Water cannons were turned on a group who came to the Brickfields police station to lodge mass police reports against the mistreatment of ISA detainee P. Uthayakumar who suffers from diabetes.
The crowd had refused to disperse despite repeated warnings from the police.
City police chief DCP Mohd Sabtu Osman said 17 people, including Kapar MP Manikavasagam, had been arrested for illegal gathering.
Among the arrested, three, including a woman, were sent to the hospital but police declined to comment. All were later released.
Earlier Saturday, about 300 people, including several Members of Parliament, had gathered to make the police reports.
Police allowed about 50 people - five family members of Uthayakumar and five representatives each from the country’s nine states, including MPs - to enter the station to lodge the reports.
The rest outside were asked to disperse. Most of them did but about 30 refused to leave.
The Federal Reserve Unit, which was already on standby, began shooting chemical-laced water at the crowd. The 30 ran away and then came back. They were again shot at with water cannons.
They ran way again, regrouped and returned to face a third round of dousing before dispersing.
It took about 40 minutes for the FRU to disperse the crowd.
They have now established a safety perimeter around the police station.
Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said police had no choice as the crowd had ignored police advise to disperse as they were inconveniencing others at the Brickfields police station.
“We advised them on Friday and even appealed to them via the TV, newspapers and radio not to come in such large numbers to lodge the same report as we will investigate them as a single report.
“They refused to listen and seemed to want to create unnecessary problems for others.
“The police station is a security area and we cannot allow such huge numbers inside for security reasons,’’ he said.
Musa warned that police would not hesitate to take stern action against any illegal gathering.
Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo who arrived later said that the incident should not have happened as every citizen had the right to lodge a police report regardless of the number.
“It is clear there are different standards practised by the police when dealing with such matters,” he said.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Doctors offer to treat Uthayakumar for free
Many private doctors have come forward offering to treat ISA detainee P. Uthayakumar for free, said Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran.
Since Uthayakumar's wife revealed that her diabetic husband was not getting proper medical treatment, Kulasegaran said he has received over five calls from doctors over the past week.
“They offered to go but the authorities have not granted any of their request. It would not cost them anything.
“I have raised the matter in Parliament and hope that the Malaysian government will listen,” he told reporters after lodging a police report over the alleged mistreatment of Uthayakumar here on Saturday.
He was accompanied by about 15 Makkal Sakti members and other Pakatan Rakyat supporters.
Kulasegaran also voiced concern for Uthayakumar, a leader of the banned Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), who appeared to be suffering from the early stages of gangrene from fractures in his left foot.
“The Home Affairs Minister must know that Malaysians will hold him and the Government liable if anything happens to Uthayakumar,” he added.
Makkal Sakti Ipoh coordinator J. Vijayalingam told reporters that Uthayakumar was spotted with his foot swollen and “oozing pus” when he was brought to the Kuala Lumpur Court for his sedition trial on Feb 3.
Just let us take care of out leader and not get involved in this matter BN....
Since Uthayakumar's wife revealed that her diabetic husband was not getting proper medical treatment, Kulasegaran said he has received over five calls from doctors over the past week.
“They offered to go but the authorities have not granted any of their request. It would not cost them anything.
“I have raised the matter in Parliament and hope that the Malaysian government will listen,” he told reporters after lodging a police report over the alleged mistreatment of Uthayakumar here on Saturday.
He was accompanied by about 15 Makkal Sakti members and other Pakatan Rakyat supporters.
Kulasegaran also voiced concern for Uthayakumar, a leader of the banned Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), who appeared to be suffering from the early stages of gangrene from fractures in his left foot.
“The Home Affairs Minister must know that Malaysians will hold him and the Government liable if anything happens to Uthayakumar,” he added.
Makkal Sakti Ipoh coordinator J. Vijayalingam told reporters that Uthayakumar was spotted with his foot swollen and “oozing pus” when he was brought to the Kuala Lumpur Court for his sedition trial on Feb 3.
Just let us take care of out leader and not get involved in this matter BN....
Perak PACC summons Zambry, Nizar for inquiry Mar 5
Perak Public Accounts Committee will question both former and current Mentris Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin and Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and all their executive councillors in an inquiry next Thursday to look into who should be the rightful recipients of salaries and allowances.
The committee will also investigate the validity of the awarding of the status of excos to Zambry’s three advisors and one information chief.
The committee will also investigate the validity of the awarding of the status of excos to Zambry’s three advisors and one information chief.
Water cannons turned on crowd in Brickfields
Water cannons were turned on a group who came to the Brickfields police station to lodge mass police reports against the mistreatment of ISA detainee P. Uthayakumar who suffers from diabetes.
The crowd had refused to disperse despite repeated warnings from the police.
City police chief DCP Mohd Sabtu Osman said 17 people, including Kapar MP Manikavasagam, had been arrested for illegal gathering.
Among the arrested, three, including a woman, were sent to the hospital but police declined to comment.
Earlier Saturday, about 300 people, including several Members of Parliament, had gathered to make the police reports.
Police allowed about 50 people - five family members of Uthayakumar and five representatives each from the country’s nine states, including MPs - to enter the station to lodge the reports.
The rest outside were asked to disperse. Most of them did but about 30 refused to leave.
The Federal Reserve Unit, which was already on standby, began shooting chemical-laced water at the crowd. The 30 ran away and then came back. They were again shot at with water cannons.
They ran way again, regrouped and returned to face a third round of dousing before dispersing.
It took about 40 minutes for the FRU to disperse the crowd.
They have now established a safety perimeter around the police station.
Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said police had no choice as the crowd had ignored police advise to disperse as they were inconveniencing others at the Brickfields police station.
“We advised them on Friday and even appealed to them via the TV, newspapers and radio not to come in such large numbers to lodge the same report as we will investigate them as a single report.
“They refused to listen and seemed to want to create unnecessary problems for others.
“The police station is a security area and we cannot allow such huge numbers inside for security reasons,’’ he said.
Musa warned that police would not hesitate to take stern action against any illegal gathering.
Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo who arrived later said that the incident should not have happened as every citizen had the right to lodge a police report regardless of the number.
“It is clear there are different standards practised by the police when dealing with such matters,” he said.
Very funny BN.................
The crowd had refused to disperse despite repeated warnings from the police.
City police chief DCP Mohd Sabtu Osman said 17 people, including Kapar MP Manikavasagam, had been arrested for illegal gathering.
Among the arrested, three, including a woman, were sent to the hospital but police declined to comment.
Earlier Saturday, about 300 people, including several Members of Parliament, had gathered to make the police reports.
Police allowed about 50 people - five family members of Uthayakumar and five representatives each from the country’s nine states, including MPs - to enter the station to lodge the reports.
The rest outside were asked to disperse. Most of them did but about 30 refused to leave.
The Federal Reserve Unit, which was already on standby, began shooting chemical-laced water at the crowd. The 30 ran away and then came back. They were again shot at with water cannons.
They ran way again, regrouped and returned to face a third round of dousing before dispersing.
It took about 40 minutes for the FRU to disperse the crowd.
They have now established a safety perimeter around the police station.
Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said police had no choice as the crowd had ignored police advise to disperse as they were inconveniencing others at the Brickfields police station.
“We advised them on Friday and even appealed to them via the TV, newspapers and radio not to come in such large numbers to lodge the same report as we will investigate them as a single report.
“They refused to listen and seemed to want to create unnecessary problems for others.
“The police station is a security area and we cannot allow such huge numbers inside for security reasons,’’ he said.
Musa warned that police would not hesitate to take stern action against any illegal gathering.
Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo who arrived later said that the incident should not have happened as every citizen had the right to lodge a police report regardless of the number.
“It is clear there are different standards practised by the police when dealing with such matters,” he said.
Very funny BN.................
Penang Deputy Chief Minister Prof P. Ramasamy has challenged MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu to an open debate on contributions to the Indian c
About 500 people are planning to lodge a mass police report today alleging mistreatment of P. Uthayakumar, who is being detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
However, city police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Mohammad Sabtu Osman said there was no need for so many of them to do so and inconvenience others at the Brickfields police station.
“There is no need to lodge police reports in such a huge number as the case will be investigated only as one,” he said.
“In fact, we have already started investigating the matter following a report lodged by Uthayakumar’s wife, S. Indradevi.”
“To me, it looks like they are mocking the police by wanting to lodge so many reports at the same time,” he said, adding that only three people would be allowed to represent the group.
DCP Mohd Sabtu said action could be taken against anyone who took part in an illegal gathering, as provided for under Section 27 of the Police Act.
On Feb 15, Indradevi lodged a police report against the Taiping Hospital, Kamunting detention centre officials as well as the Government, claiming they had neglected her husband’s worsening diabetic condition.
However, city police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Mohammad Sabtu Osman said there was no need for so many of them to do so and inconvenience others at the Brickfields police station.
“There is no need to lodge police reports in such a huge number as the case will be investigated only as one,” he said.
“In fact, we have already started investigating the matter following a report lodged by Uthayakumar’s wife, S. Indradevi.”
“To me, it looks like they are mocking the police by wanting to lodge so many reports at the same time,” he said, adding that only three people would be allowed to represent the group.
DCP Mohd Sabtu said action could be taken against anyone who took part in an illegal gathering, as provided for under Section 27 of the Police Act.
On Feb 15, Indradevi lodged a police report against the Taiping Hospital, Kamunting detention centre officials as well as the Government, claiming they had neglected her husband’s worsening diabetic condition.
Ramasamy challenges Samy to a debate
Penang Deputy Chief Minister Prof P. Ramasamy has challenged MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu to an open debate on contributions to the Indian community.
“The debate should be held before the April 7 by-election in Bukit Selambau so that the electorate can make a decision,” he said.
Ramasamy, who is the Batu Kawan MP, was commenting on Samy Vellu’s statement that his (Ramasamy’s) appointment had not benefited the Indian community and that it was a sheer waste, based on his zero performance.
“His remarks are a joke. I am puzzled whether Samy Vellu is still an effective representative of the community as he had lost his Sungai Siput parliamentary seat,” he said.
Ramasamy said Pakatan Rakyat had more Indian representatives in Parliament compared with Barisan and the MIC, and it could not be denied that a substantial number of Indians had largely voted in favour of the Opposition.
“In fact, Pakatan Rakyat has done more for the Indian community in the past 11 months since coming to power than Barisan had in 50 years. I do not go around boasting that I am the representative of Indians and my reputation has never been tainted by scandals,” he said.
On the allegation that he was not representing a single community, Ramasamy said he had always maintained that he had contested on a multiracial platform.
“Samy Vellu may think he represents the Indians. I would like to think that I represent Malaysians,” he said.
Come on Samy dont be a scary chicken come out and face the debate!!!!!!!!!!!!
“The debate should be held before the April 7 by-election in Bukit Selambau so that the electorate can make a decision,” he said.
Ramasamy, who is the Batu Kawan MP, was commenting on Samy Vellu’s statement that his (Ramasamy’s) appointment had not benefited the Indian community and that it was a sheer waste, based on his zero performance.
“His remarks are a joke. I am puzzled whether Samy Vellu is still an effective representative of the community as he had lost his Sungai Siput parliamentary seat,” he said.
Ramasamy said Pakatan Rakyat had more Indian representatives in Parliament compared with Barisan and the MIC, and it could not be denied that a substantial number of Indians had largely voted in favour of the Opposition.
“In fact, Pakatan Rakyat has done more for the Indian community in the past 11 months since coming to power than Barisan had in 50 years. I do not go around boasting that I am the representative of Indians and my reputation has never been tainted by scandals,” he said.
On the allegation that he was not representing a single community, Ramasamy said he had always maintained that he had contested on a multiracial platform.
“Samy Vellu may think he represents the Indians. I would like to think that I represent Malaysians,” he said.
Come on Samy dont be a scary chicken come out and face the debate!!!!!!!!!!!!
Speaker wants to convene State Assembly on Tuesday
Perak Assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar has called for an emergency sitting of the State Assembly on March 3.
He said he was invoking Standing Orders 8 and 11 so that the assembly could vote on two motions, for which he had received notices on Tuesday.
He declined to reveal what the motions were by Titi Serong assemblyman Dr Khalil Idham Lim Abdullah and Teja assemblyman Chang Lih Kang, except to say that they involved the constitutional crisis in Perak.
Former senior exco member Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham later told reporters that the two motions involved seeking the dissolution of the State Assembly and reaffirming support for Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin as Mentri Besar.
Speaking to reporters at a hastily called press conference in his office at the State Secretariat at 3.35pm yesterday, Sivakumar said 14 days’ notice was required to convene the State Assembly under normal circumstances but that in the event of an emergency, the Speaker could call for a sitting at any time.
To a question, he said convening such a sitting did not require the consent of the Sultan of Perak.
His lawyer Chan Kok Keong interjected that the Sultan’s consent was only needed to summon a sitting by way of royal proclamation if the assembly had been dissolved or prorogued (adjourned by royal prerogative).
But because the last sitting was adjourned, the assembly could carry on its usual business in an emergency session on March 3, said Chan.
Sivakumar said he has instructed assembly secretary Abdullah Antong to send out notices to all assemblymen except for the 10 who have been suspended and resigned.
He was referring to Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and his six executive council members whom he barred from assembly sittings, Behrang assemblyman Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi, Changkat Jering assemblyman Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu and Jelapang assemblyman Hee Yit Foong whose resignation letters he had received.
Sivakumar said he had had problems sending out the notices, claiming there were government servants trying to prevent him from convening the emergency sitting.
He claimed that state legal adviser Datuk Ahmad Kamal Md Shahid had apparently warned the assembly secretary not to send out the notices.
He said he was invoking Standing Orders 8 and 11 so that the assembly could vote on two motions, for which he had received notices on Tuesday.
He declined to reveal what the motions were by Titi Serong assemblyman Dr Khalil Idham Lim Abdullah and Teja assemblyman Chang Lih Kang, except to say that they involved the constitutional crisis in Perak.
Former senior exco member Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham later told reporters that the two motions involved seeking the dissolution of the State Assembly and reaffirming support for Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin as Mentri Besar.
Speaking to reporters at a hastily called press conference in his office at the State Secretariat at 3.35pm yesterday, Sivakumar said 14 days’ notice was required to convene the State Assembly under normal circumstances but that in the event of an emergency, the Speaker could call for a sitting at any time.
To a question, he said convening such a sitting did not require the consent of the Sultan of Perak.
His lawyer Chan Kok Keong interjected that the Sultan’s consent was only needed to summon a sitting by way of royal proclamation if the assembly had been dissolved or prorogued (adjourned by royal prerogative).
But because the last sitting was adjourned, the assembly could carry on its usual business in an emergency session on March 3, said Chan.
Sivakumar said he has instructed assembly secretary Abdullah Antong to send out notices to all assemblymen except for the 10 who have been suspended and resigned.
He was referring to Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and his six executive council members whom he barred from assembly sittings, Behrang assemblyman Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi, Changkat Jering assemblyman Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu and Jelapang assemblyman Hee Yit Foong whose resignation letters he had received.
Sivakumar said he had had problems sending out the notices, claiming there were government servants trying to prevent him from convening the emergency sitting.
He claimed that state legal adviser Datuk Ahmad Kamal Md Shahid had apparently warned the assembly secretary not to send out the notices.
Nizar hands over house keys but keeps Camry
Former Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin has handed the keys of the Mentri Besar’s residence to the State Secretary.
However, he is holding on to his Toyota Camry as a sign that he has not conceded to being the legitimate Mentri Besar, said his special officer Amran Harun. “The car will be kept as a symbol while we wait for the court decision.
“If the court says that Nizar is not the Mentri Besar, then we will return the car,” Amran said at the residence here yesterday after surrendering the keys to chief assistant to the State Secretary Shamshuzaman Sulaiman.
Shamshuzaman also asked for Amran’s cooperation as the instruction was to recover Nizar’s Toyota.
He was heard asking Amran: “What about the AJS10?””
“AJS10, MB kata tunggu keputusan mahkamah! (MB says wait for the court decision!)” Amran replied.
Amran said Nizar was using the car to travel throughout the state in the past three weeks to explain to the people what really happened when Barisan Nasional returned to power.
“The people are not getting the accurate information. Some are saying that Nizar committed treason (against the Sultan of Perak) but he wanted to tell them that it was not true,” said Amran.
However, he is holding on to his Toyota Camry as a sign that he has not conceded to being the legitimate Mentri Besar, said his special officer Amran Harun. “The car will be kept as a symbol while we wait for the court decision.
“If the court says that Nizar is not the Mentri Besar, then we will return the car,” Amran said at the residence here yesterday after surrendering the keys to chief assistant to the State Secretary Shamshuzaman Sulaiman.
Shamshuzaman also asked for Amran’s cooperation as the instruction was to recover Nizar’s Toyota.
He was heard asking Amran: “What about the AJS10?””
“AJS10, MB kata tunggu keputusan mahkamah! (MB says wait for the court decision!)” Amran replied.
Amran said Nizar was using the car to travel throughout the state in the past three weeks to explain to the people what really happened when Barisan Nasional returned to power.
“The people are not getting the accurate information. Some are saying that Nizar committed treason (against the Sultan of Perak) but he wanted to tell them that it was not true,” said Amran.
Facebook way to woo young members for MCA
MCA Youth will go into Facebook, hit the road by organising exhibitions and even set up clubs in an effort to attract young adults to join the movement.
“I know it is an uphill task to recruit a large number of members. We will start the enlisting exercise next month,” said Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong.
He has set a target of recruiting more than 21,000 youths under 35 each year. Both men and women are invited to join.
Dr Wee has his reason to be urgent. Half of the movement’s 280,000 members are above 35. Five years down the road, the wing will make a major change — limiting Youth’s age limit from 45 to 40.
“First, we will have to amend the constitution. Second, prepare the members to be ready for the change,” he said.
Dr Wee said members would be given the freedom to be vocal on issues.
“Speak up if you are unhappy. We need our members to give us feedback. For young professionals, they will have room to play their role in the party,” he said.
The wing plans to establish core groups according to profession.
Citing an example, Dr Wee said that former Kota Melaka MP Wong Nai Chee, a practising lawyer, led a team of lawyers to vet through 22 sets of highway concessionnaire agreements at the Works Ministry recently.
Similar core groups can be set up to tackle other issues, including the environment, energy conservation, finance and others. The young members would also not be left wandering aimlessly in the party.
“There will be someone to guide them. A new recruit will also undergo political education to understand the party’s history and its objectives. This is another new education for the wing — never forget our roots,” said Dr Wee.
With party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat set to unveil the grand transformation plan tomorrow in conjunction with the party’s 60th anniversary celebration, Dr Wee said the parent body could rest assured of one thing — that the Youth wing would be a pillar of strength to count on.
Sorry this way is very very old way now....HAHA very funny
“I know it is an uphill task to recruit a large number of members. We will start the enlisting exercise next month,” said Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong.
He has set a target of recruiting more than 21,000 youths under 35 each year. Both men and women are invited to join.
Dr Wee has his reason to be urgent. Half of the movement’s 280,000 members are above 35. Five years down the road, the wing will make a major change — limiting Youth’s age limit from 45 to 40.
“First, we will have to amend the constitution. Second, prepare the members to be ready for the change,” he said.
Dr Wee said members would be given the freedom to be vocal on issues.
“Speak up if you are unhappy. We need our members to give us feedback. For young professionals, they will have room to play their role in the party,” he said.
The wing plans to establish core groups according to profession.
Citing an example, Dr Wee said that former Kota Melaka MP Wong Nai Chee, a practising lawyer, led a team of lawyers to vet through 22 sets of highway concessionnaire agreements at the Works Ministry recently.
Similar core groups can be set up to tackle other issues, including the environment, energy conservation, finance and others. The young members would also not be left wandering aimlessly in the party.
“There will be someone to guide them. A new recruit will also undergo political education to understand the party’s history and its objectives. This is another new education for the wing — never forget our roots,” said Dr Wee.
With party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat set to unveil the grand transformation plan tomorrow in conjunction with the party’s 60th anniversary celebration, Dr Wee said the parent body could rest assured of one thing — that the Youth wing would be a pillar of strength to count on.
Sorry this way is very very old way now....HAHA very funny
Committee to call Karpal, Umno youth men and witnesses
DAP chairman Karpal Singh, Selangor Umno Youth members and eyewitnesses who saw the commotion at Parliament entrance on Thursday will be called to testify before the eight-man investigation committee set up in the Dewan Rakyat.
Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said it was the first time that the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act is being invoked to set up an investigative committee for parliamentary contempt. Pandikar Amin said this had never happened before and veteran MP Lim Kit Siang (DAP – Ipoh Timur) concurred.
“It is a new experience for all of us,” Lim said.
However, Kit Siang and Karpal Singh said they would not be taking part.
Karpal Singh said referring his complaint to the committee was not the right thing to do because it should be handled under Section 11 of the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952.
“I am not lodging a report with the committee because the Parliament should protect me,” he said.
Karpal Singh (DAP – Gelugor) was responding on the setting up of the committee to investigate into the incident when Umno Youth members confronted him, demanding that he retract the word celaka used against them.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz tabled a motion under Standing Order 80A on Thursday night, saying that the eight-man investigation committee chaired by Pandikar would take appropriate action against those committing contempt against the House.
Earlier that day, Karpal Singh proposed in the Dewan that the House issue a warrant of arrest against Serdang Umno Youth chief Ungku Mat Salleh and Gombak Umno Youth chief Megat Zulkarnain Omardin to be brought before the House to explain why they should not be imprisoned under the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act.
Lim said the administration and security of Parliament were fully aware of the criminal intent of the Selangor Umno Youth mob but they did not lift a finger to protect the MPs in the parliamentary precincts.
“For this reason, I will not take part in the proceedings of the Committee of Privileges,” Lim said in his blog.
Lim has been named a member of the Committee.
Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said it was the first time that the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act is being invoked to set up an investigative committee for parliamentary contempt. Pandikar Amin said this had never happened before and veteran MP Lim Kit Siang (DAP – Ipoh Timur) concurred.
“It is a new experience for all of us,” Lim said.
However, Kit Siang and Karpal Singh said they would not be taking part.
Karpal Singh said referring his complaint to the committee was not the right thing to do because it should be handled under Section 11 of the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952.
“I am not lodging a report with the committee because the Parliament should protect me,” he said.
Karpal Singh (DAP – Gelugor) was responding on the setting up of the committee to investigate into the incident when Umno Youth members confronted him, demanding that he retract the word celaka used against them.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz tabled a motion under Standing Order 80A on Thursday night, saying that the eight-man investigation committee chaired by Pandikar would take appropriate action against those committing contempt against the House.
Earlier that day, Karpal Singh proposed in the Dewan that the House issue a warrant of arrest against Serdang Umno Youth chief Ungku Mat Salleh and Gombak Umno Youth chief Megat Zulkarnain Omardin to be brought before the House to explain why they should not be imprisoned under the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act.
Lim said the administration and security of Parliament were fully aware of the criminal intent of the Selangor Umno Youth mob but they did not lift a finger to protect the MPs in the parliamentary precincts.
“For this reason, I will not take part in the proceedings of the Committee of Privileges,” Lim said in his blog.
Lim has been named a member of the Committee.
After 50 years only now the have tighten security in Parliament
Security at Parliament has been tightened following the scuffle on Thursday, Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Dr Abdul Hamid Pawanteh said yesterday.
He said this was tragic because Parliament was supposed to be a place where anyone could freely visit.
Speaking to Bernama after receiving a visit from European Parliament Chairman Hartmut Nassauer at his office here, Dr Abdul Hamid said the security measures, although unpleasant, had become necessary because of a group of people who do not understand that force, coercion and intimidation are not acceptable to society.
Visitors to Parliament building would be subjected to strict checks at the main gate instead of at the entrance, he said.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said the message had been relayed to the opposition MPs.
“It could cause a traffic jam as we will have to screen everyone,” Dr Abdul Hamid said.
He said group visits such as that of school children would not be prevented from entering the Parliament compound.
”We will only stop and impose restrictions on those who can disrupt or threaten peace or security of Parliament,” he said.
A commotion broke out in Parliament compound on Thursday when a group of people demanded an apology from DAP chairman Karpal Singh for using the word “celaka” (damn) on Umno Youth.
Several members of Parliament were also involved in the scuffle. When asked whether people who created the commotion would be blacklisted from entering Parliament, Dr Abdul Hamid said such a move was not necessary.
Parliament would not add more security personnel but would reduce the number of visitors, he said, adding that the incident not only brought shame to Parliament but to all Malaysians.
Initial investigations showed that the Selangor Umno Youth members had gone on their own to Parliament House. None of the MPs were aware of their presence.
He said this was tragic because Parliament was supposed to be a place where anyone could freely visit.
Speaking to Bernama after receiving a visit from European Parliament Chairman Hartmut Nassauer at his office here, Dr Abdul Hamid said the security measures, although unpleasant, had become necessary because of a group of people who do not understand that force, coercion and intimidation are not acceptable to society.
Visitors to Parliament building would be subjected to strict checks at the main gate instead of at the entrance, he said.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said the message had been relayed to the opposition MPs.
“It could cause a traffic jam as we will have to screen everyone,” Dr Abdul Hamid said.
He said group visits such as that of school children would not be prevented from entering the Parliament compound.
”We will only stop and impose restrictions on those who can disrupt or threaten peace or security of Parliament,” he said.
A commotion broke out in Parliament compound on Thursday when a group of people demanded an apology from DAP chairman Karpal Singh for using the word “celaka” (damn) on Umno Youth.
Several members of Parliament were also involved in the scuffle. When asked whether people who created the commotion would be blacklisted from entering Parliament, Dr Abdul Hamid said such a move was not necessary.
Parliament would not add more security personnel but would reduce the number of visitors, he said, adding that the incident not only brought shame to Parliament but to all Malaysians.
Initial investigations showed that the Selangor Umno Youth members had gone on their own to Parliament House. None of the MPs were aware of their presence.
Parliament sets up panel to probe scuffle
For the first time, Parliament has set up an eight-man committee to investigate the scuffle between Selangor Umno Youth members and a number of Opposition MPs outside the tower block on Thursday.
DAP chairman Karpal Singh was confronted by Umno Youth members, angry over the word celaka which they believed was used against them by the Bukit Gelugor MP on Wednesday.
> Selangor Umno Youth members and eyewitnesses who saw the commotion at the Parliament entrance will be called to testify before the committee.
> Police are taking a serious view of the scuffle and will wait for the findings by the committee.
> Security at Parliament has been tightened following the incident.
> Karpal Singh is considering hiring a bodyguard.
DAP chairman Karpal Singh was confronted by Umno Youth members, angry over the word celaka which they believed was used against them by the Bukit Gelugor MP on Wednesday.
> Selangor Umno Youth members and eyewitnesses who saw the commotion at the Parliament entrance will be called to testify before the committee.
> Police are taking a serious view of the scuffle and will wait for the findings by the committee.
> Security at Parliament has been tightened following the incident.
> Karpal Singh is considering hiring a bodyguard.
Toll hike on hold till 2010
The Government has revoked its decision to approve toll increases for five highways which were to have taken effect tomorrow.
The decision was made at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is in Pattaya, had called for a review of the decision following a public outcry.
Najib said the toll increases would be put off indefinitely.
“We do not know for how long as it will depend on our affordability (to pay compensation to the concessionnaires). We will make whatever necessary decision when the time comes.
“But by not increasing the toll rates, the Government has to fork out an additional RM500mil a year and that’s taxpayers’ money,” he said.
On Thursday, Works Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed announced toll increases for the North-South Expressway (0.68 sen per km), Sprint Highway (between 30 sen and 50 sen), Sungai Besi Highway (Besraya, 10 sen), Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (Akleh, 50 sen) and New Pantai Expressway (NPE, 40sen).
He said yesterday the Cabinet decided to rescind its Feb 11 decision after considering public feedback.
“The Cabinet has decided to postpone the toll hikes,’’ he told a press conference at the Works Ministry.
Zin’s earlier announcement had met with strong opposition from consumer groups, lorry and bus associations as well as Barisan Nasional and Opposition MPs.
The minister said the Government would have to fork out RM287mil to pay the concessionnaires – PLUS (RM195mil), Sprint (RM36mil), Akleh (RM27mil), Besraya (RM9mil) and NPE (RM20mil) – from January to December this year.
Reacting to the Cabinet’s decision from Hua Hin in Thailand, Abdullah said the decision was not made due to the coming Bukit Selambau state and Bukit Gantang parliamentary by-elections, “but due to the people’s economic hardship”.
He explained that the decision to increase the toll rates was made two weeks ago following a study.
“The reality is that what was announced (to raise toll) was based on a study done and a proposal was made to the Cabinet two weeks ago,’’ he told Malaysian journalists after meeting Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on arrival to attend the Asean summit.
On calls for the Government to buy out the concessionnaires, the Prime Minister said a huge allocation would be needed.
“We need to study first as this will require a huge spending. We have to spend our budget on other things.
“The compensation (to the concessionnaires) is already a burden to the Government,” he added.
Abdullah said the people should understand the situation and support the Government in facing the economic hardship.
“If we need to sacrifice, then sacrifice we must. When times are bad, live within your means, when times are good, then learn to enjoy,” he advised.
Najib said the increase that Zin had announced earlier was “moderate”.
“The amount (of compensation) will be substantial and it will add over the years. But the public is so averse to any increase, which I understand.
“So the Government has decided not to increase (the toll rates) but this means we will have to set aside more money for compensation,” he said.
The decision was made at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is in Pattaya, had called for a review of the decision following a public outcry.
Najib said the toll increases would be put off indefinitely.
“We do not know for how long as it will depend on our affordability (to pay compensation to the concessionnaires). We will make whatever necessary decision when the time comes.
“But by not increasing the toll rates, the Government has to fork out an additional RM500mil a year and that’s taxpayers’ money,” he said.
On Thursday, Works Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed announced toll increases for the North-South Expressway (0.68 sen per km), Sprint Highway (between 30 sen and 50 sen), Sungai Besi Highway (Besraya, 10 sen), Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (Akleh, 50 sen) and New Pantai Expressway (NPE, 40sen).
He said yesterday the Cabinet decided to rescind its Feb 11 decision after considering public feedback.
“The Cabinet has decided to postpone the toll hikes,’’ he told a press conference at the Works Ministry.
Zin’s earlier announcement had met with strong opposition from consumer groups, lorry and bus associations as well as Barisan Nasional and Opposition MPs.
The minister said the Government would have to fork out RM287mil to pay the concessionnaires – PLUS (RM195mil), Sprint (RM36mil), Akleh (RM27mil), Besraya (RM9mil) and NPE (RM20mil) – from January to December this year.
Reacting to the Cabinet’s decision from Hua Hin in Thailand, Abdullah said the decision was not made due to the coming Bukit Selambau state and Bukit Gantang parliamentary by-elections, “but due to the people’s economic hardship”.
He explained that the decision to increase the toll rates was made two weeks ago following a study.
“The reality is that what was announced (to raise toll) was based on a study done and a proposal was made to the Cabinet two weeks ago,’’ he told Malaysian journalists after meeting Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on arrival to attend the Asean summit.
On calls for the Government to buy out the concessionnaires, the Prime Minister said a huge allocation would be needed.
“We need to study first as this will require a huge spending. We have to spend our budget on other things.
“The compensation (to the concessionnaires) is already a burden to the Government,” he added.
Abdullah said the people should understand the situation and support the Government in facing the economic hardship.
“If we need to sacrifice, then sacrifice we must. When times are bad, live within your means, when times are good, then learn to enjoy,” he advised.
Najib said the increase that Zin had announced earlier was “moderate”.
“The amount (of compensation) will be substantial and it will add over the years. But the public is so averse to any increase, which I understand.
“So the Government has decided not to increase (the toll rates) but this means we will have to set aside more money for compensation,” he said.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
PKR yakin lakukan kejutan pada pilihan raya kecil Batang Ai
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) yakin dengan peluang untuk memenangi kerusi Dewan Undangan Negeri Batang Ai pada pilihan raya kecil akan datang berikutan kematian penyandangnya Datuk Dublin Unting Ingkot, kata Timbalan Ketua PKR negeri Nicholas Bawin Anggat hari ini.Bawin, yang diuar-uarkan bakal menjadi calon PKR bagi kerusi itu berkata pada kali ini, pertarungan bagi kerusi majoriti pengundi Iban itu pasti panas kerana kedua-dua parti mempunyai sokongan kewangan dan logistik, tidak seperti pada pilihan raya lalu."Saya akan serahkan kepada parti untuk memutuskan siapa calon PKR bagi kerusi Batang Ai dan ia merupakan satu penghormatan kepada saya jika parti menamakan saya sebagai calon," katanya kepada Bernama di sini.Pemegang diploma Pengurusan Perniagaan dari Institut Teknologi Mara (ITM) (kini dikenali Universiti Teknologi Mara) berumur 50 tahun itu berkata masalah pemilikan tanah, khususnya tanah adat akan menjadi isu utama dalam pilihan raya kecil itu, yang tarikhnya masih belum ditetapkan oleh Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR).
Bekas presiden Kesatuan Kebangsaan Dayak Sarawak (SDNU) itu bertanding di kerusi itu dalam pilihan raya 2006 atas tiket Parti Kebangsaan Sarawak (SNAP), memperoleh 2,489 undi dan tewas kepada Dublin yang mendapat 3,298 undi, dengan majoriti 806 undi.
Dublin 55, yang juga Menteri Muda Pertanian dan Sukan, meninggal dunia di Normah Specialist Medical Centre (NSMC), selepas dimasukkan ke hospital itu akibat serangan angin ahmar sejak 22 Mei tahun lalu dan berada dalam keadaan koma sehingga menghembuskan nafas terakhir. - Bernama
Bekas presiden Kesatuan Kebangsaan Dayak Sarawak (SDNU) itu bertanding di kerusi itu dalam pilihan raya 2006 atas tiket Parti Kebangsaan Sarawak (SNAP), memperoleh 2,489 undi dan tewas kepada Dublin yang mendapat 3,298 undi, dengan majoriti 806 undi.
Dublin 55, yang juga Menteri Muda Pertanian dan Sukan, meninggal dunia di Normah Specialist Medical Centre (NSMC), selepas dimasukkan ke hospital itu akibat serangan angin ahmar sejak 22 Mei tahun lalu dan berada dalam keadaan koma sehingga menghembuskan nafas terakhir. - Bernama
Kenmaikan tol MENAMBAH beban rakyat
Kenaikan kadar tol di lima lebuh raya menjelang 1 Mac ini adalah tidak wajar dan akan menambah beban rakyat terutama di tengah krisis ekonomi global semasa, kata Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang Lim Guan Eng.Beliau berkata sekarang ini bukan masa yang sesuai untuk menaikkan kadar tol kerana rakyat semakin tersepit dengan keadaan ekonomi yang tidak stabil dan sudah pasti kenaikan itu akan memburukkan lagi keadaan."Kerajaan sepatutnya menunggu keadaan ekonomi kembali stabil ataupun setahun dua lagi untuk menaikkannya," katanya kepada pemberita semasa mengulas kenaikan tol yang diumumkan Menteri Kerja Raya Datuk Ir Mohamad Zin Mohamad, di sini hari ini.Mohamad Zin hari ini mengumumkan kadar tol di Lebuh Raya Utara Selatan (Plus), Lebuh Raya Sistem Penyuraian Trafik KL Barat (Sprint), Lebuh Raya Bertingkat Ampang-Kuala Lumpur (Akleh), Lebuh Raya Sungai Besi (Bestraya) dan Lebuh Raya Baru Pantai (NPE) akan dinaikkan bermula 1 Mac, selaras dengan terma perjanjian konsesi yang ditandatangani antara kerajaan dan pemegang konsesi lebuh raya itu.
Lim berkata sebaiknya kerajaan pusat membeli Plus seperti yang beliau cadangkan sebelum ini, sebagai usaha membantu rakyat.
"Jika kerajaan pusat miliki Plus, rakyat tidak perlu bimbang mengenai kenaikan kadar tol di masa depan terutama dalam keadaan genting seperti sekarang ini," katanya. - Bernama
Lim berkata sebaiknya kerajaan pusat membeli Plus seperti yang beliau cadangkan sebelum ini, sebagai usaha membantu rakyat.
"Jika kerajaan pusat miliki Plus, rakyat tidak perlu bimbang mengenai kenaikan kadar tol di masa depan terutama dalam keadaan genting seperti sekarang ini," katanya. - Bernama
Khairy dares Karpal
Opposition veteran politician Karpal Singh has been challenged to furnish proof within 24 hours that Umno Youth was responsible in sending two bullets to his house.
Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin said if the Bukit Gelugor MP failed to do so, then it would just show Karpal is a liar."We will not ask him to apologise for his wild and crazy allegation.
Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin said if the Bukit Gelugor MP failed to do so, then it would just show Karpal is a liar."We will not ask him to apologise for his wild and crazy allegation.
Good news for Loan holders
Several banks have slashed interest rates imposed on loans and more are expected to join in the fray.
Four banks - RHB Banking Group, Public Bank Group, United Overseas Bank Bhd (UOB) and Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) - have cut their respective base lending rates (BLR) from 5.95% to 5.55%.
RHB Bank and Public Bank will also be reducing each of its Islamic bank’s base financing rate (BFR) by the same quantum.
This follows the move by Bank Negara Malaysia to bring down the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) from 2.5% to 2% on Tuesday.
RHB Banking Group managing director Michael J. Barrett said customers will be able to pay less to service their existing loans with floating rates while individuals and businesses will enjoy lower borrowing costs.
“We want to be able to help borrowers during these challenging times and provide our customers with more financial support,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
Public Bank Group chairman Tan Sri Dr Teh Hong Piow said the bank’s new rates will take effect on Tuesday.
“The reduction of BLR and BFR is part of the group’s on-going commitment towards the creation of a more supportive monetary environment which will help to sustain economic growth in the country,” he said.
A UOB Bank spokesperson said the bank would reduce its BLR on March 6.
Maybank said on Wednesday that it would begin implementing its new rates on Monday.
It is learnt that other banks are currently taking initiatives to restructure their rates and will be announcing lower BLR soon.
The Association of Banks said in a statement that the downward revision of monthly loan repayment instalments was expected to be completed around the end of the first quarter of this year.
“Banks will be officially notifying their customers on the quantum of reduction of the loan repayment instalments and the effective date directly,” it said.
Four banks - RHB Banking Group, Public Bank Group, United Overseas Bank Bhd (UOB) and Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) - have cut their respective base lending rates (BLR) from 5.95% to 5.55%.
RHB Bank and Public Bank will also be reducing each of its Islamic bank’s base financing rate (BFR) by the same quantum.
This follows the move by Bank Negara Malaysia to bring down the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) from 2.5% to 2% on Tuesday.
RHB Banking Group managing director Michael J. Barrett said customers will be able to pay less to service their existing loans with floating rates while individuals and businesses will enjoy lower borrowing costs.
“We want to be able to help borrowers during these challenging times and provide our customers with more financial support,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
Public Bank Group chairman Tan Sri Dr Teh Hong Piow said the bank’s new rates will take effect on Tuesday.
“The reduction of BLR and BFR is part of the group’s on-going commitment towards the creation of a more supportive monetary environment which will help to sustain economic growth in the country,” he said.
A UOB Bank spokesperson said the bank would reduce its BLR on March 6.
Maybank said on Wednesday that it would begin implementing its new rates on Monday.
It is learnt that other banks are currently taking initiatives to restructure their rates and will be announcing lower BLR soon.
The Association of Banks said in a statement that the downward revision of monthly loan repayment instalments was expected to be completed around the end of the first quarter of this year.
“Banks will be officially notifying their customers on the quantum of reduction of the loan repayment instalments and the effective date directly,” it said.
Good & Bad news for Students waiting for SPM result
The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results will be released in the second week of March.
“Students can obtain the results from their schools towards the end of the second week,” Education director-general Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said.
The SPM results have been released around this time for the past few years.
A total of 442,936 students sat for the examination last year.
“Students can obtain the results from their schools towards the end of the second week,” Education director-general Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said.
The SPM results have been released around this time for the past few years.
A total of 442,936 students sat for the examination last year.
Hot from Parliment today
A group of 22 men claiming to be Selangor Umno Youth members confronted DAP chairman Karpal Singh just outside the Parliament tower block on Thursday.
In the 2.45pm incident, the men surrounded the Bukit Gelugor MP, shouting and demanding that he retract the word “celaka” which he had used in reference to Umno Youth during his debate speech on Wednesday.
Unlike other MPs, Karpal Singh – who is wheelchair-bound – uses the ramp at the tower block to enter the Parliament building.
Four other MPs — Lim Lip Eng (DAP – Segambut), Fong Kui Lun (DAP – Bukit Bintang), Chong Chieng Jen (DAP – Bandar Kuching) and N. Gobalakrishnan (PKR – Padang Serai) — went to Karpal Singh’s aid after being informed by security guards.
At the same time, Fong Po Kuan (DAP – Batu Gajah) received a call from Karpal Singh’s aide and went over as well.
By then, Lim’s tie and coat had been pulled by the men in full view of Parliament security.
During the commotion, Fong shouted: “ Where is security ? Where is security?” and a reply was heard: “ We only jaga (look after) inside (Parliament), not outside.”
Soon reporters and others at the Parliament lobby rushed out to the entrance and to the windows to witness the event.
Even after Karpal Singh had entered the Dewan at 3pm, the group of men continued to loiter at the entrance.
At one point, Gobind Singh Deo (DAP – Puchong) came out of the tower block and challenged the men to a “one to one fight”. They moved away after the security guards stepped in.
In the House, Karpal Singh raised the matter immediately.
He said he was blocked by about 15 Umno men who acted like gangsters and who told him to apologise or else he could not go into the House.
“(How) Can such a thing happen in Parliament?” he exclaimed. Karpal Singh said that he called the (in-house) police for help but no one came to his aid except for his party members.
“What protection as a Speaker will you give us?” he asked.
Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia replied that such threats were not condoned in Parliament and that he would ask the police and the relevant Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department to investigate.
Chong Chieng Jen (DAP – Kuching) asked whether investigations could be carried out immediately since the guards were still at the entrance.
During the debate on Wednesday, Karpal Singh had uttered the word “celaka” against Umno Youth and also pointed the finger at the wing for the “bullets and threatening letter” he had received in Penang.
The confrontation was the latest in a “series of threats” leveled against the outspoken MP, who had riled some quarters for his statement that the Sultan of Perak could be taken to court for his role in the Perak crisis. He later received bullets and a threatening letter at his house in Penang.
this is what Malaysia is becoming to now...
In the 2.45pm incident, the men surrounded the Bukit Gelugor MP, shouting and demanding that he retract the word “celaka” which he had used in reference to Umno Youth during his debate speech on Wednesday.
Unlike other MPs, Karpal Singh – who is wheelchair-bound – uses the ramp at the tower block to enter the Parliament building.
Four other MPs — Lim Lip Eng (DAP – Segambut), Fong Kui Lun (DAP – Bukit Bintang), Chong Chieng Jen (DAP – Bandar Kuching) and N. Gobalakrishnan (PKR – Padang Serai) — went to Karpal Singh’s aid after being informed by security guards.
At the same time, Fong Po Kuan (DAP – Batu Gajah) received a call from Karpal Singh’s aide and went over as well.
By then, Lim’s tie and coat had been pulled by the men in full view of Parliament security.
During the commotion, Fong shouted: “ Where is security ? Where is security?” and a reply was heard: “ We only jaga (look after) inside (Parliament), not outside.”
Soon reporters and others at the Parliament lobby rushed out to the entrance and to the windows to witness the event.
Even after Karpal Singh had entered the Dewan at 3pm, the group of men continued to loiter at the entrance.
At one point, Gobind Singh Deo (DAP – Puchong) came out of the tower block and challenged the men to a “one to one fight”. They moved away after the security guards stepped in.
In the House, Karpal Singh raised the matter immediately.
He said he was blocked by about 15 Umno men who acted like gangsters and who told him to apologise or else he could not go into the House.
“(How) Can such a thing happen in Parliament?” he exclaimed. Karpal Singh said that he called the (in-house) police for help but no one came to his aid except for his party members.
“What protection as a Speaker will you give us?” he asked.
Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia replied that such threats were not condoned in Parliament and that he would ask the police and the relevant Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department to investigate.
Chong Chieng Jen (DAP – Kuching) asked whether investigations could be carried out immediately since the guards were still at the entrance.
During the debate on Wednesday, Karpal Singh had uttered the word “celaka” against Umno Youth and also pointed the finger at the wing for the “bullets and threatening letter” he had received in Penang.
The confrontation was the latest in a “series of threats” leveled against the outspoken MP, who had riled some quarters for his statement that the Sultan of Perak could be taken to court for his role in the Perak crisis. He later received bullets and a threatening letter at his house in Penang.
this is what Malaysia is becoming to now...
MCA president brushes aside rumours over Chua's sex tape
MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat has brushed aside allegations that he and certain other leaders from the party were behind the resurfacing of sex DVD featuring former health minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
Ong said that when the DVDs initially surfaced early last year, his predecessor Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting and the then deputy president Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy were blamed as the ones behind its distribution.
“Now it is me and other party leaders (being blamed for the current circulation the DVDs). It (the allegations) do not make any sense.
“You will have to ask the person making the allegations if there is any political motivation (behind the circulation of the DVDs) as there is nothing more I can add to the tonnes of rumours going around on the matter,” he told reporters after attending the Transport Ministry’s Christmas and Chinese New Year celebrations here on Thursday.
Asked if the rumours affected work at the party top leadership level, Ong said the most important thing in running an organisation was the spirit of working as a team and he had no problems interacting with the other team members on a daily basis.
He said Chua could raise any grouse he might have during the leadership meetings but whenever he had been asked in the meetings, so far, he had only denied having any problems and blamed the media for raising the issue.
“Now there is talk of the members of the leadership team being the president’s men but during the MCA election, I was made fun of as being a lone horse because I did not endorse any list or menu. But now that they can work with me they are being called the president’s men,” he said.
Ong said that when the DVDs initially surfaced early last year, his predecessor Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting and the then deputy president Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy were blamed as the ones behind its distribution.
“Now it is me and other party leaders (being blamed for the current circulation the DVDs). It (the allegations) do not make any sense.
“You will have to ask the person making the allegations if there is any political motivation (behind the circulation of the DVDs) as there is nothing more I can add to the tonnes of rumours going around on the matter,” he told reporters after attending the Transport Ministry’s Christmas and Chinese New Year celebrations here on Thursday.
Asked if the rumours affected work at the party top leadership level, Ong said the most important thing in running an organisation was the spirit of working as a team and he had no problems interacting with the other team members on a daily basis.
He said Chua could raise any grouse he might have during the leadership meetings but whenever he had been asked in the meetings, so far, he had only denied having any problems and blamed the media for raising the issue.
“Now there is talk of the members of the leadership team being the president’s men but during the MCA election, I was made fun of as being a lone horse because I did not endorse any list or menu. But now that they can work with me they are being called the president’s men,” he said.
Anwar's trial updates
Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has to wait until Mar 5 to know if his sodomy trial will be retained in the Sessions Court or transferred to the High Court.
High Court judge Datuk Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah will decide then on the prosecution's application for a revision to quash the Sessions Court's decision to retain the trial in the Sessions Court.
Justice Mohamad Zabidin set the date after hearing submissions from deputy public prosecutor Datuk Mohamed Yusof Zainal Abiden, who led the prosecution team, and Anwar's lead counsel, Sulaiman Abdullah.
The prosecution filed for a revision as well as an appeal on Nov 7 last year against the Sessions Court's dismissal of the prosecution's application to transfer the case to the High Court after ruling that the transfer certificate, signed by Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, was invalid.
The defence had challenged the validity of the transfer certificate because Abdul Gani was still under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Agency following a police report lodged by Anwar on alleged falsification of evidence pertaining to the "black eye" incident.
Anwar, who was exempted from attending the hearing, is charged with sodomising his former aide, 23-year-old Mohamad Saiful Bukhari Azlan, at Unit 1151, Desa Damansara Condominium, Jalan Setiakasih, Bukit Damansara between 3.01pm and 4.30pm on June 26.
If convicted, Anwar, 62, faces imprisonment of up to 20 years under Section 377B of the Penal Code. He is now free on a personal bond of RM20,000.
Earlier, Sulaiman submitted that Abdul Gani should be automatically disqualified from making any decision to transfer Anwar's case to the High Court because Abdul Gani was in a position of conflict of interest.
He said Abdul Gani before signing the transfer certificate must apply his mind to the facts before considering the reasons to transfer in view of the prime minister's assurance that he would not be involved in the case.
Sulaiman said this was supported by the fact that there was a personal dispute between Abdul Gani and Anwar, which had been made known to the government and public at large.
He cited a Singapore case where it was ruled that even where no bias or prejudice is being alleged against a judicial officer, a perception of conflict would be sufficient to disqualify the said officer.
"With that, there is extremely strong reason established for the AttorneyGeneral to disqualify himself from taking part in this case as well as in signing the transfer certificate," he said.
Therefore, the Sessions Court judge was correct in her finding that the transfer certificate was invalid, he said, adding that the judge was also competent to hear a public interest case.
While Mohamed Yusof replied that the prime minister's assurance that Abdul Gani would not be involved in the case meant in layman's terms that Abdul Gani would not be directly involved in the proceedings in court.
He also submitted that the Sessions Court judge had erred in law when she decided to entertain the defence's preliminary objection on the transfer certifate.
He said that under Section 418A of the Criminal Procedure Code, the subordinate courts had to transfer any case to the High Court upon the transfer certificate being tendered to the court. - Bernama
High Court judge Datuk Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah will decide then on the prosecution's application for a revision to quash the Sessions Court's decision to retain the trial in the Sessions Court.
Justice Mohamad Zabidin set the date after hearing submissions from deputy public prosecutor Datuk Mohamed Yusof Zainal Abiden, who led the prosecution team, and Anwar's lead counsel, Sulaiman Abdullah.
The prosecution filed for a revision as well as an appeal on Nov 7 last year against the Sessions Court's dismissal of the prosecution's application to transfer the case to the High Court after ruling that the transfer certificate, signed by Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, was invalid.
The defence had challenged the validity of the transfer certificate because Abdul Gani was still under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Agency following a police report lodged by Anwar on alleged falsification of evidence pertaining to the "black eye" incident.
Anwar, who was exempted from attending the hearing, is charged with sodomising his former aide, 23-year-old Mohamad Saiful Bukhari Azlan, at Unit 1151, Desa Damansara Condominium, Jalan Setiakasih, Bukit Damansara between 3.01pm and 4.30pm on June 26.
If convicted, Anwar, 62, faces imprisonment of up to 20 years under Section 377B of the Penal Code. He is now free on a personal bond of RM20,000.
Earlier, Sulaiman submitted that Abdul Gani should be automatically disqualified from making any decision to transfer Anwar's case to the High Court because Abdul Gani was in a position of conflict of interest.
He said Abdul Gani before signing the transfer certificate must apply his mind to the facts before considering the reasons to transfer in view of the prime minister's assurance that he would not be involved in the case.
Sulaiman said this was supported by the fact that there was a personal dispute between Abdul Gani and Anwar, which had been made known to the government and public at large.
He cited a Singapore case where it was ruled that even where no bias or prejudice is being alleged against a judicial officer, a perception of conflict would be sufficient to disqualify the said officer.
"With that, there is extremely strong reason established for the AttorneyGeneral to disqualify himself from taking part in this case as well as in signing the transfer certificate," he said.
Therefore, the Sessions Court judge was correct in her finding that the transfer certificate was invalid, he said, adding that the judge was also competent to hear a public interest case.
While Mohamed Yusof replied that the prime minister's assurance that Abdul Gani would not be involved in the case meant in layman's terms that Abdul Gani would not be directly involved in the proceedings in court.
He also submitted that the Sessions Court judge had erred in law when she decided to entertain the defence's preliminary objection on the transfer certifate.
He said that under Section 418A of the Criminal Procedure Code, the subordinate courts had to transfer any case to the High Court upon the transfer certificate being tendered to the court. - Bernama
Pay more at highways fromSunday
Road users will have to pay higher tolls for five major highways beginning March 1.
The highways affected are the North-South Expressway (PLUS), Sprint/Kerinchi/Damansara Link highways, Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Expressway (AKLEH), Sungai Besi Highway and the New Pantai Expressway (NPE).
For the PLUS highway, it will be an increase of 5%.
This means toll charges from Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah to Kempas in Johor would increase from RM108 to RM113.40.
A trip from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh would increase from RM26.50 to RM27.90.
For the Sprint/Kerinchi/Damansara Link highways, it will be an increase of between 30sen and 50sen.
The Sungai Besi Highway will see an increase of 10sen, while the AKLEH and NPE will be increased by 50sen and 40sen respectively.
In announcing this, Works Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohammed said the increase was minimal and hoped the public understood that the increase was stipulated in the concession agreements that the government had signed.
“The increase was actually due in January last year but we had postponed it until now. This means the government has been paying compensation for 14 months.”
Mohd Zin said the compensation amounted to RM277mil with RM177mil going to PLUS, RM38mil to Sprint and RM30mil to AKLEH, adding that the impending increase was half of what was scheduled.
“There is a shortfall of 5%,” he said during a press conference at the Works Ministry on Wednesday.
The announcement for the increase however comes almost immediately after two toll booths were abolished recently.
The Salak Jaya toll (south-bound) was abolished on Tuesday while the toll at PJS2 (Kuala Lumpur-bound) of the New Pantai Expressway was abolished on Feb 13.
Mohd Zin said the abolishments were unrelated to the toll increase and that it should not be politicised, stressing that it was a contractual obligation on the government’s part.
He said more importantly was that alternative routes existed for all highways in the country, adding that this was the case for all highways but added that more could be done to improve the alternative routes.
When pointed out that the roads were jammed especially in the city regardless of whether it was a highway or an alternative route, Mohd Zin said it was a big challenge having to manage the amount of traffic Kuala Lumpur has.
“Kuala Lumpur has 3.5 million vehicles for a population of about five million people.
Tokyo only has 1.3 million vehicles for a populationf 20 million,” Mohd Zin said, concluding that more effort was needed to improve public transport.
The highways affected are the North-South Expressway (PLUS), Sprint/Kerinchi/Damansara Link highways, Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Expressway (AKLEH), Sungai Besi Highway and the New Pantai Expressway (NPE).
For the PLUS highway, it will be an increase of 5%.
This means toll charges from Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah to Kempas in Johor would increase from RM108 to RM113.40.
A trip from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh would increase from RM26.50 to RM27.90.
For the Sprint/Kerinchi/Damansara Link highways, it will be an increase of between 30sen and 50sen.
The Sungai Besi Highway will see an increase of 10sen, while the AKLEH and NPE will be increased by 50sen and 40sen respectively.
In announcing this, Works Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohammed said the increase was minimal and hoped the public understood that the increase was stipulated in the concession agreements that the government had signed.
“The increase was actually due in January last year but we had postponed it until now. This means the government has been paying compensation for 14 months.”
Mohd Zin said the compensation amounted to RM277mil with RM177mil going to PLUS, RM38mil to Sprint and RM30mil to AKLEH, adding that the impending increase was half of what was scheduled.
“There is a shortfall of 5%,” he said during a press conference at the Works Ministry on Wednesday.
The announcement for the increase however comes almost immediately after two toll booths were abolished recently.
The Salak Jaya toll (south-bound) was abolished on Tuesday while the toll at PJS2 (Kuala Lumpur-bound) of the New Pantai Expressway was abolished on Feb 13.
Mohd Zin said the abolishments were unrelated to the toll increase and that it should not be politicised, stressing that it was a contractual obligation on the government’s part.
He said more importantly was that alternative routes existed for all highways in the country, adding that this was the case for all highways but added that more could be done to improve the alternative routes.
When pointed out that the roads were jammed especially in the city regardless of whether it was a highway or an alternative route, Mohd Zin said it was a big challenge having to manage the amount of traffic Kuala Lumpur has.
“Kuala Lumpur has 3.5 million vehicles for a population of about five million people.
Tokyo only has 1.3 million vehicles for a populationf 20 million,” Mohd Zin said, concluding that more effort was needed to improve public transport.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
DAP advised not to be antagonistic
The state government should not be confrontational when dealing with the Federal Government as it would hamper cooperation, says state Opposition Leader Datuk Azhar Ibrahim.
He said that while DAP helmed the state, it was still an Opposition party in the Dewan Rakyat.
He added that Umno was irked by the DAP’s insensitive governance style including over the issue of Bukit Bendera Umno division head Datuk Ahmad Ismail calling the Chinese pendatang.
He said that while DAP helmed the state, it was still an Opposition party in the Dewan Rakyat.
He added that Umno was irked by the DAP’s insensitive governance style including over the issue of Bukit Bendera Umno division head Datuk Ahmad Ismail calling the Chinese pendatang.
“The episode was blown out of proportion. Ahmad was merely expressing pent-up frustrations on how some Malays feel in an urbanised state governed by Pakatan Rakyat,” said Azhar, who is state Umno secretary.
All of the Bullshit coming up to hunt UMNO
People are just tired of ‘pasar malam politics’
Stop the politicking and get down to putting the nation’s economy on a firmer track.
This is the reaction of Malaysians who are feeling the pinch of the economic slowdown to the excessive politics being practised in the country.
UiTM law professor Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi likened the current situation as two football teams trying to score goals without observing rules.
Politicians should display some integrity, he said. “We don’t have red cards or yellow cards and no impartial adjudicators and referees.
“Some rules have to be observed, like in party-hopping that causes the downfall of a government and etiquette in the Parliament,” he said.
“Leaders have to inspire people to new goals. There are too many people in the Government and Parl-iament descending to the level of pasar malam politics,” he said.
MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat had said the party had more important matters to handle, such as the economic situation, than to respond to speculative news and half-truths circulated by certain groups.
Fomca secretary-general Muham-mad Shaani Abdullah said politicians should not focus on “longkang (minor) issues” but pay attention to the economy and making policies for all Malaysians.
“We say that we are a multiracial country but politicians talk about my race, your race, my quota and your quota. Why don’t we get together and do it together for everyone?” he asked, adding that politicians should also not manipulate the people to remain in power.
MCA legal bureau chief Wong Nai Chee said the political scene in the country had yet to reach maturity, citing the party-hopping issue in Perak as an example.
“This has to do with political education, which is lacking in this country. And you will see more often than not that they are part and parcel, products of the society,” he said.
He urged politicians to come up with constructive proposals, not those that serve only one party.
“People still talk about race politics. If you put race and religious issues into public policy, there will be no end to the quarrel,” he said.
MCA Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said there were pressing issues that politicians need to tackle.
“We need to focus on our work. There is the economic issue, how we can beef up the delivery system — these are the matters that are close to the heart of the people,” he aid.
Medan Damansara residents association assistant secretary Randhir Singh said policitians should stop undermining each other.
“Both sides should stop all politicking. Let’s meet again in 2013 for the next general election. Until then, let’s tackle bigger issues,” he said.
Malaysian Institute of Integrity president Datuk Dr Mohd Tap Salleh said the political situation was very confusing for the people, with politicians showing more interest in holding on to power rather than facing the impending economic downturn.
This is the reaction of Malaysians who are feeling the pinch of the economic slowdown to the excessive politics being practised in the country.
UiTM law professor Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi likened the current situation as two football teams trying to score goals without observing rules.
Politicians should display some integrity, he said. “We don’t have red cards or yellow cards and no impartial adjudicators and referees.
“Some rules have to be observed, like in party-hopping that causes the downfall of a government and etiquette in the Parliament,” he said.
“Leaders have to inspire people to new goals. There are too many people in the Government and Parl-iament descending to the level of pasar malam politics,” he said.
MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat had said the party had more important matters to handle, such as the economic situation, than to respond to speculative news and half-truths circulated by certain groups.
Fomca secretary-general Muham-mad Shaani Abdullah said politicians should not focus on “longkang (minor) issues” but pay attention to the economy and making policies for all Malaysians.
“We say that we are a multiracial country but politicians talk about my race, your race, my quota and your quota. Why don’t we get together and do it together for everyone?” he asked, adding that politicians should also not manipulate the people to remain in power.
MCA legal bureau chief Wong Nai Chee said the political scene in the country had yet to reach maturity, citing the party-hopping issue in Perak as an example.
“This has to do with political education, which is lacking in this country. And you will see more often than not that they are part and parcel, products of the society,” he said.
He urged politicians to come up with constructive proposals, not those that serve only one party.
“People still talk about race politics. If you put race and religious issues into public policy, there will be no end to the quarrel,” he said.
MCA Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said there were pressing issues that politicians need to tackle.
“We need to focus on our work. There is the economic issue, how we can beef up the delivery system — these are the matters that are close to the heart of the people,” he aid.
Medan Damansara residents association assistant secretary Randhir Singh said policitians should stop undermining each other.
“Both sides should stop all politicking. Let’s meet again in 2013 for the next general election. Until then, let’s tackle bigger issues,” he said.
Malaysian Institute of Integrity president Datuk Dr Mohd Tap Salleh said the political situation was very confusing for the people, with politicians showing more interest in holding on to power rather than facing the impending economic downturn.
Pakatan group deliver a memorandum
A group of Pakatan Rakyat youth members, with a cow in tow, marched to the state Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) here yesterday to deliver a memorandum protesting against the “Lexus and cow” case.
Their plan to present the cow to MACC officials, however, was thwarted by police, who stopped the demonstrators and cow in their tracks.
They then manage to march into the premises - without the cow in tow.
PKR national youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin told reporters that the group came to protest against the case implicating Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and demand the resignation of MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan.
He alleged that the MACC did not investigate or charge former mentri besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo even though he had corruption allegations against him.
Meanwhile, outside the gates of the complex where the MACC office is housed in Putrajaya, activists from an NGO, Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia set fire to four boxes they claimed contained unresolved reports on corruption.
Their plan to present the cow to MACC officials, however, was thwarted by police, who stopped the demonstrators and cow in their tracks.
They then manage to march into the premises - without the cow in tow.
PKR national youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin told reporters that the group came to protest against the case implicating Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and demand the resignation of MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan.
He alleged that the MACC did not investigate or charge former mentri besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo even though he had corruption allegations against him.
Meanwhile, outside the gates of the complex where the MACC office is housed in Putrajaya, activists from an NGO, Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia set fire to four boxes they claimed contained unresolved reports on corruption.
Abdullah refuse claims of crossover offer
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has rubbished claims of crossover offers allegedly made to two Pakatan Rakyat assemblymen here and wants the matter to be put to rest.
“People tend to claim this and that, and make all kinds of assumptions and allegations,” he told a press conference after launching the Malaysia Social Safety Net programme at Arena Square here yesterday.
He was responding to two reports lodged earlier with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) by DAP’s Malim Nawar assemblyman Keshvinder Singh and PKR’s Kuala Kurau assemblyman Abdul Yunus Jamahari, claiming they were offered money and positions to leave their parties.
Keshvinder Singh also claimed that he knew Jelapang assemblyman Hee Yit Foong was made an offer of RM20mil in a private overseas transaction just before Chinese New Year if she left the DAP to become an independent representative.
Abdullah said that when such allegations were made, all sorts of stories surfaced, regardless of how far-fetched they were.
On the impending by-elections in Bukit Gantang, Bukit Selambau and Batang Ai, Abdullah said Barisan Nasional would place equal focus on all three seats.
When asked to comment on Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir not heeding his advice to lodge a police report against Perak Speaker V. Sivakumar for suspending the Barisan state government from the state assembly, Abdullah said: “That is a matter for him to decide.”
Meanwhile, in Ipoh, Keshvinder Singh told reporters after lodging his report that he would make a statutory declaration this week on the identity of the person who made him the RM20mil offer, and other details of the incident.
He said the person, a Chinese newspaper journalist he knew, had met him in Kampar, and tried to confuse him by saying DAP exco members were getting rich with timber concessions.
Keshvinder Singh said that after the conversation, he contacted Hee, urging her not to take up the offer and she had assured that she would not.
He said the man had also claimed that the offer was valid only until Chinese New Year because Pakatan assemblymen would be “crossing over,” but he did not believe him then.
“He said a private jet would take my family overseas, and our comings and goings would not be recorded.
“He also said the public would make noise for one or two months but everything would be okay after three months and I could return,” Keshvinder Singh added.
Abdul Yunus alleged that “Barisan agents” repeatedly tried to get him to cross over.
Abdul Yunus said groups of at least three men met him about 10 times to offer up to RM8mil, positions and timber concessions.
“People tend to claim this and that, and make all kinds of assumptions and allegations,” he told a press conference after launching the Malaysia Social Safety Net programme at Arena Square here yesterday.
He was responding to two reports lodged earlier with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) by DAP’s Malim Nawar assemblyman Keshvinder Singh and PKR’s Kuala Kurau assemblyman Abdul Yunus Jamahari, claiming they were offered money and positions to leave their parties.
Keshvinder Singh also claimed that he knew Jelapang assemblyman Hee Yit Foong was made an offer of RM20mil in a private overseas transaction just before Chinese New Year if she left the DAP to become an independent representative.
Abdullah said that when such allegations were made, all sorts of stories surfaced, regardless of how far-fetched they were.
On the impending by-elections in Bukit Gantang, Bukit Selambau and Batang Ai, Abdullah said Barisan Nasional would place equal focus on all three seats.
When asked to comment on Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir not heeding his advice to lodge a police report against Perak Speaker V. Sivakumar for suspending the Barisan state government from the state assembly, Abdullah said: “That is a matter for him to decide.”
Meanwhile, in Ipoh, Keshvinder Singh told reporters after lodging his report that he would make a statutory declaration this week on the identity of the person who made him the RM20mil offer, and other details of the incident.
He said the person, a Chinese newspaper journalist he knew, had met him in Kampar, and tried to confuse him by saying DAP exco members were getting rich with timber concessions.
Keshvinder Singh said that after the conversation, he contacted Hee, urging her not to take up the offer and she had assured that she would not.
He said the man had also claimed that the offer was valid only until Chinese New Year because Pakatan assemblymen would be “crossing over,” but he did not believe him then.
“He said a private jet would take my family overseas, and our comings and goings would not be recorded.
“He also said the public would make noise for one or two months but everything would be okay after three months and I could return,” Keshvinder Singh added.
Abdul Yunus alleged that “Barisan agents” repeatedly tried to get him to cross over.
Abdul Yunus said groups of at least three men met him about 10 times to offer up to RM8mil, positions and timber concessions.
Banks to cut loan repayments
Banks will reduce loan instalment payments, an exercise that will be completed by the first quarter of this year, the Association of Banks said.
Customers who prefer to retain their repayment amounts need to get in touch with their banks, it said in a statement.
The association said that the move by all commercial banks to cut instalment amounts follows the request by the Government to help borrowers facing difficult economic times.
“Lower monthly loan repayments will allow for more disposable income to be in the hands of the public and we reaffirm our member banks’ commitment to continue to be reasonable as well as responsive to the public’s needs,” it said in a statement yesterday.
The association said the move to reduce repayments was now possible following Bank Negara’s announcement of the reduction in the Overnight Policy Rate on Tuesday.
That move would bring about the reduction in the base lending rates of banks.
With the reduction, the association said all commercial banks had agreed to cut loan repayment amounts across the board and maintain the original repayment period.
However, it said borrowers also had the option of maintaining their monthly instalment amounts and have a shorter repayment period.
The association said borrowers could consult their banks’ hotlines if they have queries on the proposed revision and other facilities.
The hotlines are published at the association’s website www.abm.org.my.
Customers can also call the association’s toll-free service ABMConnect at 1-300-88-9980.
Customers who prefer to retain their repayment amounts need to get in touch with their banks, it said in a statement.
The association said that the move by all commercial banks to cut instalment amounts follows the request by the Government to help borrowers facing difficult economic times.
“Lower monthly loan repayments will allow for more disposable income to be in the hands of the public and we reaffirm our member banks’ commitment to continue to be reasonable as well as responsive to the public’s needs,” it said in a statement yesterday.
The association said the move to reduce repayments was now possible following Bank Negara’s announcement of the reduction in the Overnight Policy Rate on Tuesday.
That move would bring about the reduction in the base lending rates of banks.
With the reduction, the association said all commercial banks had agreed to cut loan repayment amounts across the board and maintain the original repayment period.
However, it said borrowers also had the option of maintaining their monthly instalment amounts and have a shorter repayment period.
The association said borrowers could consult their banks’ hotlines if they have queries on the proposed revision and other facilities.
The hotlines are published at the association’s website www.abm.org.my.
Customers can also call the association’s toll-free service ABMConnect at 1-300-88-9980.
Anwar fails to stop trial from being moved to High Court
PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim suffered a setback when he failed to stop the prosecution from pursuing a revision to have his sodomy trial moved to the High Court.
The High Court yesterday dismissed Anwar’s preliminary objection against the prosecution’s application to have the Court revise the Sessions Court’s decision to hear Anwar’s case at the higher court.
Justice Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah, in delivering his decision, said under the Criminal Procedure Code, the High Court had the power to revise a decision of a subordinate court, and that the preliminary objection was premature.
“The preliminary objection is dismissed,” he said, adding that the prosecution could present their submissions on their revision application.
Anwar is on trial for allegedly sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan in Bukit Damansara on June 26, last year.
On Nov 7, Sessions Court Judge S.M. Komathy Suppiah ruled that a transfer certificate signed by Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail was invalid.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had earlier given an assurance that Abdul Gani and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan would not be involved in Anwar’s second sodomy trial because Anwar claimed they had tampered with the evidence in his first sodomy trial 11 years ago.
However, Solicitor-General II Datuk Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden submitted that the Sessions Court had refused to transfer the case despite the law clearly stating that the Attorney-General had the power to transfer cases.
To make it worse, he said, the Sessions Court had conferred on an application that the Attorney-General’s certificate was not valid, which is beyond her (Komathy’s) jurisdiction.
In his rebuttal, Anwar’s lead counsel Sulaiman Abdullah said the Attorney-General held office at the pleasure of the Agong, which meant that he was subordinate to the executive.
“The Prime Minister was under urge to take executive action against the Attorney-General by promising that he would not be involved.
“This is not a normal case. The validity of the certificate is questioned not because of lack of power but because the person who signed it has been disqualified,” he argued.
Earlier, Sulaiman withdrew the application to disqualify Mohd Yusof Zainal from the case, after the latter filed an affidavit stating that he had never seen Anwar’s investigation papers on the “black-eye” incident 11 years ago.
On Feb 5, Anwar applied to the High Court to disqualify Mohd Yusof, claiming he was involved in the “black-eye” case as he was a representative for the Attorney-General Chambers then.
Sulaiman said that based on the affidavit, the defence no longer had grounds to disqualify the Solicitor-General.
The High Court yesterday dismissed Anwar’s preliminary objection against the prosecution’s application to have the Court revise the Sessions Court’s decision to hear Anwar’s case at the higher court.
Justice Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah, in delivering his decision, said under the Criminal Procedure Code, the High Court had the power to revise a decision of a subordinate court, and that the preliminary objection was premature.
“The preliminary objection is dismissed,” he said, adding that the prosecution could present their submissions on their revision application.
Anwar is on trial for allegedly sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan in Bukit Damansara on June 26, last year.
On Nov 7, Sessions Court Judge S.M. Komathy Suppiah ruled that a transfer certificate signed by Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail was invalid.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had earlier given an assurance that Abdul Gani and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan would not be involved in Anwar’s second sodomy trial because Anwar claimed they had tampered with the evidence in his first sodomy trial 11 years ago.
However, Solicitor-General II Datuk Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden submitted that the Sessions Court had refused to transfer the case despite the law clearly stating that the Attorney-General had the power to transfer cases.
To make it worse, he said, the Sessions Court had conferred on an application that the Attorney-General’s certificate was not valid, which is beyond her (Komathy’s) jurisdiction.
In his rebuttal, Anwar’s lead counsel Sulaiman Abdullah said the Attorney-General held office at the pleasure of the Agong, which meant that he was subordinate to the executive.
“The Prime Minister was under urge to take executive action against the Attorney-General by promising that he would not be involved.
“This is not a normal case. The validity of the certificate is questioned not because of lack of power but because the person who signed it has been disqualified,” he argued.
Earlier, Sulaiman withdrew the application to disqualify Mohd Yusof Zainal from the case, after the latter filed an affidavit stating that he had never seen Anwar’s investigation papers on the “black-eye” incident 11 years ago.
On Feb 5, Anwar applied to the High Court to disqualify Mohd Yusof, claiming he was involved in the “black-eye” case as he was a representative for the Attorney-General Chambers then.
Sulaiman said that based on the affidavit, the defence no longer had grounds to disqualify the Solicitor-General.
Updates on JC
Updates:- Judicial Commissioner Justice Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof has recused himself from hearing the judicial review filed by former Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin challenging the validity of his successor’s appointment, saying he made the decision based on the principles of justice.
“The primary concern must be that justice must manifestly be seen to be done,” he said.
Justice Mohamad Ariff noted that his involvement would court controversy “whether rightly or wrongly”.
He said his decision was not an outcome or a reaction against adverse comments on blogsites or certain sections of the mainstream media.
“It will be a sorry day for the judiciary if a judge’s conduct has to be conditioned by these extraneous factors, since they will fetter the independence of the judiciary unduly,” he said.
Justice Mohamad Ariff noted that case laws did not point in a clear and consistent direction on the “real danger of bias” test.
“The pragmatic problem is this - how is a judge in my position to decide objectively that there is a real danger or possibility of bias if I am to proceed to hear the case?
“In a sense, being objective means I should opt in favour of the presumption of impartiality, and a conviction that my constitutional duty and oath requires me to discharge my functions impartially,” he said.
“In any event, there are other judges in the Appellate and Special Powers Division who are be equally qualified to hear this case.”
He explained that the file was assigned to him not by choice or upon his request but as a normal incidence of case management in the division.
On his earlier suggestions to the parties to refer the case directly to the Federal Court under Section 84 of the Courts of Judicature Act and Article 63 of the Perak State Constitution, he said:
“This case will have the immediate benefit of a plurality of judges at the highest level.”
The judicial commissioner had expressed his views to the parties last week that he was considering recusing himself from hearing the judicial review due to his previous active involvement as an adviser and counsel for PAS and PKR in number of matters.
The judge had also been a member of PAS with party positions at branch, division and state levels and had contested in the 2004 general elections for a state constituency as a PAS candidate.
He also informed the parties that he had acted for a Barisan Nasional candidate in an election petition in Sarawak and asked their opinion over the matter.
In the suit filed on Feb 13, Nizar, a PAS member, challenged the legitimacy of his successor Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and the new state government.
On his previous involvement in the political process, Justice Mohamad Ariff said this:
“It was an exercise of a legitimate political choice as a citizen, which properly speaking should not have an immediate bearing on my impartiality as a judicial commissioner to hear this case, since all judges and judicial commissioners are duty bound to discharge their function justly and impartially, and to uphold the constitution,” he said.
Later, Nizar, who was represented by lead counsel Sulaiman Abdullah, said he would abide by the decision and have confidence that the application would be heard by another judge in a fair manner.
“The primary concern must be that justice must manifestly be seen to be done,” he said.
Justice Mohamad Ariff noted that his involvement would court controversy “whether rightly or wrongly”.
He said his decision was not an outcome or a reaction against adverse comments on blogsites or certain sections of the mainstream media.
“It will be a sorry day for the judiciary if a judge’s conduct has to be conditioned by these extraneous factors, since they will fetter the independence of the judiciary unduly,” he said.
Justice Mohamad Ariff noted that case laws did not point in a clear and consistent direction on the “real danger of bias” test.
“The pragmatic problem is this - how is a judge in my position to decide objectively that there is a real danger or possibility of bias if I am to proceed to hear the case?
“In a sense, being objective means I should opt in favour of the presumption of impartiality, and a conviction that my constitutional duty and oath requires me to discharge my functions impartially,” he said.
“In any event, there are other judges in the Appellate and Special Powers Division who are be equally qualified to hear this case.”
He explained that the file was assigned to him not by choice or upon his request but as a normal incidence of case management in the division.
On his earlier suggestions to the parties to refer the case directly to the Federal Court under Section 84 of the Courts of Judicature Act and Article 63 of the Perak State Constitution, he said:
“This case will have the immediate benefit of a plurality of judges at the highest level.”
The judicial commissioner had expressed his views to the parties last week that he was considering recusing himself from hearing the judicial review due to his previous active involvement as an adviser and counsel for PAS and PKR in number of matters.
The judge had also been a member of PAS with party positions at branch, division and state levels and had contested in the 2004 general elections for a state constituency as a PAS candidate.
He also informed the parties that he had acted for a Barisan Nasional candidate in an election petition in Sarawak and asked their opinion over the matter.
In the suit filed on Feb 13, Nizar, a PAS member, challenged the legitimacy of his successor Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and the new state government.
On his previous involvement in the political process, Justice Mohamad Ariff said this:
“It was an exercise of a legitimate political choice as a citizen, which properly speaking should not have an immediate bearing on my impartiality as a judicial commissioner to hear this case, since all judges and judicial commissioners are duty bound to discharge their function justly and impartially, and to uphold the constitution,” he said.
Later, Nizar, who was represented by lead counsel Sulaiman Abdullah, said he would abide by the decision and have confidence that the application would be heard by another judge in a fair manner.
Updates on Eli: S’gor Sultan leaves it to MB
Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor is above politics and will leave it to Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim to decide the fate of his exco member Elizabeth Wong, who is now abroad, over a photo scandal.
The Sultan’s private secretary Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani said the Sultan believed that whatever decision Khalid was going make, it would be done accurately, fairly and with wisdom.
He added that the decision would take into consideration the interest of the people of the state.
He said this in a statement released after Khalid had an audience with the Sultan at Istana Mestika at 8.23am Tuesday.
He said Sultan Sharafuddin was concerned of late over cases of privacy rights intrusions being used to destroy a person’s dignity and reputation.
The Sultan also felt sad that a person’s private was being made through the use of the mass media and that he hoped that Wong would remain calm and be patient and continue with her life.
Wong tendered her resignation as exco member and PKR's Bukit Lanjan assemblyman recently, after some compromising photos of her were sent to the media.
The state and PKR have yet to accept her resignation and Khalid had said last week that the decision to accept or reject Wong’s resignation would be made only after an audience with the Sultan.
Currently, Wong is on leave overseas pending the decision.
The full press statement by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, over the controversy involving Bukit Lanjan state assemblyman Elizabeth Wong, issued by his private secretary, Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani
“I am pleased to inform that Yang Amat Berhormat Tan Sri Dato’ Abdul Khalid Bin Ibrahim, the Dato’ Mentri Besar Selangor has sought an audience with His Royal Highness, The Sultan of Selangor, on Wednesday, 25th February 2009 and duly informed His Royal Highness on the political development and the issue which involved Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong Keat Ping, the Selangor State Assemblyman for Bukit Lanjan who is also the State Selangor Exco Member.
His Royal Highness, The Sultan of Selangor, has commanded me to inform that His Royal Highness could not offer any guidance or advice to the Yang Berhormat Dato’ Menteri Besar of Selangor in the matter related to the issue of Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong Keat Ping as it was still under police investigation and it involved her political position. It is His Royal Highness’ stance as the Sultan of Selangor to be above politics.
His Royal Highness believes that whatever decision that is going to be made by the Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Mentri Besar of Selangor will made with accurateness, fair and with wisdom by taking into consideration the interest of the Rakyat in particular and the State of Selangor generally. His Royal Highness is upset and worried as of late the intrusion of someone’s privacy and private rights was being used to destroy one’s dignity and reputation. It is a sad thing as one’s life and private rights were being made public and subject to public scrutiny by publicising in the mass media.
To Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong, His Royal Highness felt sad and sympathised with her as to the unfortunate event she had suffered and hoped that Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong will remain calm and be patient in continuing with her life henceforth.”
Dato’ Haji Mohamad Munir bin Bani Dato’ Lela Bakti Private Secretary to His Royal Highness The Sultan Of Selangor
The Sultan’s private secretary Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani said the Sultan believed that whatever decision Khalid was going make, it would be done accurately, fairly and with wisdom.
He added that the decision would take into consideration the interest of the people of the state.
He said this in a statement released after Khalid had an audience with the Sultan at Istana Mestika at 8.23am Tuesday.
He said Sultan Sharafuddin was concerned of late over cases of privacy rights intrusions being used to destroy a person’s dignity and reputation.
The Sultan also felt sad that a person’s private was being made through the use of the mass media and that he hoped that Wong would remain calm and be patient and continue with her life.
Wong tendered her resignation as exco member and PKR's Bukit Lanjan assemblyman recently, after some compromising photos of her were sent to the media.
The state and PKR have yet to accept her resignation and Khalid had said last week that the decision to accept or reject Wong’s resignation would be made only after an audience with the Sultan.
Currently, Wong is on leave overseas pending the decision.
The full press statement by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, over the controversy involving Bukit Lanjan state assemblyman Elizabeth Wong, issued by his private secretary, Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani
“I am pleased to inform that Yang Amat Berhormat Tan Sri Dato’ Abdul Khalid Bin Ibrahim, the Dato’ Mentri Besar Selangor has sought an audience with His Royal Highness, The Sultan of Selangor, on Wednesday, 25th February 2009 and duly informed His Royal Highness on the political development and the issue which involved Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong Keat Ping, the Selangor State Assemblyman for Bukit Lanjan who is also the State Selangor Exco Member.
His Royal Highness, The Sultan of Selangor, has commanded me to inform that His Royal Highness could not offer any guidance or advice to the Yang Berhormat Dato’ Menteri Besar of Selangor in the matter related to the issue of Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong Keat Ping as it was still under police investigation and it involved her political position. It is His Royal Highness’ stance as the Sultan of Selangor to be above politics.
His Royal Highness believes that whatever decision that is going to be made by the Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Mentri Besar of Selangor will made with accurateness, fair and with wisdom by taking into consideration the interest of the Rakyat in particular and the State of Selangor generally. His Royal Highness is upset and worried as of late the intrusion of someone’s privacy and private rights was being used to destroy one’s dignity and reputation. It is a sad thing as one’s life and private rights were being made public and subject to public scrutiny by publicising in the mass media.
To Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong, His Royal Highness felt sad and sympathised with her as to the unfortunate event she had suffered and hoped that Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong will remain calm and be patient in continuing with her life henceforth.”
Dato’ Haji Mohamad Munir bin Bani Dato’ Lela Bakti Private Secretary to His Royal Highness The Sultan Of Selangor
Perak MB Zambry and excos surrender holiday allowances
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and his six exco members are surrendering their RM20,000 annual holiday allowances back to the state in view of the current economic situation.
Dr Zambry said the decision was made unanimously following the state exco meeting at the district office here on Wednesday.
“We feel that it is inappropriate to use the money just to go on a holiday, especially during these difficult times.
“We want to put the money to better use like helping those in need,” he told reporters after chairing the meeting.
During the previous administration, the Pakatan Rakyat government had approved a RM20,000 annual allocation as holiday allowances for each exco member, the mentri besar and all ex officios.
Dr Zambry said this year’s allocation would be surrendered back to the state government immediately.
On a separate matter, the mentri besar said that unlike previously, state exco meetings would be held in different district offices every week.
“This is so that we can do down to the ground and meet the people,” he said.
Dr Zambry said the decision was made unanimously following the state exco meeting at the district office here on Wednesday.
“We feel that it is inappropriate to use the money just to go on a holiday, especially during these difficult times.
“We want to put the money to better use like helping those in need,” he told reporters after chairing the meeting.
During the previous administration, the Pakatan Rakyat government had approved a RM20,000 annual allocation as holiday allowances for each exco member, the mentri besar and all ex officios.
Dr Zambry said this year’s allocation would be surrendered back to the state government immediately.
On a separate matter, the mentri besar said that unlike previously, state exco meetings would be held in different district offices every week.
“This is so that we can do down to the ground and meet the people,” he said.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
High Court Judicial Commissioner on own recuses mission
High Court Judicial Commissioner Justice Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof recused himself on Wednesday from hearing a judicial review filed by former Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.
Justice Mohamad Ariff said other judges were equally qualified to hear the judicial review.
Justice Mohamad Ariff said other judges were equally qualified to hear the judicial review.
Anwar withdraws application to disqualify Solicitor-General II
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s lawyer, Sulaiman Abdullah on Wednesday withdrew his application to disqualify Solicitor-General II Datuk Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden from prosecuting the PKR de facto leader’s sodomy trial.
Sulaiman initially said Mohd Yusof was involved in Anwar’s “black eye” case 11 years ago.
However, Mohd Yusof submitted an affidavit saying he never saw the investigation papers then.
On Feb 5, Anwar applied to a High Court here to disqualify Mohd Yusof from conducting the prosecution of his sodomy trial.
Anwar also wanted the court to disqualify Mohd Yusof from handling a revision application against a Sessions’ Court judge’s decision to retain his sodomy trial at the lower court.
Sulaiman had said that the grounds for the disqualification application was that Mohd Yusof was involved in the proceedings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry that investigated Anwar’s ‘’black-eye’’ incident in 1998, adding that Mohd Yusof had represented the Attorney-General Chambers.
He asked for two weeks adjournment for both parties to exchange affidavits and prepare written submissions for the court.
Mohd Yusof, who was then the Attorney-General Chambers’ prosecution unit chief, said he was prepared to submit over the preliminary objections raised by the defence on their revision application.
Sulaiman initially said Mohd Yusof was involved in Anwar’s “black eye” case 11 years ago.
However, Mohd Yusof submitted an affidavit saying he never saw the investigation papers then.
On Feb 5, Anwar applied to a High Court here to disqualify Mohd Yusof from conducting the prosecution of his sodomy trial.
Anwar also wanted the court to disqualify Mohd Yusof from handling a revision application against a Sessions’ Court judge’s decision to retain his sodomy trial at the lower court.
Sulaiman had said that the grounds for the disqualification application was that Mohd Yusof was involved in the proceedings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry that investigated Anwar’s ‘’black-eye’’ incident in 1998, adding that Mohd Yusof had represented the Attorney-General Chambers.
He asked for two weeks adjournment for both parties to exchange affidavits and prepare written submissions for the court.
Mohd Yusof, who was then the Attorney-General Chambers’ prosecution unit chief, said he was prepared to submit over the preliminary objections raised by the defence on their revision application.
Want a place in varsity? Spend more money!!!!
Students who want to apply for a place in public universities (IPTA) must acquire a unique ID number to carry out applications.
From March 3, they can buy the number for between RM10.60 and RM15.60 at Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN).
Giving details yesterday, Higher Education Department director-general Datuk P rof Radin Umar Radin Sohadi said each applicant would be given up to three chances to make changes on applications before the closing date.
“Online applications have been open for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) and Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) leavers since Feb 3 and it will close 10 working days after the public examination results have been released,” he said.
The results of the applications will be out on May 1 and June 19 for SPM and STPM leavers respectively.
Applicants have to confirm their choice of university and course within seven days upon knowing the results. Appeals can be made online within 10 days.
This year, there will be about 40,500 places available at IPTAs for students who sat for STPM, Matriculation or the equivalent, and 28,000 places available for SPM leavers.
“Up to Feb 24, we’ve had a total of 139,207 applications, which is the highest so far,” said Prof Radin Umar.
He said students and parents should attend the National Higher Education Carnival East Zone, to be held in Universiti Malaysia Pahang from Feb 28 to March 1, if they would like to meet counsellors.
Information regarding the application process, status, and forms can be downloaded and read on http:// upu.mohe.gov.my.
From March 3, they can buy the number for between RM10.60 and RM15.60 at Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN).
Giving details yesterday, Higher Education Department director-general Datuk P rof Radin Umar Radin Sohadi said each applicant would be given up to three chances to make changes on applications before the closing date.
“Online applications have been open for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) and Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) leavers since Feb 3 and it will close 10 working days after the public examination results have been released,” he said.
The results of the applications will be out on May 1 and June 19 for SPM and STPM leavers respectively.
Applicants have to confirm their choice of university and course within seven days upon knowing the results. Appeals can be made online within 10 days.
This year, there will be about 40,500 places available at IPTAs for students who sat for STPM, Matriculation or the equivalent, and 28,000 places available for SPM leavers.
“Up to Feb 24, we’ve had a total of 139,207 applications, which is the highest so far,” said Prof Radin Umar.
He said students and parents should attend the National Higher Education Carnival East Zone, to be held in Universiti Malaysia Pahang from Feb 28 to March 1, if they would like to meet counsellors.
Information regarding the application process, status, and forms can be downloaded and read on http:// upu.mohe.gov.my.
Circuit faults slow down Internet
Streamyx broadband users will have to bear with sluggish surfing speeds until March 5 due to technical problems, according to a statement by Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM).
The statement said there has been a disruption of TM’s Internet services since Feb 18 due to circuit faults on the Asia Pacific Cable Network 2 (APCN2) between Malaysia and the United States.
Due to this, customers using Internet services may now experience slow browsing while accessing content hosted in the United States, said the statement.
Additionally, customers using Internet Protocol services such as Virtual Private Network (VPN) and other critical business applications linked to the United States may also experience some service degradation.
The statement said there has been a disruption of TM’s Internet services since Feb 18 due to circuit faults on the Asia Pacific Cable Network 2 (APCN2) between Malaysia and the United States.
Due to this, customers using Internet services may now experience slow browsing while accessing content hosted in the United States, said the statement.
Additionally, customers using Internet Protocol services such as Virtual Private Network (VPN) and other critical business applications linked to the United States may also experience some service degradation.
To alleviate the problem and ease the congestion, some links have been rerouted, TM said.
So called the best Internet service provider in Malaysia.....
What London trip?
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir has denied that Umno has sent representatives to London to seek a Queen’s Counsel advice on the situation in Perak.
“None. Who went to London? I am here,” he said, adding that he had been carrying out his duties as Mentri Besar as usual.
Dr Zambry was asked about the reported London trip by lawyers on behalf of him and his six exco members to seek opinions from a QC over their suspension from the state assembly by the Perak Speaker.
Dr Zambry also said he had identified a few names as potential candidate for the Bukit Gantang by-election.
He said there was still time to submit the names for the leadership’s consideration.
“We must really look at the background of the candidate this time around,” he said. He added that the candidate “has to be popular and has to be acceptable to the people”.
Asked when he intended to move into the Perak Mentri Besar’s official residence as former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin and his family had moved out on Sunday, Dr Zambry said it was not important.
He said he wanted to carry out his duties “without any distraction”.
“None. Who went to London? I am here,” he said, adding that he had been carrying out his duties as Mentri Besar as usual.
Dr Zambry was asked about the reported London trip by lawyers on behalf of him and his six exco members to seek opinions from a QC over their suspension from the state assembly by the Perak Speaker.
Dr Zambry also said he had identified a few names as potential candidate for the Bukit Gantang by-election.
He said there was still time to submit the names for the leadership’s consideration.
“We must really look at the background of the candidate this time around,” he said. He added that the candidate “has to be popular and has to be acceptable to the people”.
Asked when he intended to move into the Perak Mentri Besar’s official residence as former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin and his family had moved out on Sunday, Dr Zambry said it was not important.
He said he wanted to carry out his duties “without any distraction”.
Fuel Rebate to end soon
The cash rebate system for vehicles under 2,000cc, which was implemented in June last year, will end on March 31, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad confirmed.
He said this was because the cash rebate system had completed its one-year cycle, which was the initial plan.
“March 31 is the last date. We will end it in March,” he told reporters after launching the Malaysian Products are Our Choice, and Buy Malaysian Products Campaign here yesterday.
Buy Malaysian: Shahrir showing off some products at Setiawangsa Jusco in Kuala Lumpur Tuesday.
The campaign will last until March 1. “Whoever has yet to collect their cash rebates, please do so,” he added.
On the Government’s plans for future subsidies, and if the cash rebate system would be implemented again, Shahrir replied: “I don’t think we’ll be using this method of subsidising again, because I see that Malaysians prefer subsidised pump prices.
“They seem to prefer lower pump prices rather than having money given out to them,” he said, adding that about RM5bil would have been disbursed by March.
He also said the Government planned to set the value of RON95 petrol at RM1.70 when it is introduced in the middle of this year. “We want to give consumers good value for their money. Now you’re paying RM1.70 for RON92, we’re planning to give RM1.70 for RON 95 as well.
“So you get better quality petrol at the same price as RON 92. RON 97 will still be there too, but we haven’t decided on the pricing,” he said.
He said this was because the cash rebate system had completed its one-year cycle, which was the initial plan.
“March 31 is the last date. We will end it in March,” he told reporters after launching the Malaysian Products are Our Choice, and Buy Malaysian Products Campaign here yesterday.
Buy Malaysian: Shahrir showing off some products at Setiawangsa Jusco in Kuala Lumpur Tuesday.
The campaign will last until March 1. “Whoever has yet to collect their cash rebates, please do so,” he added.
On the Government’s plans for future subsidies, and if the cash rebate system would be implemented again, Shahrir replied: “I don’t think we’ll be using this method of subsidising again, because I see that Malaysians prefer subsidised pump prices.
“They seem to prefer lower pump prices rather than having money given out to them,” he said, adding that about RM5bil would have been disbursed by March.
He also said the Government planned to set the value of RON95 petrol at RM1.70 when it is introduced in the middle of this year. “We want to give consumers good value for their money. Now you’re paying RM1.70 for RON92, we’re planning to give RM1.70 for RON 95 as well.
“So you get better quality petrol at the same price as RON 92. RON 97 will still be there too, but we haven’t decided on the pricing,” he said.
MCA to revisit history
Those attending the MCA’s 60th anniversary celebrations can expect an event that will provide them with an insight into the party’s history and milestones.
MCA information and communication bureau chief Lee Wei Kiat said the celebrations, themed 60 Years of Building Dreams: A Lifelong Commitment to Service, would bring its audience back to the day when the party was formed to help the Chinese.
“We will go down memory lane and we will even show the ‘downs’ we went through, including the May 13 incident and the March 8 general election.
“At the same time, we will also encourage members to look forward to the future,” Lee said in an interview.
He said there would be a video showing the party working closely with other races for the betterment of the country.
He added that the event, which would be held on March 1, would also feature programmes that involved different races. “One of them will be the welcoming dance by performers of various races,” he said. Lee said MCA would also invite members from Barisan Nasional component parties to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
“Previously, we only had members, party veterans and the Chinese community.
“But this time, we want others from the Barisan coalition to share our happiness, too.”
Another highlight of the celebrations, he said, was a short film that would tell the stories of veteran members who joined the party when it was founded in 1949.
“By looking back at what they have done for the MCA, it will help encourage our members to continue the party’s struggle,” he said
MCA information and communication bureau chief Lee Wei Kiat said the celebrations, themed 60 Years of Building Dreams: A Lifelong Commitment to Service, would bring its audience back to the day when the party was formed to help the Chinese.
“We will go down memory lane and we will even show the ‘downs’ we went through, including the May 13 incident and the March 8 general election.
“At the same time, we will also encourage members to look forward to the future,” Lee said in an interview.
He said there would be a video showing the party working closely with other races for the betterment of the country.
He added that the event, which would be held on March 1, would also feature programmes that involved different races. “One of them will be the welcoming dance by performers of various races,” he said. Lee said MCA would also invite members from Barisan Nasional component parties to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
“Previously, we only had members, party veterans and the Chinese community.
“But this time, we want others from the Barisan coalition to share our happiness, too.”
Another highlight of the celebrations, he said, was a short film that would tell the stories of veteran members who joined the party when it was founded in 1949.
“By looking back at what they have done for the MCA, it will help encourage our members to continue the party’s struggle,” he said
Batang Ai the biggest test for PR
The up-coming Batang Ai by-election will be a litmus test for PKR to gauge the extent of its support in rural Sarawak.
“Things have now changed because there is a rising expectation among Sarawakians that there must be a change in government,” said the party’s Padungan assemblyman Dominique Ng Kim Ho.
He said that although Pakatan Rakyat was well accepted by urban voters, the by-election would be a crucial test for the opposition alliance in rural Sarawak.
PKR, which has set up divisions in most of the state’s 31 parliamentary constituencies, claims it recruited tens of thousands of rural electorate, most of whom are natives, after last year’s parliamentary election.
The Batang Ai by-election will be held following the death of State Assistant Minister of Sports Dublin Unting, yesterday. Ng said the candidacy for the by-election was expected to be discussed at the PKR special meeting for Sarawak in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
He added that PKR had at least two strong potential candidates for the by-election – former Lubok Antu MP Jawah Gerang and PKR Lubok Antu divison pro tem chairman Nicholas Bawin.
Batang Ai is one of the state seats in the Lubok Antu parliamentary constituency. About 95% of the electorate in Batang Ai is Iban, most of them farmers.
Jawah, a five-term Lubok Antu MP, did not contest in last year’s parliamentary election. He recently joined PKR, together with his supporters. He was formerly in the now-defunct Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS), a former Barisan Nasional component party.
Bawin, a former Sarawak National Party (SNAP) vice-president, has contested twice in Batang Ai. In the last state elections in 2006, he secured 2,489 votes, losing to Unting by 806 votes in a straight fight.
Bawin stood as an independent in Lubok Antu in last year’s general election, obtaining 5,159 votes but lost to Barisan’s William Nyallau, who polled 6,769 votes.
Bawin, who hails from the Nanga Tutong longhouse in Batang Ai, said he would leave it to the PKR leadership to decide on whether he should contest.
Meanwhile, SNAP president Edwin Dundang said: “Batang Ai is still part of our agenda. Now is the opportunity to recover the seat from Barisan.”
SNAP has worked closely with PKR and DAP in past elections.
“Things have now changed because there is a rising expectation among Sarawakians that there must be a change in government,” said the party’s Padungan assemblyman Dominique Ng Kim Ho.
He said that although Pakatan Rakyat was well accepted by urban voters, the by-election would be a crucial test for the opposition alliance in rural Sarawak.
PKR, which has set up divisions in most of the state’s 31 parliamentary constituencies, claims it recruited tens of thousands of rural electorate, most of whom are natives, after last year’s parliamentary election.
The Batang Ai by-election will be held following the death of State Assistant Minister of Sports Dublin Unting, yesterday. Ng said the candidacy for the by-election was expected to be discussed at the PKR special meeting for Sarawak in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
He added that PKR had at least two strong potential candidates for the by-election – former Lubok Antu MP Jawah Gerang and PKR Lubok Antu divison pro tem chairman Nicholas Bawin.
Batang Ai is one of the state seats in the Lubok Antu parliamentary constituency. About 95% of the electorate in Batang Ai is Iban, most of them farmers.
Jawah, a five-term Lubok Antu MP, did not contest in last year’s parliamentary election. He recently joined PKR, together with his supporters. He was formerly in the now-defunct Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS), a former Barisan Nasional component party.
Bawin, a former Sarawak National Party (SNAP) vice-president, has contested twice in Batang Ai. In the last state elections in 2006, he secured 2,489 votes, losing to Unting by 806 votes in a straight fight.
Bawin stood as an independent in Lubok Antu in last year’s general election, obtaining 5,159 votes but lost to Barisan’s William Nyallau, who polled 6,769 votes.
Bawin, who hails from the Nanga Tutong longhouse in Batang Ai, said he would leave it to the PKR leadership to decide on whether he should contest.
Meanwhile, SNAP president Edwin Dundang said: “Batang Ai is still part of our agenda. Now is the opportunity to recover the seat from Barisan.”
SNAP has worked closely with PKR and DAP in past elections.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Braking News Batang Ai rep dies
Batang Ai state assemblyman Datuk Dublin Unting Ingkot passed away at 1.25am due to stroke.
Dublin, also Sarawak Assistant Minister for Agriculture, 55, was reported to have suffered the stroke after attending a radio interview with RTM in March last year.
Making way for another By-election.... Hope's coming to Pakatan
New name to cover up evrything
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), which came into effect on Jan 1, will be officially unveiled by Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today.
The event will be the culmination of the Prime Minister’s efforts to reform the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) and boost the fight against corruption.
The MACC, modelled after the much respected and feared Independent Commission Against Corruption of Hong Kong, has replaced the 41-year-old ACA.
In its bid to enhance effectiveness, the MACC has also set up the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board, the Special Committee on Corruption and the Complaints Committee. Today’s event will also see the naming of the members who will make up the three bodies.
The seven-member board are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Prime Minister.
The members, who will serve a three-year term, are persons of integrity and who had rendered distinguished public services. They will not hold office for over two terms. The board will advise the commission on corruption in Malaysia including its eradication policies and strategies.
The Special Committee will advise the Prime Minister on corruption in the country and its seven members, also appointed by the King, will not be members of the administration but be drawn from the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The event will be the culmination of the Prime Minister’s efforts to reform the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) and boost the fight against corruption.
The MACC, modelled after the much respected and feared Independent Commission Against Corruption of Hong Kong, has replaced the 41-year-old ACA.
In its bid to enhance effectiveness, the MACC has also set up the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board, the Special Committee on Corruption and the Complaints Committee. Today’s event will also see the naming of the members who will make up the three bodies.
The seven-member board are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Prime Minister.
The members, who will serve a three-year term, are persons of integrity and who had rendered distinguished public services. They will not hold office for over two terms. The board will advise the commission on corruption in Malaysia including its eradication policies and strategies.
The Special Committee will advise the Prime Minister on corruption in the country and its seven members, also appointed by the King, will not be members of the administration but be drawn from the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Chua's Nightmare
Police are now investigating the sex DVD involving former health minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek for an unnatural sex act.
Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar, when contacted, confirmed Dr Chua was called in to have his statement recorded pertaining to the video clip.
He said: “We are investigating the case under Section 292 of the Penal Code for distribution and possession of pornographic material and Section 377A for carnal intercourse against the order of nature.”
Police recorded a statement from Dr Chua at the district police headquarters here in connection with his sex DVD, which was left in a postbox recently.
On Feb 11, a 51-year-old man from Kelana Jaya found the DVD inside an envelope in his postbox when he returned home.
The man was shocked to find pornographic content and then lodged a report at the Kelana Jaya police station.
Dr Chua, clad in blue shirt and black pants, arrived at the headquarters at about 10.30am and left an hour later yesterday.
When asked, he said his presence at the headquarters was to meet an old friend.
“Can’t I even come to the police station? I’m here just to see an old friend of mine. Must there be a reason before I’m allowed to come to the police station?” he asked reporters.
He also refuted claims he was there to have his statement recorded.
However, Dr Chua, in a later statement, said he went to the station to identify a video clip, following a report made by a man.
He stated that he told the police the video clip was similar to the one he identified in January last year.
Dr Chua claimed there was an attempt by some parties to continue to discredit, threaten and cow him into silence.
Dr Chua, who admitted to being the one featured in the sex video clip, resigned from all party and government posts on Jan 2, last year, following the revelation and circulation of the video clip in Johor.
He has since returned to politics, after winning the MCA deputy president’s post late last year.
Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar, when contacted, confirmed Dr Chua was called in to have his statement recorded pertaining to the video clip.
He said: “We are investigating the case under Section 292 of the Penal Code for distribution and possession of pornographic material and Section 377A for carnal intercourse against the order of nature.”
Police recorded a statement from Dr Chua at the district police headquarters here in connection with his sex DVD, which was left in a postbox recently.
On Feb 11, a 51-year-old man from Kelana Jaya found the DVD inside an envelope in his postbox when he returned home.
The man was shocked to find pornographic content and then lodged a report at the Kelana Jaya police station.
Dr Chua, clad in blue shirt and black pants, arrived at the headquarters at about 10.30am and left an hour later yesterday.
When asked, he said his presence at the headquarters was to meet an old friend.
“Can’t I even come to the police station? I’m here just to see an old friend of mine. Must there be a reason before I’m allowed to come to the police station?” he asked reporters.
He also refuted claims he was there to have his statement recorded.
However, Dr Chua, in a later statement, said he went to the station to identify a video clip, following a report made by a man.
He stated that he told the police the video clip was similar to the one he identified in January last year.
Dr Chua claimed there was an attempt by some parties to continue to discredit, threaten and cow him into silence.
Dr Chua, who admitted to being the one featured in the sex video clip, resigned from all party and government posts on Jan 2, last year, following the revelation and circulation of the video clip in Johor.
He has since returned to politics, after winning the MCA deputy president’s post late last year.
No toll at Salak Jaya
The Salak Jaya toll (south-bound) is set to be abolished today, according to a notice from the Malaysian Highway Authority, It will be the second toll abolition in just 11 days.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed will officiate the ceremony to abolish the toll today.
The toll is operated by Besraya (M) Sdn Bhd and has been in operation since April 1999, according to the concessionaire’s website.
The Salak Jaya toll forms part of the Sungai Besi Highway and users are charged RM1.30 for passing through.
With the removal of the toll, only north-bound users into Kuala Lumpur will have to pay toll.
This will be the second toll to be abolished recently. The toll at PJS2 (Kuala Lumpur-bound) of the New Pantai Expressway was abolished on Feb 13.
Mohd Zin said then that the toll was abolished due to a Cabinet decision after his ministry submitted a memorandum to abolish the toll.
He said removing the toll was meant to soften the effects of economic uncertainties for the residents of PJS1 and 2, who had to pay RM1.60 toll every time they drove towards Kuala Lumpur since April 2004.
Efforts to get Besraya, its parent company IJM, or the Malaysian Highway Authority for comments were futile as they said Mohd Zin would be the one explaining the toll abolition.
It is understood, however, that it was due to a recent Cabinet decision.
Ways and tricks done for by-election..... what a Goverment we have in Malaysia
Works Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed will officiate the ceremony to abolish the toll today.
The toll is operated by Besraya (M) Sdn Bhd and has been in operation since April 1999, according to the concessionaire’s website.
The Salak Jaya toll forms part of the Sungai Besi Highway and users are charged RM1.30 for passing through.
With the removal of the toll, only north-bound users into Kuala Lumpur will have to pay toll.
This will be the second toll to be abolished recently. The toll at PJS2 (Kuala Lumpur-bound) of the New Pantai Expressway was abolished on Feb 13.
Mohd Zin said then that the toll was abolished due to a Cabinet decision after his ministry submitted a memorandum to abolish the toll.
He said removing the toll was meant to soften the effects of economic uncertainties for the residents of PJS1 and 2, who had to pay RM1.60 toll every time they drove towards Kuala Lumpur since April 2004.
Efforts to get Besraya, its parent company IJM, or the Malaysian Highway Authority for comments were futile as they said Mohd Zin would be the one explaining the toll abolition.
It is understood, however, that it was due to a recent Cabinet decision.
Ways and tricks done for by-election..... what a Goverment we have in Malaysia
Subramaniam not taking on Samy
Former MIC deputy president Datuk S. Subramaniam says he will not challenge incumbent Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu in the party’s presidential polls next month.
“Taking into consideration the situation and unity in the party, I have decided not to contest for the number one post,” he said while officiating his Jalan Klang Lama branch annual general meeting over the weekend.
The nominations for the MIC president’s post has been fixed for March 22, with polling on April 12 should there be a contest.
Samy Vellu has confirmed defending his post for another term while former vice-president Datuk M. Muthupalaniappan has also expressed interest to contest for the post.
Subramaniam contested for the president’s and deputy president’s post in previous party polls but said that he was undecided which post to contest in party elections scheduled in September.
Subramaniam lost to Datuk G. Palanivel for the deputy president’s post in 2006, and is expected to contest for the post again this year.
MIC vice-president Datuk S. Sothinathan is also expected to join in the fray for the deputy president’s post.
Meanwhile, several MIC branches have passed resolutions for Samy Vellu to be returned unopposed as the party president.
“Taking into consideration the situation and unity in the party, I have decided not to contest for the number one post,” he said while officiating his Jalan Klang Lama branch annual general meeting over the weekend.
The nominations for the MIC president’s post has been fixed for March 22, with polling on April 12 should there be a contest.
Samy Vellu has confirmed defending his post for another term while former vice-president Datuk M. Muthupalaniappan has also expressed interest to contest for the post.
Subramaniam contested for the president’s and deputy president’s post in previous party polls but said that he was undecided which post to contest in party elections scheduled in September.
Subramaniam lost to Datuk G. Palanivel for the deputy president’s post in 2006, and is expected to contest for the post again this year.
MIC vice-president Datuk S. Sothinathan is also expected to join in the fray for the deputy president’s post.
Meanwhile, several MIC branches have passed resolutions for Samy Vellu to be returned unopposed as the party president.
Sivakumar questioned over suspensions
Perak Assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar was questioned for over two hours by police here over reports lodged against his decision to suspend Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Zambry Abd Kadir and his six-member exco from the assembly.
Four police personnel from the commercial crimes investigation department questioned him from 3pm at lawyer Chan Kok Keong’s office near here yesterday.
At about 5.30pm, Sivakumar emerged from the office accompanied by Chan, lawyer Anthony Augustin, and assemblymen Wong Kah Woh, A. Sivasubramaniam, Yee Seu Kai and Chan Ming Kai.
“I have cooperated with the police and there was no problem during the questioning. I gave my statement because it is my responsibility to tell the police what is necessary,” he said.
Sivakumar declined to elaborate, but almost immediately released a statement calling on the police to cease all investigations against any member of the assembly, including himself.
In the statement, Sivakumar said the Legislative Assembly (Privileges) Enactment 1959 and Article 72 of the Federal Constitution gave absolute immunity to all assembly members from any civil or criminal proceedings.
“It is my belief that any investigation by the police against any member of this assembly is a violation of existing laws and legal provisions of this country,” he said.
Sivakumar added that as such, all investigations against him or any member of the assembly should cease.
The statement also said the police had called on Sivakumar to give his statement at the Sungai Senam police station on Sunday.
“The purpose and need for my statement was not stated. As I had other matters to deal with, I told them that I would meet them (yesterday),” he said.
To date, 19 police reports had been lodged against Sivakumar over his decision to suspend the seven.
Investigations were opened under Section 124/120B of the Penal Code.
Section 124, which involves compelling an elected representative to refrain from exercising his lawful powers, carries a maximum seven years’ jail and fine upon conviction.
In SERI ISKANDAR, Perak CPO Deputy Comm Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah warned all Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional supporters against creating problems.
“The people should be sensible and not cause any trouble,” he told reporters after a shooting contest between the police and government departments.
DCP Zulkifli also cautioned all political supporters against using the Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat by-election to start a ruckus.
On another matter, DCP Zulkiffli said he was not aware of any reports lodged on threats made against Sivakumar.
Four police personnel from the commercial crimes investigation department questioned him from 3pm at lawyer Chan Kok Keong’s office near here yesterday.
At about 5.30pm, Sivakumar emerged from the office accompanied by Chan, lawyer Anthony Augustin, and assemblymen Wong Kah Woh, A. Sivasubramaniam, Yee Seu Kai and Chan Ming Kai.
“I have cooperated with the police and there was no problem during the questioning. I gave my statement because it is my responsibility to tell the police what is necessary,” he said.
Sivakumar declined to elaborate, but almost immediately released a statement calling on the police to cease all investigations against any member of the assembly, including himself.
In the statement, Sivakumar said the Legislative Assembly (Privileges) Enactment 1959 and Article 72 of the Federal Constitution gave absolute immunity to all assembly members from any civil or criminal proceedings.
“It is my belief that any investigation by the police against any member of this assembly is a violation of existing laws and legal provisions of this country,” he said.
Sivakumar added that as such, all investigations against him or any member of the assembly should cease.
The statement also said the police had called on Sivakumar to give his statement at the Sungai Senam police station on Sunday.
“The purpose and need for my statement was not stated. As I had other matters to deal with, I told them that I would meet them (yesterday),” he said.
To date, 19 police reports had been lodged against Sivakumar over his decision to suspend the seven.
Investigations were opened under Section 124/120B of the Penal Code.
Section 124, which involves compelling an elected representative to refrain from exercising his lawful powers, carries a maximum seven years’ jail and fine upon conviction.
In SERI ISKANDAR, Perak CPO Deputy Comm Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah warned all Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional supporters against creating problems.
“The people should be sensible and not cause any trouble,” he told reporters after a shooting contest between the police and government departments.
DCP Zulkifli also cautioned all political supporters against using the Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat by-election to start a ruckus.
On another matter, DCP Zulkiffli said he was not aware of any reports lodged on threats made against Sivakumar.
QC likely to be Lord Lester
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and his six exco members have several high profile Queen’s Counsel to choose from for a second opinion on their situation.
They are, however, likely to settle on one who has acted in a similar case here before.
The three names bandied about in legal circles here as the possible QC who has been approached are Geoffrey Robertson, Michael Beloff and Lord Lester of Herne Hill.
According to a source close to the Barisan Nasional, the job has gone to Lord Lester, 73, who is a life peer and a member of the Liberal Democrats.
that lawyers for Dr Zambry and the six exco members were seeking a second opinion from a QC in London.
“Lord Lester was engaged to give a second opinion for Sabah governor (Tun Datu) Adnan Roberts and Chief Minister (Datuk) Joseph Pairin Kitingan in the suit brought by (Tun Datu) Mustapha Harun who was seeking to be restored to the post of Chief Minister,” said the source.
It is understood that Lord Lester also gave advice 10 years later in another constitutional case – Datuk Amir Kahar Tun Datu Mustapha v Tun Mohd Said Keruak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah & Ors.
While Lord Lester provided the second opinion in the 1985 case, senior constitutional lawyer Datuk Dominic Puthucheary represented Adnan and Pairin in court.
According to another source, the Perak case may see the former winning team of Puthucheary and Lord Lester working together again.
The legal team for Dr Zambry and the six exco members are expected to file the suit challenging their suspension by the end of the week.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Mystery over video clip
It’s a mystery whether there is a video of an alleged meeting late last year between former Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid and Kulim state assemblyman Lim Soo Nee.
It was purportedly held to discuss whether PKR’s Lim was willing to cross over to the Barisan Nasional.
Lim said an officer with the then Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA, now Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission or MACC) had told him that a video camera had been set up at the venue to record the discussion.
“The officer was assigned to investigate after I lodged a complaint with the ACA some time last year. I was only told that a video had been fixed. Whether the discussion was recorded or not, I do not know.
“I do not wish to say more because I do not want to jeopardise the investigation,” he said.
In response to news reports, Lim said he had never mentioned that he was offered RM5mil to leave PKR for Barisan.
“I am not crossing over to Barisan. All I said before was that I may want to quit Pakatan Rakyat and be an independent state assemblyman if the state government continues to impose policies that are unfair to certain ethnic groups,” he said.
Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had claimed in Parliament on Thursday that Mahdzir had been captured on video offering Lim RM5mil to join Barisan.
MACC chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan had called on Anwar to forward the evidence to the commission to prove his claim that the meeting was recorded by the then ACA. Ahmad Said also called on those with information to come forward to assist investigations.
Mahdzir told reporters yesterday that he had had coffee with many elected representatives including those from PAS and PKR.
“We talked about many things, like any other politician. Meetings do not mean crossing over,” he said.
It was purportedly held to discuss whether PKR’s Lim was willing to cross over to the Barisan Nasional.
Lim said an officer with the then Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA, now Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission or MACC) had told him that a video camera had been set up at the venue to record the discussion.
“The officer was assigned to investigate after I lodged a complaint with the ACA some time last year. I was only told that a video had been fixed. Whether the discussion was recorded or not, I do not know.
“I do not wish to say more because I do not want to jeopardise the investigation,” he said.
In response to news reports, Lim said he had never mentioned that he was offered RM5mil to leave PKR for Barisan.
“I am not crossing over to Barisan. All I said before was that I may want to quit Pakatan Rakyat and be an independent state assemblyman if the state government continues to impose policies that are unfair to certain ethnic groups,” he said.
Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had claimed in Parliament on Thursday that Mahdzir had been captured on video offering Lim RM5mil to join Barisan.
MACC chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan had called on Anwar to forward the evidence to the commission to prove his claim that the meeting was recorded by the then ACA. Ahmad Said also called on those with information to come forward to assist investigations.
Mahdzir told reporters yesterday that he had had coffee with many elected representatives including those from PAS and PKR.
“We talked about many things, like any other politician. Meetings do not mean crossing over,” he said.
Perak Sultan’s consent sought
State Assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar has sought the consent of the Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah to convene a special sitting soon.
Former Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said Pakatan Rakyat would table a motion of confidence in him as the legitimate Mentri Besar at the meeting.
New Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said it was all right for Nizar to seek the motion of confidence at the State Assembly.
“It’s okay if he feels he has the legal right,” he told reporters in Taiping after accepting 150 applications to join Umno from former PAS members in Kampung Changkat Ibol and Kampung Senduk, both considered PAS strongholds in the Bukit Gantang parliamentary constituency which is facing a by-election following the death of its MP Roslan Shaharum recently.
On Nizar’s decision to vacate the official Mentri Besar’s residence, Dr Zambry said he did not want to comment about the matter.
Nizar foresees chaos in the State Assembly when Pakatan moves to table its motion of confidence in him as the legitimate Mentri Besar.
He expects Barisan to have only 21 assemblymen to Pakatan’s 28 with the suspension of Dr Zambry, his six executive council members and the three assemblymen who left the Pakatan fold to become Independents.
He was referring to Behrang assemblyman Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi, Changkat Jering assemblyman Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu and Jelapang assemblyman Hee Yit Foong, who quit Pakatan to become Barisan-friendly Independents.
Former Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said Pakatan Rakyat would table a motion of confidence in him as the legitimate Mentri Besar at the meeting.
New Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said it was all right for Nizar to seek the motion of confidence at the State Assembly.
“It’s okay if he feels he has the legal right,” he told reporters in Taiping after accepting 150 applications to join Umno from former PAS members in Kampung Changkat Ibol and Kampung Senduk, both considered PAS strongholds in the Bukit Gantang parliamentary constituency which is facing a by-election following the death of its MP Roslan Shaharum recently.
On Nizar’s decision to vacate the official Mentri Besar’s residence, Dr Zambry said he did not want to comment about the matter.
Nizar foresees chaos in the State Assembly when Pakatan moves to table its motion of confidence in him as the legitimate Mentri Besar.
He expects Barisan to have only 21 assemblymen to Pakatan’s 28 with the suspension of Dr Zambry, his six executive council members and the three assemblymen who left the Pakatan fold to become Independents.
He was referring to Behrang assemblyman Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi, Changkat Jering assemblyman Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu and Jelapang assemblyman Hee Yit Foong, who quit Pakatan to become Barisan-friendly Independents.
Get tough on invasion of privacy, says Karpal
The courts should impose deterrent sentences on those found guilty of invading the privacy of women, said DAP chairman Karpal Singh.
“In this modern age of sophisticated technology, there is more than an urgent need for deterrent laws against invasion of privacy, particularly in view of what has been revealed over the emergence of intimate photos of Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong,” he said in a statement.
“The Attorney-General’s Chambers should immediately take action to provide for not only a heavy fine but also a deterrent custodial sentence for infringement of privacy,” he said.
He said the punishment imposed for infringement of privacy under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 – a fine not exceeding RM100 – was an insult to intelligence.
“That punishment has seen no increase nearly 54 years after the Ordinance was enacted,” he added.
“In this modern age of sophisticated technology, there is more than an urgent need for deterrent laws against invasion of privacy, particularly in view of what has been revealed over the emergence of intimate photos of Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong,” he said in a statement.
“The Attorney-General’s Chambers should immediately take action to provide for not only a heavy fine but also a deterrent custodial sentence for infringement of privacy,” he said.
He said the punishment imposed for infringement of privacy under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 – a fine not exceeding RM100 – was an insult to intelligence.
“That punishment has seen no increase nearly 54 years after the Ordinance was enacted,” he added.
Nizar moves out
As promised, former Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin began moving out of the official residence with his wife and seven children yesterday.
He said he would finish moving by Friday and would hand over the keys to State Secretary Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Hashim.
He also said he and his family chose to vacate the residence although they could have remained until a High Court decision on whether he was the legitimate Mentri Besar.“This is not a sign that I or the state Pakatan Rakyat government are conceding,” he said.
Asked what was his most memorable moment at the residence, Nizar said it was when Perakians of all races gathered to meet to achieve a profitable and unified state.
He also paid tribute to the PAS private security volunteers of Unit Amal for guarding the residence in the past three weeks against any disturbance.
Economic status
As the economic is getting worse now the Employers are still discriminating against women when it comes to retrenchment.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Noriah Kasnon said the Government was concerned with the statistics as half of the workers retrenched recently in the current economic crisis were women, despite them making up only 35% of the country’s total workforce. “Female workers may be contributing towards their companies’ productivity.
“But when an economic slowdown occurs, they are still the first to be asked to go, with excuses that many of them tend to focus on their family or are pregnant regularly,” she said.
We would hold talks with both the Human Resources and the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative Ministries on how we can create more jobs for women, she told reporters after launching a seminar on violence and sexual harassment against women at the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, here, yesterday.
On calls by the Bar Council and Women Parliamentary Caucus for stricter laws to protect privacy in the wake of the scandalous pictures involving former Selangor exco member and Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong, Noriah said the ministry would consider the proposal.
Earlier, in her speech, Noriah said violence and sexual harassment affected women from all classes, including professionals.
“Sexual harassment can happen everywhere, even at home. There is no point for victims to hide or shy away from filing complaints,” she said.
“Last year, the police recorded 3,906 cases of sexual harrassment, including molest. The Public Service Department took disciplinary action against 27 officers over such complaints between 2005 and last year.”
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Noriah Kasnon said the Government was concerned with the statistics as half of the workers retrenched recently in the current economic crisis were women, despite them making up only 35% of the country’s total workforce. “Female workers may be contributing towards their companies’ productivity.
“But when an economic slowdown occurs, they are still the first to be asked to go, with excuses that many of them tend to focus on their family or are pregnant regularly,” she said.
We would hold talks with both the Human Resources and the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative Ministries on how we can create more jobs for women, she told reporters after launching a seminar on violence and sexual harassment against women at the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, here, yesterday.
On calls by the Bar Council and Women Parliamentary Caucus for stricter laws to protect privacy in the wake of the scandalous pictures involving former Selangor exco member and Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong, Noriah said the ministry would consider the proposal.
Earlier, in her speech, Noriah said violence and sexual harassment affected women from all classes, including professionals.
“Sexual harassment can happen everywhere, even at home. There is no point for victims to hide or shy away from filing complaints,” she said.
“Last year, the police recorded 3,906 cases of sexual harrassment, including molest. The Public Service Department took disciplinary action against 27 officers over such complaints between 2005 and last year.”
Zambry seeks QC
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and his six “suspended” state executive council members are seeking a second opinion from a Queen’s Counsel (QC) in London on the constitutional impasse in the state.
A source close to Barisan Nasional said that a senior lawyer was leaving for London tonight to meet the QC.
One of the assemblymen and other lawyers are also expected to go.
“The team comprises old and young lawyers and there is one who was involved in the two chief ministers’ case in Sabah in 1986.
“They want a second opinion on the purported suspension of the Perak MB and the six exco members as well as the suit filed (by Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin on Feb 13) that Dr Zambry is purportedly not the MB,” said the source.
The constitutional crisis in Perak began early this month after two PKR and one DAP assemblymen left their parties, leading Nizar to seek Sultan Azlan Shah’s consent to dissolve the state assembly.
On Feb 5, the Ruler declared that the Pakatan Rakyat government had lost its majority and appointed Barisan’s Dr Zambry as Mentri Besar.
Nizar and his team have refused to quit and the crisis is now a constitutional quagmire after State Legislative Assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar on Feb 18 suspended Dr Zambry and his executive council from the assembly for 12 and 18 months, respectively.
Asked whether the lawyers had been instructed by Barisan, the source said they were acting on behalf of Dr Zambry and the six exco members and took instructions from them as the aggrieved party.
On whether they would apply for a QC to represent them in court, the source said:
“No. In addition to seeking a second opinion, they also want an opinion on the position in other Commonwealth jurisdictions, apart from the Sabah and Sarawak cases here.”
Asked whether the legal eagles were getting a QC’s opinion because several legal experts have described the legal impasse as “uncharted constitutional territory”, despite the Sabah and Sarawak case precedents, he replied:
“They think the Federal Consti-tution has been stretched to extreme limits. See how the Speaker unilaterally acted in convening the Rights and Privileges Committee when the Dewan was not in session and suspending the MB and his exco members.”
A source close to Barisan Nasional said that a senior lawyer was leaving for London tonight to meet the QC.
One of the assemblymen and other lawyers are also expected to go.
“The team comprises old and young lawyers and there is one who was involved in the two chief ministers’ case in Sabah in 1986.
“They want a second opinion on the purported suspension of the Perak MB and the six exco members as well as the suit filed (by Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin on Feb 13) that Dr Zambry is purportedly not the MB,” said the source.
The constitutional crisis in Perak began early this month after two PKR and one DAP assemblymen left their parties, leading Nizar to seek Sultan Azlan Shah’s consent to dissolve the state assembly.
On Feb 5, the Ruler declared that the Pakatan Rakyat government had lost its majority and appointed Barisan’s Dr Zambry as Mentri Besar.
Nizar and his team have refused to quit and the crisis is now a constitutional quagmire after State Legislative Assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar on Feb 18 suspended Dr Zambry and his executive council from the assembly for 12 and 18 months, respectively.
Asked whether the lawyers had been instructed by Barisan, the source said they were acting on behalf of Dr Zambry and the six exco members and took instructions from them as the aggrieved party.
On whether they would apply for a QC to represent them in court, the source said:
“No. In addition to seeking a second opinion, they also want an opinion on the position in other Commonwealth jurisdictions, apart from the Sabah and Sarawak cases here.”
Asked whether the legal eagles were getting a QC’s opinion because several legal experts have described the legal impasse as “uncharted constitutional territory”, despite the Sabah and Sarawak case precedents, he replied:
“They think the Federal Consti-tution has been stretched to extreme limits. See how the Speaker unilaterally acted in convening the Rights and Privileges Committee when the Dewan was not in session and suspending the MB and his exco members.”
Friday, February 20, 2009
Take action
Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has lodged a police report demanding that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) take immediate action on an earlier report he had lodged against Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan.
In the report lodged in July last year, Anwar claimed that in 1998, the A-G and Musa had fabricated evidence against him after he was assaulted by the then IGP Tan Sri Rahim Noor in a police lock-up.
“It has been over eight months now and there is no sign of any action being taken by the MACC.
“We were told in Parliament last December by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz that the investigation papers were with the A-G who is (allegedly) implicated in an offence of fabricating evidence,” he said adding that Nazri then said he would reply to his claims in due course.
Anwar said this after lodging a police report at the Damansara Utama police station here.
In yesterday’s report, he claimed that the A-G and Musa’s role in the conspiracy resulted in then Brickfields OCPD ACP Koh Hong Sun allegedly lodging a false police report in Sept 1998.
Both Gani and Musa denied Anwar’s charges against them. Musa has filed a defamation suit against Anwar.
In the report lodged in July last year, Anwar claimed that in 1998, the A-G and Musa had fabricated evidence against him after he was assaulted by the then IGP Tan Sri Rahim Noor in a police lock-up.
“It has been over eight months now and there is no sign of any action being taken by the MACC.
“We were told in Parliament last December by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz that the investigation papers were with the A-G who is (allegedly) implicated in an offence of fabricating evidence,” he said adding that Nazri then said he would reply to his claims in due course.
Anwar said this after lodging a police report at the Damansara Utama police station here.
In yesterday’s report, he claimed that the A-G and Musa’s role in the conspiracy resulted in then Brickfields OCPD ACP Koh Hong Sun allegedly lodging a false police report in Sept 1998.
Both Gani and Musa denied Anwar’s charges against them. Musa has filed a defamation suit against Anwar.
MACC asking to evidence
Give us the evidence, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has told Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar had claimed in Parliament on Thursday that Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid had been captured on video offering PKR’s Kulim assemblyman Lim Soo Nee money to cross over to Barisan Nasional.
MACC chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan said yesterday that Anwar should forward the evidence to the commission to prove his claim that the proceedings were recorded by the then Anti-Corruption Agency.
“Don’t be scared that the evidence will be destroyed. We are professional in carrying out our tasks,’’ he said after the ground-breaking ceremony for a 21-storey apartment quarters for the state MACC staff near here yesterday.
He denied Anwar’s claims that the investigating officer in the case had been transferred to another state.
“He is using the same tactic as in the V.K. Lingam case, saying he has video recordings and revealing it little by little,” Ahmad Said said.
“If Anwar or anyone else has evidence, give it to us and we will conduct investigations. If there is a case, we will put it forward for the court to decide.”
Anwar said on Thursday that the ACA had recorded a meeting in December between Lim and Mahdzir with several others where Lim was offered RM5mil to switch camps.
Ahmad Said said the report lodged by Lim was still under investigation, and Anwar’s statement could have adverse effects on the case.
Anwar had claimed in Parliament on Thursday that Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid had been captured on video offering PKR’s Kulim assemblyman Lim Soo Nee money to cross over to Barisan Nasional.
MACC chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan said yesterday that Anwar should forward the evidence to the commission to prove his claim that the proceedings were recorded by the then Anti-Corruption Agency.
“Don’t be scared that the evidence will be destroyed. We are professional in carrying out our tasks,’’ he said after the ground-breaking ceremony for a 21-storey apartment quarters for the state MACC staff near here yesterday.
He denied Anwar’s claims that the investigating officer in the case had been transferred to another state.
“He is using the same tactic as in the V.K. Lingam case, saying he has video recordings and revealing it little by little,” Ahmad Said said.
“If Anwar or anyone else has evidence, give it to us and we will conduct investigations. If there is a case, we will put it forward for the court to decide.”
Anwar said on Thursday that the ACA had recorded a meeting in December between Lim and Mahdzir with several others where Lim was offered RM5mil to switch camps.
Ahmad Said said the report lodged by Lim was still under investigation, and Anwar’s statement could have adverse effects on the case.
Inneeds to put House in order
The decision to suspend Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and his six executive council members from assembly sittings was made to put the House in order.
State Assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar said he had “no choice” but to make the order as the seven were found to have clearly broken the rules of the state constitution.
He said Article 16(6) of the state constitution stated that the mentri besar of the day could seek an audience with the Sultan of Perak to dissolve the assembly if he ceased to command the confidence of the majority.
“The Clause clearly refers to the mentri besar at the time which was Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin. No one else but the mentri besar has the right to seek an audience with the Sultan,” he said.
Sivakumar noted that under the state constitution there was no provision stating that any party suddenly claiming to have the majority could or must see the Sultan of Perak to ask to form the next government.
He said that as the head of the legislative assembly it fell upon him to resolve the constitutional crisis after receiving a complaint from Canning assemblyman Wong Kah Woh.
“After meeting the seven assemblymen, it was clear that they had committed wrong under the state constitution. Therefore, I had no other choice. I had to follow the rules,” he said.
Sivakumar stressed that it was never his intention to commit treason against Sultan Azlan Shah.
“I am also not questioning whether the Sultan has the power to not dissolve the assembly,” he said.
On Wednesday, the Perak State Assembly Special Privileges Committee, chaired by Sivakumar, suspended Dr Zambry for 18 months and his state executive council members for 12 months for showing contempt to the House.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abudllah Ahmad Badawi said on Thursday that what Sivakumar did was wrong. He regarded the act as not respecting, and rejecting, Sultan Azlan Shah’s decision to appoint Dr Zambry and the executive council members.
DAP chairman Karpal Singh said Sivakumar did not break the law with the suspension order.
Nizar described Abdullah’s directive to Dr Zambry to defy the ban as unlawful, saying that such a directive would encourage the people to go against the law.
Pakatan Rakyat has also urged Dr Zambry to dissolve the assembly to end the constitutional crisis.
State Assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar said he had “no choice” but to make the order as the seven were found to have clearly broken the rules of the state constitution.
He said Article 16(6) of the state constitution stated that the mentri besar of the day could seek an audience with the Sultan of Perak to dissolve the assembly if he ceased to command the confidence of the majority.
“The Clause clearly refers to the mentri besar at the time which was Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin. No one else but the mentri besar has the right to seek an audience with the Sultan,” he said.
Sivakumar noted that under the state constitution there was no provision stating that any party suddenly claiming to have the majority could or must see the Sultan of Perak to ask to form the next government.
He said that as the head of the legislative assembly it fell upon him to resolve the constitutional crisis after receiving a complaint from Canning assemblyman Wong Kah Woh.
“After meeting the seven assemblymen, it was clear that they had committed wrong under the state constitution. Therefore, I had no other choice. I had to follow the rules,” he said.
Sivakumar stressed that it was never his intention to commit treason against Sultan Azlan Shah.
“I am also not questioning whether the Sultan has the power to not dissolve the assembly,” he said.
On Wednesday, the Perak State Assembly Special Privileges Committee, chaired by Sivakumar, suspended Dr Zambry for 18 months and his state executive council members for 12 months for showing contempt to the House.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abudllah Ahmad Badawi said on Thursday that what Sivakumar did was wrong. He regarded the act as not respecting, and rejecting, Sultan Azlan Shah’s decision to appoint Dr Zambry and the executive council members.
DAP chairman Karpal Singh said Sivakumar did not break the law with the suspension order.
Nizar described Abdullah’s directive to Dr Zambry to defy the ban as unlawful, saying that such a directive would encourage the people to go against the law.
Pakatan Rakyat has also urged Dr Zambry to dissolve the assembly to end the constitutional crisis.
Perak MB to attend sitting
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and his six executive council members will attend the state’s next assembly sitting despite their suspension by Speaker V. Sivakumar.
Asked if they would turn up, Dr Zambry told reporters outside his office at the state secretariat here: “What’s wrong with it? Of course we will go.”
On Wednesday, Sivakumar who heads the Rights and Privileges Committee made the order against the seven for allegedly showing contempt to the House.
Sivakumar had said the seven had failed to offer any explanation on their action when they appeared before an inquiry by the committee that day.
Dr Zambry’s suspension is for 18 months, while the others have been suspended for 12 months each.
On whether he would lodge a police report against Sivakumar as advised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Dr Zambry said: “I said I will follow according to the rules of law.”
Asked if he planned to file a suit against Sivakumar, Dr Zambry said “wait and see.”
Meanwhile, DAP has criticised the new Barisan state government for delays in land title conversion.
Former state executive council member Nga Kor Ming said members of the public had been issued with notices that the conversion exercise had been “deferred”.
Nga said there was a sign outside the Manjung Land Office stating action to this effect.
However, State Health, Local Government, Consumer Affairs, Environment, Public Transportation and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Dr Mah Hang Soon said any delay on land title conversion should be blamed on the Pakatan Rakyat.
He said the Opposition was responsible for the present chaotic situation and for trying to paralyse the running of the new administration.
“So, who then should be blamed?” he said.
Asked if they would turn up, Dr Zambry told reporters outside his office at the state secretariat here: “What’s wrong with it? Of course we will go.”
On Wednesday, Sivakumar who heads the Rights and Privileges Committee made the order against the seven for allegedly showing contempt to the House.
Sivakumar had said the seven had failed to offer any explanation on their action when they appeared before an inquiry by the committee that day.
Dr Zambry’s suspension is for 18 months, while the others have been suspended for 12 months each.
On whether he would lodge a police report against Sivakumar as advised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Dr Zambry said: “I said I will follow according to the rules of law.”
Asked if he planned to file a suit against Sivakumar, Dr Zambry said “wait and see.”
Meanwhile, DAP has criticised the new Barisan state government for delays in land title conversion.
Former state executive council member Nga Kor Ming said members of the public had been issued with notices that the conversion exercise had been “deferred”.
Nga said there was a sign outside the Manjung Land Office stating action to this effect.
However, State Health, Local Government, Consumer Affairs, Environment, Public Transportation and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Dr Mah Hang Soon said any delay on land title conversion should be blamed on the Pakatan Rakyat.
He said the Opposition was responsible for the present chaotic situation and for trying to paralyse the running of the new administration.
“So, who then should be blamed?” he said.
Poilce report against Speaker Sivakumar
At least 10 police reports have been lodged against Perak Assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar over the suspension of Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and his six executive council members from assembly sittings.
State police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah said that, as of yesterday morning, various political groups and individuals lodged eight reports in Perak, and at least two outside the state.
Following the reports, DCP Zulkifli said police would carry out investigations under Section 124/120B of the Penal Code.
The alleged offence, which involves compelling an elected representative to refrain from exercising his lawful powers, carries a maximum seven years jail with fine upon conviction.
State police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah said that, as of yesterday morning, various political groups and individuals lodged eight reports in Perak, and at least two outside the state.
Following the reports, DCP Zulkifli said police would carry out investigations under Section 124/120B of the Penal Code.
The alleged offence, which involves compelling an elected representative to refrain from exercising his lawful powers, carries a maximum seven years jail with fine upon conviction.
Petrol to coast more....
The price of premium grade petrol RON97 will be increased when the Government introduces RON95 to replace RON92 in July.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad said this would encourage more people to use RON95.
“The Government intends to subsidise more on RON95 to make it the same price with RON92,” he told a press conference yesterday.
The prices of RON95 and RON97 would be known in July.
Currently, Shahrir said, 80% of motorists used RON97 and the others RON92.
“In fact, RON92 is suitable for most vehicles but it is not as popular as RON97.
“Our way is to subsidise more of RON95 and reduce the subsidy for RON97 so that more consumers will opt for the former,” he said.
However, he said the Government did not plan to float the price of RON97.
“We will increase the price of RON97 reasonably when RON95 is introduced but if we use the floating system for RON97, its price will immediately increase by 50 sen,” he said.
On the consumer price index (CPI), Shahrir said it had decreased by 0.1% last month compared to December and showed an increment of 3.9% to 111.7 compared to 107.5 in the same period last year.
He said the index for food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 9.8% last month, compared to the same period in 2008 while the index for non-food items went up by 1.1%.
He said the 3.9% increase in the CPI was brought about by increases in the indices of all the main groups, except transport, clothing and footwear and communication which decreased by 2.1%, 0.8% and 0.5% respectively.
Shahrir said the CPI was expected to go down further by the first quarter of the year.
“However, we have no control over restaurants and I don’t blame them because they still get good business when they increase their prices,” he said.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad said this would encourage more people to use RON95.
“The Government intends to subsidise more on RON95 to make it the same price with RON92,” he told a press conference yesterday.
The prices of RON95 and RON97 would be known in July.
Currently, Shahrir said, 80% of motorists used RON97 and the others RON92.
“In fact, RON92 is suitable for most vehicles but it is not as popular as RON97.
“Our way is to subsidise more of RON95 and reduce the subsidy for RON97 so that more consumers will opt for the former,” he said.
However, he said the Government did not plan to float the price of RON97.
“We will increase the price of RON97 reasonably when RON95 is introduced but if we use the floating system for RON97, its price will immediately increase by 50 sen,” he said.
On the consumer price index (CPI), Shahrir said it had decreased by 0.1% last month compared to December and showed an increment of 3.9% to 111.7 compared to 107.5 in the same period last year.
He said the index for food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 9.8% last month, compared to the same period in 2008 while the index for non-food items went up by 1.1%.
He said the 3.9% increase in the CPI was brought about by increases in the indices of all the main groups, except transport, clothing and footwear and communication which decreased by 2.1%, 0.8% and 0.5% respectively.
Shahrir said the CPI was expected to go down further by the first quarter of the year.
“However, we have no control over restaurants and I don’t blame them because they still get good business when they increase their prices,” he said.
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