Imam fingers Najib's aide as mastermind (Malaysiakini)

The last day of campaigning saw a tussle at the Seberang Jaya food court between BN and PKR election workers, naughty SMS-es, happy Indians in Permatang Pauh and last-minute ceramahs.

PKR media today reported that imam Ramlang Porigi said that he was sure the deputy prime minister's aide had helped Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan.In a video interview this morning, the FT Mosque imam said: "I want to state that I know who arranged for Saiful to swear at the mosque.

"I'm quite sure I know who it is as I've seen the picture he took with Saiful at Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's office.

"I think he is Najib's special officer," said Ramlang.Najib's special officer Khairil Anas Yusof was photographed together with Saiful at the deputy premier's office before the elections.

Commenting on the matter at the Yayasan Aman office today, PKR chief Anwar Ibrahim said that Ramlang's statement is further proof of Najib's involvement in the Saiful allegation.

"This confirms our earlier belief that this was orchestrated by Umno all along, timed perfectly for this election," said Anwar.

news courtesy of Malaysiakini

Sodomy claim: What some Malays say (Malaysiakini)

Some of the Malay voters in Permatang Pauh remain unconvinced by the sodomy allegation against opposition icon Anwar Ibrahim, a factor that could boost his chances in tomorrow’s by-election.

They agree with Anwar that the allegation is part of a political conspiracy to thwart his political aspirations, a charge denied by the authorities.

On June 28, the PKR leader’s former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan filed a police report claiming that Anwar had sodomised him.

The latter has since been charged with the offence and has claimed trial.Ishak Yaakub, a resident from Kampung Kepala Bukit, said: “They can spread accusations about him, but we would not believe a thing.”

“We, the residents of Permatang Pauh are mature enough to think. The more they talk about this (allegation), the more we feel sick of them,” he added.

Sheikh Hamzah Sheikh Radzi, from Kampung Pelek, claimed that the people have lost faith in Barisan Nasional (BN).

“This issue will not in any way influence the voters here. Anwar is a leader that we all can trust and we are throwing our support behind him,” he added.

Both Ishak and Sheik Hamzah also believe that the fuel price reduction announced by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was politically motivated, aimed at swinging votes.

“They are just sweet-talking their way to getting the votes from Permatang Pauh,” said Sheik Hamzah.

To Saad Ismail from Kampung Bukit Indera Muda, the latest sodomy allegation could backfire on BN. “Maybe half of them believe in the allegations.

But the people of Permatang Pauh can accept Anwar as prime minister,” he said.Ahmad Jaafar, who hails from the same village as Saad, said it was impossible for Anwar to have committed such an act.

Timing of swearing questioned

Mohd Saiful had alleged that Anwar sodomised him at a plush condominium in Kuala Lumpur on June 26.

The opposition leader’s supporters are also not convinced with Mohd Saiful swearing on the Quran that he was sodomomised by Anwar on Aug 15.

They questioned the timing since the swearing took place on the eve of nomination for the by-election.

The video clip of Mohd Saiful’s swearing has been aired around-the-clock at BN campaign offices in Permatang Pauh.

Anwar is locked in a three-cornered fight for the parliamentary seat vacated by his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. His main rival is BN candidate Arif Shah Omar Shah. Third candidate Hanafi Hamat, president of little-known Islamic party Akim, is not expected to pose any serious threat.

entire news n photo courtesy of Malaysiakini

Asian polls watchdog sniffs out wrongdoings (Malaysiakini)

An international election watchdog has alleged that certain candidates in the Permatang Pauh by-election have utilised government machinery and resorted to money politics in their 10-day campaign so far.

In its preliminary report released by its mission director Ichal Supriadi today, the Asian Network for Free Elections (Anfrel) said certain candidates have been using government vehicles and human resources to carry out campaigns.

It said candidates have distributed cash to people for various reasons, which can be construed as 'vote buying'.

However, Anfrel did not disclose any names.Working in collaboration with a local election watchdog, National Institute for Electoral Integrity (NIEI), Anfrel has sent a team consisting representatives from Indonesia, Taiwan and Thailand to observe and monitor the polls on the mainland side of Penang.

The 'mother of all by-elections' will culminate with polling tomorrow, Aug 26.

The by-election has come under international spotlight due its nature of political complexities and fierce competition between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat, and reflecting changing ideas of Malaysian democracy.

Defeats the purpose

When the Anfrel team first arrived to set up its base in Permatang Pauh, its executive director Somsri Hananuntasuk expressed hope that the by-election, given the international attention, would be free and fair.

Quickly they were disappointed as polling day fell on a working day, and Somsri criticised that this "would cause unnecessary difficulties for voters to come out in full force to cast their ballot papers.”

"It would surely affect those working outside Permatang Pauh for they have to seek absence from their duties, discourage voters from casting ballots," she said before the DAP-led state government announced a special public day on Tuesday.

Despite the public holiday in Penang, it could still affect a few thousands of Permatang Pauh voters working in factories in Kulim and Sungai Petani, in neighbouring Kedah.

Somsri pointed out that under the international convention the election process must accommodate the needs of all electorates - to cast their votes "easily, freely, fairly and smoothly without any hindrance and undue influence."

"The working polling day defeats the purpose," she said, chiding the Election Commission for not being up to the task of holding a credible electoral process in accordance with international standards.

entire news n photos courtesy of Malaysiakini

MCA leader: Don't be fooled by Anwar & BN's tough fight to tempt the Indian voters (Malaysiakini)

A minor tiff broke out in parliament today after Deputy Home Minister Chor Chee Heung advised voters in the Permatang Pauh by-election to be cautious of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who is pitted against main rival Arif Shah Omar Shah from Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.

"I hope voters in Permatang Pauh will not be fooled by Anwar Ibrahim’s campaign," said Chor, the Barisan MP for Alor Star. Balloting for the by-election begins tomorrow, Aug 26.

The minister was responding to an additional question posed by Sri Gading Barisan MP Mohamed Aziz, who questioned Anwar’s aptitude. Mohamed Aziz said the PKR leader had once rejected PAS’ hardline Islamic policies and yet the two were now coalition partners in the Pakatan Rakyat.

The squabble began when DAP MP for Cheras, Tan Kok Wai, questioned the lack of provisions in the Societies Act 1966 to deal with phantom members in political parties. Tan used rival party, MCA, as an example.

Tan accused MCA of having only about 100,000 properly registered members, but yet claims to have more than one million members. Tan slammed the government for not investigating the claim.

"(The people) have been fooled into joining a party and) it is against the principle of democracy," said Tan.

Chorus of protests

His comments sparked a chorus of protests from BN MPs, who accused him of bad intentions.

They argued that he had no right to question MCA, but Tan merely retorted “the truth hurts.”

Chor replied that existing provisions were good enough to monitor all registered societies.

The minister also said every registered society is required to review the number of their members annually.

He then quipped that the reason why Tan raised the matter could be because DAP probably had phantom members. Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia had to intervene to stop the squabble, stressing that "if you dare to criticise others, then you must also be prepared to accept criticisms."

There were only about 20-odd parlimeatarians present at today’s proceedings.

When the Indian voters rejected Barisan Nasional during the last general election, MIC was dumbfounded as to why it has suddenly lost ownership over these voters who since independence have been their traditional backers.

With the party becoming irrelevant as a result of its massive lost in the March 8 polls, it decided to take a different approach in this Permatang Pauh by-election to test out new tactics to win over the heart and mind of these Indian voters.And MIC now thinks it has hit the right button in answering the question of luring back the Indian voters, not just in Permatang Pauh but nationwide as well.

Even before the polling date for this by-election was announced, MIC president S Samy Vellu said that he would be trying to put in a personal touch by seeing all 3,375 Indian voters in this constituency to convince them to vote again for BN.And he has been doing that in his rounds here since campaigning period started on Aug 16.On top of that, the MIC chief also resorted to give away groceries to the needy Indian voters, reminding them that only a BN representative in Parliament can provide them with continued prosperity.

And in the last leg of the campaigning period, MIC has come up with another method to lure the Indian voters - by giving out free VCDs, of popular songs interspersed with political messages, expounding the virtues of BN and the perils of PKR.

Samy Vellu has been quoted in the media as saying that the give-away VCDs would be provide an opportunity for MIC to tell the voters as to why they should get back to support BN candidate Arif Shah Omar Shah.The VCDs also contain footage of concerts organised by MIC for the voters.

These VCDs are being given to the voters during MIC's house-to-house campaigns.

At the end of the campaign, Samy Vellu declared that he was happy with the response he had elicited from the Indian voters, proudly saying that he was confident they would return to the BN's way.

The opposition's successful tactic

The use of VCDs is surely a tactic lifted by the MIC from the opposition.

During the general election, the opposition played up the Indian voters' sentiments by distributing thousands of VCDs showcasing the demolition of temples and the impact of Hindraf rally to garner support.

That tactic succeeded big time, resulting in a strong switch on Indian voters from the BN to the opposition.

PKR is once again using the same trick to keep the Indian support in Permatang Pauh.

The Hindraf factor is also still relevant in Penang, just as it was during the general election.

Many PKR leaders are quietly smiling with the arrest of nine Hindraf leaders on Sunday for illegal assembly.

"The issue of minority rights is still a big issue here. With the arrest of these Hindraf people, we are sure that many of the fence-sitting Indian voters would have decided to vote against BN," said a PKR leader.

"We are now confident of an additional 500 Indian voters," he added.

A simple street survey undertaken by Malaysiakini also backed the claims made by the PKR that the Indian voters are still keen to vote for PKR's Anwar Ibrahim, hoping that he would bring about the much-needed change as far as race-relations are concerned in this country.

What the voters' feel

Below are some of the comments from local Indian voters:

Sritharan Arumugam:What they are claiming about Anwar is not true. When I attend his ceramah, I sense some truth in them. A lot of Indians have faith in him and we believe that he will become a new and much improved prime minister. He's the only one now who is daringly questioning our rights. Even Samy Vellu didn't do it... he was just a political puppet. Anwar is the only one who is voicing for us now and we believe he will keep his words.

T Narayanasamy:Anwar to win 100 percent of course, because he has the full support from the Chinese community, Malay community and our Indian community. It is based on this that I believe he will win.

M Soosaimanikam:We should give a chance to the new party, if they can't perform then we change them later. It's people who decide at the end of the day. If you want your future generation to do well, then the people must give chance to the new government. And if you are not happy with them, then we change them.

S Thulasiammal:I think the truth lies at Anwar's side. And whoever is telling the truth will win. And definitely Anwar is going to win, because the truth is in his side.None of us believe all the allegations made against him.

T Sivalingam:All these years we were blinded. Based on what Anwar is telling us now, we know where the truth is. Definitely our vote is for Anwar. We are reading papers and watching news, we are witnessing ourselves what they (BN) are doing. We are capable of making a good decision.

P Bubalan:Surely in this by-election, the chances of Anwar winning are very high.The allegations made against him are something that hard to accept. It is the same thing they did in 1998. And now that he's making a comeback, and when chances are there for him to be the next PM, we believe all these are conspiracy by his political enemies who are trying bring him down.

entire news n photos courtesy of Malaysiakini

TIME TO CHANGE THIS BARISAN NASIONAL GOVERNMENT

With the final day of campaigning at the Permatang Pauh parliamentary by-election, the rakyat will chart the course to change this irresponsible and corrupt Barisan Nasional government if the Permatang Pauh voters vote for Opposition candidate Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who was once a Deputy Prime Minister and their representative.

The rakyat on the whole is awaiting patiently for the Barisan Nasional to conceive a DEFEAT which may eventual see the end of their powerful political regime in ruling this wonderful and rich country for the past 50 odd years.

TIME FOR CHANGE is here and will remain until this Barisan Nasional is TOPPLED.

photo courtesy of Laman M@rhaen

NALLA SUED BY ANWAR OVER RM60 MILLION CORRUPTION

Datuk S Nallakarupan has been sued in connection with Datuk Nalla claiming that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, once a best friend, now turned 'bitter enemy' that Datuk Seri Anwar had received RM60 Million from Magnum Corporation which operates the 4-Digit lottery.

Datuk Nalla feels happy that he will be able to face Datuk Seri Anwar at last face-to-face at Court and Datuk Nalla further claimed that he has proof about this involvement and further claimed that he has in his possession 5 video recordings which is currently kept overseas with regards to malpractices done by Datuk Seri Anwar during his term as Deputy Prime Minister cum Finance Minister.

We need to wait and see what Datuk Nalla has or is this a gimmick of persuading Datuk Nalla to tarnish Datuk Seri Anwar's reputation with the coming Permatang Pauh parliamentary by-election which seems to be an uphill task for the ruling Barisan Nasional government.

photo courtesy of Agendadaily

The conjuror weaves his verbal wand (Malaysiakini)

Ascending the ladder of political leadership to its apex, according to the theory that proposes, say, Abdullah Badawi as an example, is essentially a matter of luck: the winner has simply won an amazing run at throws of the dice.

Another theory holds the winner as one who early has his eyes firmly fixed on the main chance. He steers by a compass pointed at his goal and though at times the needle might waver, it always returns to true north.

This type has an infinite capacity to take trouble and is good at concentrating on the essentials of his goal while showing benign indifference to the manifold vexations that can canker an aspirant even as it instructs him.

Anwar Ibrahim quite clearly belongs in the second category. In the frenetic rhythms of his campaign to gain admission to Parliament through the by-election in Permatang Pauh, the PKR leader has combined the stamina of a marathon runner with the concentration of an archer intent on the target.

At the tail end of his campaign, Anwar was like one of the medal contenders in the grueling long distance events at the Olympics, clearly fatigued and ashen-faced from the strain, but retaining just enough panache to go through the rituals of pressing the flesh that precede a speech at any one stop.

But once the microphone is handed the PKR supremo after a usually strident emcee has made the introduction, all the signs of a hamster working a treadmill fade and in its stead a small masterpiece of the orator’s art emerges.

The orator’s art may resemble a great stage artiste’s: his content and delivery must connect with the private recesses of his audience.

After a few minutes into his spiel, Anwar invariably makes the link; his grasp of what moves an audience he encounters telepathic.

And the crowd, whether at a stall in Jalan Semilang in Seberang Jaya on a hot afternoon or milling on the porch of an end lot in a terrace row in Seberang Jaya Dua in the early evening, draws closer and cranes to get a better look at the conjuror weaving his verbal wand.

Top of the rhetorical game

At one stop, the target is the government’s 15-sen cut in petrol price – Anwar said it was too small and too late to stop the inflationary spiral (“I would get it down by 70 sen); at another, he ridicules the call to reveal his party’s funds for the by-election (“The stallholders in Pantai Dalam in Kuala Lumpur came to my house to donate RM30 because they can’t come all the way to Permatang Pauh to help out”).

Anwar, the populist, is on top of the rhetorical game. “My campaign is financed by the rakyat,” he says and the crowd empathises.

“It is the people’s small gifts that fund my campaign, not the big sums that they [BN] steal from the public to finance their campaign to rob the people of their rights,” he thunders to the crowd.

When he sees that the crowd is up on educational levels, he turns teacher, explaining that his campaign is not just about winning power for himself but to bring change to the political culture so that the country can progress rather than stagnate as he says it has under BN’s prolonged rule.

“I don’t want power for its own sake but for the sake of bringing all the people of Malaysia – whether Malay, Chinese, or Indian and the bumiputera of Sabah and Sarawak – up to where they should be after 51 years of Merdeka,” he tells a mixed-race audience.

In the back rows, some in the crowd nod at the speaker’s apparent earnestness. At these stops, it is usually a 15 or 20-minute speech which combines all the verbal flourishes at which Anwar is master.

Then he is off to the next stop, his words resonating after the last sentence is spoken, the enduring effect of the orator’s art.

entire news n photo courtesy of Malaysiakini

PKR denies bribing Ramlang (Malaysiakini)

Parti Keadilan Rakyat has denied that they offered any monetary rewards to imam Ramlang Porigi for his frank testimony this morning.

He has been very earnest and impromptu. And as an imam, he has to tell the truth," said Azmin Ali at Yayasan Aman, PKR's by-election headquarters in Permatang Pauh.

Azmin was responding to questions after Ramlang who witnessed Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan swearing on the Quran in FT Mosque that Anwar Ibrahim had sodomised him raised doubts on the swearing.

At a mosque and then at two ceramahs before a press conference at the PKR's HQ in Permatang Pauh, Ramlang revealed that there were inconsistencies in the swearing.

Ramlang also revealed that he was only instructed to witness the ceremony by his superiors.

Azmin said that PKR leaders were only told at the last minute that Ramlang would be casting his doubts on the swearing ceremony.

"We were informed and contacted only today," said Azmin.

"The first occasion where he explained what happened on Aug 15 was at the mosque at Bandar Perda, in the presence of PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat after magrib prayers (today)," he added.

On why Ramlang has come forward now, Azmin said the imam had to do his duty.

"It is a political conspiracy by Umno to use religion to save themselves. And he has to explain the matter to protect the role of the mosques and the institution.

"And I hope that the Malay community in Permatang Pauh will understand what took place at the swearing.

Keeping him safe

But Azmin rejected the argument that the latest development nullified Saiful's swearing.

"This also means that people cannot go around swearing when there are proper avenues, whether it is civil or Syariah courts, to address these things," said Azmin.

On the issue of safety for Ramlang, Azmin said that PKR will try their best to protect the imam.

"We have to keep him safe as there are too many cases in the past. Look at what has happened to (private investigator) Bala and the doctor from Pusrawi," said Azmin.

"He has asked that his and his family's safety is guaranteed and we will try our best.

Although, it is too early to tell but Azmin believed that the latest development augurs well for them and Anwar's bid to return to Parliament after Tuesday.

Watch this video of his confession : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJu2Iof4sd8

entire news n photo courtesy of Malaysiakini

Abdul Aziz: DAP more consistent than PKR (Malaysiakini)

DAP is more consistent on its stand regarding issues of transparency, accountability and multi-racialism than PKR, said newly joined DAP member Tunku Abdul Aziz.

The former Transparency International (TI) vice-president who joined the Chinese dominated party yesterday told a press conference held during the DAP annual congress that it was this consistency which attracted him.

"I have been targeting DAP for 20 years and they have been talking about consistency, transparency, accountability and the need to establish a non race based party.

"I feel much more comfortable (with DAP) and I trust the people around me. I joined DAP for what it stands for, a party that has been very consistent with its beliefs," he said in response to a question on why he did not opt for PKR.

Abdul Aziz believes that for a Malay to join a Chinese dominated party would mark the death of race-based politics in the country.

"I am a Malay. Many would expect me to join Umno but no, I made up my mind and it is DAP that I choose and I see no future in race-based political parties," he stressed.

A 'junior' vice-chairman

Despite his ‘junior’ status, Abdul Aziz has been appointed as vice-chairman catapulting him into the top echelon of the party.

Speaking at the same press conference, DAP stalwarts like Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh welcomed Abdul Aziz to the party.

"He is a Malaysian par excellence. It is a momentous decision and to have him in the political arena would help spread much needed justice. I hope with this, more Malaysians would come forward and help us create a much better Malaysia," said Lim.

Karpal on the other hand, described Abdul Aziz as a Malay intellectual and also conveyed his hope that his membership in the Chinese dominated party would trigger a domino effect.

"With Abdul Aziz in the party, it proves that those who labeled DAP a Chinese chauvinist party were wrong," he said.

Meanwhile, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng dismissed the suggestion that Abdul Aziz’s appointment was a move to appease certain quarters. "We do not have appeasement policies," he said.

entire news n photo courtesy of Malaysiakini

FREE MALAYSIA - VOTE WISELY - FOR A BETTER MALAYSIA

It is really hoped that the Permatang Pauh voters will give an overwhelming support and votes to the Opposition candidate from PKR, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Penang State government has declared polling day 26 August a special public holiday.

Datuk Seri Anwar had vowed to change the current uncaring, ineffective, inefficient and corrupt administration of the Barisan Nasional and who have 'swindle' the rakyat for almost half a century of rule. ENOUGH of lies and promises.

TIME FOR CHANGE can only happen if we change this 'useless' and corrupt' BN government NOW so that our future generation can live in peace, harmony and prosperously in this wealthy nation of ours.

MERDEKA!! MERDEKA!!

Aug 26 special holiday in Penang (Malaysiakini)

Aug 26, the polling day for the crucial Permatang Pauh by-election, has been declared a special public holiday in Penang by the state government.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng made the announcement today in a press statement saying that the special holiday was to ensure a full turnout of the 58,459 voters for the critical by-election.

“The Penang state government has been mulling over the decision ever since the Elections Commission fixed a working day on Tuesday August 26 as polling day in defiance of public opinion that this will reduce the voter turnout,” he said.

The announcement came a day after the Education Ministry declared a special school holiday in Permatang Pauh to allow schools to be used as polling stations.

“By fixing polling day on a working day and giving such preferential treatment of a special school holiday, the Education Ministry is trying to gain an advantage for a certain party and their candidate,” said Lim.

“To ensure a level-playing field and fairness to all candidates, the Penang state government has decided to declare August 26, 2008 as a state public holiday.”

According to Lim, the special holiday is taken as an additional holiday in the state and need not be replaced by taking away another holiday.

The chief minister urged all voters to turn out to cast their votes on Tuesday.

“The state government requests all factories to assist their workers in Permatang Pauh to carry out their duties to determine not only their choice of wakil rakyat but also decide the destiny of the country.”

entire news n photo courtesy of Malaysiakini

PM: Fuel price cut nothing to do with by-election (Malaysiakini)

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who a day ago surprised the nation by trimming fuel prices earlier than expected, said the 5.6 percent cut in pump prices was not a populist move aimed at shoring up his flagging popularity, nor was it intended to help his ruling coalition swing votes in the Permatang Pauh by-election.

Speaking after the launch of National Crime Prevention Month 2008 in Kuala Lumpur this morning, Abdullah said he had to act immediately to head off further price gyrations in the world oil market.

"I was informed in the cabinet meeting yesterday that the market price has gone up," he told a press conference. "If the trend keeps going up, there would be no reduction of the oil price. So might as well I do it (now).

September crude futures had risen for a third straight day, jumping $5.62 (about RM17), or 4.9%, to $121.18 a barrel in New York on Thursday, but fell $6 on Friday to reverse the previous gain caused by concerns about the US agreement with Poland to install a missile-defence system.

Still, Abdullah’s move came as a welcome respite for Malaysians, unhappy with the government for jacking up fuel prices by 40.6 percent to RM2.70 from RM1.92 last June.

Just two days ago, Abdullah had reiterated he would not cut fuel prices before Aug 31. Like many of its counterparts around the world, the Malaysian government had hiked fuel prices as part of measures to cut the spiraling fuel subsidy that was expected to hit RM56 billion this year.

The move was however seen as too drastic by most Malaysians.

Yesterday, Abdullah lowered the price of RON97 petrol by 15 sen to RM2.55 from RM2.70 per litre, a reduction of 5.6 percent. The price of lower grade RON92 petrol was also reduced by 22 sen from to RM2.40 from RM2.62 per litre.

Flip- flop

The prime minister, who has come under fire for indecisiveness and policy flip-flops, said he was not worried his latest change of heart would dent the government’s credibility with investors.

While the recent fuel price hike was unpopular with citizens, many analysts and economists had earlier praised the government for aligning local prices with the global markets, thereby reducing strain on the country’s budget deficit.

"'I do not care if people want to call it a flip-flop. If I didn't do anything to reduce it now, the people would be unhappy. So it has nothing to do with seeking popularity. I will never do that," Abdullah said.

Abdullah, who has been reported by local newspapers as saying Malaysians could look forward to more ‘goodies’ coming from the 2009 budget due to be presented on August 29 also denied the upcoming presentation would feature greater fiscal loosening in order to bolster his ruling coalition’s slipping popularity.

"I never care about my popularity. What I do is, if I want to do something for the people, if there's money that can be made, I will do it. That's me," he said.

Abdullah’s Barisan Nasional coalition, which has ruled the nation since independence in 1957, lost its two-thirds parliamentary majority in the March nationals polls. Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, whose Pakatan Rakyat alliance holds 82 out of 222 seats, has threatened to overturn the BN’s majority and form a new government by Malaysia Day on Sept 16.

Anwar is now pitted against BN’s Arif Shah Omar Shah in the Permatang Pauh by-election, which is due to be balloted on Tuesday Aug 26. A loss by the BN there would take Anwar back to parliament and a step closer to taking power in the country.

Rebate to go on

Abdullah also said an ongoing rebate scheme aimed at offsetting the June fuel price hike would continue until March next year, after which it might be withdrawn.

"Rebate to go on until next March (but) we will see whether we will continue or not with the rebate after that," he said.

Under the rebate scheme granted by the government, owners of vehicles below 2000cc can claim RM625, while owners of motorcycles with engine capacity of up to 250cc can claim RM150.

entire news n photo courtesy of Malaysiakini

Two Perak excos to be charged on Monday (malaysiakini)

ACA says there is enough evidence to charge five people, including two Perak exco members, for alleged graft involving a housing project in Seri Iskandar worth RM180m.

The five will be charged on Monday, ACA director-general Ahmad Said Hamdan told the Star today.

He said the agency was in the midst of informing the two excos and three others to turn up at its office in Ipoh on Monday morning before taking them to court to face the charges.

news courtesy of Malaysiakini n photos courtesy of Agendadaily

Taib implicated in Indonesian timber scam (Malaysiakini)

Indonesian logs are being illegally imported into Sarawak and re-exported as local timber to other countries, including China, Taiwan and Japan, according to an Indonesian newspaper report.

In the Aug 14 edition of the Tribun Pontianak, the Pontianak-based Indonesian language daily also implicated chief minister Abdul Taib Mahmud and Hardwood Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned unit of state agency Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC).

"The good name of the chief minister and that of the government-owned company have been marred by the report," Ng Kim Ho, PKR Sarawak state chief told Malaysiakini.

Ng said PKR will lodge a report with the Anti Corruption Agency on the matter.

According to him, the Tribun Pontianak report was serious enough to warrant immediate investigation by the authorities here, especially since Indonesia and Malaysia have an existing agreement prohibiting the illegal export of logs.

"Let the relevant authorities carry out an immediate and thorough investigation," said Ng, who is also assemblyperson for Padungan.

The front-page news report was accompanied by a chart detailing how logs were being transported illegally from the forests in Ketapang and how they were being shipped out of West Kalimantan to two places.

The names of some middlemen purportedly involved in the scam were also mentioned.

According to the report, several individuals were charged in an Indonesian court for complicity in illegal timber trade, including the forest controller for the area, a M Darwis.

The report said Darwis admitted to receiving bribe money from the individuals in exchange for allowing the logs to be iilegally taken out of Ketapang.

The forest controller told the court the bribe money amounted to between Rp 10 million and Rp 40 million for each shipment of between 800 and 1,000 cubic metres of timber.

About 30 shipments of illegal logs worth some Rp2.16 trillion (about RM750,000) were being taken out either by land or sea across to the East Malaysian state every month.

NGOs go undercover

An Indonesian-based NGO together with a UK-based NGO investigating the illegal timber trade in Indonesia had gone undercover to Sarawak, where they traced the eventual destination of the logs.

The name of Hardwood Sdn Bhd was implicated, although Tribun Pontianak erroneously reported the firm was owned by ‘the governor of Sarawak' Abdul Taib Mahmud.

The news report also highlighted a dialogue the European Commission had in Kuching with various stake-holders and NGOs on issues of the legality of the timber being exported to Europe.

The legality issue is tied to, among other things, the sources of the timber and respect for the rights of indigenuous groups living on the land from which the timber is extracted.

Malaysiakini understands some of the logs end up being processed by local industries, which would otherwise face a shortage because of an increase in manufacturing activities and also because Sarawak still allowed the export of timber.

Up to 40 percent of the total annual production of round logs is exportable.

Timber is one of Sarawak's main earners accounting for several billions of ringgits in export revenue each year.

news courtesy of Malaysiakini

Saravanan slams Hindu Sangam, asks KLites to speak up and MIC bureau: 'Racist' teacher issue not solved (Malaysiakini)

Federal Territories Deputy Minister M Saravanan today slammed the Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) for not channelling to the authorities sooner their complaints on why plots of land for Hindu temples and crematoriums were missing in Kuala Lumpur Draft City Plan 2020.

"There are 10 days left but you had all the time - three to four months - and now with only 10 days you are telling me that 120 temples are not in the plan... what have you been doing until the very last minute?" asked Saravanan, in an interview with Malaysiakini.

MHS president A Vaithilingam had on Thursday criticised DBKL's draft plan, pointing out that more than 120 temples and two well-known crematoriums in Sentul and Jalan Loke Yew were left out of the pioneer draft plan that aims to shape the city's future development.

Vaithilingam also accused the authorities of conspiring to get rid of the religious sites by the year 2020.

But Saravanan said the Vaithilingam should have first provided him with the list of temples affected as most old temples are registered with MHS, an Indian religious group.

"There is a proper way to go about things; first you should have listed your complaints to me and then you inform the press or do whatever you want," the deputy minister said.

"You see he must write to us asking why the temples and crematoriums are missing and then we will give them an explanation."

Saravanan also asked for reasons why the MHS did not expose the glitch and address the problem when they claim to have known about it a month ago.

"If they are aware why didn't they highlight it much sooner and knowing full well that I have taken full responsibility to protect temple privileges - why didn't they bring it up to my attention," he repeated.

‘We are not arrogant'

Saravanan said though the proposal was drafted by expert town planners, it was nevertheless still just a draft and therefore open to public criticism. He behoved KLites to highlight mistakes and issues that may later arise.

"We are not arrogant to say we already got our plan and we're going to go ahead and implement it. Of course, we will consult the experts again and if we think the whole plan is not viable we have to stop the whole thing," he said.

"He (Vaithilingam) is not an expert and neither am I... I don't know what is missing, I will have to get the details, and ask them why, if those sites are not in the map," Saravanan added.

He said the proposed draft was given to the public for their comments and feedback which would be directed to the ministry for the final decision making process.

He added that he was not directly involved in the planning process as the City Hall must have the freedom to conjure up their own plans.

"DBKL must have their own plans... at this point DBKL is handling it - it is still at the draft level - DBKL will compile the complaints and send it to the ministry. We don't want to interfere at the DBKL level... let them deal with their draft (because) it has to still come up to the ministry for final decision," said Saravanan.

He also reiterated he is in the ministry as a representative of the Indian community and if the community has a problem they should write to him.

"You see the draft is man-made... there can be short falls. Even the minister and I can make mistakes. (And if we make mistakes then) there is another stage where complaints will be heard by two retired judges. "

"(And) we encourage people to provide their criticisms... we want people to point out what is wrong. After all we are doing this in their interest," said Saravanan.

RACIST SCHOOL TEACHER ISSUE

MIC Youth education bureau has begged to differ with the Education Ministry that the issue involving a teacher who hurled racial abuses against her Indian students has been resolved.

Bureau chief M Saravanan voiced his dissatisfaction that no stern action had been taken against the 35-year-old teacher despite numerous calls to do so from various quarters.

“Parents, MIC and NGOs are unhappy with this and want the ministry to take severe action against the teacher. Failure to do so will only cause more anger,” he told Malaysiakini yesterday.

Saravanan was responding to education director-general Alimuddin Mohd Dom who was quoted as saying in the Star on Thursday that the teacher had been given an administrative warning and transferred to another school.

This youth leader - who shares the same name and initial as the deputy FT minister as well as MIC's information chief - said all parties agreed that the issue had been resolved and hoped that they would not raise the issue again.

“The Kuala Langat district education office also obtained the assistance of Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator T Murugiah from People's Progressive Party (PPP) on Aug 5 to set up a meeting between the parents and teachers,” he added.

Alimuddin also revealed that the teacher was placed temporarily in the Selangor education department’s counselling unit.

‘Everybody knows she was wrong’

Meanwhile, Saravanan said this was not an isolated incident and therefore the action taken must serve as a lesson for other teachers not to repeat the offence.

“Everybody knows the teacher committed a serious offence, but even under such circumstances no serious action has been taken,” he said, expressing both disappointment and bewilderment.

Saravanan stressed that the education bureau will continue to raise this issue if the ministry did not act accordingly.

He also said that Murugiah had told a recent meeting on the issue that the transfer was only a temporary measure and a more serious punishment would be meted out.

“However, this has not happened,” he said, adding that the deputy minister should have pursued this matter further.

Early this month, two students from SMK Telok Panglima Garang in Kuala Langat filed police reports against the teacher.

They revealed that the teacher had called Indian students 'keling pariah', 'Negro' and 'black monkeys', among other derogatory names.

In their reports, the Form Four and Form Five students said the teacher also told students during class that 'Indians came from dogs', Indians are 'children of prostitutes' and the community is 'stupid'.

She also supposedly stated that the community's youths 'do not have testicles', 'always menstruate' and indulge in 'thuggery and theft'.

MIC leaders, including its president S Samy Vellu, and various NGOs had expressed dissatisfaction with the ministry and called for stern action to be taken against the teacher.

A MIC deputy minister had also suggested that the teacher be sacked.

both news n photo courtesy of Malaysiakini

NAJIB - MAKING MOCKERY OF ISLAMIC FAITH

With the Permatang Pauh parliamentary by-election coming to a close, Barisan Nasional and Parti KeAdilan Rakyat seems to be involved in 'character assassination' with various issues un-known to the rakyat been revealed.

The latest is claiming Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, a Muslim by birth and 'claiming to be' involved in Hindu rituals as stated in the below statutory declaration:

Its time for the Majlis Agama Islam Malaysia to investigate this issue immediately and penalise Datuk Seri Najib and his family for not upholding Islamic values and take appropriate action.

Will the MAIS do this before Tuesday 26 August 2008, polling date for Permatang Pauh?

news n SD courtesy of Nobody

Gambling licence: Yong responds to Najib's allegation (Malaysiakini)

Sapp president Yong Teck Lee has lashed out at Umno leaders saying that they do not have the moral authority to speak on the issue of gambling in Sabah because they bring up such matters only when it suits their purposes.

In a statement today, Yong revealed that in the April 2007 Ijok by-election, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, using the mobile phone of Sabah state minister Raymond Tan “requested me to cut short my conference overseas in order to quickly return to Malaysia to make a statement in Ijok to attack (PKR de facto leader) Anwar Ibrahim on the subject of the lottery licence.”

“I made the trip, stated the facts and returned to Sabah,” Yong said in response to Najib’s comments on the lottery issue.

The Sapp chief said the facts also remain that, from 1996 to 1998 (when he was Sabah chief minister), it was only the state government which held firm in its stance to resist the federal licence granted to a 4-digit lottery company to operate in Sabah.

None of the federal Umno leaders at the time lifted a finger to help the Sabah BN state cabinet overcome the “table slamming and files throwing” by the then deputy premier and Umno deputy president.

It was also Anwar who, as part of the BN promises of 1994, reduced the number of 4-D gaming outlets by 150 outlets and cut the number of slot machines per club from ten to five.

After the 1997 meeting in Sandakan (between Anwar and the then state cabinet on the gaming licence issue), Yong met then premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad in his office and presented the stand of the state government on gaming, complete with the statistics of gaming licences in all the states and FTs and an analysis of the social ills of gaming.

Mahathir then left the matter to the state government, Yong said .

“Unknown to him (Dr Mahathir) at the time, in my pocket was my signed resignation letter addressed to the PM (also BN chair) in case I was instructed to approve the state licence to the gaming company, which I would be unable to do as that would be against the interests of the state and people.

Anwar did not pursue the matter anymore,” Yong said.

Licence approved in 2001

“Till this day, I am grateful to the state cabinet ministers of 1997 (from Sabah Umno, Sapp, Upko, PBRS and Akar) who stood by me as chief minister in overcoming this difficult episode with the central government.

“But to the dismay of Sabahans, in 2001 the BN government issued the licence at both the state and federal levels to the lottery company concerned.

“Further, to add insult to injury, slot machines were increased from five per club to ten per club.

If any Umno leader wishes to pursue this matter, I can volunteer the facts and sequence of events in more detail,” Yong added.

On Wednesday, Najib claimed that Anwar Ibrahim, when he was deputy prime minister once slammed the table and threw files to demand the Sabah government approve a licence for a four-digit lottery to a company he had an interest in.

“He (Anwar) wanted the licence because his elder brother was the chairman of the company concerned,” Najib said when campaigning for the BN in Permatang Pauh.

The DPM said he was proud of the action of the Sabah government in upholding its principles to deny the unprincipled Anwar the licence.

“Now he (Anwar) is talking about forming a society of high moral values but before, demanded for a gambling licence to be approved,” he said.

entire news n photo courtesy of Malaysiakini

Anwar laments attitude of ex-buddies (Malaysiakini)

Anwar Ibrahim, PKR candidate for Permatang Pauh, can stomach the personal attacks from top Umno leaders - he expected it. However the barrage of abuse from local Umno leaders, has made him quite distraught.

He said it was heartbreaking to know that certain local leaders - whom he regarded as friends - have abandoned their conscience and have chosen to batter him blue just for mere political gain.
"The local Umno leaders have forgotten that I was once their friend.

"They have sold their soul, lost their dignity and self-respect by attacking me merely to enhance their political interests," he told a rally at Permatang Tok Kandu in his by-election campaign trail - which saw yet another large crowd turnout and what is becoming common, police aerial surveillance.

Anwar recollected his days in office - when these now highly critical leaders were always trying to be close to him.

The days of being deputy prime minister, finance minister, Umno's national deputy president, Penang liaison committee chief and Permatang Pauh division chief before his sacking from government and party in 1998.

"Before 1998, these same people would follow me ever where, will shake hands with me and greet me with ‘Datuk Seri, Datuk Seri.

"They would be very possessive and protective over me, would not allow others to come near me.

"But today, they hitting me hard with all sorts of accusations," Anwar expressed.

Samseng son-in-law

In his speech, he took the opportunity to respond to statements from Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin, and according to Anwar was behaving like a hired ‘Umno samseng' (gangster) entering the by-election campaign late.

"He (Khairy) suddenly makes an ambush ala mafia here and starts attacking me, calling on me to swear on this and that.

"Who's he anyway? Ulama, imam or religious scholar?

"He is a mere ‘menantu' (son-in-law)," he said, chiding the Rembau Member of Parliament of trying to win the best samseng title in Umno Youth, in view of the wings election late this year.

Anwar faces Seberang Jaya state assemblyperson Arif Shah Omar Shah from Barisan Nasional and Angkatan Keadilan Insan Malaysia (Akim) president Hanafi Hamat in a three-cornered by-election tussle.

Anwar is the firm favourite but he faces the onslaught of the BN and its ‘stop Anwar at all cost' campaign for the remaining four campaign days.

Polling is on Tuesday Aug 26.

entire news n photo courtesy of Malaysiakini

Bogus Pakatan 'shadow' cabinet list appears (Malaysiakini)

A bogus list - purportedly the 'new' cabinet line-up to be unveiled by the Pakatan Rakyat alliance should they succeed in forming a new government - is being distributed in Parliament.

The origin of the list, which features PKR de-facto leader Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister and finance minister, is unknown. However, Pakatan MPs said it is not from them.

"It is ridiculous. It does not have me on it," quipped Dr Hatta Ramli (PAS, Kuala Krai).

"The list is ridiculous. I think the Barisan Nasional supporters might have done it," said Bukit Mertajam DAP MP Chong Eng.

The 'shadow' cabinet line-up names three deputy prime ministers.

Deputy prime minister number one will be DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang. The MP for Ipoh Timur will also be placed in charge of internal security.

R Sivarasa (PKR-Subang) was listed as deputy prime minister number two and minister of legal and judiciary matters.

The third slot for deputy prime minister will go to SAPP supremo Yong Teck Lee, who will also be asked to head the Rural Development Ministry.

Hadi, Karpal to be senior ministers

Noticeably low on the list is PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang (Marang), whose party recently voiced hopes of him becoming premier instead of Anwar.

Hadi was named senior minister in charge of religious affairs, while another veteran Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) was picked to be minister for integrity affairs and federal ties.

William Leong (PKR-Selayang) will act as economics cum international trade and industry minister and PKR vice president Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak) is poised to become the second finance minister.

Meanwhile, PAS Youth chief and Kubang Kerian MP Salahuddin Ayub said the appearance of the list showed rising fear that Anwar's persistent claim of wresting control of the government from BN might come true.

"I think the list is the product of fear of the fact that Anwar is rising to power," said Salahuddin.

entire news n photo courtesy of Malaysiakini

Wee offers himself as MCA youth chief (Malaysiakini)

MCA youth secretary general and deputy education minister Dr Wee Ka Siong announced his intentions to vie for the youth chief position at the party elections on Oct 18.

His probable opponent would be former party president Dr Ling Liong Sik's son - youth wing deputy chief Ling Hee Leong.

Wee refused to discuss his chances in a possible contest with Ling since the former president's son has not officially joined the fray.

The Ayer Hitam MP pledged to strengthen the young wing's outspokenness and independence - with his mantra of "Speak up, make changes, no fear".

He echoed also that in the wing there was no compromise on the democratic spirit - all who want to compete to serve must be allowed to contest.

"If you are threatened by a party election, how will you lead the party when it meets more formidable foes? The party has to resist from being just a yes-man party."

While Ling has not announced his candidacy, his father Liong Sik has been accused of mobilising his previous subordinates and leaders like Chua Soi Lek in forming a "team B" to take on present president Ong Ka Ting's faction.

Meanwhile, Wee claims substantial grassroots support. When asked if he has the blessings of top party leaders, he evaded the question with humour - that he has been able to meet them and talk about the matter.

Sounding similar like presidency candidate Ong Tee Keat, Wee has decided not to name a running mate, preferring youth delegates pick their own deputy chief.

"My ideal partner is whom the grassroots want. In short, my preference is unimportant, the key issue is if the grassroots giving him full mandate."

The deputy education minister hoped that the elections will be a battle of political ideals. He asked all contestants to debate issues and foster democracy within the party.

Wee is Malacca-born and is a father of two children. The deputy minister is also MCA National Education Bureau Chief.

entire news n photo courtesy of Malaysiakini