald, to use the word 'Allah' to refer to God.
UPDATED

PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Court today reserved its decision to a date to be fixed later on whether or not to grant leave to the Catholic Church to appeal against the Court of Appeal’s decision which prohibited its weekly publication, the Herald from using the word Allah in its Bahasa Malaysia version.

The Federal Court made the ruling after seven senior judges heard arguments for and against the Court of Appeal judgment which had barred the Catholic weekly publication from using the term ‘Allah’ to refer to God.

The panel judges were lead by Chief Justice Ariffin Zakaria.

The other six judges were Court of Appeal president Raus Sharif, Chief Judge of Malaya Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin, Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Richard Malanjum and Federal Court judges Suriyadi Halim Omar, Zainun Ali and Jeffrey Tan.

The panel had earlier heard submissions from lawyers representing the church, six state Islamic religious councils and the Malaysian Chinese Muslims Association (Macma) as well as submissions from a senior federal counsel representing the Home Ministry.

The six states are Terengganu, Kedah, Johor, Malacca, the Federal Territories, and Selangor.

Earlier a group of supporters from different agencies and non-government organisations (NGOs) who are Muslims performed solat hajat in front of the Palace of Justice square.

The members, clad in red or black, arrived by the bus loads earlier this morning to protest against the Church’s bid to overturn the Appellate Court’s decision.

They began shouting “Allahu akbar” (God is great) while waiting for the verdict and ran in droves towards the building’s exit, where they were blocked by the police, who formed a human barricade.

“Let us show them that we Malays are not weak! We have been patient and tolerant for far too long,” the protesters shouted.

They tried to negotiate with the policemen on duty to allow them into the court room which turned out to be fruitless. They eventually gave in and dispersed.

A few of these protesters however said the scene would have turned ugly if the policemen were not Malays.protest fed court1

Others vented their frustration by hurling items at the Federal Court building, although they were stoped by fellow protesters who reminded them not to harm government property.

Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali who was with the protesters said if the Federal Court verdict was not in favour of the Muslims, then it would jeopardise the nation as Malays were the majority.

“Even minus the non-Muslim Bumiputeras, Malays are still the majority. We inherited this land when it was still called ‘Tanah Melayu’ (Malaya)… All the rulers, the royals are Malay Muslims,” Ibrahim told reporters.

“We respect any decision made by the court, but still I am worried what could happen to the country,” he said.

Ibrahim added that should the Federal Court allow the appeal to proceed, the Malay NGOs would come here each day to support the “Malay cause.”

In October last year, the Court of Appeal banned the Herald from using the word ‘Allah’ to refer to God in the Bahasa Malaysia section of its weekly newspaper.

A three-man bench chaired by Mohamed Apandi Ali delivered the decision then, ruling that the government’s appeal was allowed.

The church filed an appeal against this ruling and the Federal Court heard arguments on the leave application today.

On Dec 31, 2009, the High Court allowed the church’s judicial review application and lifted the Home Minister’s ban on the use of the word in the Herald.

Judge Lau Bee Lan had said then that the church had a constitutional right to use the word Allah in its newspaper on the grounds that religions other than Islam can be practiced in peace and harmony.

Subra: Medical fee cap to protect public

Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam says competition among private healthcare providers will reduce costs.
UPDATED

PUTRAJAYA: The fee hike for private healthcare costs is done in order to protect public interest, Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam said today.

He said the fee amendments under the 13th Schedule of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services (Privates Hospitals and Other Private Health Facilities) Regulations 2006 would make private healthcare providers compete among themselves to provide better services.

“Under the revised fee, action can be taken against doctors who charge more than what is proposed in the schedule,” he said, adding the ministry was instructed to review the prices in 2010.

Subramaniam added that the 14% rate hike for private medical and dental practitioners was done after studying the consumer price index (CPI) for healthcare between 2002 and 2010.

“In my experience, the public will avoid any clinics which charge high fees. Thus, I believe the private hospital would not impose the maximum charges,” he said.

The revision included a spike in consultation charges from between RM10 and RM35 to RM30 and RM125 for general practitioners, and from between RM30 and RM125 to RM80 and RM235 for specialist doctors.

Fees for medical procedures have soared between 14% and 18%.

Dr Subramaniam said the Health Ministry reviewed the 13th schedule on Sept 22, 2010.

Fees for consultation and medical procedures have not been revised since 2002 and is considered low compared to other nations.

“Consultations and meetings were held. We established two committees and a working group. We then forwarded the proposal to the cabinet which approved the amendment to the 13th schedule on Oct 12, 2012,” he added.

The amended schedule fee structure, was presented to the Attorney-General’s chambers on April 29, 2013 and gazetted on Dec 16 after the cabinet’s approval.

The minister also assured Malaysians that the fee structure would not be amended again, at least for another three to four years.

“It was just gazetted last year. The people need not to worry about the increase of the fees after this,” he added.

Hot air balloons by both RPK and Dr Lim on the MoU between HINDRAF and BN

Hot air balloons by both RPK and Dr Lim on the MoU between HINDRAF and BN.

Before even divulging into to the contents of the MoU between BN and HINDRAF, one needs to look into the intention or what was intended.

To understand the intention, one needs to look why and how the intention came about.

Why and how the intention is purely based on the 4 issues stipulated in the MOU which is:

1. Uplifting displaced Estate Workers;

2. Addressing Statelessness among the Indian Poor;

3. Increasing educational opportunism from Pre-school to University for the poor Indians;

4. Increasing Employment and Business Opportunities for the poor Indians.

What is an MoU and how effective of the MOU actually becomes obsolete when the intention is not met. Whether it is workable or not is not the issue but was there an intention.

The intention is entered in good faith on a gentleman agreement based on the spirit and morality of it, not one to figure out what is the time line, what it could have been and what should have been for a community that is long neglected but rather a genuine intention to hold to one’s end of the bargain to bring them in par with the rest of them.

Both these laureates meaning RPK and Dr Lim Teck Ghee don’t delve on the issues but rather indulge with their swing song on why, how and what is should have been rather than having the courage to address the issue as listed above.

Really!!! Are these the soothsaying martyrs for the community?

Does it really matter whether there is an MoU or not between BN and HINDRAF if there is no real intention by the governance of the day.

Does it really matter whether HINDRAF can take BN to court over the breach of intention of the government of the day?

Does it really matter what anyone can say about it without actually being in a position to do anything to resolve the impending issue for the poor Indians.

Does it really matter, if we individually in our heart are still driven for who is going to be in power and who is not in anticipation within our own cocoon without actually understanding the predicament of the Indian poor and their ability to sustain their pride and dignity to live a normal life in Malaysia without fear and favor?

Does the intention meet’s the objective for the poor Indians or another political drive as and when it fits us?

Intention does not need a legal standing or an abridged method but works on a pure sense of morality and principle on the issues that seems to keep haunting us when we fail our social responsibilities in our self- indulged manner.

Social human responsibilities to our own mankind are not derived on who says or what fits an agenda but rather whether you have the courage on a subjective basis to address it when the truth faces you like the state of the poor Malaysian Indians.

So in essence it really does not matter who says what, but rather what is the role, what and how an intention plays a part in any individual who seek to ensure that the plight of the wilfully neglected Indian poor in Malaysia can continue to have a voice in a non-partisan manner.

Liberty cannot be established without morality, nor morality without faith. The faith can only be sustained when the role we play collectively has the liberty not to fool ourselves subjectively in the truth that affects our fellow poor Malaysian Indians in an unjust manner.

Thank you.

R.Shan

(Human Being)

‘Let voters decide on Kajang move’

(The Sun Daily) - Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan (pix), still unhappy over how the Kajang by election was “forced’ upon constituents, wants voters to decide whether the reasons for the “Kajang move” are valid.

The former Bersih 2.0 chairman said she had made her position on the matter very clear from the start.

“I’m not so naïve to see that these things do not ever happen. What I said was they must give a good reason (on why the by-election is necessary) and I think they’ve given some reasons,’ she told theSun.

Ambiga said she knows all too well why the Kajang by-election is being held but added that voters should accept the reality of the situation.

“I urge the Kajang voters to use the by-election as an opportunity to voice their grievances by casting their ballots on polling day set for March 23,” the former Bar Council chairman told theSun.

The by-election follows the sudden resignation of former assemblyman Lee Chin Cheh on Jan 27.

It is expected to be a six-cornered fight with four independents and MCA vice-president Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun going up against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the de facto PKR leader.

Ambiga, who is now the legal adviser for the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4), also called on the government to be more serious in combating corruption and for perpetrators to “face the full force of the law”.

“They should make it clear that there is zero tolerance for corruption, which means if anyone is caught, they would be charged and face the full force of the law.

“But, above and beyond that, leaders must show leadership. They need to show that they won’t indulge in any of these practices and abuses of power that we’ve been complaining about in the past. Therefore, strong leadership is important,” she said.

She added that educating the public and conducting anti-corruption programmes at the state or national level would benefit the nation.

Court of Appeal Registrar Must Reveal Reasons for Unusual Haste in Fixing Fitnah II Appeal dates

Subject: Press Statement: Court of Appeal Registrar Must Reveal Reasons for Unusual Haste in Fixing Fitnah II Appeal date

I refer to the appeal of the Fitnah II case by the BN government against opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on 6 &7 March 2014.

We are disturbed by the unusual haste in which the March 6 &7 dates have been fixed.

The appeal had been fixed for case management on 28.2.2014. Anwar’s lawyers then received a call from the deputy registrar of the Court of Appeal (CoA) asking for free dates between March 7 and March 10, 2014. It should be noted that the dates insisted upon by the CoA are on the eve of the nomination day for the Kajang by-election. ( If Anwar is convicted, he would be disqualified from contesting the by election.)

On 28 February 2014, the court insisted on fixing March 6 &7 as the appeal dates. The dates were fixed despite Anwar’s lawyers stating that those are not their free dates. Why was the CoA in such a hurry to fix these dates?

More surprisingly, the CoA had on 12 Feb had allowed a stay of the Fitnah II appeal pending disposal of Anwar’s appeal to Federal Court on the application for Judy Pereira to be recalled.

Having granted the stay, why did the CoA rush to fix the appeal dates even before the Judy Pereira appeal was heard?

In fact, Anwar had up to 6 March to file his petition of appeal for the Judy Pereira appeal to the Federal Court. However in a highly unusual move, Shafee Abdullah filed an application to strike out the Judy Pereira appeal. More surprisingly the Federal Court allowed on 4th March the striking out of the Judy Pereira appeal, which decision was clearly wrong in law and in fact.

It should be remembered that the Fitnah II appeal is a matter of great public interest. The court must be candid and transparent in managing the Fitnah II appeal.

The Malaysian public has a right to fullest disclosure pertaining to this appeal.

We hereby call upon the Chief Registrar of the CoA to disclose the reasons for the hurried fixing of the Fitnah II appeal dates.

Issued by

N Surendran

Vice President Keadilan

&

Member of Parliament, Padang Serai

IGP Khalid and AG Gani must explain why they have abdicated from their responsibility to uphold the rule of law and preserve the peace in Malaysia in allowing Perkasa to break laws and commit breaches of peace outside Federal Court

By Lim Kit Siang,

It has been reported that the 500-odd people mobilised by Perkasa outside the Federal Court in Putrajaya this morning hearing the appeal on the use of the term ‘Allah’ turned unruly and threw objects at the front-door of the Palace of Justice, with many trying to breach the police barrier and enter the court building.
This is the report from The Malaysian Insider by Jennifer Gomez entitled “Perkasa supporters upset by church lawyers, try to get into courthouse”:

“The crowd outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya turned unruly just before the Federal Court stood down with many trying to breach the police barrier and enter the court building.
“Shouting and screaming, some members in the crowd threw a microphone and water bottle at the glass door entrance to the building.
“The crowd was 4m from the main door as police stood guard.
“Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali said that the crowd advanced towards the main glass door of the Palace of Justice as they had got word that Catholic Church lawyers questioned why the use of the word ‘Allah’ by Christians was being made an issue now when it had been in use in the weekly Herald for 14 years prior to 2009.
“’The supporters heard that this was the submission made by the Catholic Church lawyer, so they got upset.’ He added that no one had instructed them to advance.”

Ahmad Fadli KC of Malaysiakini filed the following report “Angry crowd tries to barge into court”:

“A fracas erupted outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya today, where members from various Malay rights NGOs had gathered for the appeal hearing on the use of the term ‘Allah’.
“About 11:15am, members of the crowd, who demanded that ‘Allah’ be exclusive only to Muslims in Malaysia, tried to push through policemen guarding the entrance to enter the court lobby.
“The crowd chanted ‘La ila ha Illalah (There is no God except Allah)’ and marched in solidarity to pressure the policemen.”

Imagine what would have happened if it was not Perkasa, but some Catholic organisation which had mobilised the 500-odd supporters outside the Federal Court this morning which had “turned unruly”, “shouting and screaming, some members in the crowd threw a microphone and water bottle at the glass door entrance to the building”; “tried to push through policemen guarding the entrance to enter the court lobby” allegedly in protest for being offended by submissions made by the Muslim lawyers demanding that ‘Allah’ be the exclusive term only to Muslims in Malaysia?
Would there be police arrests of the Catholic organisers and supporters of the gathering, including being charged for offences under the Penal Code for offences against the public tranquillity such as Section 141 for trying to “overawe by criminal force or show of criminal force” the judiciary from the lawful exercise of its public duties?
Or what would have happened if there had been two groups, one mobilised by Perkasa and the other mobilised by some Catholic organisers, outside the Federal Court, and both had turned ugly and unruly this morning?
The police and Attorney-General’s Chambers should explain why the double-standards in not upholding the law to prosecute Perkasa leaders and supporters for offences against public tranquility in seeking to overawe the judiciary outside the Federal Court this morning?
Very irresponsible and even reckless statements were made at the Perkasa gathering outside the Federal Court this morning, which continued the pattern of incessant incitement of racial and religious animosities and hatred in recent months in utter disregard of the law and the national objective to promote inter-racial and inter-religious peace, harmony and goodwill in Malaysia.
Are the police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers going to continue their stance of the traditional three monkeys, of having eyes that see not, ears that hear not and mouths that speak not?
At a time when the country is facing the unprecedented threat to inter-racial and inter-religious peace and harmony caused by incessant incitement of racial and religious animosities and hatred calculated to cause racial chaos and religious conflagration, the government agencies and institutions responsible for upholding the rule of law and keeping the peace and harmony in the country cannot continue to abdicate from their responsibilities.
Malaysians have a right to expect the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar and the Attorney-General Tan Sri Gani Patail to speak up and explain they have continued to be remiss in their oaths of office to uphold the rule of law and to preserve the peace and harmony of the diverse races and religions in the country.

Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge Will Help Spur Economic Growth - Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Wednesday he believed that the launching of the Second Penang Bridge - named Jambatan Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah - will act as a catalyst for more economic activities not only in Penang, but also in the northern region.

The Prime Minister said the launch of Second Penang Bridge was another testament of the Federal government's unwavering will to deliver on its promises.

"Above all else, we are committed to improving the livelihood of the people. It is my sincerest hope that people in the northern region will capitalise on the development opportunities generated by the Second Penang Bridge project.

"The bridge was built with you in mind. The bridge is there to serve you; make the most out of it," Najib said in his latest posting in his blog www.1malaysia.com.my.

He said apart from its most obvious role of providing connectivity and accessibility to the Penang International Airport, he foresaw that the bridge would eventually become a national icon much like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia.

Najib said facilitating the movement of goods and people galvanised a nation's commerce and that was why he held dearly to the idea that an efficient transportation system was one of the most important components of economic growth.

"The government has set continuous plans to improve public transportation and infrastructures - LRT, MRT, improvements in railway connectivity, highways around Peninsular and East Malaysia, etc, to ensure social mobility for all Malaysians," he said.

Built at a cost of RM4.5 billion, Northerners could now look forward to shifting their economic focus from agriculture to industry, said Najib.

"I have been made to understand - and fully expect - that 65,000 job opportunities will be created by the development projects surrounding the Second Bridge.

"The government's central thrust has always been to deliver on our promise: that all Malaysians shall stand to benefit from any federal development project," he said.

"In many ways the Second Bridge is an important milestone for Malaysia. The idea was first mooted in 1995 by (Malaysia's fourth prime minister) Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"This was followed through by (Malaysia's fifth prime Minister) Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who decided that it should be located in the southern part of the island so as to stimulate economic growth in the northern states well as in the Northern Economic Corridor," he added.

He said the Second Bridge - connecting Batu Maung on the island and Batu Kawan on the mainland - will serve as the alternate crossing to Penang.

"It is estimated that number of vehicles using the first Penang Bridge (built in 1985) will increase by 68% (i.e. 67,000 vehicles) by 2020.

"Thus, the second crossing will greatly ease congestion of incoming and outgoing traffic to the island. I am convinced that this will, in turn, tremendously boost the income potential and quality of life of the people in the surrounding areas," Najib said.

The Second Bridge, he said, was in itself a modern day engineering marvel.

He said it was the also the longest bridge in the world that incorporated the High Damping Rubber Bearing (HDRB) as its seismic isolation system with the ability to withstand earthquakes of up to magnitude 7.5, besides being the longest bridge in South East Asia, spanning 24 kilometres (16.9 kilometres over water).

"Another innovative feature is the emphasis on environmental friendliness in the design and construction of the toll plaza serving the bridge.

"It carries a Gold rating of 80% on the Green Building Index (GBI). This measure is aimed at promoting energy efficiency, internal environmental quality and sustainability in operating the Toll Plaza," he added.

The colour purple to spread message of peace

Malaysians divided on how to discipline children

Saudi women demand end of male control - Al Jazeera

Activists say the laws restricting women in the kingdom are not based in religious teachings.

Saudi Arabia is also the only country in the world that bans women from driving [Reuters]

 

Saudi women activists have petitioned the country's consultative council to back a demand to curb the "absolute authority" of male guardians over women in the kingdom, a signatory has said.

Activist Aziza Yousef told AFP news agency on Sunday that "rights activists have petitioned the Shura (consultative) Council on the occasion of the International Women's Day [on March 8] demanding an end to the absolute authority of men over women".

They demanded "measures to protect [women's] rights," in their petition to the Shura Council, she said.

Saudi Arabia imposes a strict interpretation of Islamic law, forbidding women to work or travel without the authorisation of their male guardians.

It is also the only country in the world that bans women from driving, and a woman cannot obtain an identification card without the consent of her guardian.

Laws in the kingdom enforcing such restrictions on women "are not based on religious" teachings, said Yousef.

The petition, signed by 10 female activists, also calls for allowing women to drive.

Three female members of the Shura Council presented a recommendation that women be given the right to drive in October, but the male-dominated 150-member assembly blocked the proposal.

Women in Saudi must obtain permission from a male guardian to perform "certain surgeries" and to "leave the university campus during study hours," she added.

She cited a recent case in which a pregnant student had to give birth on campus after a women-only university in Riyadh denied access to paramedics.

And a university student died in February after paramedics were prevented from entering her campus because they were not accompanied by a male guardian, a must according to the strict segregation rules in the Muslim kingdom.

The Shura Council is appointed by the king and advises the monarch on policy, but cannot legislate.

Minister praises how Singapore promotes national unity, religious harmony – Bernama

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup (pic) says Malaysia is looking at
Singapore's model to further promote national unity and religious harmony among its citizens.

"Overall, our national unity and religious harmony is quite good. Every religious festivity such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Christmas, Pesta Kaamatan in Sabah, Hari Gawai in Sarawak, the leaders open their houses for the people to visit," he told Bernama at the VIP Complex in Changi Airport today.

Kurup was here on a three-day working visit begining Sunday to see and understand national unity and religious harmony among Singaporeans.

"We are here to study Singapore's way of managing community centres and how Singaporeans, permanent residents and foreigners alike integrate themselves via various activities at community centres.

Apart from officials from the Department of National Unity and Integration, Prime Minister's Department, his delegation included 30 top religious leaders of all faiths from Malaysia.

"We will do some analysis on this (community centres). I will forward this to the government for consideration if it is something that will promote national unity, understanding, peace and promote harmony," he said.

Among the places visited, by Kurup was Anchorvale Community Centre, an integrated complex in Sengkang West Constituency Office.

He was received by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Culture Community and Youth, Sam Tan and Member of Parliament for Ang Mo Kio Group Representative Constituency, Dr Lam Pin Min.

At the centre, Kurup said: "I can see the elderly and the young interacting at the centre.

"I was told that that is a centre for them to mingle around and to promote national unity. That is one component in the process towards promoting national unity.

"I also made a courtesy call on Acting Minister of Culture, Community and Youth, Lawrence Wong and we talked about the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act.

On Monday, Kurup visited Tampines and met with Masagos Zulkifli, the Senior Minister of State, and Ministry of Home Affairs.

"There I learnt something. He brought me to his service centre where he provides a lot of services to all communities. It is not only to unite the people but also to maintain relationships," he said.

On Tuesday, Kurup said he visited Harmonis Centre initiated by Muslim groups and "I can see that it is accepted by all".

"The centre is a place for them for interfaith dialogue and to make people understand, appreciate, and respect the religion, so that they do not hurt each other.".

Kurup also visited Onepeople.sg Centre and met with Member of Parliament Zainudin Nordin.

He said the centre's concept is similar to 1Malaysia - People First where you need to integrate to establish the national identity.

Kurup said his visit together with religious leaders was to familiarise them with what Singapore is doing in promoting national unity and religious harmony.

"From the feedback that I received, they are very happy and overall our visit has been very fruitful," he said thanking all those involved, particularly the MPs and the minister concerned who were so kind to give us all the information. – Bernama, March 4, 2014.

Stand up against ethnic and religious extremists

The Malaysian Bar welcomes the recent urging by the prime minister for all Malaysians not to pay heed to the extremist elements in Malaysia.

The prime minister has succinctly identified the dangers, for Malaysia and Malaysians, of pandering to these elements, describing their actions as wrong and tending to destroy the trust between races.

He has warned that we must not let these instigators overpower us.

The Malaysian Bar echoes the urging by the prime minister for us as citizens to come together and support each other in building trust, cohesion and unity for the preservation of harmony.

The reminder by the prime minister for us to have faith in ourselves and our fellow Malaysians does not come too late.

The Malaysian Bar supports the proposal by Lim Kit Siang for all moderate Malaysians to stand together and unite to isolate extremists and traitors who wish to create chaos by inciting racial and religious hatred, conflict and tension.

All quarters should rise above politics in addressing and working for harmony and unity. Support each other towards the common goal, and endeavour to stamp out extremism in our country.

There should be no place for bullies, bigots and racists. The issue of ethnic and religious tension is far too serious a matter for games of political one-upmanship.

We encourage all Malaysians to heed the prime minister’s proposal to continue working together for a cohesive and united Malaysia.

---

CHRISTOPHER LEONG is president of the Malaysian Bar.

Anwar wants Malays to read Ramayana

Anwar encourages the Malays to read classical Hindu texts and for Hindu's to read the Quran to better understand each other.

KAJANG: Pakatan Rakyat candidate for the Kajang state seat by-election Anwar Ibrahim told a group of Malay youths that to understand the Indian community they needed to read and understand classical Hindu texts such as the Ramayana, Mahabharatha and the Thirukkural.

He said that it was vital for them to do so because it would enable Malaysians to better understand one another.

“Yesterday I met a group of Malay youths. I told them to read the Ramayana and Mahabharatha. I also told them to read the Thirukkural,” said Anwar who is Permatang Pauh MP and Opposition Leader in Parliament.

The Ramayana is an epic poem that narrates a journey of virtue to annihilate vice portrayed by Prince Rama and King Ravana. It was authored by sage Valmiki.

Mahabaharata is a tale of war between cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas.

Both texts are the greatest Sanskrit epics on ancient India.

“The Thirukkural is a summary of thoughts in Indian society touching on every aspect of life,” the PKR de facto leader explained.

Anwar was speaking at a dinner function attended by 150 Indian representatives from various NGOs, parent teacher associations, temple committees and associations at the Metro Prescott Hotel last night.

On the same theme he also encouraged Hindus to read the Quran.

“I am confident that this is the new Malaysia. I am still Muslim and Malay,” Anwar said.

He explained the insecurities present in the mind of the Malays and said that the challenge now was to change the Malay mindset.

“Malays see this land as theirs and feel like they are bowing down to the Chinese. My challenge is to break that perception.”

Anwar blamed the Umno-led federal government for the Malay community’s unreadiness to change their perception.

“They (BN) must be ready to lead because this will not make the Malays lose out. We need to build up the Malay community’s self confidence,” he explained.

Touching on the Indian community he acknowledged that there was a high percentage of the community getting themselves involved in criminal activities.

“Even though the Indian population is small, they are over-represented in Sungai Buloh,” he said in reference to the prison he was imprisoned in for six years.

The talk was part of Anwar’s campaign for the Kajang by-election.

Pakatan is fielding Anwar whereas BN has fielded MCA vice president Chew Mei Fun.

Kita party founder Zaid Ibrahim and dangdut singer Herman Tino are contesting in the by-election as independents.

The state constituency has 39,278 registered voters, majority of whom are Malays. Nomination has been set for March 11 and polling on March 23.

The Kajang state seat fell vacant following the resignation of incumbent assemblymen Lee Chin Cheh of PKR on Jan 27.

The state seat comprises 39,728 registered voters. At the last general elections in May, 2013, the seat saw a voter turnout of 87.9% with 541 spoilt votes. It has 48% Malay voters, Chinese 41%, Indian 10% and others 1%.

Volunteers keep Seaport Tamil school going (Video)

Volunteers keep Seaport Tamil school going

Left with just 28 students, former teachers have taken to guiding primary school students on a pro bono basis.
FMT FOCUS
PETALING JAYA: Despite their existence protected under the Federal Constitution, Tamil schools have always found themselves in a lurch due to lack of support from the government.

They used to number in the thousands but now there are only about 500 left after many rubber estates, which used to house vernacular schools, were taken away in the name of development.

One such school is the Sekolah Tamil Seaport, which is the only Tamil school remaining in Kelana Jaya.

In December last year, the school headmistress, under the instruction of the Education Ministry, took away all of the school amenities to a new one in Kampung Lindungan, about 4 kilometres away.

However, 28 of the 115 students have refused to move to the new school, and their parents and former students formed the ‘Save Our School SJK (T) Seaport Movement (SOSS)’.

For now, they have several former teachers guiding the remaining students, on a pro bono basis.

“I’m doing this to preserve the Tamil language and our culture,” said G Murugasu, one of the five teachers volunteering at the school.

Although the teachers do not have a fixed salary, parents have collected donations to contribute towards their daily expenses.

When FMT visited the school last week, only two teachers were present, as the rest were on leave.

“They have other commitments. We cannot force them because they are doing it on a voluntary basis,” said Murugasu, who retired from the service in 2002.

Asked if it was possible for one teacher to teach so many subjects, he said that it was a normal practice at several other Tamil vernacular schools.

“There are schools where the teachers teach various subjects. Here, our emphasis is on reading, writing, Mathematics and languages,” he said.

Touching on the forced closure of the school, an upset Murugasu said that the school must be allowed to continue its operations.

“Why should the school be closed? There are 30 students here and there is a building to cater to them.

“The new school (in Kampung Lindungan) can focus on the Indian community there,” said Murugasu, who used to teach at the Seaport Tamil school in the 90s.

‘Give back school’s operating license’

He also asked for the school’s facilities to be returned and urged the government to provide the necessary for the school to continue operating as usual.

A check by FMT found that the school library, sports facilities store and science laboratory were all left bare, possibly taken to the new school.

“Apart from this, students are deprived of text books, the RM100 book vouchers, Food Supplementary Programme (RMT) and milk scheme,” said Murugasu.

K Letchimy, who operates the school canteen, said she has three children studying the school and would not budge from her decision to keep them in the current school.

“We don’t want to transfer our kids as the school in Kampung Lindungan is a far from where we live,” said the 40-year-old Letchimy, who lives in Lembah Subang.

Letchimy also claimed that she was ‘harassed’ by the school headmistress who is now heading the Tamil school in Kampung Lindungan.

“The headmistress always calls, telling me if I transfer my children they will receive the RM100 book vouchers. But we don’t want it. I just want our children to be schooled here,” she said.

Asked if it was alright for one teacher to teach her children several subjects, Letchimy said she has no problems with that. “I have no qualms. My son who is in Year Six is a better student now.”

Malaysia Tamil School Boards president, R Kannan, pointed out that the new school, which was completed in December last year, is built on a one-acre land.

“This is contrary to PKNS’ promise that it will build a new school on a five-acre land. What difference can a one-acre land make? The so called improvement is only on paper,” he said.

On the school license being revoked, Kannan said it was daylight robbery.

“The school’s operating licence was taken away from this school. We are now requesting the Education Ministry to give back the operating licence,” said Kannan.

Kannan, who is also part of the SOSS, is also requesting the Selangor state government to gazette the land to the school as promised in 2008.

Last week, several parents from the school submitted a memorandum to the United Nations (UN) and Suhakam in an effort to retain the old school.

The school, which was taken over under the name of development by the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) in 1965, was founded about 80 years ago.

The Education Ministry has said that it would not recognise the 28 students if they continue studying in the old school, including the six students who are due to sit for UPSR later year.

SOSS will also be admitting 21 pre-school students beginning this month.

‘Haze reduces visibility, makes Palani invisible’

The environment minister, says an MIC man, should be appointed as the country's Special Envoy of Temples in India.

PETALING JAYA: The haze that has enveloped Kuala Lumpur and Selangor over the past few days has not only reduced visibility but has also made Natural Resources and Environment Minister G Palanivel invisible, former MIC strategy director S Vell Paari said today.

“While a large portion of Malaysians are suffering as a result of inhaling the unhealthy-level of polluted air, Palanivel seems to be oblivious to it.

“He does not have even the courtesy to call for a press conference to calm ruffled feathers of the rakyat. He should be the one explaining to the people about the haze,” he said, taking an aim at his party president.

“As the minister responsible for environment, Palanivel has a duty of care to the citizens of Malaysia to explain the real situation. But I think he is not even bothered,” he said in a press statement today.

He said the behaviour of Palanivel was unbecoming of a minister in charge of the environment as he seemed not to be bothered to tackle issues effecting the ministry.

“Palanivel is not bothered to issue any directives for the safety of our children and the elderly. Do we need this kind of a irresponsible minister?,” questioned Vell Paari, an outspoken party leader who was dropped from MIC central working committee (CWC) in July last year.

The country, especially the Klang Valley, has been experiencing haze over the past week due to bush fires caused by the ongoing drought. The burning of agriculture land in Indonesia has not helped alleviate the situation here.

The air pollutant index (API) climbed to as high as 137 in Port Klang on March 3, with seven parts of Kuala Lumpur and the states of Selangor and Negri Sembilan recording levels above 100, which is classified as unhealthy.

An API reading of between 0 and 50 is considered good; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy; and 301 and above, hazardous.

“From May till September last year, we experienced one of worst haze situations in the country. During the period, Palanivel reacted very late, only after getting lambasted by various politicians and non-governmental associations.

“Since then, we have had flash floods, dam outpouring in Cameron Highlands and now an equally bad haze, but Palanivel is no where to be seen. Does he need to be pushed every time?” asked Vell Paari.

Set KPI for NRE minister

Vell Paari said Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin seemed to have taken over the responsibilities from Palanivel as they are the ones who are on the ground when a natural calamity occurs.

“The prime minister and his deputy cannot do it all, while Palanivel goes on his usual holidays to either India or Australia.

“In my opinion, Palanivel should be appointed as the Special Envoy of Temples to India. That is what he (Palanivel) does best.

On a more serious note, Vell Paari said Najib should set key performance index for ministers like Palanivel and ensure these ministers be truthful in giving their performance figures.

“I am very curious to know if Palanivel has any KPI as he is seen to be nowhere near of fulfilling it. I am sure issuing statements once in a blue moon does not satisfy the KPI.

“I request the prime minister to publicly announce the KPI set for the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and its minister because all Malaysians need a well-equipped, responsible and caring Natural Resources and Environment Minister,” he stressed.

Why the Hindraf ‘MoU’ was doomed to failure

Lim Teck Ghee

Various explanations have been advanced as to why P. Waytha Moorthy resigned from his Deputy Minister position in the Najib administration and why the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Barisan Nasional and Persatuan Hindraf Malaysia never got off the ground.

Predictably the two parties to the agreement have sought to blame the other side for this debacle. Waytha has pointed the finger squarely at the Prime Minister and his lack of leadership qualities and insincerity in implementing the MoU. From the other side, statements from the Prime Minister’s Umno cabinet colleagues, Khairy Jamaluddin and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, have depicted Waytha as being selfish, ineffective in representing Indian issues and as “not a team player”.

Comments from both aligned and unaligned commentators have been more circumspect in assigning blame for the failure of what can be regarded as a landmark MoU between the ruling party and a dissident political force. While some have lauded Waytha for quitting his position in government when he realized that the Prime Minister was not going to honour the pre-election commitments made to the Indians through the MoU, others have questioned Waytha’s impatience in giving up so quickly and easily.

The latest post by Raja Petra Kamarudin summarises the concern of more than a few observers that “eight months is too early to bail out”. According to Raja Petra, who has a consistent, even if sometimes controversial, record of raising the bar on political standards himself, Waytha should “publicise his MoU with Najib and list out which of the promises were supposed to have been delivered in six months, which he says were not delivered. Surely not everything had a six-month timeframe.”

Raja Petra, has a point. But it should not only be Waytha and the Hindraf central committee that are answerable. The government needs to table its own version of which parts of the MoU have been implemented during the period of Waytha’s tenure in the cabinet; which are being planned for implementation in the next few months; and the schedule for implementation of the full programme of Indian advancement leading up to the next general election.

After all, the Prime Minister in his delayed (and rather mild) response to Waytha’s resignation had noted that “I would like to stress that, in line with my dream to form a more approachable government that always gives help to those who need it, we will implement socio-economic development programmes for the Indian community, as well as the other races.”

So these details of which parts of the MoU have been implemented and which have not, should not be difficult to share with the public, even with Waytha’s departure. For interested members of the public, the full MoU is available on Hindraf’s website (see http://www.hindraf.co/index.php/news-statements/1168-mou-hindraf-bn) but not in any other government website, including the Prime Minister’s Department to which Waytha was attached.

Real reason for Hindraf MoU failure

In retrospect, it is clear that the MoU never stood a chance of succeeding even if Waytha decided to stay the course and not bail out prematurely as some have described it. There were three strikes against Waytha and the MoU.

The first was that he was fighting for an Indian cause against a bureaucracy that has been dominated by the Malay agenda, and is run by a predominantly Malay civil service.

The second is that the implementation unit and the independent budget that he was counting on to tackle the problems of Indian marginalization would have cut into the turf of existing power groups and alignments, including those associated with the MIC and other Indian interest groups aligned to the BN.

But perhaps the most potent strike was that of a Prime Minister who vacillated between his 1Malaysia vision and the ketuanan Melayu culture and ethos of his own party, and who eventually decided that his own vision had to give way. Whether this was because of political expediency or political dishonesty will have to be left to the public to decide.

The fact that Najib met with Waytha in 16 separate meetings is not indicative of a leader who had no time for the Indian cause or saw it as unimportant. It may have been due to sheer political expediency but I personally think Najib was initially sincere and confident that he could push through at least some parts of the MoU agreement which would have kept Waytha in his cabinet and swayed Indian support back to the BN.

But the combined resistance ― mostly from within the civil service but also from Umno and some MIC politicians as well ― was too great.

Is any meaningful social engineering for marginalised Indians possible?

Some 800,000 displaced estate workers and the estimated 350,000 stateless persons of Indian origin tell a story not simply of neglect but of deep-seated political negligence. It also tells of the way in which institutionalised racism has blighted the civil service. This institutionalised racism is the most damaging legacy that BN rule has left the country. It is now so embedded in the civil service that it can hold politicians ― even the Prime Minister himself ― to ransom.

Raja Petra is right when he warns that “(t)here is no quick or fast track to social re-engineering”. But how can any social re-engineering come about when the civil service and implementation machinery is not responsive and accountable; is opposed to change; and sees any reform as undermining national (read Malay) interests.

A stronger, more forceful and principled leader in the Prime Minister’s seat may be able to trigger the social re-engineering that the country badly needs. But such a leader does not appear visible at all on our horizon.

Are the Police and MCMC investigating and taking any action against cyber lies and falsehoods about Muslims being converted to Christianity calculated to incite racial and religious animosity and hatred in country?

By Lim Kit Siang

Are the police and the Malaysian Multimedia and Communications Commission (MCMC )investigating and taking any action against the lies on the Internet about Muslims being converted to Christianity calculated to incite racial and religious animosity and hatred in the country, in the larger plot to pit race against race and religion against religion in Malaysia?

It is recently reported that a photo of a women’s rights activist, Yu Ren Chung and several others attending a government function has been circulating in cyberspace as ‘proof’ of the country’s Muslims being converted to Christianity.

The photo circulating in blogs since 2012 shows him among with a group seated on wooden benches, many of them women wearing headscarves.

In actual fact, the photo was taken at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation’s (Istac) main hall in Bukit Tunku, Kuala Lumpur, and not at a church as alleged by the blogs.

The event was hosted by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) on Feb 29, 2012 to discuss the National Family Policy, and was attended primarily by civil servants as well as a small number of NGO representatives.

However, Malaysian and Indonesian blogs have used the photo claiming it shows Muslims who had just been baptised, with some blaming DAP and PAS for the issue.

It is most shocking that Istac has become a church.

But what is most reprehensible and deplorable are the devious and wicked designs of irresponsible elements in our midst who are prepared to go to any lengths to incite racial and religious animosities and hatred in the country to pit race against race and religion against religion to set the country aflame.

An example must be made of these irresponsible and despicable people and actions out to destroy the peace and harmony of plural Malaysia.

Are the police and the MCMC taking pro-active actions to hunt down the perpetrators of such foul and despicable deeds to pit race against race and religion against religion to send a strong warning that the guardians of law and order will not stand idle at such provocative and anti-national actions calculated to cause mischief and disharmony in plural Malaysia but will strike strong and hard against such anti-Malaysia and treasonous activities.

DAP MPs will be demanding in the forthcoming Parliament reconvening next week what action the authorities have taken against such cyber lies and falsehoods calculated to sow discord and disharmony in our multi-racial and multi-religious nation.

Press Release | Stand Up, Speak Out and Unite Against Ethnic and Religious Extremists

The Malaysian Bar welcomes the recent call by the Prime Minister for all Malaysians not to pay heed to the extremist elements in Malaysia.

The Prime Minister has succinctly identified the dangers, for Malaysia and Malaysians, of pandering to these elements, describing their actions as wrong and tending to destroy the trust between races.  He has warned that we must not let these instigators overpower us.

The Malaysian Bar echoes the call by the Prime Minister for us as citizens to come together and support each other in building trust, cohesion and unity for the preservation of harmony.  The reminder by the Prime Minister for us to have faith in ourselves and our fellow Malaysians does not come too late.

The Malaysian Bar supports the call by Lim Kit Siang for all moderate Malaysians to stand together and unite to isolate extremists and traitors who wish to create chaos by inciting racial and religious hatred, conflict and tension.

All quarters should rise above politics in addressing and working for harmony and unity.  Support each other towards the common goal, and endeavour to stamp out extremism in our country. There should be no place for bullies, bigots and racists.  The issue of ethnic and religious tension is far too serious a matter for games of political one-upmanship.

We encourage all Malaysians to heed the Prime Minister’s call to continue working together for a cohesive and united Malaysia.

Christopher Leong

President

Malaysian Bar

Principals Can Close Schools If Haze Worsens - Muhyiddin

PUTRAJAYA, March 4 (Bernama) -- Principals and headmasters can close schools under their jurisdiction if the air pollutant index (API) reading exceeds 200 during the current haze enveloping the Klang Valley, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Tuesday.

Muhyiddin, who is also the education minister, said the Education Ministry had activated the standing instruction for schools to take the appropriate action should the haze worsen.

The principals and headmasters had only to notify the district education officer of the closure of their schools, he told a news conference after chairing the 67th meeting of the National Council for Local Government, here.

"The principals and headmasters are empowered to make decisions in accordance with the guidelines," he said.

Also present at the news conference were Urban Well-being, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan and the deputy minister, Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique.

Muhyiddin said that should the API reading exceed 100, students at risk of suffering asthma attacks were discouraged from participating in outdoor activities.

If the API reading exceeded 150, all outdoor activities would have to be scrapped, he added.

Today, seven areas in the Klang Valley, including Banting, Kuala Selangor, Port Klang, Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam in Selangor, recorded an unhealthy API as of 1 pm.

According to the Department of Environment (DoE) website, the API reading exceeded 100 for Banting (121), Kuala Selangor (102), Port Klang (117), Petaling Jaya (121) and Shah Alam (117). Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur recorded an API reading of 115 and Nilai in Negeri Sembilan, 110.

API readings of between 0 and 50 indicate that the air quality is good; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy and 300 and above, dangerous.

Mah Meri: Gasping for breath beneath palm fronds

'More beautiful than women, horses and all other animals': Welcome to the Arab beauty contest where million-dollar CAMELS with false eyelashes and lip filler compete for huge prizes

• Visitors trek across desert for lavish event in Liwa, United Arab Emirates
• Men happily declare they prefer camels to their wives - and all other women
• Prize camels can change hands for as much as £1.8million at all-male event
• Festival also features camel races and milking competitions

Thousands of men leer on, playboys skid around outside in expensive cars, and top models command fees reaching into the millions as part of the biggest beauty contest this side of Dubai.

But, unlike most pageants, it is not women on display but camels - a situation which suits the exclusively male attendees just fine.

Visitors to this sprawling event held annually in Liwa, United Arab Emirates, happily admit that they consider the winning camels - which change hands for almost £2million each - more beautiful than their wives, and indeed any other woman.

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'Sexy, yeah?': One of the prize camels poses for the cameras in the United Arab Emirates

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2571324/More-beautiful-women-horses-animals-Welcome-Arab-beauty-contest-million-dollar-CAMELS-false-eyelashes-lip-filler-compete-huge-prizes.html#ixzz2uwWQltI9 

ISLAM'S FINAL VERDICT ON MS.WORLD PAGEANT :IT IS "WORST THAN BUYING AND SELLING SLAVES" AND IS A FORM OF "HONOR KILLING OF WOMEN"

Miss World demeans women.
Since the premiere held in 1951 in the United States, a competition for the World Beauty Queen (Miss World) got a response in many areas.However, the event is organized by the Miss World Foundation was also condemnation and rejection by various communities in different parts of the world. 
Not least in the Middle East. female human rights activists in Iraq, for example, considered that this kind of event is a form of honor killings of women. Wave rejection came from the Muslim community. In Iraq, the Islamic militant group in 2006 threatened to kill Miss World Iraq, concerned ultimately forced to flee to Jordan. pros and cons
 In 2002 Miss World haunts Nigeria to cause physical violence. Nasr al-Islam group hunt down a local journalist named Daniel Asyoma. 's due to an article in the local media were very hurt Muslims. In the article, the reporter wrote, if Prophet Muhammad was still alive, would undoubtedly approve of this event. "It could be also marry one of the contestants," wrote Asyoma who then fled to the outside Nigeria.
.So, what are the views of  fatwa institutions in Muslim-majority countries related to Miss World? The fatwa institutions agreed that Muslims should not organize and participate, either as facilitators, participants, or cheerleaders in contests that emphasize the beautiful face. 
View as presented by Dar al-Ifta of Egypt, Saudi Arabia's Council of Senior Ulema, al Assembly Palestine-Ifta, the fatwa and each institution in Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, Tunisia, and Morocco. 
According to Sheikh Hisamuddin Affanah, this contest is contrary to the principles and values ​​of Islam, as well as the form of imitation of the Western culture. The event has the potential to degrade women. Beautiful face and body used as a medium of propaganda and promotion. "It's worse than buying and selling slaves," he said.
BUT KILLING WOMEN FOR HONOR BY STONING,MARRYING AND RAPING LITTLE GIRLS ETC.ETC.ETC, IS NOT AGAINST "PRINCIPALS AND VALUES OF ISLAM".
SOURCE PLEASE USE GOOGLE TRANSLATE  http://www.republika.co.id/berita/dunia-islam/fatwa/14/03/01/n1raxd-fatwa-tentang-miss-world-di-dunia-islam-1

Air quality in six locations in Klang Valley and Perak record unhealthy levels

Six locations in the Klang Valley, Putrajaya and Perak recorded unhealthy air quality this evening.

Air quality continued to deteriorate in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya as air pollutant index (API) for Cheras and the administrative capital registered a reading of 105 and 110, respectively, as at 5pm today.

Port Klang, which had consistently recorded unhealthy readings today, recorded 131 while Banting was at 117.

Outside the Klang Valley, air quality in Seri Manjung registered 107 while Kg Air Putih in Taiping recorded an API of 102.

Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam are hovering near unhealthy levels, at 95 and 98 respectively while Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur recorded a reading of 91.

An API reading of between 0 and 50 is considered good; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy; and 301 and above, hazardous according to the Department of Environment.

In a Bernama report last week, Malaysian Meteorological Department (JMM) director-general Datuk Che Gayah Ismail said the current air quality had no links with the eruption of Mount Sinabung in North Sumatera, Indonesia or other outside factors.

Instead, the unhealthy readings have been traced back to domestic sources such as smoke from forest fires, factories, vehicle emissions and the open burning of land.

The hot and dry weather, without any rainfall for several days, had only made the situation worse, Che Gayah had said.

Earlier today, the authorities carried out cloud seeding which saw slight rain in various parts of the Klang Valley. – March 3, 2014.

MIC man challenges Waytha to contest in Kajang

The former deputy minister can use the by-election to prove that he still commands support of the Malaysian Indian community, says its youth chief.

PETALING JAYA: A MIC leader today challenged former deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department P Waythamoorthy to contest the Kajang by-election to prove that he still has the support of the Malaysian Indian community.

“Instead of sitting in his office and issuing press statements targeting Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and MIC, he should make a comeback as a politician and contest the Kajang by-election,” said former MIC Youth information chief S Subramaniam.

He said the by-election would be the best opportunity for Waythamoorthy to prove that he indeed had the support of the two million strong Malaysian Indian community.

“He wants to champion the cause of the community. It would be better if he contested in the Kajang state seat by-election. Although it would be an uphill battle for him to win the seat, at least he will know how many of the 4,000 Indian voters in Kajang support him.

“I challenge him to get at least 50% of the Indian votes. This will prove that he is indeed an Indian leader acknowledged by the community. Otherwise he should just zip up because he threw away an golden opportunity to serve the community as a deputy minister.

“He did a disservice to the community by resigning as deputy minister. He thought he would become a hero with the resignation but he was wrong. His action backfired. Now he is struggling to find a platform to say whatever he wants,” said Subramaniam.

He said if Waythamoothy can muster more than 2,000 Indian votes in Kajang, “I would personally support him to raise Indian related issues to the government.”

Three days to accept challenge

Subramaniam said anyone can claim that they had the peoples’ support but the most important thing is to prove it.

“We give him three days to accept the challenge. If he fails to stand up to this challenge then he should stop his mini-serial of issuing press statements every day,” added Subramaniam.

The MIC man also wanted Waythamoorthy to answer three questions before running down the government and MIC.

“Firstly, what is the status of the class action suit against the United Kingdom government in the Royal Court of Justice in London for US$4trillion (US$1million for every Malaysian Indian)?” he asked about the suit filed by Waythamoorthy on Aug 31, 2007.

In the suit, Waythamoothy on behalf of Hindraf, wanted United Kingdom to pay each Indian family in Malaysia RM1 million for bringing their ancestors from India to work in Malaysia about 100 years ago.

“Secondly, Waythamoorthy must unveil details of how much government funds he received and how he spent it while he was a deputy minister,” he added.

Subramaniam said Waythamoorthy must also answer queries as to the fate of RM800,000 banked into the Hindraf account in 2007.