Home Ministry Still Studying Barry Wain's Book

(Bernama) -- The Home Ministry is still studying the contents of the book authored by Barry Wain titled "Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times", before making a decision on its circulation in Malaysia, said a statement from the ministry here on Saturday.

It said this was a normal procedure and that Barry Wain's book was not exempted.

This was to ensure the book would not affect the prevailing peace and stability in the country, the statement said, adding that the ministry had 60 days to make a decision as to whether the book could be sold in Malaysia.

On Monday, the Customs Department refuted a report carried out by a news portal that it was holding 800 copies of the book in Port Klang since a month ago.

In the book, Wain, former managing editor of the Asian Wall Street Journal, had claimed that former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had squandered up to RM100 billion in his 22 years in power.

However, Dr Mahathir in his blog www.chedet.co admitted there had been financial losses under his rule but the amount would not have exceeded RM10 billion and had also welcomed suggestions by his detractors for a Royal Commission of Inquiry to be set up to probe the matter.

He had also said that he reserved the right to sue Wain and others who had cast aspersions on him in the matter.

Welcoming Dr Mahathir’s Challenge

Actually, Mahathir was throwing a challenge to the Umno-Bn government led now by Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Najib should not dilly dally or give excuses but instead quickly set up the Commission.

Although we do not believe that former PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad is serious about it, nevertheless the People’s Justice Party (KEADILAN) welcomes his challenge that the government sets up an Independent Commission to investigate the exposure by Barry Wain in his latest book that under the former Prime Minister more than RM100 billion disappeared due to corruption and wastage.

Actually, Mahathir was throwing a challenge to the Umno-Bn government led now by Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Najib should not dilly dally or give excuses but instead quickly set up the Commission. It should be given wide powers to investigate the claims by Barry Wain as well as all forms of corruption and waste linked to former PM Mahathir. Indeed if necessary and appropriate, the Commission should also investigate into all hanky panky that occurred under former PM Abdullah Badawi, as claimed and urged by Mahathir.

Consistent with the challenge by Mahathir, the Commission members should consist not only of judges or retired judges, but also respected political personalities from government and opposition as well as from among the Professionals (like the academia and members of the Bar Council). Obviously there needs to be an assurance that all recommendations of the Commission will be acted upon. It should not suffer the fate of the police commission or the commission on “Lingam’s Tape”.

Dr SYED HUSIN ALI
KEADILAN Deputy President

Raja Petra guna pasport asing?

(Utusan Malaysia) - Mungkinkah pengendali laman web pro-pembangkang Malaysia Today, Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin mempunyai pasport negara lain untuk memasuki Britain?

Persoalan itu bukan sahaja menjadi ‘satu misteri’ yang tidak terjawab hingga hari ini tetapi turut menimbulkan kemusykilan pihak Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia.

Ini kerana Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia sehingga hari ini tidak mempunyai rekod ‘keluar masuk’ pengendali laman web itu di negara ini sejak sekian lama serta pergerakan beliau di negara-negara lain.

Ekoran ketiadaan rekod ‘keluar masuk’ itu, Raja Petra dianggap masih berada di negara ini dan tidak pernah melawat negara-negara lain.

Ketua Pengarah Imigresen, Abdul Rahman Othman yang dihubungi Utusan Malaysia hari ini, mengakui pihaknya tidak mempunyai catatan rekod perjalanan Raja Petra .

Beliau berkata, semakan telah dibuat di semua pintu masuk negara ini sama ada melalui jalan darat atau udara.

‘‘Saya hanya boleh mengesahkan bahawa sehingga hari ini tidak ada rekod keluar masuk Raja Petra melalui Jabatan Imigresen sejak sekian lama,’’ katanya.

Sementara itu, sumber Utusan Malaysia memberitahu, Raja Petra dikatakan menggunakan pasport negara jiran untuk melarikan diri dari negara ini.

Katanya, pasport tersebut didakwa boleh dibeli melalui ‘orang tengah’ yang sering berurusan dengan negara berkenaan dan merupakan pasport yang tulen di negara tersebut.

Jelasnya, jika Raja Petra menggunakan pasport negara lain, dia boleh membolosi pintu keluar negara ini pada bila-bila masa sahaja.

‘‘Pasport yang mungkin mengandungi identiti baru Raja Petra itu boleh digunakan di mana-mana negara lain kerana ia bukan palsu,’’ ujarnya.

Ahad lalu, Mingguan Malaysia melaporkan Raja Petra kini dipercayai bersembunyi di Apartment Trinity Court di Gloucester Bayswater, London.

Compulsory voting for Malaysia

By Dr Chen Man Hin, DAP life adviser

COMPULSORY VOTING IS BETTER WAY TO ENSURE HIGH TURN OUT OF VOTERS, AND ENSURE THAT ALL ELIGIBLE VOTERS ARE ENFRANCHISED

It was revealed by the Election Commission Deputy Chairman that out of 16 million people eligible to vote, only 11 million have been registered to vote. It meant that 5 million eligible voters were not registered.

This is most unsatisfactory as it means that one third of eligible voters have been denied of the right vote because of a small technicality – failure to be registered as a voter.

It is also most unfair as these unregistered are composed of the poorer deprived section of the community, who need to have their voices heard and their problems aired and their grievances sttended to in parliament or the state assemblies.

REGISTRATION OF VOTERS.

The registration of voters has prove to be a tiresome and unproductive method of registration of voters. There is too much paper work, and very incovenient for the people, who have to travel long distances to registration centres.

This is most unfair. There is a better system to ensure all eligible voters are properly registered and entitled to vote.

COMPULSORY VOTING.

Malaysia should follow the example of some 38 countries who practise compulsory voting, and achieve a high percentage of voting. Australia which practices compulsory voting records 98% of voters turning out to vote.

In europe, Italy and France have compulsory voting. In Asean Singapore, Thailand and Phillipines have compulsory voting.

It is time for Malaysia to follow suit by abandoning the present system, and save much money and labor. The compulsory system allow for automatic registration of those eligible to vote. The present arduous procedure of registration at a specified centre is scrapped.

With compulsory voting, the main advantage is that all eligible voters can exercise their voting rights and have their say in the running of the government and demand their rights. This is democracy, as all strata of society can exercise their right to vote.

Interesting Quotes By Najib In 2009

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24 (Bernama) — The year 2009 has opened a new chapter for Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who took over the country’s leadership in April.

As the new prime minister, every speech, directive and comment made has claimed attention from the masses. Below are some of the interesting quotes by the prime minister this year.

1. I urge us to rise to the challenge of building a 1Malaysia. People First. Performance Now. (April 3: On assuming office as the sixth prime minister)

2. BN will keep the promises and we will deliver them. We will do away with the practice of announcing “instant noodle” projects during elections. If certain projects would benefit the people and we had promised that to them or committed on them in the elections, we will definitely implement them. (April 5: Commenting on the Bukit Selambau, Bukit Gantang and Batang Ai by-elections results)

3. I don’t crave power for the sake of power but I need power to serve the people and ensure successful nation building. (May 20: Addressing a farewell reception at the Finance Ministry)

4. The 1Malaysia is not a new concept or formula but its ultimate objective is national unity, which is the primary vision of previous administrators translated into various forms over the last five decades or so.

5. In other words, 1Malaysia is a concept to foster unity in Malaysians of all races based on several important values which should become the practice of every Malaysian. (June 15: Replying on the 1Malaysia concept during question time in the Dewan Rakyat)

6. “We need not carry the label ‘development with Islam’ because we have been championing the cause of Islam for a long time and had provided a prosperous life to Muslims because we don’t want the Muslims to be poor and without strength. (10/9: at a breaking of fast at Felda Teloi Timor)

7. I’ve gone to several places to meet the people. As leaders, if we go visiting without protocol and without the red-carpet welcome, the bunga manggar or any special reception, but we sit down with the people over drinks and hear their problems, the people will remain with us (13/9: speaking in Tawa at a breaking of fast and handing-over of charity contributions to orphans and the poor.)

8. I would like to see that we all have a sense of belonging in Malaysia, irrespective of our race, and feel that this is our country. This is our birthplace, this is the country that we will give our undivided loyalty and commitment to. If we can have the resolve, it means we have already reached the stage of embracing the 1Malaysia concept. I always say “One Dream, One People, One Nation.(13/10:exclusive interview with Bernama in conjunction with the 2009 Umno General Assembly)

9. Umno should be seen, regarded and trusted as a party that is capable of looking after the lot of the people. Umno cannot be seen as a party which is only passionate about struggling for the interest of a small group. Instead, we want Umno to be seen, felt and fully trusted as a party that is inclusive and that puts the interests of the people before personal interests. Therefore, the perception that Umno is a party for people to “cari makan” (earn a living) must be erased and discarded. (15/10: maiden speech as Umno president in conjunction with the 2009 Umno General Assembly)

10. Believe it, that our strugle is the right struggle, that our struggle is a true struggle. We are Umno, the one party that brings the flame of hope and is capable of charting a bright future for the people.

11. Whatever the challenges, whatever the hurdles, with a mount of hope, we continue this journey with confidence, all dreams will be fulfilled, a drop will become an ocean, a clump will become a mountain. (15/10: maiden speech as Umno president in conjunction with the 2009 Umno General Assembly)

12. After we’ve made the amendments, we begin a new journey by leaving behind the negative elements such as money politics, so that we become a clean and respected party. (15/10: maiden speech as Umno president in conjunction with the 2009 Umno General Assembly)

13. I have to make a decision in the interests of the BN. I am not merely the president of Umno; I am also the chairman of the BN. I am the prime minister not only for the Malays; I am the prime minister for all Malaysians. (1/11: opening Gerakan national delegates conference)

14. We will change for the better. I give you the commitment, we will change for the better. But I ask (that it should be) not only me. Do not just look at the prime minister; we all must reflect the change. We must be like the train. (When) the train is moving … it cannot be the locomotive alone … everybody else must work together. (1/11: opening Gerakan national delegates)

15. There is no need to bang tables or throw files at them but those who do not perform must be told of their dismal performance and the need for them to improve. (2/11: Prime Minister’s Department staff at its monthly gathering)

16. Subsidies is an illness, once you enjoy it, it is hard to give up. (4/11:speaking at Bankers Club Luncheon Talk)

17. I believe that as the Prime Minister of all Malaysians, it is vital that I personally supervise the effectuation of the first budget under my administration. (11/11: Blog 1Malaysia: Implementing the 1Malaysia Budget)

18. I have been saying privately, but I might as well say it publicly, that the thing I liked about President Bush’s foreign policy is that he was very pro-free trade. Frankly I don’t like the other policies, but I like his policy on free trade. (14/11: panel session at the Apec CEO Summit 2009).

19. Our diversity must be a blessing if it is not to be a curse ( 21/11: keynote address to open Asia Society’s Asia 21 Young Leader Summit).

Malaysian Observer Expects Good Turnout For Uzbek Elections

From Nor Faridah Rashid

TASHKENT, Dec 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysian observer S. Raddhakrishnan expects voter turnout to be high when Uzbekistan holds it parliamentary elections Sunday.

The Asean Law Association of Malaysia honorary secretary, who was invited for the second time as observer for the election, said that in 2004 there was a very good voter turnout.

"For a young country, the high turnout was commendable indeed and I expect this year's elections to see a good turnout too," he told Bernama here Saturday.

He noted that the previous election was very well conducted and that the country with a population of 27 million people with more than 60 percent comprising youths, had a good election system.

Senior journalist Akimjon Adizov, who specialises in economics and law, said that the country had a project known as "I'm voting for the First Time."

Under this progamme the youths voting for the fist time for parliamentary elections were explained their rights and given talks on the election and its process, he said.

"The parents will encourage their children voting for the first time to attend such projects," he told Bernama.

Meanwhile, university student Umida Allambergenova, 20, is looking forward to vote as she wanted to see her country to be led by able leaders in order for it to flourish.

"The state of the country depends on its leaders and policy," she added.

Malaysia is represented by a four-member Malaysian team led by Election Commission (EC) deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar to observe the elections.

Apart from Wan Ahmad and Radhakrishnan the other two are Perdasama president Datuk Moehamad Izat Emir and senior lawyer Kamarudin Ahmad.

The four Malaysians will be part of an International Observers Group that will be deployed throughout the republic to monitor the conduct and the outcome of the election to ascertain whether it is free or fair.

More than 200 observers from 36 countries and four international organisations have been invited.

A RM17 million price tag

On 4 December 2009, Sime Darby Bhd, through its plantation arm, Sime Darby Plantation Sdn Bhd, bought the entire issued and paid-up capital (50,000 shares of RM1 each) of an obscure new company, Nature Ambience Sdn Bhd, for RM16.8 million.

What makes Nature Ambience, which was incorporated only a year ago (on 12 December 2008), so special? Although it will become an oil palm plantation firm, a company search reveals its nature of business to be “general trading”.

On 2 October 2009, the Ministry of Land Development, Sarawak granted Nature Ambience approval to be the investor/developer for 26,211ha of Native Customary Rights land in Kapit and Julau, Sarawak reportedly in line with the Sarawak state government’s “new concept of development on NCR land”.

This means Sime Darby will now be allowed to develop oil palm plantations in the Sarawak NCR development scheme.

A joint venture is expected to be established between:

• Nature Ambience, as the joint venture vehicle, Sime Plantation and
• Pelita Holdings Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of the Land Custody & Development Authority of Sarawak (Pelita), acting for itself and as trustee for the natives holding the native customary rights in the NCR lands.

Under the Sarawak NCR development scheme, the usual joint-venture structure is

• Investor – 60%
• NCR native landowners (with Pelita acting as trustee)- 30%
• Pelita’s own stake in joint venture – 10%

Under the scheme, leasehold title (usually 60 years) is given to the joint-venture firm with the natives getting a 30 per cent stake in the firm in return.

Back to the purchase of Nature Ambience: Sime Darby paid close to RM17 million to buy the firm from Common Enhance Sdn Bhd. “The total cash consideration for the acquisition was RM16,816,212 which has been paid on even date (4 December) from internally generated funds,” Sime Darby reported to the Bursa on 7 December 2009.

Company searches reveal an interesting three-tier hierarchy of ownership of Nature Ambience:

Of Nature Ambience’s 50,000 shares of RM1 each, 49, 998 shares were owned by Common Enhance Sdn Bhd.

Common Enhance, which was registered on 15 September 2009, in turn has an issued capital of 50,000 shares of which 49,998 are owned by Fuji Perfect Sdn Bhd.

And surprise, surprise, Fuji Perfect, which was also registered on 15 Sept 2009, also has an issued capital of 50,000 shares, of which 49,998 are owned by a Chew Chiaw Ann.

The two remaining shares in each of the three companies are held by a Yap Liee Mee and a Loh Kuan Chween. All three firms have an identical registered address: First floor, Lot 2137 and 2138, Jalan Utama, Pending Industrial Estate, 93450 Kuching.

Several questions spring to mind:

• How does the Ministry justify granting an approval letter to Nature Ambience? What is Nature Ambience’s track record, bearing in mind that the company was set up a year ago?
• Why was the approval letter not given directly to Sime Darby?
• What sort of work has Nature Ambience done in two months since getting the approval in Oct 2009 to justify the RM17 million price tag?
• Where did the RM17 million that Sime Darby paid actually end up?
• How much have the natives who own the NCR land actually received so far? Where did the balance go?

Kuala Ketil Hindu cemetery issue is NOT settled yet

I write this letter in response to Malaysiakini report “MB: Kuala Ketil Hindu cemetery issue settled of the 23rd of Dec 2009 that the Kual Ketil Hindu Burial Ground Demolition by the PAS government is settled.

Let me quote from the MK report, “Menteri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak said the matter was settled after the government held discussions with family members and the cemetery committee. He said more than 100 graves had been relocated and work on the campus would continue and was expected to complete by 2012. The case is settled. We have also briefed the Hindu Sangam association and they understand," he told reporters today. He said each family was given RM3,000 to relocate the grave of their loved one to a new site about four kilometres away.”

Now let me quote from a report I have just received from Kuala Ketil from the Pengerusi of the Kuala Ketil Tamilar Association, the organization that has been administering the Burial ground all along: “The Kedah Goverment has threatened the families that if they do not remove the tombs they would all be covered up and buried over by earth. Each of the families were given RM3000/= immediately upon removal. A total of 80 graves have been dug and the remains were buried in another existing grave yard. No new location has been offered as promised by the state government (9 acre). There are still about 90graves left and the concerned families have decided to stay put.”

It is obvious from this report that the Kedah MB is lying. The problem is far from resolved. And the remains in the 80 graves have not been moved to a new site, they have only been moved to another pre-existing site. Shame on the PAS MB for lying and misleading the public.

Firstly ,the Kedah PAS government should stop trying to circumvent the wishes of the people by bringing in an organization which has never played a role in administering the burial ground, the Hindu Sangam, into the picture to help the PAS government usurp the rights of the poor Indians of Kual Ketil. This is outright treachery, manipulation and an anti democratic practice, the type of stuff that UMNO has been famous for, whom we ( including PAS) are striving to throw out.

Secondly, The Kedah State Government should stop using strong arm tactics saying that the burial grounds will be covered up and totally destroyed even if the people do not remove the tombs. This is the same nonsense that the DAP government did to the people of Kampung Buah Pala, bullying the people into submission. So, is this brand stuff for the Pakatan Rakyat Coalition. Is this what PR means in their recent Announcement in the CPF ““Pakatan rejects policies that allow for corruption and other financial crimes and abuse of power. In order to ensure sustainable growth, oppressive policies that had only enriched the few should be replaced with a policy that ensures that the poor are assisted regardless of race.” Or is this just another in a string of “unfulfillable” promises.


Thirdly, we would like to remind the MB that if the Kedah State Government or anyone else proceeds with the demolition of the Burial Ground they will be committing a crime under Section 297 of the Penal Code. Under this law, a person could be jailed for at least a year for trespassing, damaging and desecrating the burial places of any religion.

When are the people going to get to see some real democracy at work. We have not seen it under the BN for the last 52 years. Now in the last 2 years we are not seeing it in the PR controlled States either. If PR is serious about their CPF pronouncements, we insist that they immediately stop this bullying, manipulating and lying about the Batu Pekaka Hindu Burial Ground issue and sit down with the true representative organization, the Kual Ketil Tamilar Association and hammer out a mutually agreeable solution.

Failing which PR will be exposing their true nature.

Narayan Ganesan
Pro-Tem Central Committee Membaer and Advisor to the Human Rights Party

China student cries foul over 8 days in lockup

Kedah MB: Kuala Ketil Hindu cemetery issue IS NOT settled

I write this letter in response to Malaysiakini’s report “MB: Kuala Ketil Hindu Cemetery issue settled of the 23^rd of Dec 2009 that the Kuala Ketil Hindu Burial Ground Demolition by the PAS government is settled.

Let me quote from the MK report, “Menteri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak said the matter was settled after the government held discussions with family members and the cemetery committee. He said more than 100 graves had been relocated and work on the campus would continue and was expected to complete by 2012. The case is settled. We have also briefed the Hindu Sangam association and they understand,” he told reporters today. He said each family was given RM3,000 to relocate the grave of their loved one to a new site about four kilometres away.”

Now let me quote from a report I have just received from Kuala Ketil from the Pengerusi of the Kuala Ketil Tamilar Association, the Organization that has been administering the Burial ground all along: “The Kedah Goverment has threatened the families that if they do not remove the tombs the tombs would all be covered up and buried over by earth. Each of the families were given RM3000/= immediately upon removal. A total of 80 graves have been dug and the remains were buried in another existing grave yard. No new location has been offered as promised by the state government (9 acre). There are still about 90graves left and the concerned families have decided to stay put.”

It is obvious from this report that the Kedah MB is lying. The problem is far from resolved. And the remains in the 80 graves have not been moved to a new site, they have only been moved to another pre-existing site. Shame on the PAS MB for lying and misleading the public.

Firstly ,the Kedah PAS government should stop trying to circumvent the wishes of the people by bringing in a third party which has never played a role in administering the burial ground, the Hindu Sangam, into the picture to help the PAS government usurp the rights of the poor Indians of Kuala Ketil. This is outright treachery, manipulation and an anti democratic practice, the type of stuff that UMNO has been famous for, whom we ( including PAS) are striving to throw out.

Secondly, The Kedah State Government should stop using strong arm tactics saying that the burial grounds will be covered up and totally destroyed if the people do not remove the tombs. This is the same nonsense that the DAP government did to the people of Kampung Buah Pala, bullying the people into submission. So, is this brand stuff for the Pakatan Rakyat Coalition. Is this what PR means in their recent Announcement in the CPF ““Pakatan rejects policies that allow for corruption and other financial crimes and abuse of power. In order to ensure sustainable growth, oppressive policies that had only enriched the few should be replaced with a policy that ensures that the poor are assisted regardless of race.” Or is this just another in a string of “unfulfillable” promises.

Thirdly I would like to remind the MB that if they proceed with the demolition of the Burial Ground they will be committing a crime under Section 297 of the Penal Code before an amicable settlement is arrived at. Under this law, a person could be jailed for at least a year for trespassing, damaging and desecrating the burial places of any religion.

When are the people going to get to see some real democracy at work. We have not seen it under the BN for the last 52 years. Now in the last 2 years we are not seeing it in the PR controlled States either. If PR is serious about their CPF pronouncements, we insist that they immediately stop this bullying, manipulating and lying about the Batu Pekaka Hindu Burial Ground issue and sit down with the true representative organization, the Kual Ketila Tamilar Association and hammer out a mutually agreeable solution.

Failing which they PR will be exposing their true nature.

Narayan Ganesan

Pro-Tem Central Committee Membaer and Advisor to the Human Rights Party

PAS have ‘strong’ case of misconduct against Hasan, Khalid

By G Manimaran, Adib Zalkapli and Syed Jaymal Zahiid - The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 25 — Selangor PAS commissioner Datuk Dr Hasan Ali and his former deputy Khalid Samad are expected to be censured for misconduct after the party disciplinary committee wraps up its probe next month.

Disciplinary committee chairman Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man told The Malaysian Insider that they have a strong case against the two Selangor PAS leaders.

He disclosed that Hasan and Khalid, who is Shah Alam MP, will be called in for further explanation on Jan 7 and 9.

“We are satisfied with the written explanation given by them and we found that there is case against both of them. So, we decided to call them to give their verbal explanation on certain aspects,” Tuan Ibrahim told The Malaysian Insider.

However he did not say what type of further testimony was required from the two leader, who have publicly differed on policy.

“We have already informed Khalid and he agreed to cooperate with us and meet the committee on Jan 7.

“However no date has been set with Datuk Hasan and the secretariat will keep in touch with Datuk Hasan for him to meet us,” he added.

The duo are under investigation for making statements that are detrimental to the Islamist party.

Among the evidence submitted to the committee was an audio recording of a PAS leader ridiculing the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat government.

Tuan Ibrahim, who is also one of the vice president, explained that any disciplinary action against them will depend on their explanation.

“There is no decision yet whether there is a need to call other witnesses,” he further explained.

The committee has three choices; give written warning, suspend or expel from the party depending on the severity of their offences.

“The disciplinary committee will decide the sentences, not the central committee. But they can appeal to central committee,” Tuan Ibrahim said.

He also dismissed rumours that Hasan has been sentenced by the disciplinary committee during their meeting on Wednesday night.

“We are still in the mid of studying their explanation, so no such thing,” he said.

The rumour of the disciplinary action against Hasan started to emerge yesterday morning, just hours after the disciplinary committee meeting on Wednesday night.

The disciplinary committee was also said to have recommended for Hasan to be suspended from the party for two-terms.

In retaliation to the decision Hasan is alleged to be making preparations to declare himself as an independent state assemblyman.

Hasan could not be reached for his comment.

On Wednesday, Hasan told reporters that he is willing to resign from party positions if asked by the party leadership.

The Malaysian Insider also understands that rumour of Hasan’s sacking was spread by party leaders from a rival faction in an attempt to pressure the disciplinary committee to punish the Gombak Setia assemblyman.

The group who has been opposing Hasan’s leadership are worried that the disciplinary committee is buying time before acquitting him, said a party insider.

However, the other two PAS vice presidents Salahuddin Ayub and Datuk Mahfuz Omar when contacted by The Malaysian Insider dismissed the rumour, saying that they would have been informed about it.

“Whatever the decision is, it must first be approved by the central committee but we have not heard anything yet,” said Mahfuz.

Salahuddin concurred with Mahfuz but said that he was ‘unsure’ if the disciplinary committee had indeed passed a sentence against Hasan.

Meanwhile Khalid laughed and described it just a “joke” of end of the year.

“I heard about the rumours and also some blogs carrying such information,” said Khalid who is also Shah Alam PAS chief.

However he explained that it is too early to say about the outcome of the disciplinary committee’s decision.

He assumed that they should only able to know the final outcome by the end of January.

“Now we are still at preliminary stage, they (the disciplinary committee) still going through our explanation and then they have to present at the central committee meeting for debate,” he said.

Wong stays mum, won't reveal names

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 25 — MCA secretary-general Datuk Wong Foon Meng (picture) today declined to reveal the list of the party's Central Committee (CC) members who had or had not tendered their resignation letters following today's deadline for them to state their stand.

In a statement here tonight, Wong said he did not want to cause any confusion in the party's effort to resolve the crisis the MCA is currently facing.

"The MCA headquarters'secretariat or myself will update the Special Committee on Party Re-elections chaired by Deputy President Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek (on the status of the resignations)," he added.

Today is the due date for CC members who intend to resign as CC members to submit their resignation letters in a move to enable fresh elections to be held to resolve the party's leadership crisis.

On Dec 15, MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and 12 other party leaders submitted undated letters of resignation as CC members to Wong.

At least 21 of the 30 CC members have to resign for fresh elections to be held.

Besides Liow, others who have tendered their resignations include Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Wee Jeck Seng, Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung, veteran CC member Datuk Wong Mook Leong and vice-president Tan Kok Hong. Elected ordinary CC members who had also submitted their undated resignation letters were Lee Wei Kiat, Datuk Yu Chok Tow, Wong Nai Chee, Senator Datuk Yeow Chai Thiam, Datuk Hoh Khai Mun, Datuk Liew Yuen Keong, Datuk Edward Khoo Keok Hai and Senator Datuk Alex Wong Siong Hwee.

Wong said the Special Committee would also convene a meeting as soon as possible and decide on the next possible course of action pertaining to the fresh elections. — Bernama

Enjin Hilang, Negara Boleh Hancur – Anwar Ridhwan

Dari Harakah Daily

Oleh Ismail Hashim

Sasterawan Negara ke-10, Datuk Dr Anwar Ridhwan menyifatkan kehilangan enjin F-5E milik Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM) sebagai tanda aras keruntuhan moral pimpinan negara ini.

Beliau melahirkan kekesalannya kerana perkara yang tidak pernah dibayangkan boleh berlaku sebelum ini seperti kehilangan enjin pesawat yang saiznya besar tetapi mudah pula untuk diseludup ke luar negara.

“Kalau sampai dua enjin pesawat pejuang boleh hilang yang ahli silap mata terkenal dunia seperti David Copperfield tidak boleh hilangkannya tetapi yang menjaga keselamatan negara boleh hilangkan, ini satu gambaran runtuhnya iklim moral yang besar.

“Kita bimbang jika tidak diberi kesedaran tentang perlunya menjaga iklim moral dan integriti di kalangan generasi muda, negara ini akan rosak dan runtuh,” tegas Dr Anwar lagi.

Sebelum itu, Dr Anwar mengucapkan terima kasih atas kesudian Lembaga Muzium Selangor dan Perbadanan Adat Melayu dan Warisan Negeri Selangor menganjurkan majlis meraikan beliau sebagai Sasterawan Negara ke-10, semalam.

Majlis tersebut telah diadakan di Dewan Raja Lumu, di Muzium Selangor dengan kehadiran Sasterawan Negara, Datuk (Dr) A Samad Said yang turut menyampaikan ucapan, Bendahari Gapena, Haji Hamzah Hamdani yang yang menyampaikan ucaptama dipengerusikan oleh Dr Ibrahim Ghafar.

Turut menyerikan lagi majlis berkenaan adalah Penggiat sastera dan budaya Melayu, Prof Dr Siti Zainon Ismail, Abdul Ghafar Ibrahim, Dr Ami Masra, Ahmad Sarju dan ramai lagi termasuk penuntut-penuntut Universiti seperti MSU.

“Saya sebagai anak Selangor merasa bangga dan terharu kerana setelah nama-nama besar sastera dari lain menerima anugerah ini, saya memang tertunggu-tunggu, bilakah agaknya penulis dari Negeri Selangor akan menerima anugerah Sasterawan Negara ini.

“Syukur dengan keizinan Allah SWT saya telah terpilih untuk menjadi Sasterawan Negara pertama yang datang dari Selangor,” jelas Dr Anwar dengan perasaan terharu.

Majlis Bicara Tokoh Sasterawan Negara dan di sebelah petang diadakan Seminar Penulisan Kreatif dan Variasinya ini dirasmikan oleh Exco Selangor, Puan Rodziah Ismail dan penutup oleh Datuk Dr Hassan Mohd Ali.

Kedua acara ini adalah program pertama anjuran Perbadanan Adat Melayu dan Warisan Negeri Selangor di bawah naungan Sultan Selangor yang perasmian kewujudannya akan dilakukan pada Mac 2010 nanti.

Dalam pada itu, seorang lagi Sasterawan Negara, Datuk A Samad Said pula mencadangkan agar Kerajaan Negeri Selangor dapat menghadiahkan sebuah rumah sebagai ganjaran kepada Datuk Dr Anwar sebagai sasterawan pertama dari negeri ini.

Untuk rekod, Datuk Dr. Anuar Haji Rethwan dilahirkan di Sabak Bernam, Selangor pada 5 Ogos 1949. Lulusan Sarjana Muda Sastera pada 1973 dari Universiti Malaya, beliau kemudiannya memperolehi ijazah Sarjana Sastera (1983) dan Ijazah Doktor Falsafah (Ph.D)(1998) kesemuanya dari Universiti Malaya.

Beliau menumpukan kerjayanya di Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) sehinggalah bersara pada tahun 2005 dengan jawatan terakhirnya Pengarah Penerbitan DBP. Kini sebagai Dekan di Aswara, Kuala Lumpur.

Dalam dunia penulisan beliau terkenal sebagai seorang novelis dan penulis cerpen. Novelnya yang pertama ialah Hari-hari Terakhir Seorang Seniman yang memenangi Hadiah Novel Gapena-Yayasan Sabah, 1979. Sebuah lagi novelnya Arus (1985) memenangi Hadiah Sastera Malaysia 1984/1985.

Antara cerpen karyanya ialah Perjalanan Terakhir (1971), Dunia adalah Sebuah Apartmen (1973), Sesudah Perang (1976)dan Dari Kiev ke Moskova (1992). Karya beliau yang diilham dan disiapkan di Jepun pada tahun 2001 berjudul Naratif Ogonshoto memenangi Hadiah Sastera Perdana Malaysia 2000/2001.

Novel itu dengan judul “Bili i Nebili Ostrovov Ogonsoto” diterbitkan dalam bahasa Rusia (penterjemah Victor Pogadaev) pada tahun 2006 di Sanct-Petersburg (penerbit Paideia).

Antara pencapaian beliau di bidang sastera adalah Hadiah Karya Sastera Malaysia – Cerpen Perjalanan Terakhir (1971), Hadiah Karya Sastera Malaysia – Cerpen Dunia Adalah Sebuah Apartmen (1973), Hadiah Karya Sastera Malaysia – Cerpen Sesudah Perang (1976), Hadiah Karya Sastera Malaysia – Cerpen Sasaran.

Hadiah Karya Sastera Malaysia – Cerpen Sahabat (1982), Hadiah Karya Sastera Malaysia – Cerpen Menjadi Tua (1983), Hadiah Pertama peraduan mengarang novel anjuran Yayasan Sabah dan GAPENA 1 Hari-hari Terakhir Seorang Seniman (1979), Hadiah Sastera Malaysia 1984/1985 dengan novel Arus dan Anugerah Sasterawan Negara ke-10 pada 20 Ogos 2009 oleh Tengku Mizan

Wong Declines To Reveal MCA CC Members Who Handed In Resignation Letters

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 25 (Bernama) -- MCA secretary-general Datuk Wong Foon Meng on Friday declined to reveal the list of the party's Central Committee (CC) members who had or had not tendered their resignation letters following today's deadline for them to state their stand.

In a statement here, Wong said he did not want to cause any confusion in the party's effort to resolve the crisis the MCA is currently facing.

"The MCA headquarters'secretariat or myself will update the Special Committee on Party Re-elections chaired by Deputy President Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek (on the status of the resignations)," he added.

Today is the due date for CC members who intend to resign as CC members to submit their resignation letters in a move to enable fresh elections to be held to resolve the party's leadership crisis.

On Dec 15, MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and 12 other party leaders submitted undated letters of resignation as CC members to Wong. At least 21 of the 30 CC members have to resign for fresh elections to be held.

Besides Liow, others who have tendered their resignations include Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Wee Jeck Seng, Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung, veteran CC member Datuk Wong Mook Leong and vice-president Tan Kok Hong.

Elected ordinary CC members who had also submitted their undated resignation letters were Lee Wei Kiat, Datuk Yu Chok Tow, Wong Nai Chee, Senator Datuk Yeow Chai Thiam, Datuk Hoh Khai Mun, Datuk Liew Yuen Keong, Datuk Edward Khoo Keok Hai and Senator Datuk Alex Wong Siong Hwee.

Wong said the Special Committee would also convene a meeting as soon as possible and decide on the next possible course of action pertaining to the fresh elections.

PPP Deems Murugiah An Illegal Deputy Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 25 (Bernama) -- The People's Progressive Party (PPP) deems Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator Datuk T. Murugiah to be an "illegal deputy minister" because of his refusal to give up the post although sacked from the PPP in June.

PPP president Datuk M.Kayveas, however, said he was leaving it to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to determine Murugiah's position as the senator had refused to give up the post voluntarily despite the appointment coming under the PPP's quota for ministerial posts.

Kayveas told this to reporters at the PPP's Christmas open house held at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here on Friday.

He added that Murugiah was an ungrateful person in that he did not champion the PPP's interests but instead used the opportunity to pursue his own political ambitions to become the president of PPP and in doing so tried to "stir trouble" in the party.

Among the VIPs who attended the open house were Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Senator Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin.

STORY OF THE YEAR - TEOH BENG HOCK INQUEST

Malaysian Mirror

THE INQUEST into the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock is a continuing saga of monumental political intrigue. It implicates the workings of a prominent federal institution and rallies people from all backgrounds to the cause of justice.

To recap, Teoh fell nine stories to his death from the Shah Alam office of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in July.

His body was found on July 16 on the fifth floor of the Plaza Masalam building, a day after he was questioned by the MACC over allegations of financial abuses in the Selangor administration.

The inquest into his death, ordered by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak following suspicions of foul play by Teoh's family and several other groups, led to two autopsies and a continuing search for answers.

A BN's drive to discredit PR?

Notwithstanding a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the MACC methods of questioning, also ordered by Najib, there appears to be widespread consensus that the anti-corruption body had used forceful techniques to get its answers from witnesses.

Opponents of the Najib-led federal administration say the events that led to Teoh's death gave credence to their belief that Teoh's interrogation was part of a Barisan Nasional drive to discredit Pakatan politicians after their success in the March 2008 elections.

Admittedly, the ruling coalition's confidence was shaken after it lost its two-thirds majority in Parliament for the first time in five decades.

But Najib and his federal colleagues said this should not be used to accuse the ruling coalition of taking revenge on the opposition through the MACC and the late Teoh.

At the time of Teoh's death, Najib's government was less than four months old but it had introduced a series of economic reforms to woo the people under a “1Malaysia” concept.

Meantime, several side issues had surfaced from the inquest, one of which was the long hours of interrogation Teoh was subjected to by MACC officers.

The most contentious side issue was a so-called mystery letter delivered on Aug 18 to lawyer Gobind Singh Deo, who is holding a watching brief for Teoh's family.

The letter was sent by anonymous parties claiming to be MACC officers who urged the authorities to probe a senior MACC official for corruption and the involvement of a politician in Teoh's death.

No adequate clarification

Former Selangor mentri besar Dr Khir Toyo, whose name was stated in the letter, denied allegations in it that he was involved in a so-called conspiracy with an MACC official to bring down the state government.

In August, a video of men in uniform assaulting a person in their custody began circulating as a supposed video of Teoh's interrogation.

The Bukit Aman federal police headquarters denied they were policemen and ruled out the possibility that it involved Teoh as the video had already started to make the rounds in June.

A political observer attributed the video's popularity to the government's alleged failing to provide adequate clarification about the circumstances of Teoh's interrogation.

"The authorities are shedding little light about what happened to Teoh. This allows rumour mongers to spread ridiculous things," he said.

That, in essence, has kept the inquest very much in the media spotlight.

The Malaysian Mirror unequivocally picks the Teoh Beng Hock inquest as the Top Story for 2009.

Kayveas says he has proposed to PM a replacement for Murugiah

The Star
By IZATUN SHARI AND NURBAITI HAMDAN

KUALA LUMPUR: People’s Progressive Party president Datuk M Kayveas said he had proposed the name of the person to replace Senator Datuk T Murugiah as Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister to the Prime Minister.

Kayveas said that Murugiah’s position as senator and deputy minister was illegal as the party had sacked him.

“The Prime Minister has asked for a name (to replace Murugiah). I have given him the name,” he told newsmen at PPP’s Christmas open house at PWTC here Friday.

When asked to comment on whether he was confident that Murugiah would be replaced, he said : ”That’s the Prime Minister’s prerogative. It’s not important to me at all. I’m not concerned. I just want to save the party from this troublemaker.”

Kayveas said that Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was aware of the problems created by Murugiah but he probably needed an appropriate time to make the necessary change.

He denied that there was a crisis in the party but said it was merely a problematic individual who was greedy and arrogant after being given a chance to hold a position in the government.

“For 15 years, the party had never had as much trouble as we are facing now,” he added.

He also denied trying to influence the Prime Minister as he was seen at most of Najib’s functions.

Christmas Special

Last few Indian driving schools.

Indians excluded from MARA Entrepreneur RM 150 K loans.

But only a token number of Indians are merely given RM 8,000.00 or so for “show case” and as “show piece” Indians under the Tekun loans“ayam telur sebiji rioh sekampong” UMNO propaganda which is ably dished out through their mandore MIC stooges.

For example no Indian has ever been given a single MARA loan what more the RM 150,000.00 loan granted to malay muslims to open up and operate a driving school as is reported in Utusan Malaysia on 14/12/09 at page 9.

The last few remaining Indians driving school owners are a dying breed. With the passing away of these older Indian driving school operators there would very soon be no more Indian driving schools in UMNOs’ Malay-sia. Hardly any more licences are given out to new Indians wanting to operate driving schools over the last forty years or so. All this under UMNO Prime Minister Najib Razak’s One Malaysia and the implementation of UMNOs’ racist, religious extremist and supremacist policies.

P. Uthayakumar.

HRP Secretary General

No entry to UM for 817 Tamil school 7As’ pupils.

A group of 400 Indian students visited the Science Faculty of University of Malaya (Makkal Osai 14/11/09 at page 16).

But almost all of these students and in particular the 817 Tamil school students nationwide who had recently scored 7As’could only dream of entering this University if they are the average students. (But which is made available to almost all average Malay students). These average Indian students would never ever get into this University Malaya or any of the government public Universities in Malay-sia because of the implementation of UMNOs’ racist, religious extremist and supremacist education policies.

P. Uthayakumar

HRP Secretary General

PAS have ‘strong’ case of misconduct against Hasan, Khalid

By G Manimaran, Adib Zalkapli and Syed Jaymal Zahiid - The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 25 — Selangor PAS commissioner Datuk Dr Hasan Ali and his former deputy Khalid Samad are expected to be censured for misconduct after the party disciplinary committee wraps up its probe next month.

Disciplinary committee chairman Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man told The Malaysian Insider that they have a strong case against the two Selangor PAS leaders.

He disclosed that Hasan and Khalid, who is Shah Alam MP, will be called in for further explanation on Jan 7 and 9.

“We are satisfied with the written explanation given by them and we found that there is case against both of them. So, we decided to call them to give their verbal explanation on certain aspects,” Tuan Ibrahim told The Malaysian Insider.

However he did not say what type of further testimony was required from the two leader, who have publicly differed on policy.

“We have already informed Khalid and he agreed to cooperate with us and meet the committee on Jan 7.

“However no date has been set with Datuk Hasan and the secretariat will keep in touch with Datuk Hasan for him to meet us,” he added.

The duo are under investigation for making statements that are detrimental to the Islamist party.

Among the evidence submitted to the committee was an audio recording of a PAS leader ridiculing the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat government.

Tuan Ibrahim, who is also one of the vice president, explained that any disciplinary action against them will depend on their explanation.

“There is no decision yet whether there is a need to call other witnesses,” he further explained.

The committee has three choices; give written warning, suspend or expel from the party depending on the severity of their offences.

“The disciplinary committee will decide the sentences, not the central committee. But they can appeal to central committee,” Tuan Ibrahim said.

He also dismissed rumours that Hasan has been sentenced by the disciplinary committee during their meeting on Wednesday night.

“We are still in the mid of studying their explanation, so no such thing,” he said.

The rumour of the disciplinary action against Hasan started to emerge yesterday morning, just hours after the disciplinary committee meeting on Wednesday night.

Got a great sports photo? Can it win this photo contest?

The disciplinary committee was also said to have recommended for Hasan to be suspended from the party for two-terms.

In retaliation to the decision Hasan is alleged to be making preparations to declare himself as an independent state assemblyman.

Hasan could not be reached for his comment.

On Wednesday, Hasan told reporters that he is willing to resign from party positions if asked by the party leadership.

The Malaysian Insider also understands that rumour of Hasan’s sacking was spread by party leaders from a rival faction in an attempt to pressure the disciplinary committee to punish the Gombak Setia assemblyman.

The group who has been opposing Hasan’s leadership are worried that the disciplinary committee is buying time before acquitting him, said a party insider.

However, the other two PAS vice presidents Salahuddin Ayub and Datuk Mahfuz Omar when contacted by The Malaysian Insider dismissed the rumour, saying that they would have been informed about it.

“Whatever the decision is, it must first be approved by the central committee but we have not heard anything yet,” said Mahfuz.

Salahuddin concurred with Mahfuz but said that he was ‘unsure’ if the disciplinary committee had indeed passed a sentence against Hasan.

Meanwhile Khalid laughed and described it just a “joke” of end of the year.

“I heard about the rumours and also some blogs carrying such information,” said Khalid who is also Shah Alam PAS chief.

However he explained that it is too early to say about the outcome of the disciplinary committee’s decision.

He assumed that they should only able to know the final outcome by the end of January.

“Now we are still at preliminary stage, they (the disciplinary committee) still going through our explanation and then they have to present at the central committee meeting for debate,” he said.

PAS leaders left unsure by Nik Amalina’s outbursts

By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal - The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 25 — PAS leaders appears uncertain over how to address the controversy surrounding Datuk Seri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat’s daughter and her stinging criticisms against party leaders.

While some have noted that she has a right to her views and objections, other have dismissed her complaints and are keeping a lid on the entire issue.

When contacted by The Malaysian Insider, PAS vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar refused to comment on the matter and claimed he was clueless as to what was going on.

He even went so far as to say that he had no idea who Nik Amalina was, pleading ignorance to the fact that she was the daughter of the Kelantan Mentri Besar himself.

“I have not been informed of the issue..is there an issue? Who is she? Oh, she wrote something on a blog? I have no idea..I cannot comment because I don’t know what’s going on,” said Mahfuz.

Another PAS leader, who did not want to be named, dismissed Nik Amalina’s claims as being very counter-productive, and added that he would be the least excited to be involved in the matter.

On Wednesday, the daughter of the PAS spiritual leader blasted party leaders who have been criticising her husband, embattled PMBK Chief Operating Officer Abdul Ariffahmi Abdul Rahman, who has been told to resign from his post following allegations of graft.

PAS is divided by this issue with one faction, understood to be led by Datuk Husam Musa’s Erdogan faction, blasting Ariffahmi as a liability to the party, while their rivals are claiming such criticisms are targetted to undermine Nik Aziz’s position as Mentri Besar.

The youngest child of Nik Aziz had stated the leaders who had criticised her husband are trying their best to exploit the controversy for “cheap publicity.” She also demanded the resignation of a “certain Kelantan exco”, in an apparent reference to Husam.

However today she downplayed her initial outburst by urging PAS leaders not to interpret her remarks as an attack against party members critical of her husband and father.

She may have found herself some understanding in the form of Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad, who feels that closure is needed to prevent the hawks in Umno and Barisan National from exploiting the matter further.

“For a person like me who is in full support of freedom of expression, it would be improper for me to criticise her views and frustrations..maybe its good in a way that she does so, so that we know what are her opinions and views,” said Khalid.

The Shah Alam MP asserted that these matters could not be “simply swept under the carpet”, but at the same time they should be addressed with a heavy dosage of wisdom and understanding.

“I do not condone what she is doing. It has not been done in the wisest manner. She should extricate herself and look at the isssue on a policy-based, strategic level -like how the party would handle situations like this in the future.”

On a personal note, Khalid feels that the main problem is a policy one, on whether a relation of a mentri besar can be appointed as a CEO. The appointment must be done in the interest of merit, something that Ariffahmi apparently had fulfilled.

“The party should be given time to absorb the points raised, and at the same time not backtrack from the position of Tok Guru and Ariffahmi’s decision to step down.”

Nik Aziz’s son-in-law tendered his resignation after pressure from party leaders but had refused to step down immediately , saying that he will “honour” his contract that would allow him to stay as CEO of PBMK untill March 2010.

His decision sparked an uproar from leaders who have been trying hard to unseat him and has fuelled further fire between the warring PAS factions.

Regarding the theft of fighter plane engines and the IGP

IGP has no power over the military, as far as I know, unless the military personnel committed an offense that causes injury / loss / death of a civilian.

By Penang Penang

Someone wrote this on Susan Loone's blog:

Najib’s talk about making a police report and passing the files to the AG for action exposes a glaring point about his intentions to take action or inaction. The PDRM and AG can only act against civilians, local or foreign, who were involved in the theft. Uniformed officers in the service at the time are subject to Military Law, even if they have been cashiered since then.
Military courts are under the Judge Advocate General of the Malaysian Armed forces, the Gujerati AG has no authority over them.
There has been NO Court Martial of the officers and enlisted men involved.
...
There’s a lot more to Engine-gate than meets the eye … its not entirely improbable that Najis or someone very high up is involved right to his eyebrows.

Now I don't know if the above is true or not, but from my own knowledge based on the American system, that is true.

The fighter plane engine belongs to the military, the thieves are from the military, hence it is a military affair.

IGP has no power over the military, as far as I know, unless the military personnel committed an offense that causes injury / loss / death of a civilian.

Please check if the above allegation is true or not.

Apcet II court decision: Get ready to be disappointed!

Aliran hails the Kuala Lumpur High Court decision ordering the government to pay RM30,000 to each of the 29 human rights activists and journalists wrongfully detained during the Apcet II conference in Kuala Lumpur.

By P. Ramakrishnan (President, Aliran)

Rowdy elements from Umno Youth stormed the conference and disrupted a peaceful gathering that sought a settlement for East Timor. The former Deputy Home Minister, Megat Junid Megat Ayob, was implicated in the unbecoming and rambunctious demonstration that shamed the country more than a decade ago on November 9, 1996.

Appeals Court Judge Wan Adnan Muhamad delivered his decision on December 22, 2009, saying that "the facts here are clear and straightforward and the judgment is based on facts submitted by both parties".

Aliran has been keeping track of recent court decisions and with this knowledge we must warn the jubilant litigants not to get carried away easily. This is Round 1 and Round 1 usually goes in favour of truth and justice. It is here where the facts are scrutinised diligently and justice has its sway. It is as far as justice can go!

In Round 2, this decision will almost certainly be overturned, as has been the case on many occasions. It is here where facts don't matter but technicalities will be the overriding factor and justice will be forced to take a back seat.

This glaring outcome is inevitable in our system of justice. We have witnessed this without fail in Anwar's cases, in the Perak Pakatan government's tussle for democracy, in the Kampung Buah Pala residents’ plea for justice and in the MAAC case involving Tan Boon Wah's human rights.

God save our judiciary!

Stop the Daylight Robberies in Malaysian Households

The compulsory billing to households in Malaysia by Indah Water Consortium, the so-called sanitary disposal services of household wastes, is indeed the most ridiculous daylight robberies that exist in this county.

By Bullied by Daylight Robbers

Firstly, this so-called service has never been provided to households till today. I have been the owner of my house in Petaling Jaya for the last ten years and never have I ever seen any such service provided to my household. Let me make it clear here. By right nobody, and I mean nobody, not the Prime Minister, nor the police nor the Agong nor the Judiciary, has the right to compel any household to pay for a service that has not been provided to the household. When I say household, I mean the rights to the home. What anybody does outside our home is not our business and they are free to do what they want as long as they are not a threat to a household’s safety and security.

Yet, a so-called company by the name of Indah Water has been billing households a monthly bill of RM50.00 which they are not entitled to do so. Are households provided with a service which they have utilized, or received or by which they have enjoyed this service? If human faeces is a precious commodity then it is their right to decide what should be done with this precious commodity. Who gave anybody the right to utilize our faeces and make a business out of it without our permission? Who gave anybody the right to make a commercial enterprise of our own faeces and then send a bill to our homes without our permission? May I know who is this idiot who allow these thieves to capitalize on our faeces and in turn send monthly payment bills to our households without even our permission?

This is unlawful and daylight robbery!!

Will our state government put a stop to this immediately? Will our Prime Minister put a stop to this most outrageous and cunning businessmen out of our privacy and stop this illegal plunderers of our money?

If there is anyone out there who wants to condone these daylight robbers then let them do so but not those who do not give their consent to do so.

Can anyone drop a bill of payment into our letter boxes and say they have cleaned the roads and therefore the households are forced to pay? Can anyone say they have planted some flowers on the road side and therefore the households must be forced to pay? Can anyone say they have installed some playthings at the playground and therefore the households must be forced to pay? Can anyone say they have sprayed some insecticide into the drains in front of our houses and therefore our households must be forced to pay? Can any policeman simply stop by our front gates and demand that a payment must be paid simply because someone has demanded for money?

Does our government allow these despicable conniving gangsters to extort money from innocent and helpless households? This is sheer extortion and is a crime and immediate action must be taken against these criminals. The billings imposed by Indah Water Consortium on households is a replica of these criminal gangsters who are looting households for services not provided to households.

May I know who is the grand idiot who masterminded this daylight conniving robbery and with sleight of hands forced millions and millions of Malaysian consumers to pay without their permission or consent? Now the shameless conniving thieves have amassed a fortune and now even have the nerve and audacity to drag consumers who refuse to be a part of this criminal activity to court hoping the fear-struck consumers would pay up so as to further increase their fortune.

My question here to the BN government is this. What is the service they have provided to the households that warrants a payment? Yes, water, electricity, telephone, internets are provided right into the homes and it is fair to demand for payment failing which the services would be terminated. Yet in the Indah Water billing there are no such services provided and therefore this compulsory billing ought not to have been allowed by the law. Any consumer who refuses to pay should have their services terminated. However, in the case of Indah Water, there is no such termination of services but forced and compelled billings failing which they are threatened by court action.

The logic here is simple and plain. There are no termination of services simply because there is no service provided to households. Can people in the government understand this? Are our courts being used as bill collectors for a non-existent service? Can someone explain this ridiculous situation to consumers in Malaysia? Our State Governments must take firm action and stop these mafia operators from terrorizing our citizens in this state.

But our Federal Government must also take immediate action to stop these bandits and thieves who terrorize and bully us. Ordinary citizens are being bullied by these silent criminals who feed on the silent and helpless citizens. No household has received any service into the house as far as waste disposal is concerned and therefore this must be stopped immediately before a host of other criminals come up with new sounding thievery programs to milk and extort the innocent and helpless citizens of their hard earned money. What is even more disgusting is that there are some lawyers who have the nerve and the illogical minds to even send out demand letters for these non-existent household services to helpless citizens.

Will the Government of the day please step forward and put a stop to this daylight robbery?

Najib: Malaysia Committed To Upholding True Values Of All Religions

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is strongly committed to upholding the true values of all religions, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said on Friday.

"Religion teaches us to be tolerant, caring and respectful of the beliefs and practices of others. In our multi-racial society, we must constantly remind ourselves of the values that bind us together," he said in his speech at a Christmas reception organised by the Christian Federation of Malaysia at the St Thomas Church, here.

"We are bound by our common destiny as 1Malaysia. We are bound by our common heritage. We are bound by our need to forge ahead as one nation to face the challenges that lie ahead," he added.

The text of his speech was read out by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala.

The prime minister said Idris' presence at the reception represented the strong commitment of the Barisan Nasional government to the freedom of worship that had been practised in Malaysia since the country's independence.

Najib said he was happy to see that the people were responding to the many initiatives introduced by the government to provide a better future for the current and future generations.

"Our 'People First, Performance Now' campaign is not a mere slogan. It is a commitment to action," he stressed.

Religious festivities had become more meaningful by focusing on helping the disadvantaged and less fortunate in society, said Najib as he urged Malaysians to give generously.

The prime minister said the goverment had identified the hardcore poor throughout the country and would redouble its effort to help every Malaysian get out of the poverty cycle.

"We will bring speedy economic development to all communities regardless of their ethnic origins, religions, cultures or geographical locations," he said.

Among those present at the reception were the supreme head of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church Reverend Dr Joseph Mar Thoma, and opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Christmas celebrations begin; pope falls at St. Peter's

(CNN) -- A commotion at the start of Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter's Basilica briefly disrupted ceremonies and caused the pope to fall, a Vatican spokesman said.

Pope Benedict XVI was helped to his feet by his aides and the service resumed, spokesman Federico Lombardi told CNN.

The disruption began when a person tried to touch the pope as he was walking down the main aisle of the church, he said.

The person was intercepted by Vatican guards before reaching the pope, Lombardi said.

Benedict began what has traditionally been a midnight Mass at the Vatican at 10 p.m. as officials sought to keep the 82-year-old pontiff from a late night.

Celebrants in Bethlehem, the traditional birthplace of Jesus in the West Bank, however, joined the Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal for a midnight Mass attended by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and other Palestinian officials.

Outside the Church of the Nativity, erected over the site Christian tradition says was the place of Jesus' birth, the faithful gathered under the watchful eyes of heavily armed Palestinian police.

Gallery: Christmas Eve around the world

But Palestinian shopkeeper Nadia Hazboun said the security situation in the West Bank has improved in the time since the militant Hamas group took over Gaza and Abbas' Fatah movement abandoned the narrow strip of land between Israel and the Mediterranean for the West Bank.

"It was bad, now it is good," he told Voice of America radio. "I told you, before anybody take the law in his [own] hands. But now the law [is] with the police. We have security, we have calm, we have now the best situation in Bethlehem."

Christmas Eve in Bethlehem is a popular destination for American Christians, including Iowan Paul Edelman.

"Just the festivities, the idea that this is the birthplace of Christ, and you get to see all the historic places and share it with people from around the world; it's a very nice experience," he told Voice of America radio.

Hindraf's ex-treasurer fumes over request for accounts

Former Hindraf treasurer K Vasanthakumar is up in arms over a demand for the movement to open up its accounts for scrutiny by P Waythamoorthy's lawyers.

Accounting firm Padmarajah & Co have been tasked by legal firm Kumar, Hashimah & Co acting on behalf of the Hindraf chairperson to look into the status of the accounts.

Waythamoorthy had recently sent a letter of demand to Vasanthakumar and three others, asking them to retract statements they made, imputing that he swindled money meant for Hindraf's cause.

Besides Vasanthakumar (right), V Ganabatirao, DAP Sungkai assemblyperson A Sivanesan and Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy were told that if they refused to retract their statements and issue an apology, he would sue them.

A fuming Vasanthakumar said: "I'm the sole owner of Hindraf Enterprise with a single bank account in RHB bank in my name. Padmarajah & Co have no business meddling into the accounts of Hindraf Enterprise."

Vasanthakumar explained that he held Hindraf Enterprise's accounts until Dec 13, 2007 when he was detained under the Internal Security Act for 18 months.

"Monies collected after that should be revealed by the 10 coordinators appointed by Wathamoorthy," said Vasanthakumar at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.

'Waytha playing a Tom and Jerry game'

Ganabatirao who was also at the press conference said: "Waythamoorthy is playing a Tom and Jerry game.

"We've asked him to account for the money collected by his appointed coordinators for the five detainees' families numerous times."

Waythamoorthy recently also sent another letter of demand to Ganabatirao's brother Papparaidu demanding that Papparaidu return RM50,000 belonging to Hindraf.

Ganabatirao said the RM50,000 was used to post bail for Hindraf's legal advisor P Uthayakumar when he was detained by the police prior to the latter's ISA arrest. It does not belong to Hindraf as it came from other sources, he added.

"Did he (Waythamoorthy) send similar letters to the coordinators that he appointed, such as S Jayathas and RS Thanenthiran?" asked Ganabatirao.

He also questioned how Padmarajah & Co, can claim to act on behalf of a banned organisation.

On the same note, he demanded Waythamoorthy (right) to disclose the full details of the money collected on behalf of the Hindraf 5's families after their ISA arrest.

"Failure to do so would force me to lodge a report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission," he threatened.

He said Hindraf coordinators made massive collections through fund raising dinners and the sale of Hindraf paraphernalia in the name of the families but not a single cent was given to them.

"Now they claim it is in Hindraf's accounts," he said.

In addition, he also wants Waythamoorthy, who is currently in London, to return the RM110,000 that was collected by Papparaidu and banked into the account of Kumar Hashimah & Co on Dec 18, 2007.

He said Papparaidu would ensure that the money is given to the families of the Hindraf detainees.

Meanwhile, when contacted yesterday, Sivanesan asked for proof as to when Waythamoorthy was appointed or elected as Hindraf chairperson.

He also faxed a letter to Kumar Hashimah & Co asking for documentary evidence that Hindraf is a registered organisation.

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by Mydin Kutty - 5 hours ago

Hoorah finally the truth is coming out from the mouth of the crooks. all the while they accused waytha of swindling the money. Now that waytha is taking the legal steps and appointing the accountants, looks like they are shivering. well coupled with the civil suit these crooks would be jammed. Now let the public know who are the real crooks. If vasantha kumar can admit he is the sole owner of Hindraf Enterprise then the onus and responsibility is on him. The intelligent would be able to differentiate between what is pure gold and gold covering. Hindraf and its leaders are pure. The crooks are being cornered legally now. I think they are panicking.

by concern citizen - 6 hours ago

Dei madaya Vasamthakumar, if ur solely represent Hindraf enterprise. and ur the treasurer for Hindraf, than ur the culprit of swindle the money. ur the one supposed to show the account and ur should take accountability of these money. why should wathamoorthy answer for this. he sound like damn stupid right. hahahahahah

by Bozuka - 11 hours ago

As explained by Vasanthakumar he was operating the account and he is the signatory of this account. As such the onus lies with Vasanthakumar and NOT Waythamoorthy to account for every single cent collected under Hindraf account. Rao if you want to implicate Thanenthiran please go ahead. Sivanesan you need to account for the monies collected at Perai, Padang Serai and Kulim under the name of Hindraf ISA detainees’ family monthly expenses. I’m sure your memory is coming back now

by ND2817 - 11 hours ago

Dei DAP mandors, where is the receipt for the fund collected by you peanut brainees from Paya Besar Karumariamman Temple for the Hindraf 5 families...You DAP mandores promised to post the receipt after bank in..On that event, all the DAP manores & konco konconya were present themselves to the temple..DAP big ass mandore Ramasamy, DAP mandore Kula, DAP ganabathirau's wife & brothers, local DAP mandore Neelamekan....

by Raja Rajan - 12 hours ago

Finally v can declare the 'Comical Characters of the Year 2009' - T.Magan Vasanthakumar, P.Magan Ganabatirau and Madayan Sivanesan. Vaayai Koduttu Soottai Punnaakuvathu . . . Ithu thaanda, madayargala. If Sivanesan thinks Waythamoorthy was never elected or appointed by anyone as Hindraf chairman, then he should not have rode on the Hindraf-inspired Makkal Sakti wave in the last general election to register his first ever electoral success after series of flops. Vasanthakumar and Ganabatirau can dream on to hijack Hindraf or Indian masses. One needs talent to lead a community. Both severely lack it.

Penang CJs party at their graduation - Part I

Samy Vellu Denies MIC Failed To Register New Voters

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24 (Bernama) -- MIC president Datuk Seri S.Samy Vellu said it was not true that the MIC does strive to register youths as new voters.

While rejecting a statement by the Election Commission (EC) yesterday that the MIC failed to register new voters in Penang and Selangor in October, he said the EC may not have understood MIC's process to register voters all this while.

He said it was not necessary to register new voters through the Assistant Registrar appointed by the EC.

"The registration of new voters is done by each MIC branch by identifying both members and non-members of MIC who are not voters. The first step is to register youth who have turned 21 years of age as MIC members and ask them to register as voters with the EC," Samy Vellu said in a statement here on Thursday.

He said the process by the party to register new voters was done via campaigns carried out by each MIC branch with the assistance of the EC's mobile office.

He said recently the party headquarters had directed each MIC branch to carry out a process to register new voters every six months and this had been made been known through several local newspapers.

"It is not true to allege that the MIC was not agressive in registering new voters based only on data for October 2009. The EC should see the whole picture without depending on data from the EC Assistant Registrar alone," he said.

He said many of the MIC's new voter registration programmes were done indirectly by involving EC officers without the EC Assistant Registrar channel.

Samy Vellu said the MIC could not only depend on the Assistant Registrar appointed by the EC from among MIC members to register new voters.

He said the MIC not only assisted in registering new voters who had turned 21 years of age but also all Indians who were not voters yet.

-- BERNAMA

Dr M defends himself

By Leslie Lau - The Malaysian Insider

Consultant Editor

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 25 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has hit back at Barry Wain, the writer of a recently published book about the former prime minister, and denied charges that his administration squandered nearly RM100 billion through corruption and grandiose projects.

In a posting on his blog yesterday, Dr Mahathir made a point for point defence against the accusations leveled against him, and once again implied that Tun Abdullah Badawi wasted more public funds.

Wain, the former managing editor of the Asian Wall Street Journal, recently released his book “Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times,” in which he accuses Dr Mahathir of wasting RM100 billion in public funds during his tenure as PM.

Dr Mahathir had on Tuesday said he welcomed Lim Kit Siang’s call for the government to set up a royal commission to probe whether he “burned” RM100 billion.

In his latest blog posting, he directly references Wain’s accusations in the book.

“In Barry Wain’s book I was accused of losing Government money over the purchase of tin being sold by speculators. When the time came for them to deliver the tin, they could not deliver as they had no physical tin. But the London Metal Exchange ruled that the speculators need not honour the contract to sell to us.

“We lost money but not in billions of ringgit as alleged.”

He also acknowledged that Bank Negara had traded foreign currencies and lost money, but he denied that it was in the amount Wain imputed.

The third case in which Dr Mahathir defended himself was over losses made by Bank Bumiputera in Hong Kong in the 1980s.

“Altogether I don’t think the amount lost added up to RM10 billion even. If we had lost 100 billion ringgit the government would be in deep trouble. But although we did have poor growth during certain years, the government had never failed to meet all financial commitments including the servicing of loans. In fact we had enough money to prepay loans.

“The projects of course cost a lot of money. But the projects can be seen by the people.”

Among the projects he cited were the Penang Bridge, Twin Towers, KL Tower, KL International Airport, North Port and West Port in Klang, commuter train, LRT and monorail, the numerous expressways all over the country, electrification and double tracking, Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, Langkawi development, Proton, Modenas, the Silterra chip manufacturing plant and cement plants.

“However, I don’t think Barry Wain was referring to these projects when he said I burnt RM100million of government money,” said Dr Mahathir.

He also compared his spending with that of Abdullah, his hand-picked successor whom he later criticised for being inept.

The feisty Dr Mahathir pointed out that Abdullah’s administration had received RM270 billion from national oil company Petronas in his five year tenure as PM.

“How was this huge sum spent? There are only empty corridors everywhere,” he said in reference to the economic corridors set up by the Abdullah administration.

“The public has a right to know how 270 billion ringgit in five years has been spent. What projects have been financed by it. Why do we have to borrow money from China to build the second Penang Bridge?”

Dr Mahathir said that his government had only received RM126 billion from Petronas in 22 years.

“I know every effort was made to find whether I had misused government money. Failing to find anything the Abdullah government set up a Royal Commission and accused me of being influenced by others in the choice of judges.

“I have a right to clear my name. Tun Abdullah also has a right to clear his name,” he said.

Dr Mahathir also suggested that Wain was only willing to criticise him and not the leaders of Singapore, where the writer resides.

“Barry Wain was formerly with the Asian Wall Street Journal and Asia Week. Presently he is with the Singapore think tank, the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies.

“He knows that if he writes anything against Singapore leaders he would be dragged to the courts, sued and forced to pay huge indemnity. His colleagues have all been found guilty of defamation when they wrote something that was not approved by Singapore leaders.”