Saya tulis dalam blog kerana tidak dapat layanan media, Kata Dr. Mahathir

Utusan - 31/05/2008 4:49pm

PETALING JAYA 31 Mei

Bekas Perdana Menteri Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad mendakwa bahawa beliau tidak lagi mendapat layanan sewajarnya daripada media arus perdana dan ini mendorong beliau menulis di laman blog.

"Saya terpaksa jadi blogger kerana saya tidak mendapat layanan daripada media-media perdana,” katanya.

Dr Mahathir menjelaskan bahawa blog merupakan salah satu medium alternatif untuk beliau menyuarakan pendapat berikutan terdapat sekatan terhadapnya yang dilakukan media tempatan.

"Saya tersekat dan tidak dibenarkan berucap. Ucapan saya juga tidak dibenar dilaporkan di dalam akhbar.

"Pun begitu, blog saya popular. Ramai yang baca. Kalau tidak masuk akhbar pun, orang masih boleh baca di blog saya,” katanya ketika berucap dalam program Suntikan Semangat Satria di sini hari ini.

Mengenai tindakannya keluar daripada Umno, Dr Mahathir berkata tindakannya itu bukan bertujuan untuk menubuhkan parti baru atau untuk mencipta platfom baru bagi kepentingan diri sendiri.

"Walaupun keluar daripada Umno, tetapi pada saya Umno dalam hati saya tidak mati,” katanya.



Beliau juga berkata tindakannya keluar daripada Umno bukanlah pertama kali dilakukannya.

"Ini bukan kali pertama. Bagi saya kalau orang tak nak saya tak apalah,” katanya.

Dr Mahathir mengulangi pendiriannya bahawa Umno yang kini diterajui Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi adalah sebuah parti yang tidak lagi memperjuangkan nasib orang Melayu tetapi digunakan untuk kepentingan individu tertentu.

Second writ filed for release of Hindraf 5

IPOH: May 31, 2008 - NST


Lawyer Karpal Singh with fresh habeas corpus application which was filed at the Ipoh High Court yesterday seeking the release of the five Hindraf leaders being held under the Internal Security Act.

DAP chairman and veteran lawyer Karpal Singh filed a fresh habeas corpus application at the High Court yesterday for the release of the five Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders.

He said that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's decision to extend their detention under the Internal Security Act was "procedurally fatally flawed".

"I am not challenging the King personally. I'm challenging his decision which was based on the recommendations of the Advisory Board," he told reporters outside the High Court here.

In the joint affidavit, Karpal submitted that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's decision on March 26 was null and void as the Board did not have the trappings of a judicial enquiry required by law as it only heard evidence from the five detainees but neither cross-examined them nor called the investigating officer to give evidence.

"Our unchallenged evidence ought, under the circumstances, to have been accepted by the Board," it read.

The Board had rejected Karpal's application to call the investigating officer to give evidence. It also refused to supply the notes of proceedings.

"In all likelihood, the investigating officer was called to give evidence by the Board in our absence against the elementary rules of natural justice," it read.

The five detainees are lawyers R. Kengadharan, 41, M. Manoharan, 47, V. Ganabatirau, 35, P. Uthayakumar, 47, and Hindraf co-ordinator K. Vasantha Kumar, 35.

This is the second time Karpal is filing a habeas corpus application.

The first application, filed soon after the five were arrested on Dec 13, had claimed that the Internal Security Minister acted prematurely in issuing the detention orders. It was dismissed by the High Court in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 26.

The Federal Court upheld the decision on May 14.

Six days later, the five filed an application for a judicial review of the Federal Court decision.

In the second habeas corpus application, the five detainees named the Home Minister and the commandant of the Kamunting detention centre as respondents.

The Advisory Board, which convenes as an in-house proceeding at the detention centre, was to gather information to justify the detention of the five men, and present their recommendation to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

"The proceedings should not be one-sided but that's what happened here," said Karpal.

The case is to be mentioned before Judicial Commissioner Ridwan Ibrahim on June 23.

Keputusan Sdr Ezam

May 30, 2008 By Anwar Ibrahim

Kini setelah sah penyertaan beliau bersama Umno maka ingin saya tegaskan bahawa beliau telah lama meninggalkan perjuangan KeADILan - sabelum Kongres dan jelas sebelum PRU12 lalu.

Justeru itu keputusan tersebut adalah hasrat peribadi beliau.

ANWAR IBRAHIM




Anwar: Ezam gave up on PKR struggles
May 30, 08 2:04pm

Malaysiakini reported today that PKR's de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim today said that his former political secretary Ezam Mohd Nor re-joined Umno on his own personal wish after having long discarded the PKR struggles.

"I would like to stress that he has given up on the PKR struggles - before the party's annual congress last year and definitely before the March 8 general election," he said in his blog today.

Last year he had a bitter fall out with Anwar and vice-president Azmin Ali. This followed an internal power struggle, which resulted in Ezam quitting the party.

Since then he had been critical of Anwar's style of leadership and Azmin's role as a dominant schemer in the party.

After that he had concentrated on his anti-corruption NGO, Gerak, of which he was the head. He has now quit that post as well after joining Umno.

Yesterday he said that he was convinced by Abdullah's anti-corruption agenda and thus his decision to re-join Umno.

1 million hits for Dr M's blog in just 30 days - The Star

1 million hits for Dr M's blog in just 30 days
By FLORENCE A. SAMY

PETALING JAYA: May 30, 2008

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's blog, www.chedet.com has hit over one million hits in just 30 days.

The former premier started his blog on May 1 to pen his thoughts and opinions, which has also included criticisms of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

His blog named Dr Mahathir Mohamad had over 985,000 visitors on Thursday, a figure that has jumped to 1,015,766 at 12.50pm Friday. Also listed on his blog are event updates and related newspaper articles.

Congratulatory comments poured in for Dr Mahathir for the one million hit with some calling him "an official millionaire now."

Recently, Dr Mahathir posted his frustrations with Umno and claimed he was not treated as a member before he resigned. He also claimed that Umno was heading down the path of destruction if the current leadership and mentality did not change.

In his latest posting Friday, Dr Mahathir talked about his meetings in Tokyo and England on war criminalisation and appealed to Malaysians to support this campaign.

"It is ridiculous to regard murder as a crime punishable with the most extreme penalty yet the deliberate killings of thousands of people, mostly innocent men, women and children are regarded as proper and legal.

"There is a contradiction here which does not fit in with human values in a civilised world. War is not a way to settle conflicts between nations," he said in his blog.

He said trillions of dollars were being spent on developing and producing more lethal weapons of mass destruction and some poor countries were forced to buy them so as not to be less well-equipped than their neighbours.

"These weapons are often not used at all. Malaysia has been drawn into this game," he said, referring to the billion-ringgit submarine purchase.

Malaysia, he said, needed a defence force to preserve its independence and not an arms race.

"War is not a solution for our foreign policy agenda. A stiff backbone is far more important. Unfortunately at the moment we don’t have that," he quipped.

In appealing to Malaysians to support the campaign on war criminalisation, Dr Mahathir said there was no guarantee that war will not happen here in the future if it was still regarded as a way to settle conflicts between nations.

Ezam rela diperalat Umno untuk serang Anwar - The Star

May 30, 2008

The people have given their verdict on March 8 and hope Ezam and the gang clearly understood about this. We all want pakatan rakyat and Anwar. Got it?


Back in the fold: Ezam (seated, second from left) posing with (standing, from left) Nazmi, Khairul Anuar, Azwandeein and Ahmad Daud, and S.D. Johari (seated, right). With them are Malaysian Indian United Party (MIUP) chief Datuk K.S. Nallakarupan (seated, second from right) and former PKR Youth secretary Hamdan Tahar (seated, left) who joined Umno in 2004.

Oh, yeah Ezam, you joined UMNO because of Pak Lah's Anti-Graft Agenda??

May 29, 2008

Malaysiakini reported that the reason Ezam joined UMNO is because of Pak Lah's anti-graft agenda. So what role are you playing Ezam? Does that mean you will bring up Tan Sri Nor Yakop's case after this and all the 15 super corruption cases reported by Dr Rais Yatim some years ago?

Read on:

PM's anti-graft agenda won Ezam over
Syed Jaymal Zahiid & Soon Li Tsin | May 29, 08 1:01pm

Prime Minister Abdullah's reform agenda to clean up the Anti-Corruption Agency was the main pull factor that enticed Ezam back into Umno.

More at www.malaysiakini.com

Court cancels arrest warrant against MP - The Star

Court cancels arrest warrant against MP
By PRISCILLA DIELENBERG

GEORGE TOWN: May 29, 2008

A magistrate's court here has cancelled the warrant of arrest issued on March 17 against Padang Serai MP N. Gobalakrishnan for failing to turn up for his trial for obstructing a police officer.

Magistrate Ainul Bashirah Dona Don Biyajid on Thursday accepted the explanation by Gobalakrishnan's counsel R.S.N. Rayer and allowed his application for the warrant to be cancelled.

Rayer explained to the court that Gobalakrishnan was on sick leave on March 17 and apologised to the court for the absence of his client and his bailor on that date. He also produced Gobalakrishnan's medical certificate from the Kulim Hospital.

Rayer also apologised to the court for Gobalakrishnan's abesence at Thursday's proceeding, as he had to be in Parliament. He produced a copy of the letter from the Secretary of Parliament to all MPs informing them that the Parliament sitting had been extended to Thursday.

DPP Zalina Awang objected to the cancellation of the arrest warrant: "I regret that he is not here. Although we understand that he is required to be at Parliament, he should have turned up at this court."

Rayer replied that Gobalakrishnan did not mean any disrespect, and gave his assurance that he would be present on the next date.

Gobalakrishnan, 48, was charged with voluntarily obstructing then Chief Insp V. Saravanan in Jalan Utama at 12.20am on Jan 29, 2002.

The offence under Section 186 of Penal Code carries a jail term of up to three months or a fine of up to RM1,000, or both upon conviction.

Gobalakrishnan was first charged in court with a similar offence on Jan 30, 2002, but was given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal in December 2004.

He was re-charged for the same offence on Nov 30, last year, and is out on RM2,000 bail.

Ainul Bashirah Dona fixed Aug 5 and 6 for trial.

Is Ezam used by Pak Lah for his survival?

May 29, 2008

Just a week ago the UMNO (Baru) member with the number 000001 has resigned along with number 000002 and 000007. How many others have left yet to be reported.

And all of a sudden, the former PKR youth holds talk with UMNO top guns and now his application as a member of UMNO has been accepted. When asked about any priviledge given to Ezam, P Paklah brushed aside such suggestion.

The questions now in everyone's mind are:

1. Did Paklah lure Ezam to save him in UMNO?
2. Is Ezam's joining part of the negotiation he had wih KJ while he was under detention under ISA?
3. Will the report made against Tan Sri Nor Yakop be swept under the carpet?


More news:

‘Ezam’s return should open door for others’
By MUGUNTAN VANAR (The Star)


KOTA KINABALU: The return of former Parti Keadilan Rakyat Youth chief Mohamad Ezam Mohd Noor to Umno should open the door for other members who were sacked by the party.

“Our former party members who were sacked should be forgiven by the supreme council and allowed to return to the party. I think the others should be allowed back," Kalabakan MP Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh said on Thursday.

He said Ezam, who fought Umno from the outside, should not be the only one allowed back into the party and hoped that he was sincere in his decision to return to Umno.

Ezam, a former close aide to de facto opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, returned to Umno on Wednesday after having quit from the party in 1999.


Ezam meets PM, rejoins Umno (Malaysiakini)

Soon Li Tsin & Fauwaz Abdul Aziz | May 28, 08 12:15pm

Former PKR Youth chief Ezam Mohd Nor held a 30-minute meeting with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in Parliament today to submit his application form and a RM100 in lifetime membership fee to rejoin Umno.

Immediately after the meeting, Abdullah held a press conference in which he welcomed Ezam back into Umno.

Close shave for RM16.8b bill - The Sun

KUALA LUMPUR (May 28, 2008): By Llew-Ann Phang

Had the Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs - ministers, deputy ministers and the parliamentarians - not reacted fast enough to the bell, the RM16.8 billion Supplementary Supply Bill would not have been passed in Parliament today.
After a 15-minute wait for division (vote), Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar ruled the bill was passed 92 to 60 votes, with one abstaining from voting.

The division process erupted from the usual process of Wan Junaidi asking for those in support of it to state if they agree or disagree but he noted that the voice for agreeing was quite soft, then ruling that the voice of disagreement was sharper than agreement.

Tian Chua (PKR-Batu) then stood to ask for a division but Wan Junaidi waved it off saying there was no need for it, echoed by some BN MPs to which Mohamed Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak) then said there was indeed a need for it.

"The sum of RM16 billion is a big amount," Mohamed Azmin said, supported by fellow Pakatan Rakyat (PR) parliamentarians.

Wan Junaidi agreed on the point that it involved a big sum of funds.

"As a matter of principle, we will also want to know who is involved in this and are agreeing to waste the people’s money," Tian Chua said, drawing a loud roar from the BN MPs.

"Show your dissatisfaction outside lah," quipped Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak).

Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Bandar Kuching) said: "There are many ministers and deputy ministers who are not around and are not willing to sit in the House, so let’s have this to also teach them a lesson so they will attend proceedings."

Wan Junaidi then succumbed to the pressure and asked for parliamentarians to vote.

"Yang Berhormats, there are more than 15 who asked for division and according to Standing Order 46, the division will be held … Now," he said.

Throughout the 15 minutes of collecting votes, MPs started jeering, including Mahfuz Omar (PAS-Pokok Sena) who said: "Those who agree to this are indeed wasters."

Wan Junaidi then called for order and asked the MPs to take their seats.

"No need for you to stand up, Yang Berhormats. Those who are not counters, sit down. There is no need for chaos in the House," he said.

While the bell rang for MPs to return to the House, Wan Junaidi’s instructions and call for calm seemed to have fallen on deaf ears.

Boos and jeers were heard as MPs returned to the House, and even Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took his seat to support the vote. Wan Junaidi was seen smiling at members entering the House.

A few moments later, Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) called for Point-of-Order in Standing Order 48(7) (5) where it provides that members with self-interests cannot support a motion and each parliamentarian needed to declare this.

BN MPs including Datuk Noh Omar (BN-Tanjung Karang), Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal (BN-Semporna) and Datuk Lilah Yassin (BN-Jempol) did not take this sitting down, as they "roared" against this.

After taking control of the situation, Wan Junaidi rejected the Point-of-Order, saying: "The question of interest was not raised in debates, secondly, if we want to investigate one-by-one, we will not be able to solve this even in 2010."

M. Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat) then stood to defend Lim to which Wan Junaidi said: "Yang Berhormat! Everybody has interest in these funds because it is also used for salaries and projects and for roads."

"We all have an interest in it. Stop raising petty issues," he retorted.

Instantly, there was more noise from the PR MPs as Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak made his entry to place his vote.

Khalid Abd Samad (PAS-Shah Alam) quipped: "Next time, let the government's side be better represented."

Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi responded: "Yang Berhormat! (Referring to Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad – Khalid’s brother) Watch your sibling. He’s too naughty."

Following this, Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein also made his entry amid a noisier House.

"Please be patient and don’t make noise," Wan Junaidi pleaded before announcing the decision.

Order only resumed after the BN MPs jeered their PR peers for wasting time while Khalid then said the BN members could now leave the House again since the division was completed

Another Election Ploy by Rashid??? Under whose order?

GEORGE TOWN (The Sun May 28, 2008): By Opalyn Mok

The Election Commission's talk about snap election appears to be a plan hatched by certain quarters to prevent any change of government by defections or crossovers, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said today.

"That's why I think it is important that this is not used as a device because there's some talk that to prevent people from jumping over, they are using the threat of snap election to stop them from doing so," he said in a press conference after announcing a RM115.2 million investment by Honeywell Aerospace here.

"Is this a device? It looks like it to me. They are saying, if you jump over, we can have snap election and you will get defeated," he said.

"Is that the real message they are trying to send out?"

Lim also asked EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman to reveal the identity of the party who had told him that there was going to be a snap election.

"Has he been getting indications from the Cabinet or the prime minister?" he asked.

Lim said it is the government of the day which has the power to call for a snap election and not the EC.

"The EC only conducts elections. When the term is up, it has the power to decide but when the term is not up, it has no power to decide.

"So who told the EC that there is going to be snap election? Does this show that EC is no longer independent. If that is so, we will go back to the same problem that elections are unfair, not free and not impartial," he said.

He called on the EC to explain why they are suddenly talking about snap election.

As for whether the state government is ready if a snap election is called, Lim said the federal government can call for a snap election but the state government has a choice of whether to have the snap election or not.

Lim was commenting on a statement by Abdul Rashid that EC has told its officers to be prepared for snap polls recently.

On the EC's proposal to re-register voters to clean up the electoral rolls, Lim was sceptical that the rolls could be 'cleaned up'.

"Whatever you do, if the organisation is not clean, it does not make any difference," he said.

He said it is more important to reform the EC.

Ezam sacrifies for Anwar???

May 28, 2008

Ezam has decided to rejoin UMNO after going through all the pain when he was arrested under the OSA and ISA all for one man - Anwar Ibrahim.

Is his joining the result of a negotiation held between him and Khairy Jamaluddin while he was serving in Kamunting? Is he sacrificing for the sake of Anwar? Is this a sign of Anwar making a come back to UMNO???

Read on at Malaysiakini:

Ezam meets PM, rejoins Umno

We are of one bangsa, Bangsa Malaysia - The Sun

May 28, 2008

DEPUTY Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak made an interesting statement on Sunday. He said that Bangsa Malaysia will become a reality when all the people in this country regard each other as Malaysian rather than members of the various ethnic groups with their own separate culture, language and religion.

For one thing the statement affirms that Bangsa Malaysia is a national aspiration as well as an objective. For another it is in the interest of all Malaysians to work hard to make Bangsa Malaysia a reality.

Even though Bangsa Malaysia was talked about by the government nearly two decades ago, there was little real effort made to make the concept acceptable to everyone. It almost faded away from national memory after strong opposition to the idea caused the government to falter and caused it to be removed from the priority list of things that need to be done.

Fifty years of experience of living together should have made us more broadminded, tolerant, mature and even wiser so as to be able to discuss this common aspiration openly and with respect and decorum.What is needed now is a constant reminder through all kinds of campaigns that Bangsa Malaysia is a national objective. It should be the central theme of every National Unity Month.

Just as coordinated campaigns were conducted by the government to promote Bahasa Malaysia several years ago, the same type of campaigns should be undertaken to make Bangsa Malaysia part of the national consciousness.

If we truly want a Bangsa Malaysia, we have no choice but to work hard and put in all our effort to achieve it. There is no point in all of us saying Bangsa Malaysia is the national objective but doing very little to make it a reality. An important element of this effort is to regard each other as fellow Malaysians. If it is a process, as stated by Najib, then it is a process that had already begun, albeit informally, long ago even though not everyone was involved. All that is required now is to build on it and widen it to include everyone.

Also, it has been acknowledged that the strength of Malaysia is its diversity – people of various races, cultures and religions living and working together. Once everyone accepts this diversity, the people would be able to live and work together more harmoniously. There is much that we must do, but from now on let the effort be more concerted and properly coordinated.We must be able to say by the time we celebrate our 100th national day that we are truly one bangsa, Bangsa Malaysia. Our future depends on it.

Government to engage bloggers in cyberspace - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: May 28, 2008 By SHAHANAAZ HABIB

The Government will take on bloggers in cyberspace and respond to wild and baseless allegations raised in blogs.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said remaining silent was no longer an option.

He acknowledged that the Government had overlooked the need to engage the new media, which was a new dimension in shaping public opinion, in the recent general election.

The Government had not been savvy in engaging the new media and lost out in cyberspace, he said, adding: “But we live and learn.”

Najib said this during a question and answer session at the Asia Media Summit 2008 here yesterday.

He in fact has started the ball rolling by putting a reply through his press secretary Datuk Tengku Sariffuddin Tengku Ahmad to a posting on Malaysia Today, a news portal run by Raja Petra Kamaruddin.

Najib said it was obvious that the Barisan Nasional Government would now need to engage the new media.

“We need to have people who are active participants of the new media, who are sympathetic and understanding of the government’s position.

“Therefore, instead of just criticising them (the new media) or running them down, the best thing to do is to engage them. Hopefully they will understand our perspective,” he added.

To another question, Najib said the Government gave the mainstream and new media a great deal of latitude to criticise.

However, he said: “There is a line which shouldn’t be crossed” because it could undermine the wider interest of society.

On action taken against blogger Raja Petra, Najib said he was charged with breaking the laws of the country – making baseless allegations and seditious remarks.

He said Raja Petra had been free to criticise the Government “very robustly and stridently” in his blog for years and the Government had not taken any action against him.

“But when certain things he said constituted a very serious attack against the institution, the Attorney-General decided that he had crossed the line,” Najib said.

Other than the new media, he said the established media too had become more critical since the elections.

“If you read the newspapers on a daily basis, you will see that they don’t hold back their punches. If they know there are weaknesses or abuse of power anywhere, they will latch on to these and criticise the Government and individuals openly,” he said.

In an immediate response, blogger Ahirudin Attan (Rocky Bru) welcomed Najib’s announcement that the Government would respond to allegations, saying:

“This is really good. It’s better late than never and it’s something for the blogging community to rejoice because blogging is about interacting with each other.”

The National Alliance of Bloggers president said one of the alliance’s aims was to get the Government to take part in blogging.

“This is because blogging is also about giving feedback to the Government and it’s great that the Government is picking up the opportunity (to blog).”

DAP’s PJ Utara MP Tony Pua, who is also a blogger, felt that the Government should be earnest in replying to issues or allegations levelled against it, pointing out that the Government should not use the medium only to win over public opinion.”

“If the allegations are indeed wild, then its response to correct them is welcome. But if it’s only to put down frank criticisms, then it'll defeat the whole purpose.”

Cheras victim of police brutality? - Malaysiakini

May 27, 2008

When Chung Jiun Huar, 21 drove out with his sister and boss to the barricade re-erected earlier by toll concessionaire Grand Saga, he did not count on being a participant to a continuing saga.

A participant he did become as he was allegedly beaten by police and FRU personnel who apparently were of the opinion he was driving his car 'as though he wanted to knock people'...

Position of PM’s special officers in government-linked firms criticised - The Star

May 28, 2008

THE presence of the Prime Minister’s special officers as board members in government-linked companies came under heavy criticism in the Dewan.

Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (PKR – Machang) questioned why the Prime Minister’s special officers and political secretaries should be appointed as board members of these companies when such posts could be given to government officers from ministries, whose activities were related to the agencies.

Citing Malaysia Resources Corp Bhd, Utusan Melayu (Malaysia) Bhd, Malaysia Biotech Corp and Inno Bio Ventures Sdn Bhd as some of the companies which had the Prime Minister’s officials as directors, he said:

“They are there not because they are outstanding figures in the industry. They can influence the board’s decision and compromise the respective boards' decisions.

“This is an unhealthy practice which creates a conflict of interest and makes a mockery of the Government’s push for integrity,” he said when debating the Supplementary Supply Bill.

He also questioned how it was possible for the Terengganu Government to not know anything about projects being implemented in the state after they were approved by the Federal Government.

The projects, he said, seemed to “come down from the sky”, adding:

“The Federal Government should also explain the differences in oil revenues paid to the Federal Government and those that had been allocated for Terengganu.”

Saifuddin questioned how a mentri besar had to bow to pressures and influence-peddling from “big towkays” who got big projects funded by oil money slotted for the state.

Marang MP Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, who debated the bill later, said the Auditor-General’s report revealed that the expenses to organise the Monsoon Cup race was not reported to the Government.

“There is an element of concealment in the event’s finances and I hope the Government will reply on this and take action if any improprieties had occurred,” he added.

KL pledged fair treatment for Pakatan states, assembly told - The Star

May 28, 2008

THE federal government has pledged that it would not discriminate against the five states under the control of the Pakatan Rakyat in terms of foreign investments and incentives, according to a Selangor state executive councillor.

Selangor State Trade, Industry and Investment Committee chairman Teresa Kok said this was the answer given to her by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti) to a question she had asked as the MP for Seputeh in the Dewan Rakyat on May 5 this year.

Teresa had asked if Miti would continue cooperating with the five Pakatan Rakyat states in foreign investments and if it would continue giving incentives to foreign investors who were investing in the five states.

“The ministry, in its answer to my question, said all incentives, whether existing or new ones, will be continually given to all states,” Teresa said.

“It also said the government would always ensure that the fruits of investments would be equally shared by all citizens,” Teresa said in her winding-up speech at the Selangor state assembly in Shah Alam on Monday.

She said that Miti had also said that foreign investment was an important factor which contributed to the country's development.

“The federal government has, therefore, pledged that it would not discriminate against any state governments. So the state governments in these five states are encouraged to continue with existing policies that are business-inclined,” she said.

Teresa also said Miti had advised the five state governments not to introduce or execute new policies at the state level that were not proactive investment-wise, or that were inconsistent with or opposed to the policies and rules executed at the federal level.

“This is said to be important in continuing the traditionally excellent performance of the federal government in attracting foreign investments,” she said.

Teresa also read out the increase in figures of investment capitals in the state from 2006 to 2007.

While 2006 recorded more than RM5.3bil of investments, the following year saw an increase to RM 11.1bil of investments.

“In 2006, 312 factory projects were approved by the government, while in 2007, there was an increase to 318 approved projects. And from January to March this year, 58 factory projects were approved in Selangor with an investment value worth more than RM1.7bil,” she said.

“From this figure, 18% is local investment while the rest are foreign,” Teresa said.

She said the state government had also formed SSIC Berhad that would function as a one-stop agency for foreign investors who invested in Selangor.

According to Teresa, the company will help investors obtain information and assist them in getting approvals from the respective agencies.

“When it comes to approval of applications, we will also speed up the process like the approval for application of building plans and others through the one-stop centre that has been established in every local authority,” she said.

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Pakatan Rakyat announces boycott of newspapers - NST

DEWAN RAKYAT, Tues: May 27, 2008

THE Pakatan Rakyat today announced it was boycotting Utusan Malaysia and Mingguan Malaysia for allegedly running a smear campaign against the opposition.

Reading a prepared statement, opposition bench chief and PKR president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the two publications have been criticising and painting PR members in a bad light as if "still on an election campaign".

She also charged that Utusan was stoking narrow-minded racial sentiments to incite the anger of the Malays against PR leaders.

Wan Azizah announced this in a brief press conference, attended by DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, PAS deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa and Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

However, after reading the statement the PR leaders refused to take questions from the media.

MMA wants explanation over 'licensed to kill' remark - The Star

PETALING JAYA: May 27, 2008

The Malaysian Medical Association is demanding a full clarification over deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad’s statement that doctors were “licensed to kill”.

“We are not sure in what circumstances this word “to kill” was used and as such, a full clarification would be helpful,” said its president Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin in a statement Tuesday.

He said the association wanted to “impress” upon the public that doctors were only "licensed to heal and support patients in helping them to alleviate sufferings due to illnesses".

“Any negligent cause of death during treatment is answerable. This is to reassure the public that neither the Malaysian Medical Council nor the MMA condones the notion that doctors are licensed to kill at any point in time,” he added.

It was reported that Dr Abdul Latiff had in Dewan Rakyat on Monday referred to the famous James Bond movie titled “Licence to Kill” when replying to a supplementary question by Alexander Nanta Linggi (BN — Kapit) during Question Time.

Dr Abdul Latiff had said doctors were given the “licence to heal” as well as the “licence to kill”. He later retracted his statement but said he would not apologise.

Dr Khoo said the association was shocked to read about the remark uttered by Dr Latiff. He said it was unfortunate that deputy minister had “blurted out such a remark.”

When asked by reporters about the matter, Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said he had the highest regard for doctors.

He said medicine was an ethical profession in which doctors “had the heart” to save lives.

“The ministry has always ensured that negligence is minimal,” he said after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of co-operation between Kojadi Institute, Ikram Skills and Retraining Academy and ABS Consulting.

Dewan Rakyat: Motion to debate Batu Putih rejected - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: May 27, 2008 By ZULKIFLI ABD RAHMAN

Opposition MPs stood in support of a motion moved by Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) in Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday to debate the loss of Batu Putih to Singapore.

Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) had sought permission for the House to discuss the weaknesses of the Malaysian legal team in handling the case and the consequences to other overlapping claims by Malaysia and other outstanding issues with Singapore.

His motion was rejected by Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, saying that Malaysia had accepted the results on the island brought on by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

However, Salahuddin, who used Rule 18 (3) (b) of the Standing Orders, protested against the ruling and all Opposition MPs stood up to support his call on Pandikar Amin to change his stand.

Pandikar Amin told Salahuddin that he had thought hard about the motion before reaching his decision.

"Everyone should agree that all of us should take a leaf (ambil iktibar) from the case.

"We should show our maturity in these kinds of situations.

"There's no need to debate this for over one hour or two hours and reach the same conclusion," Pandikar Amin added.

Havoc in Dewan over 'unparliamentary word' - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: May 27, 2008 By LEE YUK PENG

N. Gobalakrishnan (PKR - Padang Serai) created “havoc” in the Dewan Rakyat Tuesday when he walked up to the Speaker to explain a Tamil word to the latter by whispering to him during a shouting match which took place during Question Time.

He made the impromptu move when Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia told the House that he could not understand the meaning of a Tamil word and would have to ask someone outside before making a ruling.

Gobalakrisnan and M. Kulasegaran (DAP - Ipoh Barat) had asked Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Idris Haron to retract a Tamil word he said, where the two claimed it was unparliamentary.

This prompted Gobalakrishan to leave his seat and walked to Pandikar Amin amidst shouts of: “Ooi, what are you trying to do? Biadap. Biadap” while Opposition Leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail was waving at Gobalakrishnan in an attempt to stop him.

PKR chief whip Azmin Ali (PKR - Gombak) turned around and pointed at Gobalakrishan when he was walking back to his seat.

Datuk Bung Moktar Radin (BN - Kinabatangan) then stood up to cite the Standing Orders to refer Gobalakrishnan to committee of privileges for being rude and not in accordance with the Standing Order, saying that such a thing had never happened in the house before.

Bung’s suggestion had the support from all Barisan Nasional MPs, including some ministers and deputy ministers present in the Dewan, who stood up to show their support.

Azmin then stood up to ask Gobalakrishnan to apologise to the house and ensure it that such an incident would not happen again.

“I apologise for my act for not realising it (was not something I was supposed to do). Thank you,” he said.

Pandikar Amin also reminded the house, including ministers who were replying their questions, not to use unparliamentary words.

At the lobby, Gobalakrishnan maintained that he heard Idris saying a foul word but Idris said he meant "sit down" in Tamil, which he learned from an Indian friend.

Both words were close in their pronounciation.

Dr Wan Azizah said Gobalakrishnan could have written a note to send to the Speaker instead of approaching the Speaker himself.

“This is my third term here and I have never seen this before,” said Dr Wan Azizah, adding that Gobalakrishnan probably had wanted to explain the foul word to the Speaker in private but it was against parliamentary etiquette.

Opposition: Boycott Malay papers for fanning racial hatred - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: May 27, 2008

The Pakatan Rakyat alliance has called for an immediate boycott of Malay newspapers Utusan Malaysia and Mingguan Malaysia for what it said was unfair reporting and for allegedly fanning racial sentiments.

In a joint statement issued at a press conference in the lobby of Parliament, Opposition leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the mainstream media had shown signs of opening up since the results of the March 8 polls.

However, many publications still gave wider coverage to Barisan Nasional and its component parties, while stories on Pakatan Rakyat tended to be full of distortion and misinformation to discredit the alliance parties and their leaders, she claimed.

The Parti Keadilan Rakyat president was accompanied by alliance members DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and PAS deputy president Nasaruddin Mat Isa in reading out the joint statement.

Dr Wan Azizah said the worst were the two aforementioned newspapers, which she claimed unfairly criticised and demonised Pakatan Rakyat leaders.

She also alleged these publications were always trying to provoke narrow ethnic sentiments, "clearly with the intention of creating anger among Malays against Pakatan Rakyat component parties."

Round-Up News from Malaysiakini May 26, 2008

PKR kicks off campaign to win S'wak

By Tony Thien

PKR has begun what it hopes will be the first step in to eventually taking over the state government from Barisan Nasional with the launch of its new division over the weekend in the predominantly-Iban based Lubok Antu area in Sri Aman Division.

PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, who officiated at the launch on Saturday morning, described Lubok Antu - about 250km from state capital Kuching - as the gateway for opposition Pakatan Rakyat to enter Sarawak to prepare for the next state elections due in two to three years.

Presently, Pakatan holds seven out of the 71 state seats - DAP six and PKR one, all Chinese-majority seats.


Pulau Pisang: Another banana skin for M'sia?
May 26, 08 3:45pm

Another island, another lighthouse operated by Singapore - will the government lose Pulau Pisang the way it embarrassingly lost Pulau Batu Puteh to its southern neighbour?

Pas Youth chief Khairul Faizi Ahmad Kamil, in a separate statement, urged Malaysia to meet with Singapore to determine ownership over the island.

He pointed out that:

• The Marine Department of Malaysia does not list the Pulau Pisang lighthouse as one of the 14 lighthouses managed by the government.

• Data from the University of North Carolina states that the lighthouse is owned and managed by Singapore.

• The Lighthouse Depot website recognises Singapore’s authority in managing the island, so long as the lighthouse is in operation, even though the island is located in Malaysian territory.

• MPA has indicated that Singapore is still managing the lighthouse.


Should Anwar apologise?

By Ong Kian Ming and Oon Yeoh

In a recent interview in The Star, Haris Ibrahim, the initiator behind the People's Parliament, made an intriguing observation. He said that he would like to hear PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim apologise for all his actions (and inactions) during his 16 years in government.

"My contention is very simple," he says. "Tell this nation, 'I was wrong. I am sorry and I want to work with you', and I think we can move forward."

Haris added that he had been tracking Anwar's public statements for the last few years and he has yet to see him make an unqualified apology to the nation.

The question of whether Anwar should admit and apologise for certain mistakes or wrongdoings is all the more relevant now that there is a serious possibility he might become the next prime minister if his Pakatan Rakyat coalition takes over power.

Dewan Rakyat: Opposition up in arms over 'licence to kill' remark - NST

May 27 - By V. Vasudevan, Eileen Ng, R.S. Kamini and Joseph Sipalan

DEPUTY Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff left some members in the House, including doctors, huffing and puffing when he declared doctors have a "licence to heal and licence to kill".

His statement, made in the course of replying to a supplementary question, saw House proceedings come to a halt for about 20 minutes as opposition MPs repeatedly demanded that Dr Abdul Latiff withdraw his remark.

Dr Abdul Latiff, who was answering a supplementary question from Dr Mohd Hayati Othman (Pas-Pendang), had replied that medical graduates were lacking in certain skills and clinical expertise when dealing with patients.

He said this was the reason the government had decided to increase the housemanship period for trainee doctors from 12 months to two years.

"The doctors have licence to heal and licence to kill so we (ministry) have to ensure that our doctors are well trained so that we can safely receive treatment from them," he said.

Immediately, Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli (Pas-Kuala Krai) objected and asked Dr Abdul Latiff to retract his statement.

Several other opposition members also questioned Dr Abdul Latiff's intention.

Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia ordered all to be seated and told the House that Dr Abdul Latiff's statement should not be misinterpreted.

Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan) said "licence to kill" had a different meaning altogether and doctors cannot be James Bond.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw (DAP-Kepong), a skin specialist, said he did not want such words used about doctors in the House.

Pandikar Amin advised Dr Abdul Latiff not to make such statements and retract it if possible.

Dr Abdul Latiff stood firm with his decision not to retract, saying he had no intention to humiliate the medical profession.

"I meant licence to kill in the event of a doctor being negligent or careless in his duties."

This angered several MPs who raised several points of order including one that could refer Dr Abdul Latif to the Special Privileges Committee if more than 15 MPs find him to have committed an offence.

"Negligence is not an acceptable act. This does not give a doctor the licence to kill, especially when they have taken the Hippocratic oath that they will value every life they treat," said Opposition leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR-Permatang Pauh), who is an eye specialist.

After a second call by Pandikar Amin to retract his statement, Dr Abdul Latiff said: "I do not wish to apologise but I retract my statement."

Dr Abdul Latiff was originally replying to Alexander Nanta Linggi (BN-Kapit) who had asked him the reason Sarawak faced a shortage of doctors and medical officers in all its hospitals.

His ministry, he said, has taken several measures to ensure automatic appointment of retired medical officers on a temporary basis.

Clean up electoral roll instead of reregistering voters, says Guan Eng - The Sun

KUALA LUMPUR (May 26, 2008):

The electoral roll should be cleaned up instead of re-registering voters, said DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

"Re-registration is a massive exercise and the same problems will happen because of the corrupt process. We need a credible and independent Election Commission (EC).

"The cancellation on the use of indelible ink was a result of a directive from the Cabinet and not the EC's independent decision.

"It shows that they were lying when they said they need to cancel the use of indelible ink for security reasons whereas (Home Minister) Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said there was no such reason," he told reporters in Parliament lobby today.

Lim said if the EC wanted a clean the roll, the commission itself has to be clean.

"There is a need for the EC to be revamped totally and only those who are independent be allowed to conduct elections and voter registrations," he added.

Lim was responding to EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman proposal to re-register voters.

Lim also questioned the advice to EC officers from Abdul Rashid to prepare for a snap election as reported today.

"Did he receive any indication from the cabinet or the prime minister? "He must clarify to the effect that the EC is not dependent," he added.

PKR vice-president Azmin Ali suggested that EC worked closely with the National Registration Department (NRD) and get the latest registered voters to be listed in the new roll.

However, he said he was surprised to learn that the EC will need two years to complete the re-registration work.

"That's why I suggested the EC to work with the NRD," he said.

Asked if Abdul Rashid should still hold his position as the chairman, Azmin said Abdul Rashid should be the first to leave the EC as he must take responsibility as he is not independent and his credibility is at stake.

On the snap election advice, Azmin said for a person who takes instructions from the executive, Abdul Rashid is certainly ready "and that shows that he is not independent."

Develop Pulau Pisang to prevent Pulau Pasir Puteh's fate, says MP - The Sun

KUALA LUMPUR (May 26, 2008):


Pontian MP Ahmad Maslan urged the government in to develop Johor's Pulau Pisang to prevent it from experiencing the Pulau Pasir Puteh fate.
He said although the 446-acre island belonged to Malaysia, there is a Singaporean lighthouse errected on the island on an old agreement during the colonial era that "as long as there are moon and stars and that the lighthouse is needed", it will be there on the island.

"The lighthouse is now guarded by Singaporeans and no one is allowed to go near the lighthouse.

"There is no need for the lighthouse now as the global positioning system is now used by the maritime for direction.

"I hope the government will talk to its Singapore counterpart to remove the lighthouse from the island," he told a press conference in Parliament lobby today.

Ahmad added that although Singapore has not claimed island from Malaysia, "I really hope that will not happen".

He said he had also visited the island found it an island with petential for tourism and fishing.

Opposition MPs claim Indian community better represented by PR - The Sun

KUALA LUMPUR (May 26, 2008):

Opposition MPs argued in Parliament today that the Indian community in Malaysia is better represented by Pakatan Rakyat (PR) and not MIC.

They were not satisfied that Datuk S. Subramaniam (BN-Segamat) was proposed to sit in the Select Committee for the 12th Parliament as they claimed many Indians were not happy with BN, in particular MIC.

"Can’t you see that the number of Indian MPs in PR is bigger than those in BN? If it is truly done in the spirit of equal representation of all ethnic groups, the biggest voice representing the Indians today is PR, not BN.

"We would not possibly allow the appointment of YB Segamat because MIC today is not capable of representing the Indians. Many of their leaders had lost (in the election). This proves Indians now are not represented by MIC," said Mohd Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak).

In response, Minister in the Prime Minister Datuk Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz who moved the motion to appoint six names as members of the select committee said he would not mind if Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR-Permatang Pauh) wanted to vacate her seat for N. Gobalakrishnan (DAP-Padang Serai).

Earlier, Nazri read out those proposed to sit in the select committees, namely Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak who is also Chief Whip, Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting (BN-Kulai), Tan Sri Bernard Dompok (BN-Penampang), Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur), Subramaniam and Wan Azizah.

Mohd Azmin said it would not be proper for Wan Azizah to vacate her seat as she is the Opposition leader however, Mohd Nazri said it is BN’s right to decide who is the best to sit in the committee on BN’s side.

"The 4:2 ratio (of BN to PR) is adequate, suitable and reflects the actual composition (of MPs in Parliament). It is fair. We do not wish to put aside the voice of the Indian community. That’s why we appointed YB Segamat.

"Otherwise, we would have to sacrifice either YB Ipoh Timur or YB Permatang Pauh. BN must have four (representatives in the committee). We have even sacrificed a Sarawak representation. This shows how important it is for us to have an Indian voice here. Now I am the minister and I have to make a decision," he said.

Mohd Azmin then suggested for the number of opposition members in the committee to be increased to three, however Mohd Nazri insisted the number must be maintained at only six.

The motion was later passed by the Dewan.

22 sites, blogs investigated by MCMC - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: May 26, 2008

Twenty-two websites and blogs have been investigated by the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for airing false, pornographic and baseless allegations.

Deputy Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum told Senator Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain in Dewan Rakyat on Monday that out of those blogs investigated, the commission had also forwarded three investigation papers to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

“Most of the blogs and websites are being operated using platforms from overseas and efforts to obtain evidence necessary for action often come to a dead end.

“Therefore, it’s very hard to take legal action against these blogs,”he said.



Joseph said the MCMC also did not license blogging activities, making it hard for both the ministry and the commission to have a comprehensive list of those behind these websites and blogs.

To another question, Joseph said the Government did not intend to set up a special body to counter “irresponsible blogging” as there were adequate laws such as the Sedition Act and Penal Code in place.

PAS unhappy with 'weak' arguments in Batu Putih case - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: May 26, 2008 By SIM LEOI LEOI

PAS has voiced its dissatisfaction with the “weak” arguments forwarded by the Malaysian lawyers involved over the claim of Batu Putih in the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Its vice-president Nasharuddin Mat Isa said the weak arguments had resulted in Malaysia’s sovereignty over the island being taken over by Singapore.

“There was a lack of evidence to prop up our claims. Singapore being awarded the island will certainly bring a lot of hardship for our fishermen in Johor waters.

“We had a weak team of lawyers to fight our case,” he told reporters Monday in the Parliament lobby here.

PAS, he added, would be explaining this issue to its members and rakyat all over the country.

Nasharuddin also said PAS youth chief Salahuddin Ayub would be tabling an attempt under 18(1) of the Parliament Standing Orders for an emergency motion on the issue.

On another matter, Pontian MP Ahmad Maslan urged the Government to move into another island, where Singapore still maintains a lighthouse, and develop it.

This was, he added to avoid “banana trees from fruiting twice” as Singapore could move to stake a claim on Pulau Pisang, located some 5km from the coast of Pontian, Johor.

“Why should Singapore be allowed to keep the lighthouse there? Wisma Putra told me that under the present agreement, Singapore is allowed to maintain the lighthouse as long as it is still being used and for as long as there are stars and a moon.

“But in this day and age, no ship uses a lighthouse and all of them now rely on global positioning system and radar to guide them. So what’s the use of the lighthouse?” he said.

The Government, Ahmad added, should develop the island into a tourist and recreation area.

“In fact, I have proposed for the island to be included into a national park nearby,” he said, adding that besides the lighthouse, Pulau Pisang - comprising four smaller islands - now housed some fruit orchards and two small houses.

Uthayakumar files new habeas corpus - The Star

Hindu Rights Action Force legal adviser P. Uthayakumar has filed a freah habeas corpus application stating grounds of medical neglect and endangerment of his life Thursday.

Pressure mounts for Lingam probe action - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: May 26, 2008

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) youth movement members in several states lodged reports yesterday urging police to investigate all those implicated by the Royal Commission of Inquiry in the Lingam video clip.

The reports by the members of Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) urged police to immediately investigate former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, lawyer Datuk V.K. Lingam, tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and former chief justices Tun Eusoff Chin and Tun Ahmad Sheikh Abdul Halim.

The reports followed a similar report on Saturday by AMK chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohamad Ali, who had said that state AMK chiefs would lodge reports a day later.

In Shah Alam, Selangor AMK chief Khairul Anuar Ahmad Zainuddin said investigations and prosecutions should be carried out without fear or favour in order to restore public confidence in the judiciary.

In Kangar, state AMK chief Zamri Sapar was joined by state PKR Wanita head Poziyah Hamzah and Kangar division committee member Ko Chu Liang in lodging a report at the district police headquarters.

Zamri said the party hoped police would conduct fair investigations into the matter.

In Malacca, state AMK committee member Ginie Lim Siew Lian said there would be no excuse for police not to investigate now.

"If before they blamed the fact that no report was lodged, now they should have enough to proceed," she said after lodging a report.

In its report recently, the royal commission said there was sufficient cause to invoke the Sedition Act 1948, the Prevention of Corruption Act 1961, the Legal Profession Act 1976 and the Official Secrets Act 1972 against some of the individuals involved.

On May 16, the cabinet had ordered the attorney-general to investigate the six individuals.

The New Straits Times reported on Saturday that police had not begun investigations as there had been no reports on the matter.

Meanwhile, Khairul said he had lodged two other reports at the Shah Alam police headquarters yesterday.

He said the first report was against the Wives of Selangor Assemblymen and MPs Welfare and Charity Organisation (Balkis) for allegedly spending almost RM280,000 on uniforms for members and their partners.

The other, said Khairul, was against last term's Barisan Nasional assemblymen, who had allegedly spent almost RM27 million for small projects in the first two months of the year, prior to the general election.

No plan to set up body to monitor blogs - NST

KUALA LUMPUR, MON: May 26, 2008 By NST NEWSDESK

THE government does not plan to set up a special body to monitor blog sites and irresponsible bloggers, the Dewan Negara was told today.

Deputy Energy, Water and Communications minister Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum said this was because the ministry, through the Multimedia and Communications Commission (MCMC), has enough power to act on bloggers who are irresponsible.

“The MCMC can act against the owner, manager or the writer of errant blogs and take legal action on them if there was proof that they have broken the law.”

He was replying to Senator Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain at the Dewan Negara today.

Be prepared for snap polls, officers told - The Star

PUTRAJAYA: May 26, 2008

The Election Commission (EC) has informed its officers to be prepared for a snap election, said chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman.

Stressing that he was not one to speculate, Abdul Rashid said the EC was prepared “for anything” and was capable of handling a snap election as it had all necessary infrastructure in place.

In an interview with mStar Online yesterday, he revealed that after the post-mortem of the 12th General Election, he had instructed all returning officers (RO) to be prepared for any eventuality.

Similarly, the 140,000 people involved in the general election have also been advised to not refuse when called upon again for duty in the event of a snap election.

“But I don’t want to speculate, and it is not for us to speculate, but we are prepared for anything. In the past two months of meeting with the ROs, I’ve already told them to be prepared as it may be called anytime,” he said.

Abdul Rashid was responding to talk on recent events that have led to speculations of Umno members defecting from the party en masse and even party hopping following Barisan Nasional's dismal showing in the elections.

Various parties have since come forward in favour of an anti-hopping law proposed by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Mohd Zaid Ibrahim in March.

In the same light, tension has been fuelled in Barisan following the shocking announcement of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s resignation from Umno on Monday.

Political observer Dr Chandra Muzaffar said the possibility of a snap election in the near future could not be dismissed.

“However, I do not consider it as a serious possibility, only that in politics, such possibilities cannot not be rejected outright,” he said.

Universiti Putra Malaysia political communications lecturer Associate Prof Dr Abdul Muati @ Zamri Ahmad said it was possible a snap election could take place if MPs were to cross over.

PKR Youth lodges police report over Lingam clip - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: May 25, 2008 By KULDEEP S. JESSY

PKR Youth has lodged a report urging the police to investigate the six names mentioned in the Royal Commission of Inquiry report into the V.K. Lingam video clip.

PKR Youth chairman Shamsul Iskandar Mohamad Akin lodged the report at the Dang Wangi police station at about 3.15pm Saturday.

He was accompanied by the Selangor PKR Youth chief Khairul Anuar Ahmad Zainudin and Federal Territory Youth chief Mohd Zaman Mohd Tasi.

Earlier, the three marched about one kilometre to the police station from the Sogo Supermarket, with about 20 supporters carrying placards.

There was heavy police presence at the police station including those from the Light Strike Force.

Shamsul Iskandar said that the six - former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, former minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, former chief justices Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim and Tun Eusoff Chin, businessman Tan Sri Vincent Tan and lawyer V.K. Lingam -- were allegedly involved in arranging the appointment of judges.

He said that the Commission in its report had stated that the actions of the main characters involved had seriously affected the freedom and integrity of the judiciary on the whole.

"The Commission also said that there were enough reasons to exercise several acts on some of the individuals involved.

"In fact some of their actions may have contravened other laws. So the findings of the Commission should be at least a catalyst for investigation,'' he said.

He called upon the police to investigate whether there was sufficient evidence to charge those involved and forward their recommendations to the Attorney-General for further action.

Later outside the police station, Shamsul Iskandar said that movement decided to lodge the report as no action had been taken against the six even though it had been two weeks since the report was made public.

Shamsul Iskandar said that a directive had been issued for all the state youth movements to lodge reports at the district police stations throughout the country simultaneously on Sunday against the six.

"We will give them (the police) until Wednesday to take action after which I will collect the reports and hand them over to the Attorney-General," he said.

Guan Eng: No need to review, just abolish ISA - The Star

GEORGE TOWN: May 25, 2008 By NG SU-ANN

The Internal Security Act should be repealed and not reviewed as suggested by Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

"When something is evil, it should be abolished. There are no two ways about it," he said.

"I would like to encourage all Malaysians to call on the government to release all ISA detainees and to repeal the Act.

"In the spirit of justice, it is our responsibility to be part of the cause to end this flagrant injustice and uphold the spirit of humanity," he said when opening Human Rights Training Programme jointly organised by Era Consumer Malaysia and Penang DAP Youth Wing on Sunday.

On May 23, Dr Koh, who is former Chief Minister, suggested that the government set up a Parliamentary Select Committee to examine the various aspects of the ISA.

He said the review should make the Act compliant with basic human rights principles with clear criteria and safeguards.

However, Lim said it was internationally recognised that the detention of persons without trial was in violation of the rule of law, human rights and the principles of a democratic government.

"A draconian government is more frightening than a ferocious tiger. What we need are institutions that protect the interests of the people," he added.

He said in a country like Malaysia, some might argue that certain issues were too sensitive to be spoken about or discussed openly.

"But silence and closed doors promote distrust and frustration. It encourages prejudices and misconceptions of some sections of society," he said.

He said the country's future depended on the ability of all Malaysians to openly discuss and express their views on all issues.

Speaking to newsmen later, he said he would bring up the proposal to repeal the Act in Parliament.

"There's not much we can do except wait for a change in the federal government. Until then, we can only keep the flame going. As long as hope is alive, change is possible," he added.

Tengku Adnan urged to resign from Umno and BN posts - The Star

IPOH: May 25, 2008

Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor should quit as Barisan Nasional and Umno secretary-general in light of the findings of the V.K. Lingam video clip case, said Ipoh Timor MP Lim Kit Siang.

“Undoubtedly, the Royal Commission of Inquiry has come up with a very adverse report on Tengku Adnan and five other VIPs, as the ‘fixers’ in the brokering of judicial appointment,” Lim said at a press conference at the Perak DAP headquarters yesterday.

He called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to immediately relieve Tengku Adnan of the two posts if the Government was serious and sincere in wanting reform.

“Tengku Adnan should be relieved of the two posts. Otherwise, it would mean that the Government has no confidence in the Royal Commission of Inquiry report,” he added.

The five other VIPs implicated in the commission’s report were lawyer Datuk V.K. Lingam, tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and former Chief Justices Tun Eusoff Chin and Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim.

Lim, who also questioned Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail’s credentials in the important task of investigating Tengku Adnan and others, said a special prosecutor with full powers of investigation and prosecution should

be appointed to deal with the report.

“When the Lingam tape surfaced, he said there was nothing wrong as it was a monologue,” Lim said.

“He also said no further action, at that time, should be taken into the Anti-Corruption Agency investigations of Lingam and Eusoff holidaying in New Zealand,” Lim added.

On Dr Mahathir’s shock resignation from Umno, Lim said he was unsure if it would have any effect on the party’s leadership.

“From the reaction so far, not a single elected representative has resigned from Umno although a number of members have done so,” he added.

“Whether it would end up consolidating Pak Lah instead of weakening him is the pertinent question,” Lim said.

Be ashamed, disable activist tells Parliament speaker - Malaysiakini

Be ashamed, disable activist tells Parliament speaker
S Pathmawathy | May 24, 08 3:54pm

Disability activist Anthony Thanasayan has expressed shock and disappointment on comments made by Dewan Rakyat speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia on rights’ group actions using the parliament lobby to garner support.

“I’m sad and I can’t believe he has the audacity to make such remarks,” said Anthony, coordinator of Malaysians Against Discrimination of the Disabled (Madd).

On Thursday, the House speaker said the lobby is a place for parliamentarians to work and not for groups to voice their political agendas.

He also noted that all political matters should to be dealt outside the Parliament.

One event that came under fire from the speaker was the birthday celebration of Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) chairperson P Waythamoorthy's daughter W Vwaishhnnavi, 6, on May 21.

The speaker also raised concerns over the presence of Madd representatives on May 8 demanding an apology from Pasir Mas MP Ibrahim Ali for comments targeted at wheelchair bound Karpal Singh, DAP chairperson and Bukit Gelugor MP.

Highlighting the lax security in Parliament, the speaker said he would be writing to all political party leaders to make sure certain such events are not repeated.

Responding to this, Anthony opined: “It’s despicable to say children and handicapped people are a security threat.

“What's more patronizing is to say we were used by the opposition for their own cause. If you are a decent human being, you would never resort to use other people’s weaknesses,” he said emphasising the opposition did not influence Madd’s appearance in Parliament.

“Does he think we have no brains? He should know we have more brains than him. We will not allow others to use us for their political mileage.

“They (Pakatan Rakyat) were the only ones to approach us and converse with us. Not the Barisan representatives. Parliament should give voiceless masses a chance to voice out, not reprimand us,” he added.

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