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HUHU.... T.T Sad news...

2009-08-07T07:12:00.001-07:00

Dear friends... this blog is officially CLOSED...

Thank you for your support...

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2009-06-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

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Zambry denies he is 'mentri besar of the court'

2009-05-25T03:33:00.000-07:00

IPOH, May 25 - Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir today denied he was "the chief minister of the court" who did not have the support of the Perak people, as claimed by Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

Taking a swipe at the PAS spiritual leader's remark on Saturday, that menteris besar were holding the post due to the people's votes and not by way of court decisions, Zambry said Nik Aziz should instead reserve the remark for Perak PAS Deputy Commissioner Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.

Zambry said it was Mohammad Nizar who initiated the court action to seek a declaration that he was the rightful menteri besar of Perak.

"I respect him (Nik Aziz) as a person and I hope he can correct some of his views," he told reporters after meeting two English Channel swimmers Zahra Masoumah Abdul Halim, 18, and brother Salman Ali Shariati, 12, at his office here today.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court on May 11 ruled that Mohammad Nizar was the rightful menteri besar of Perak but this was overturned by a three-man bench of the Court of Appeal on Friday. The Court of Appeal declared Zambry to be the rightful menteri besar.

Zambry said it was unlikely that the state government would seek the consent of the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, to convene an emergency session of the assembly as a way out of the state's political conundrum.

"We are guided by what has been decided by the court... let the law takes its course and we hope that things would go on as usual," he said.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the BN was open to the possibility of convening the session as an option to end the crisis.

Zambry also announced that the Perak government would contribute RM30,000 in cash to the English Channel attempt by the two swimmers in July.

The swimmers' father Abdul Halim Abdul Manaf, 49, a Universiti Teknologi Mara lecturer, predicted that the 38km swim across the chilly channel from Dover, England, to Calais, France, would take about 14 hours.- Bernama

News by TheMalaysianInsider..

Aminah claims she was offered top posts, RM80,000

2009-05-25T03:25:00.000-07:00

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Independent candidate Aminah Abdullah claimed she had been offered the post of Penang Municipal Council president and RM80,000 in compensation if she would withdraw from the May 30 Penanti by-election.

If she did contest and won, she would have been given the Deputy Chief Minister 1 post, she claimed at a press conference at her makeshift election centre in Kubang Ulu here Monday morning.

Aminah said that two “top PKR leaders” had approached her at her home in Jelutong on May 13 to make the offers, which she alleged had come with the blessings of PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Claiming she had as evidence, audio on CD and a video-clip on a handphone, Aminah, 56, said she would be lodging a report with the Election Commission on Tuesday at 11am.

Aminah later made a report at the Central Seberang Prai district police headquarters, saying she feared for her safety.

The Deputy Chief Minister 1 post and Penanti state seat were left vacant by Mohamed Fairus Khairudin earlier this year while he was under investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for alleged corruption.

The MACC has since cleared him of any wrongdoing, but Fairus said he now wants to further his studies.

Arrayed against Aminah in the Penanti by-election are Penang PKR deputy chairman Mansor Othman, 59, and independents manufacturing manager Nai Khan Ari, 41, and businessman Kamarul Ramizu Idris, 42.

“I have all the evidence on CD and will distribute this to the media soon to tell the people the truth about this man named Anwar Ibrahim,” Aminah said, accompanied by her husband Mohd Rofi and her eldest daughter Hernanie, 25.

She said her family members were witnesses to the meeting between her and the two PKR leaders, and they had recorded the full meeting which had lasted about three hours.

She said the same leaders also met her again twice after that, once more at her home and a third time at an office in Seberang Jaya, within a week.

“The offer was made as they claim that Dr Mansor is a weak and unpopular leader and might lose in the by-election,” she said.

Aminah, the former Penang PKR Wanita chief, first made the allegations last Saturday after filing her papers at the nomination centre.

PKR strategy director Tian Chua scoffed at her allegations, saying that PKR were the favourites to win the by-election.

He said the party would be initiating legal action against Aminah later Monday unless she retracted her statement and apologised for it.

He had previously urged her to also lodge a report with the MACC.

On Monday, Aminah said she would leave it to the Election Commission to take the matter up with the graft-busting agency.

News by TheStar..

PERAK Crisis

2009-05-13T02:43:00.000-07:00

5:15pm Court of Appeal sets 9am, May 18, five days from now, to hear Nizar application to set aside stay of execution granted to Zambry on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, Zambry had his application for a stay heard and granted within mere hours.

2:20pm Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin files his application to set aside the Court of Appeal’s stay of execution. Application filed at Court of Appeal registry. He is believed to have asked for a three-member panel. Hearing date not yet fixed.

2:15pm Pakatan’s panel of lawyers arrive at the Palace of Justice, Putrajaya, to file an application to set aside the stay of execution granted by the Court of Appeal on Tuesday.

The stay was against the High Court ruling on Monday which declared Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin the rightful mentri besar of Perak, and asking Barisan’s Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and his executive councillors to vacate their offices.

12:45pm Perak Mentri Besar Dr Zambry, after chairing exco meeting at the state secretariat building, tells reporters that it is "business as usual."

He says investors need not worry about doing business in the state as government officers "will still be around" to perform their duties.

11:15am Lawyers on the way to the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya, to file application to set aside the stay of execution of the High Court order granted to Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir by the Court of Appeal, said Pakatan Rakyat's Nga Kor Ming.

9.15am Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir reported for work at the State Secretariat building in Ipoh. Will chair an exco meeting and hold a press conference at 12.30pm.

IPOH: It was a case of now you see it now you don’t as far as the two disputing “mentris besar” of Perak are concerned.

Before Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin could even warm his seat at the mentri besar’s office in the State Secretariat building yesterday, news flashed that his successor was back to being mentri besar — pending an appeal.

Ironically, both Nizar and Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir had called press conferences at the same time the news was released, with the former stationing himself at the mentri besar’s office and the latter at the Perak Umno headquarters here.

Dr Zambry, who had caught wind of Nizar’s press conference, even held off his meeting for 15 minutes until 2pm, hoping to be able to rebut what his opponent had to say.

At this point however, the political situation in Perak is so uncertain that statements from either party could either be overtaken by events, in contempt of court, sub judice or be used to start another series of legal action.

Nizar, who just the day before was celebrating his first success in three months when the Kuala Lumpur High Court declared that he was the legitimate mentri besar, suddenly found his joy short-lived.

Dr Zambry, who vacated his office on Monday evening, returned to “power” the moment a stay of execution was granted in his favour.

Meanwhile, civil servants in the State Secretariat are in limbo.

For 10 months, they answered to Nizar and in the last three months, to Dr Zambry. On Monday, Nizar became their chief again.

Barely 24 hours later, Dr Zambry returned. And Nizar may make yet another comeback if the Court of Appeal rules in his favour.

As a result, the yo-yo game between the two mentris besar have left them even more confused than ever over which man was supposed to run the government.

Pressmen covering the political impasse in Perak too have been having a hard time keeping up with the duo’s designations.

“Who is the former mentri besar now?” lamented one journalist.

On Monday, they rushed to cover the removal of Dr Zambry and his exco men’s belongings from the State Secretariat.

Yesterday, they again flocked to the building to witness Nizar and his team reporting to work at 7.30am.

When the court decision on the stay of execution was announced at 1.15pm, reporters thronged the State Secretariat for the third time, this time to witness Nizar clearing out from the building.

Today, the media will again be at the building to see Dr Zambry reporting back to work.

In this never ending game of tug-of-war between Barisan and Pakatan, no one has been spared, especially not the Perakians, and an air of uncertainty still hangs over the entire state.

On Monday, High Court (Appellate and Special Powers) judge Justice Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahim had granted a declaratory relief to Nizar that he is still and was the mentri besar at all material times.

The court, which issued a declaratory relief that Dr Zambry had no right to occupy the office of Perak Mentri Besar, also ordered him to show cause and give information under what policy, power or authority he allegedly held office and exercised the responsibilities, functions and duties as mentri besar.

For more live coverage, click TheStar..

Declared Perak MB, Nizar to hold 2am Pakatan Exco meeting in Ipoh

2009-05-11T02:37:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Mon:

5:24pm: The High Court today declared Datuk Nizar Jamaluddin as the legitimate Menteri Besar of Perak and his bid to regain office will come sooner than expected after the same court denied the application of rival MB, Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, for a apply for a stay pending an appeal.

In his landmark ruling, Justice Abdul Aziz Abd Rahim stated that a new Mentri Besar could not be appointed as the office had not been vacated. A mentri besar can only be dismissed by a vote of no confidence, one in which Aziz noted that the Perak Legislative did not carry out.

Court said the fatal Barisan Nasional mistake was despite the majority of 31 against 28, the coalition failed to take a no-confidence vote against Nizar in the state assembly.

The Judge said once appointed as chief executive of the state, the Menteri Besar is only answerable to the state assembly.

The judge also said the job of the Ruler or head of state was only to appoint a Menteri Besar and if he refuses to resign, he cannot be sacked or his position vacated.
Justice Aziz said Nizar had gone to meet the sultan on Feb 4 to seek a dissolution of the house to go back to the people.

“It is not true that Nizar had asked the ruler to dissolve the House on grounds that he had lost confidence of the majority,” he said.

In the meantime, Nizar declined to meet the Press for the customary Press conference, preferring to leave the court to travel back to Ipoh to seek an audience with the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, to get the royal consent to dissolve the Perak Assembly and call for fresh state elections.

However, he has made a pit stop at Taman Melewar, in Gombak, where the Pas headquarters is situated, presumably he briefed senior Pas leaders on the court ruling.

Nizar is expected to attend a Pas ceramah tonight and explain the court ruling to supporters before leaving for Ipoh around midnight.

Nizar told NST Reporter Jaspal Singh that once he reaches Ipoh at whatever time, he will hold a Pakatan Rakyat Exco meeting, presumably with those who were State Exco members when Nizar held office.

"I have already indicated to the palace that I am seeking an audience with the Raja Muda to present a proposal to dissolve the state assembly," he said.

"It does not matter if I am not appointed as Menteri Besar as long as the right to choose are returned to the people," he added.

NST reporters in Ipoh also established that Nizar, as of now, does not have an appointment for an audience with the Sultan of Perak. Even if he soughts one today, he is likely to get the appointment confirmed only tomorrow morning.

On March 3, after the "democracy tree" assembly held by Pakatan Rakyat assemblymen, Nizar had submitted a letter to the palace seeking that the Sultan dissolve the assembly can call for fresh state elections. However, Nizar did not get a response.

But with today's court ruling, that letter still stands. It is now a question of whether the palace may communicate a response to Nizar's letter and declare a royal ruling.

Zambry, on the other hand, has indicated through his aides that he will respect the court decision and will vacate his Menteri Besar office tonight. Zambry was not present at the court this afternoon.

His aides also indicate that the Exco members will also vacate their respective offices by tonight.

news & pic by NST Online

Battleground Ipoh: Nizar still seeks dissolution

2009-05-07T03:58:00.000-07:00

5:10pm Former mentri besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin tells reporters that Pakatan does not acknowledge R. Ganesan as the Perak Speaker nor does it recognise Thursday’s proceedings as legal.

He says Pakatan assemblymen stayed to listen to the Royal Address out of respect to the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah.

He says he is still going to seek an audience with the palace to obtain royal consent to dissolve the Perak State Legislative Assembly, and may seek legal recourse.

Nizar then leaves the state secretariat building in his own car.

5:00pm V. Sivakumar leaves the state secretariat building in the Speaker’s official car.

4:50pm “Barisan-friendly” independent assemblymen Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi and Mohd Osman Jailu, who are facing corruption charges, leave together in a Mercedes Benz car driven by Jamaluddin. The two’s resignation from PKR earlier this year, together with Hee Yit Foong’s resignation from DAP, saw the state reverting to Barisan rule from Pakatan.

4:35pm Deputy Speaker Hee Yit Foong leaves the secretariat building in an official car with her bodyguards. The Jelapang assemblymen’s resignation from her party DAP earlier this year was what led to the political impasse that saw Barisan Nasional taking over the state government.

4:10pm Datuk R. Ganesan adjourns the sitting to a later, unspecified date. Some assemblymen start to leave, but Pakatan reps prepare for a press conference.

4:05pm Tian Chua of PKR arrested outside state secretariat building after refusing to leave area. There was a brief scuffle between him, his supporters and the police.

4:01pm The Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah, leaves the Assembly after meeting and receiving respects from each and every member of the Assembly, from both Barisan and Pakatan sides.

Former mentri besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin was seen accompanying His Royal Highness as the royal entourage departed. Assembly proceedings to resume shortly.

4:00pm V. Sivakumar’s official car re-enters state secretariat building with only the driver inside.

3:47pm “Ejected” Pakatan reps Chang Ming Kai and Chang Lih Kang still seen in Dewan during the royal address despite having been ordered out by “new” Speaker Datuk R. Ganesan earlier.

Royal address ends with the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah, declaring open the first meeting of the second term of the 12th Assembly.

3:15pm Former mentri besar Mohammad Nizar asks the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah, for a chance to speak. The Regent summons Nizar and Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham to him, and the three exchange a few quiet words on the dais.

The two Pakatan men return to their fellow assemblymen still standing before the Ruler. All return to their seats after a quiet word from Nizar and Ngeh. The Raja Muda begins to deliver his royal address, which focuses on the economic stimulus packages.

3:12pm The Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah, delivers his address, focusing on the stimulus packages.

3:10pm Special Branch officers line up to form a barrier between as the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah, enters the house.

3:00pm FRU personnel take up positions around the state secretariat building.

V. Sivakumar’s official car leave the building, without him in it. An unidentified woman is seen sitting in the backseat.

Inside the hall, amidst the chaos, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir tries to move a motion for prayers, in anticipation of the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah, finally delivering the opening address he was scheduled to this morning.

2:55pm Under the watchful eye of Ipoh Deputy OCPD Ibrahim Abu Bakar and several plainclothes policemen stationed within the hall, Datuk R. Ganesan -- receiving boos from Pakatan reps -- attempts to resume proceedings.

He ejects Simpang Pulai rep Chang Ming Kai from the hall but the assemblyman defies his order. Teja rep Chang lih Kang was also ordered out.

2:54pm Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran is heading to the Ipoh High Court to file for a revision of the Magistrate's Court injunction barring the public from gathering within 500m of the state secretariat building.

2:50pm Police enter the Dewan again, with Pakatan reps shouting that they have no right to invade the Assembly.

In the midst of all the ruckus, V. Sivakumar is forcibly removed from the Speaker’s chair and Datuk R. Ganesan declares that the Assembly is adjourned. None of the Pakatan reps heed his call.

There are several policemen in the hall now. They lift and remove the Speaker’s chair from the hall. Ousted mentri besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin is heard raising his voice for the first time in today’s proceedings.

2:45pm Thirteen of the 64 people arrested this morning are released. The 13 were nabbed for going against the court order barring anyone without business in the Assembly from gathering within a 500m radius of the state secretariat building.

2:22pm It’s like your schooldays all over again -- a lone policeman enters the hall to restore order and both sides back off, only to resume shouting as soon as he leaves (Remember “Guru Besar datang, Guru Besar datang”?).

Chang Ming Kai heard shouting at “new” Speaker Datuk R. Ganesan, who is not an elected rep, “I am a state assemblyman, just who are you?”

The shouting and shoving match moves towards the Speaker’s chair.

2:15pm Barisan and Pakatan reps get into a shouting and shoving match around “new” Speaker Datuk R. Ganesan. Barisan reps try to pull their man away, but several Pakatan reps are shoving their way through, shouting “Bubar ADUN” (“Dissolve the Assembly”) and “You are not my Speaker!”

The State Secretary, ousted mentri besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin and the Barisan-appointed executive councillors are standing outside the fray.

2:05pm MIKE WRESTLING MATCH ON!! “New” Speaker Datuk R. Ganesan re-enters the hall to resume his place in anticipation of the opening address by the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah.

Another brief scuffle ensues as Pakatan reps try to get Ganesan to leave. DAP’s Thomas Su tries to grab the microphone from Ganesan, forcing Barisan reps form a protective ring around Ganesan, who is seated on the “Barisan side” of the hall.

Some shouting and pushing goes on as Pakatan reps try to shout down Ganesan.

2:00pm A small group of people have gathered outside the Federal Reserve Unit base in Ipoh where more than 30 of the 64 people arrested this morning are being kept.

Supporters are encouraging motorists to honk their horns as a show of protest against the arrests. It’s mighty noisy in “sleepy old” Ipoh town.

12:58pm “New” Speaker Datuk R. Ganesan attempts to reconvene the sitting, but is shouted out by Pakatan reps.

Exco Hamidah Osman proposes the House adjourns for another hour, to shouts of "Ular, ular!" (snake, snake) from Pakatan reps.

The motion is seconded and Ganesan announces that the House will adjourn for an hour. Again, nobody leaves the hall.

The Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah, has yet to deliver his opening address.

More News HERE..

News and pics : TheStar

Perak Assembly adjourned after chaotic & acrid meeting

2009-05-07T03:56:00.000-07:00

IPOH, Thurs:

4:08pm: The Perak Assembly has adjourned after a tumultuous meeting that led to ugly shouting matches and the ejection of Speaker V. Sivakumar, who was carried out physically by policemen. Despite the difficult situation, Perak Regent Raja Dr Nazrin Shah delivered his royal address but did not touch on the state's political flux nor the verbal brawls in the House.

The Regent instead focused on praising both the State and Federal Governments for ensuring growth and prosperity in Perak.

Earlier, commotion reigned at the Perak state assembly sitting after Sivakumar refused to start proceedings for as long as Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, the six Barisan Nasional (BN) executive councillors and three Independent assemblymen were in the House.

Immediately after taking his seat at about 10am, Sivakumar ordered the 10 assemblymen to leave the hall on the basis that they had been suspended.

The commotion that ensued left the Regent waiting in the holding Royal Room, for the official opening of the assembly session. Zambry and the other nine assemblymen, however, ignored Sivakumar's order.
Former Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammed Nizar Jamaluddin and his former Exco members remained seated at the seats allocated for the Menteri Besar and exco members, while Zambry and the new exco members were seated on the opposition side.

Zambry then stood and proposed a motion to sack Sivakumar as Speaker, with the 27 BN assemblymen and three Independents raising their hands in support. But Sivakumar rejected the motion and explained that Zambry could not table the motion as he had been suspended from the assembly.

This caused the assemblymen on both sides of the political divide to hurl insults at each other.

Zambry then proposed the motion again, supported by the BN and Independent assemblymen. In response, Sivakumar ordered the House sergeant-at-arms to remove the 10 assemblymen but Zambry said that Sivakumar had been expelled.

At 10.48am, Deputy Speaker Hee Yit Fong then took over to preside over the assembly sitting from the opposition seat.

Zambry then proposed that former Sungkai assemblyman Datuk R. Ganesan be appointed as the new Speaker and the BN assemblymen and Independents supported the motion.

The commotion continued with Sivakumar still occupying the speaker's chair. With both parties claiming theirs is the rightful speaker, the taunting and booing continue and at one point, they almost got physical.

Sivakumar's voice, however, could not be heard clearly as his microphone has been turned off. The new speaker, Datuk R. Ganesan adjourned the session for an hour with Sivakumar claiming it was null and void.

News and Pics : NST Online

OIAM3 Winner SUCKS!!! Say NO to RECYCLED Winner

2009-05-01T08:21:00.001-07:00

Ya... indeed i'm not in a mood of reviewing the show..

I just think that Tomok do not deserve the title for a lot of reason..

Click HERE to know why..

Boy reveals dark family secret

2009-04-30T03:00:00.000-07:00

GEORGE TOWN: A 17-year-old boy kept a dark family secret all to himself for the past three years.

Back in 2006 when he was only 14, his father took him along to bury his younger sister, then 7, at a field near the Sunshine Farlim Hypermarket here.

Yesterday, the teenager led a police team to the open field about 1pm to recover human bone fragments and a skull, believed to be that of his sister.

State Criminal Investigation Department chief Wan Abdullah Tuanku Said said police received a tip-off earlier yesterday that in March 2006, the father had hit his daughter, after which no one ever saw the girl.

"Following investigations, we got hold of the teenager.
"During interrogation, the teenager told us he was with his father on the day the girl was buried," he said.

Wan Abdullah said the teenager then led police to the site where his sister was buried.

He said the forensic team was summoned to the site next to a Tenaga Nasional substation. Also present was state forensic pathologist Datuk Dr Bhupinder Singh.

Police found the bone fragments and a skull buried about one metre deep.

Wan Abdullah said there was a crack in the skull.

He said a 40-year-old man has been detained to assist investigations into the case, as well as another where he is suspected of physically and sexually abusing another daughter, aged 12.

The man is believed to have three wives and 10 children.

Shocking news by NSTOnline..

1Malaysia steadily getting traction

2009-04-30T02:59:00.000-07:00

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Thurs:

THERE may have been some scepticism at home on the 1Malaysia concept introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, but people outside the country appear to be attracted to it. This could be seen from the numerous questions on the concept posed to Najib during his two-day visit to Brunei which ended today.

“I was frequently asked by the people whom I met here about the concept. It appears that they have been following developments in Malaysia,” Najib said.

He was speaking at a breakfast meeting with about 250 members of the Malaysian community in Brunei at the Empire Hotel and Country Club here.

Bruneians saw the concept as most appropriate to galvanise the people, irrespective of race and religion, to work together for their common good.

“It (the 1Malaysia concept) is a way forward for us to enhance ethnic relations in Malaysia,” Najib said.
Also present were his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hisammuddin Hussein, Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and Deputy Foreign Minister Senator Kohilan Pillay.

Najib hoped that Malaysians in Brunei would embrace the concept as a guide to foster closer ties and understanding with the local people.

He said Malaysia and Brunei had always enjoyed a reliable and cordial relationship at the leaders-to-leaders and government-to-government level and that it should be translated to the ground by the people of both countries.

He advised Malaysians who were either working or doing business here not to create any problem.

On his meeting with Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at Istana Nurul Iman on Wednesday, he said it was conducted in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.

“The meeting lasted longer than expected and this showed the good bilateral relations between both countries,” Najib said.

The meeting, which saw both leaders discussing a range of bilateral issues including the demarcation of the Malaysia-Brunei land and maritime border, was scheduled for only 30 minutes but it lasted more than an hour.

The demarcation of the Malaysia-Brunei border, which Najib hoped could be completed soon, is considered crucial as it involved a territorial dispute over Limbang in Sarawak and waters in the continental shelf which is rich in oil and gas reserves.

During the meeting, Najib invited Brunei to invest in the Sabah Devlopment Corridor, the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy and the Iskandar Development Region in Johor.

He said the investment opportunities in the the development initiatives were avenues for Malaysia and Brunei to strengthen economic ties.

Consistent with the desire of both countries to explore new areas of cooperation, Najib said he would be bringing a strong delegation to the annual consultation between Malaysia and Brunei here in early August.

Describing his brief visit here as very meaningful, the prime minister said it has paved the way for a lasting and fruitful relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

Brunei was the second Asean country after Indonesia that Najib visited after his appointment as prime minister.

News by NSTOnline..

Man United beats Arsenal 1-0 in Champions League

2009-04-30T02:57:00.000-07:00

MANCHESTER, England (AP) - John O'Shea gave Manchester United a 1-0 victory over Arsenal on Wednesday in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals, but the defending champion missed plenty of chances to win by a bigger margin.

The fullback scored in the 18th minute after Arsenal failed to clear a corner. United outplayed Arsenal for long spells and had chances of a far bigger victory, but was foiled by three good first-half saves by Manuel Almunia.

The Red Devils look certain to go to next week's second leg without center back Rio Ferdinand, who has a suspected broken rib after a late scramble in front of the United goal.

"He's gone to hospital and we will wait for the outcome of that," said United manager Alex Ferguson. "It doesn't look good at the moment."

The two teams meet again at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium next Tuesday. The winner will advance to the May 27 final in Rome to face either Barcelona or Chelsea, who drew 0-0 in Tuesday's first leg in Spain.

"We had chances and their goalkeeper made two or three fantastic saves," Ferguson said. "The more pleasing aspect is that, before the game I said (to the players) 'Try and win the game without conceding a goal.' We've done that.

"Our forward play was very good and that's given us a good chance."

Arsenal was without injured forward Robin van Persie and Russian star Andry Arshavin, who is not eligible to line up for the Gunners in the Champions League having played for Zenit St. Petersburg earlier in this season's competition. The result was that Arsene Wenger's men rarely created chances at Old Trafford but are fortunate they only have to make up a one-goal deficit at home.

Wenger believes that his team will play far better in the second leg.

"If you look at the clear-cut chances, they were on top," the Arsenal manager said. "The positive is that we are only 1-0 down that we take home, and I am convinced that you will see a different Arsenal team at the Emirates. I believe that we have a good chance to reverse the result.

"I believe that the tie is very open. (United) can have regrets because they didn't score a second goal. It's down to us to make sure they regret they didn't score a second goal."

United's pressure brought some early chances followed by a goal.

Wayne Rooney's looping header in the second minute was finger-tipped away by Almunia, and a well-worked move ended with O'Shea's cross to Carlos Tevez, whose close-range shot was well saved by the Gunners keeper. From the corner, Michael Carrick beat a defender on the left and his cross deflected off Alex Song to the unmarked O'Shea, who drove the ball into the roof of the net.

After the 0-0 draw between Barcelona and Chelsea, that makes fullback O'Shea, who has scored 13 other goals for United, the only player to score in the semifinals so far although he said United should have had more.

"Possibly with the chances we had. Their 'keeper has made a couple of great saves," the Irish international said. "On our first half display we could have been a couple more goals up.

"But we have the goal, we kept a clean sheet and we know we're capable of scoring an away goal at the Emirates. In the second game we need to improve on retaining possession. Overall we have to be happy."

The defending champions maintained the momentum, and the busy Almunia saved a close-range header from Cristiano Ronaldo as well as his follow up shot. Later, he raced off his line to dive at the feet of Tevez as United threatened more goals.

"Almunia had a big game in a big game," Wenger said. "His saves were excellent, top class in every sense. His reading of the game, his decision making, quality, sharpness. He was really top class tonight."

Although Arsenal had a spell of possession before halftime, the Gunners did little to worry United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, with defenders Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic firmly in control of striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

The pattern continued in the second half, with Ronaldo having a shot blocked. After Adebayor made a series of mistakes at the other end, the Arsenal fans began chanting the name of striker Eduardo da Silva.

Adebayor's response was a powerful shot that just cleared the crossbar, but Ronaldo then replied with a 25-meter drive that shook the Gunners bar.

Ferguson sent on Dimitar Berbatov for the busy Tevez, and Ryan Giggs stretched his record number of appearances for the club to 800 when he came on for Anderson. - AP

News by TheStar..

Please help find our baby

2009-04-22T03:36:00.001-07:00

Tan Lay Khiaw (left) and her husband, Kee Bak Siang, with a picture of Hao Kit.

KUALA LUMPUR: A 1-year-old boy has gone missing from his home and his family suspects that he has fallen into the hands of a human trafficking syndicate.

The toddler, Kee Hao Kit, was believed to have been abducted by a worker in his father's coconut plantation in Sungai Air Tawar, Sabak Ber- nam, Selangor, 12 days ago.

To date, his family has not received any ransom demand for his release.

Hao Kit's parents, Kee Bak Siang and Tan Lay Khiaw, are worried that their only child may have been smuggled out of the country.

"Nobody has contacted me for a ransom. He is just a baby," said Kee, 33, adding that the family did not have enemies nor did he owe anyone money.
Hao Kit went missing on April 10, when his mother Tan, left their house to go to a nearby shop at 4pm. She left her son in the care of her nephew and niece, both aged 13.

As she was leaving the house, Tan saw three men at her back door who claimed they were waiting for her husband.

"One of them was our gardener, who started working for us five days earlier. He was from Sabah."

When Tan returned home half an hour later, her nephew and niece were playing in front of the house but the baby was nowhere to be found. The two teenagers did not know that the baby had disappeared.

Witnesses told the grieving parents that they saw the child with their gardener who was riding a motorcycle.

The gardener has since gone missing and his mobile phone number is no longer in service.

"I can't asleep at night. Hao Kit is still a baby and needs me to comfort and feed him," said Tan, a housewife.

They have lodged a police report and have sought the help of the media to highlight their baby's disappearance.

A woman contacted them recently, claiming she had seen Hao Kit in Taman Maluri, Cheras. Police checked out the tip-off but to no avail.

Yesterday, the couple sought the assistance of MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Michael Chong.

The couple urged those who had seen their son to contact them or a nearby police station. They can be contacted at 016-5963109 and the department at 03-21615678.

News and Pics By: NSTOnline

Najib doesn’t depend on me: Dr M

2009-04-22T03:33:00.000-07:00

CYBERJAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he was not acting as a consultant to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Najib Tun Razak.

He added Najib didn’t depend on him for advice, for example, on the appointment of Cabinet members, claiming that some of the ministers who had been appointed by Najib were corrupt.

Dr Mahathir declined to say who they were, but singled out Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz and Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Johari Baharom, whom he said should have not been appointed minister and deputy minister respectively.

“Nazri was nasty to me, so of course, I don’t like him.

”And Johari, he had this accusation against him that he had accepted RM5mil to release some people (from jail).

“Of course, he was cleared. But, some people feel that he should have not been made deputy minister,” the former premier told reporters after presenting a speech titled “The MSC and leadership in the information age” at the MSC Malaysia Leadership Talk Series here Wednesday.

Nazri had been a vocal critic of Dr Mahathir when the latter constantly made scathing attacks on his successor Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi when he was prime minister.

Johari was Deputy Internal Security Minister when he was accused of accepting bribes to release a detainee in 2007.

Dr Mahathir also said he was only giving his personal opinion that the Barisan Nasional should contest if a by-election is called in Penanti, although Najib had indicated that the coalition should focus more on improving the economy.

“I give valid reasons. But, I’m only expressing my opinion. He (Najib) doesn’t have to follow me.

“I give my opinion, but they don’t consult me. I’m not a consultant on every issue,” he added.

However, Dr Mahathir said it didn’t mean that he was opposed to Najib, saying that the Umno president had the right to decide on Cabinet members and their deputies.

News by TheStar..

Proton unveils its first MPV

2009-04-16T01:47:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd’s first multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the Exora, was unveiled to the public in a gala event here yesterday.

Launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, the 1.6-litre Exora has already received orders of 2,500 units, even before its launch.

The seven-seater - Proton’s most important model for the year - also marks the company’s entry into the MPV market, which is growing domestically and regionally.

It also represents the Proton management’s response to market needs and consumer demands.

The Exora’s interior is more spacious than other MPVs in its engine class. It also has separate air-conditioner blowers with ceiling mounted vents for the second and third row passengers.

Large doors allow for easy entry and exit, while the second and third row seats can be folded for a flat floor layout when carrying bulky items.

The vehicle has safety features like dual front airbags, pretensioner seatbelts and anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution.

The Exora, which is powered by a 1.6-litre CamPro CPS engine, was the result of an investment of RM450mil and 18 months of intense in-house research and development.

The MPV is available in four-speed automatic version, in trim levels of Mid-Line and Hi-Line.

The Mid-Line Exora costs RM69,998 and the Hi-Line variant, RM75,998 (prices quoted here are for metallic colours only)

News and Pics by TheStar..

Fairus: Clear my name or prepare for expose

2009-04-16T01:46:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin, who quit as Penang Deputy Chief Minister 1 and as Penanti assemblyman, has given PKR a two-week deadline to clear his name, saying he would otherwise expose a state government and party scandal.

In an exclusive interview with Chinese daily Nanyang Siang Pau, he said he had inside information related to the internal operation of the Pakatan Rakyat opposition alliance.

“That is the reason why the party still does not take any action against me,” he said, adding that it was not convenient for him to elaborate at present and urged the press to be patient.

Mohammad Fairus has been quizzed by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for his alleged involvement with illegal quarry activities in the state, and has come under fire by his own party for supposed under-performance.

“I am innocent. They know what I can do. So do not push me (from taking such step)!” he said, claiming that he had been framed by party insiders.

He told Nanyang Siang Pau that he was unhappy with his party for not standing behind him as it had done for Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong and former Bukit Selambau assemblyman V. Arumugam.

“The two of them were just state executive council (exco) members, while I am not only a state exco member but also state Deputy Chief Minister,” he said, denying criticism that he had been neglectful of his constituency and absent from many state government functions.

He claimed that it was all part of a well-crafted plot to frame him.

“I have done my constituency work properly and have the support of my voters. Those on the outside may not understand this because my work and services for the constituency have not been reported in newspapers,” he said.

He added that he would cooperate with the MACC to clear his name over the illegal quarrying issue.

News by TheStar..

Malaysian student killed in Melbourne crash

2009-04-15T03:54:00.000-07:00

MELBOURNE, Tues:

A Malaysian student was killed on Saturday when a car in which she was travelling skidded and hit a tree in Apollo Bay, about 190km from here.
Sharon Chua Sook Teng, 35, a MBA student at the RMIT University here, died on the spot.

"It appears that a Toyota sedan lost control on the Great Ocean Road and hit a tree about 10km west of Apollo Bay just after 4.30pm," a police spokeswoman told Bernama.

Another woman, also a passenger in the car, was trapped for some time before being airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition," she said.

The driver, believed to be the husband of the injured woman, was taken to Apollo Bay Hospital and then transferred to the Geelong Hospital for treatment.

The couple, friends of Sharon, were holidaying here from Singapore. Their names have not been released.
Sharon brothers, Poi Hean and Poi Keong, and sister Jennifer flew in here this morning to claim the body.

Jennifer said the family was waiting for the body to be released by the coroner before being cremated and the ashes taken back to their home in Cheras.

News by NSTOnline..

P/S May her soul rest in peace.. Amen

Eli Wong agrees to stay as exco, rep

2009-04-15T03:50:00.000-07:00

SHAH ALAM: Bukit Lanjan rep Elizabeth Wong has agreed to stay on as state executive councillor and assemblyman.

Wong, who had tendered her resignation after revealing photos of her emerged two months ago, was earlier Wednesday asked to stay on by Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

In a statement later Wednesday, Wong said, "It is with the greatest humility that I accept the Selangor state’s offer to remain in office."

She also thanked the Sultan of Selangor for his guidance.

"I wish to thank mentri besar and the Selangor exco, my staff, my fellow assemblymen, fellow politicians from Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional, PKR leaders, the Women’s wing of PKR and the grassroots, and my legal team for their support and guidance," she added.

When she had tendered her resignation, Khalid had asked her to go on leave pending a decision.

Khalid told a press conference that asking Wong to resume her duties was the right thing to do, even though she had tendered in her resignation

“The state government believes this is an appropriate and fair decision after taking into consideration views from all quarters, public interest and the fact that police investigations have to date failed to reach a conclusion,” he said after chairing the weekly exco meeting.

Khalid was accompanied by almost all of his exco members, including senior exco Teresa Wong and Datuk Dr Hassan Ali, who is the state PAS commissioner, when making the announcement.

The mentri besar also added that Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah had been briefed about the exco’s decision to retain Wong.

Khalid also thanked Sultan Sharafuddin for his stand in not interfering in political decisions and entrusting the state government to make a fair and just decision.

Khalid stressed that morality was of utmost importance to the state's Pakatan Rakyat government.

“We will ensure that this principle is strictly adhered to. Should there be any conclusive evidence of wrongdoings, the state government will not hesitate to initiate the necessary action,” he added.

However, said Khalid, the state government was also equally concerned in protecting the rights to privacy and would do its utmost to protect that right.

He reiterated that Wong was a victim and that even though it was an issue of morality, everyone was innocent until proven guilty.

Wong found herself in a quandary after some revealing pictures of her were sent to the media in early February.

She immediately tendered her resignation as exco member and elected representative citing that it was in the best interest of her party PKR.

Wong was granted long leave while the police conducted investigations and the exco debated on her status as exco member and assemblyman.

When asked if all the exco members had agreed unanimously to reject Wong’s resignation or if the decision to retain her was PKR’s, Khalid said what was discussed at the meeting would not be revealed.

He also stressed that it was the state government’s decision not to accept Wong’s resignation.

She went on leave on Feb 15 after some revealing pictures of her were posted on the Internet, and also tendered her resignation as exco member and assemblyman, saying that it was in the best interest of her party PKR and the state’s Pakatan Rakyat ruling coalition.

Other exco members temporarily took over Wong’s tourism, consumer affairs and environment portfolio. Khalid and senior exco Teresa Kok handled tourism, Ean Yong Hian Wah will oversaw consumer affairs while Rodziah Ismail and Dr Xavier Jayakumar handled environment.

Rodziah also stood in for Wong in carrying out the official duties as Bukit Lanjan assemblyman.

The revealing pictures of Wong were sent to selected media outlets by unknown parties.

She lodged a police report and in the course of their investigations, police obtained a warrant of arrest for one Hilmi Malek, a former boyfriend of the assemblyman.

Hilmi, 32, was issued a notice under Section 111 of the Criminal Procedure Code to come forward and record a statement by March 19, but to date, there has been no word from him. He is believed to be residing in a neighbouring country.

Wong said the past two months have been more than an ordeal for her.

“I have been stripped bare publicly -- both figuratively and literally -- by force and against my will. My personal life has been violated and assaulted by none other than criminals.

“Even up to this evening, I continue to receive threats from unknown persons.

“This is not a scandal, as some have suggested, but a clear criminal act. This is no less a form of criminal intimidation, a form of political violence, and one which, if I chose to retreat into silence, would in turn indirectly affect women, especially women politicians,” she added.

Wong said she was “humbled by the encouragement and support shown by the media, my family and friends, non-governmental organisations, the tens of thousands of people who signed the petitions on my behalf and who wrote to me, and especially my constituents who stood by me in these trying times.”

“I also wish to thank the [olice for their professionalism in addressing the issue at hand and I look forward to them apprehending and charging the criminals soonest,” she said.

News by TheStar Online..

Bangkok turns into a war zone

2009-04-13T03:31:00.000-07:00

BANGKOK: Thai soldiers sprayed automatic weapons fire into the air and threw tear gas to clear demonstrators blocking roads across the capital Monday in a major escalation of anti-government protests that have roiled this South-East Asian nation.

At least 74 people were reported injured in the clashes, most of them in a pre-dawn confrontation in which the demonstrators hurled at least one gasoline bomb and, according to the military, fired at the troops.

The protesters were stationed at half a dozen points in Bangkok, including the prime minister’s office where thousands remained encamped, defying a state of emergency that bans gatherings of more than five people.

The demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, saying his four-month-old government came to power illegally.

Protesters commandeered public buses to block several key intersections, set tires on fire and sent two unmanned buses, one of them set on fire, hurtling toward lines of soldiers.

In one of several tense confrontations and cat-and-mouse chases around the city, a line of troops in full battle gear fired volleys of M-16 fire, most of it aimed above the heads of protesters and turned water cannons on the crowd near Victory Monument, a major traffic circle.

Protesters at an intersection near the monument set an empty bus on fire and, after weighing down the accelerator with a bag of water bottles, sent it surging toward advancing soldiers.

The bus swerved and then ricocheted off trees on the side of the road before coming to a halt, with no one injured.

City officials said the protesters have commandeered about 30 public buses and earlier forced military vehicles to halt, in one case climbing on top of two armoured personnel carriers, waving flags and shouting “Democracy.”

The red-shirted demonstrators are supporters of ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who want new elections and Abhisit’s ouster. They also accuse the country’s elite -- the military, judiciary and other unelected officials -- of undermining democracy by interfering in politics.

Parliament appointed Abhisit in December after a court ordered the removal of the previous pro-Thaksin government citing fraud in the 2007 elections. Thaksin supporters took to the streets in protest, and their numbers grew to 100,000 in Bangkok last week.

A mob of the red-shirted protesters smashed cars carrying Abhisit and his aides on Sunday. The secretary-general of Abhisit’s office, Niphon Promphan, was dragged from the car and beaten, suffering head injuries and broken ribs.

Abhisit appealed Monday to the demonstrators to return to their homes, saying the government was using “the softest measures possible” against them.

“All the work I am doing is not to create fear or put pressure or to harm any group of people. It’s a step by step process to restore order and stop violence,” he said on nationwide television.

Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the “situation in Thailand is being brought back under control.”

“In the next few hours, several security measures will be established ... to secure major ports, international airports and infrastructure,” he said.

In contrast to a complete security breakdown over the weekend, where a 16-nation Asian summit was canceled after demonstrators stormed the venue, security forces began to take action.

Monday’s first clash began between 4am and 5am, as troops in full combat gear advanced to disperse the protesters, who were occupying a major junction, according to witnesses.

The soldiers fired hundreds of rounds from their M-16 automatic rifles, with Associated Press reporters saying most appeared to have been aimed over the heads of the protesters.

The reporters saw protesters throw at least one gasoline bomb which exploded behind the army line and tear gas floated across the eerie dawn scene.

At the nearby Century Park Hotel, foreign tourists were seen rushing into taxis and heading for Bangkok’s international airport. But others seemed unruffled.

“We’re from South Africa. We don’t scare easy,” said Estelle Jones, a tourist from Johannesburg.

France, Britain, Australia, the United States, South Korea and the Philippines were among countries that issued travel advisories Monday, urging citizens to avoid trips to Thailand and for those already in Bangkok to stay in their hotels and away from protests.

The US Embassy issued a warden message urging Americans “to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution anywhere in Bangkok.”

Dr Chatri Charoenchivakul of the Erawan Emergency Coordination Centre said at least 70 people were injured, most of them from tear gas, while two soldiers and two civilians suffered from gunshot wounds. Another four persons were injured in clashes near Victory Monument, he said.

Army spokesman Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the protesters also used tear gas as well as “weapons” to open fire on the soldiers.

Monday marked the beginning of the Thai New Year, normally the country’s most joyous holiday. The Bangkok municipal government cancelled all its festivities, but despite the rioting many Thais and foreign tourists began engaging in the ritualistic water throwing and general partying.

However, all major department stores, malls and jewellery shops in Chinatown shut their doors.

On Sunday night, ousted prime minister Thaksin, regarded by most of the protesters as their leader, called for a revolution and said he might return from exile to lead it.

Thaksin fled the country last year, before a court convicted him in absentia of violating a conflict of interest law.

“Now that they have tanks on the streets, it is time for the people to come out in revolution. And when it is necessary, I will come back to the country,” he said in a telephoned message to followers outside Abhisit’s office.

The message was broadcast over a video link projected on giant screens and relayed on supporters’ Internet sites. It was unclear where Thaksin was calling from, but the former leader has been spending much of his time in Dubai.

Political tensions have simmered since Thaksin was ousted by a military coup in 2006 amid accusations of corruption and abuse of power. He remains popular in the impoverished countryside for his populist policies.

His opponents -- many in urban areas -- took to the streets last year to help bring down two pro-Thaksin governments, seizing Bangkok’s two airports in November for about a week. -- AP

News and Pics by TheStar..

Malam Kemuncak Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian

2009-04-13T03:24:00.000-07:00

GENTING HIGHLANDS, 13 APRIL 2009: Juara Raja Lawak 2, Ahmad Nabil Ahmad atau lebih dikenali sebagai Nabil, telah dinobatkan sebagai Bintang Paling Popular pada Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 2008 (ABPBH08) yang sebelum ini disandang oleh Raja SMS, Mawi.

Dengan kemenangan itu, Nail meraih hadiah barang kemas tajaan Rafflesia The Pearl Centre bernilai RM150,000, kereta Nissan Sylphy (2.0) tajaaan Edaran Tan Chong Motor berharga RM109,000, perabot Empire Classic Furniture bernilai RM30,000 serta pakej penginapan bernilai RM8,000 tajaan Hotel Palace of the Golden Horses, selain trofi.

Trofi Bintang Paling Popular 2008 itu disampaikan Ketua Pengarang Kumpulan New Straits Times Press (NSTP), Datuk Hishamuddin Aun yang diiringi Pengarang Kumpulan Berita Harian Sdn Bhd (BHSB), Datuk Manja Ismail, di majlis kemuncak ABPBH2008 di Arena of Stars, malam tadi.

Nabil, 26, meraih 127,524 undi sekaligus menewaskan nama-nama besar lain seperti Mawi, Dato' Siti Nurhaliza, Haji Aznil Haji Nawawi dan Meet Uncle Hussain. Dalam majlis itu juga Nabil turut meraih anugerah dalam 2 kategori lain iaitu Artis Komedi Lelaki Popular dan Artis Baru Lelaki Popular.

Majlis yang bertemakan Sentuhan Tenun itu turut disiarkan secara langsung melalui TV3 serta Hot FM. Anugerah Percapaian Sepanjang Hayat pula diberikan kepada Raja Pop, Jamal Abdillah berdasarkan sumbangan beliau memartabatkan industri muzik tanah air sepanjang pembabitannya dalam dunia seni selama 30 tahun.

Turut mencipta sejarah berulang pada malam tersebut ialah Dato' Siti yang mempertahankan gelarannya selama 12 tahun berturut-turut bagi kategori Penyanyi Wanita Popular sementara Aznil pula terus menjulang trofi Pengacara TV Lelaki Popular bagi 6 kali berturut-turut.

Kumpulan Rabbani juga mencipta kejayaan yang dijangkan apabila mengekalkan kemenangan mereka menerusi kategori Artis Nasyid Popular bagi 8 tahun berturut-turut.

Lebih 5,000 penonton hadir menyaksikan acara lebih 2 jam itu yang dihoskan pasangan pelakon dan pengacara sensasi, Sharifah Shahira dan Adlin Aman Ramlie. Penyanyi yang membuat persembahan ialah Stacy, Aizat, Siti Sarah, Ayu OIAM, Diddy Hirdy, Jeffrydin, L Ramlie, Jamal Abdillah, Dato Siti, Kristal, Farah Asyikin, Faizal Tahir, Anita Sarawak dan Hujan.

ABPBH08 anjuran Berita Harian yang memasuki edisi ke-22 itu terus bertahan sebagai antara majlis pengiktirafan paling berprestij dalam dunia hiburan tanah air kerana menggabungkan semua penggiat seni termasuk dalam bidang perfileman, muzik dan penyiaran.

SENARAI PENUH PEMENANG

*Bintang Paling Popular - Nabil

*Pelakon Filem Lelaki Popular - Que Haidar

*Pelakon Filem Wanita Popular - Maya Karin

*Pelakon TV Lelaki Popular - Rosyam Nor

*Pelakon TV Wanita Popular - Dynas

*Penyanyi Lelaki Popular - Mawi

*Penyanyi Wanita Popular - Dato' Siti Nurhaliza

*Artis Nasyid Popular - Rabbani

*Artis Berkumpulan/Duo Popular - Meet Uncle Hussain

*Artis Komedi Lelaki Popular - Nabil

*Artis Komedi Wanita Popular - Noorkhiriah

*Artis Baru Lelaki Popular - Nabil

*Artis Baru Wanita Popular - Stacy

*Pengacara TV Lelaki Popular - Aznil Hj Nawawi

* Pengacara TV Wanita Popular - Fara Fauzana

*Penyampai Radio Lelaki Popular - Faizal Ismail

*Penyampai Radio Wanita Popular - Fara Fauzana

*Anugerah Khas Pencapaian Sepanjang Hayat - Biduan Jamal Abdillah

Berita oleh Murai.com

Ex-Sabah Minister Mojuntin goes to jail

2009-04-13T03:22:00.000-07:00

KOTA KINABALU: Former Berjaya minister minister Datuk Conrad Mojuntin began serving his six-month jail sentence on Monday, for threatening a businessman three years ago.

His application for leave to challenge the Jan 3 High Court decision to sentence him to six months’ imprisonment was not granted by the Court of Appeal that sat here Monday.

The Court directed the former state minister to serve his six-month prison term for criminal intidimation of a businessman.

Justices Datuk Tengku Baharudin Shah Tengku Mahmud, Datuk Md Raus Sharif and Datuk Abdull Hamid Embong heard the application. They also revoked his RM5,000 bail.

Conrad, 60, was sentenced to six months jail and fined RM2,000 in default of three months’ jail for criminally intimidating businessman Doughty Disimon, 30, outside the SJD Cafe and Sports in Donggonggon in Penampang near here at 3.30am on Oct 23, 2005.

The assault incident was linked to the shooting death of 19-year-old fishmonger Anthony Chang.

Conrad, who was state minister youth, culture and sports in the early 1980s, was represented by Zahir Shah with the prosecution headed by Manoj Kumar.

News by TheStar Online..

David Archuleta, the runner-up of last year’s American Idol made a surprise appearance at SMK Sri KDU in Kota Damansara, Kuala Lumpur

2009-04-09T21:28:00.000-07:00

PETALING JAYA: The real world and cyberspace were caught up in the David Archuleta mania as the runner-up of last year’s American Idol made a surprise appearance at SMK Sri KDU in Kota Damansara.

“It was crazy as I did not realise how many kids would be there.

“I did not expect them to be that enthusiastic and have that much energy,” said Archuleta of the big crowd at the school yesterday.

He was mobbed by an equally huge crowd when he landed at KL International Airport on Wednesday.

The students of the school were rewarded with the special visit after having won the Hitz.fm “Bring Archuleta To Your School” campaign.

Students were required to answer questions and vote for their schools on the radio station’s website. The school garnered a whopping 65,700 votes.

“I voted for our school so many times. I just kept clicking the submit button (on the website) over and over again!” exclaimed Form 4 student Goh Lih Seng, who added that he enjoyed Archuleta’s music but was never a big fan. “Now I’m a huge fan!” he said.

The 18-year-old singer spent about an hour at the secondary school, posing for pictures with the top students before entering the hall where he was greeted with screams.

Meanwhile, the team from The Star’s youth platform R.AGE was hard at work at the school, keeping fans of the baby-faced singer updated with what was happening.

Using the social networking tool Twitter, which allows people to follow updates of fellow “Tweeple”, the R.AGE team was able to notify anyone with immediate updates and pictures on site, including replies by Archuleta from an interview conducted after the event.

Earlier, Archuleta told the crowd how much he loved Malaysia and what a surreal experience it was for him to be in Malaysia, all the way from Utah, United States.

He also talked to the students about how he got through high school with good grades.

“I wasn’t the smartest in my class but I took my time and worked at (my studies). The effort is what helped me out and got me the grades I wanted,” Archuleta said.

After the event, Archuleta held a press conference at the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park. He will perform a special showcase at Sunway Lagoon Amphitheatre at 3pm on Saturday.

* Log on to rage.com.my for more pictures and details on David Archuleta’s visit to SMK Sri KDU.

News and pic by: TheStar Online..

Najib names 28-member Cabinet

2009-04-09T02:13:00.000-07:00

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced a 28-member Cabinet with 25 ministries that saw eight ministers dropped and seven new faces appointed.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who won the Umno deputy presidency in last month’s party elections, was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister.

Najib, who took his oath of office as the new prime minister on April 3, also retained the finance portfolio which he has held since Sept 19 last year following the portfolio swap between him and former premier Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at that time.

Najib’s Cabinet is slightly smaller than his predecessor’s 32 ministers and 27 ministries.

Najib said that the new members of the administration were highly spirited and ready to serve.

Najib was at Istana Terengganu in Kuala Lumpur at about 10:57am where he had a 30-min audience with the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan, before leaving for Putrajaya where he announced the new line-up at 3pm.

The premier had spent the last five days juggling names and positions to take into consideration the requests and views of various Barisan Nasional component parties.

The new ministers and deputy ministers will take their oath of office at Istana Negara at 9.30am Friday.

NEW CABINET LINE-UP:

Prime Minister and Finance Minister 1 Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak

Deputy PM and Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin

Ministers in Prime Minister’s Department
Unity and Performance Dr Koh Tsu Koon
Law and Parliament Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz
Religious Affairs Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Datuk Jamil Khir Baharum
Economic Planning Unit Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop

Deputies: Datuk Liew Vui Keong, Senator Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim, Datuk SK Devamany, Ahmad Maslan, Senator T. Murugiah

Finance
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak
Finance Minister II: Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadziah
Deputies: Datuk Chor Chee Heung, Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussein

Education
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
Deputies: Datuk Wee Ka Siong, Datuk Puad Zarkashi

Transport
Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat
Deputies: Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri, Datuk Robert Lau

Home
Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein
Deputies: Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop, Jelaing Mersat

Information, Culture, Arts and Communications
Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim
Deputies: Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, Senator Heng Sai Kee

Energy, Green Tech & Water
Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui
Deputy: Noriah Kasnon

Plantation Industries and Commodoties
Tan Sri Bernard Dompok
Deputy: Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin

Rural and Regional Development
Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal
Deputies: Datuk Hassan Malek, Datuk Joseph Entulu

Higher Education
Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin
Deputies: Dr Hou Kok Chung, Saifuddin Abdullah

International Trade and Industry
Datuk Mustapa Mohamed
Deputies: Datuk Muhkriz Mahathir, Datuk Jacob Dungau

Science, Tech and Innovation
Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili
Deputy: Fadillah Yusof

Natural Resources and Environment
Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas
Deputy: Tan Sri Joseph Kurup

Tourism
Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen
Deputy: Datuk Seri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Abdul Taib

Agriculture and Agro-based Industries
Datuk Noh Omar
Deputies: Johari Baharum, Rohani Abdul Karim

Defence
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
Deputy: Datuk Dr Abdul Latif

Works
Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor
Deputy: Datuk Yong Khoon Seng

Health
Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai
Deputy: Datuk Rosnah Rashid Shilin

Youth and Sports
Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek
Deputies: Datuk Razali Ibrahim, Wee Jeck Seng

Human Resources
Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam
Deputy: Datuk Maznah Mazlan

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri
Deputy: Datuk Tan Lian Hoe

Housing and Local Government
Datuk Kong Cho Ha
Deputy: Lajim Ukin

Women, Family and Community Development
Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil
Deputy: Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun

Foreign Affairs
Datuk Anifah Aman
Deputies: Datuk Lee Chee Hong, Senator A. Kohilan

Federal Territories
Datuk Raja Nong Chik Zainal Abidin
Deputy: M. Saravanan

News by TheStar Online..

Altantuya murder: It's death for Azilah and Sirul

2009-04-09T02:09:00.000-07:00

SHAH ALAM: Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri, 32, and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar,36, were found guilty and sentenced to death for the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu three years ago, wrapping up the country's longest trial ever.

Justice Datuk Mohd Zaki Md Yasin, said the prosecution had proven the case against them beyond reasonable doubt.

He said their defences were essentially ones of denial and of blaming each other and as such, were irreconcilable and unbelievable.

"Thus they have failed to raise any reasonable doubt in the prosecution's case which I find to be irresistibly conclusive on account of the physical and circumstantial evidence adduced before me.

"I therefore now sentence you, Azilah and Sirul Azhar, to death and both of you will henceforth be kept in lawful custody until you are brought to a lawful place where you will be hung by the neck until you are dead," he said.

The defense counsels said they would appeal.

Azilah, is represented by two counsels, Datuk Hazman Ahmad and J. Kuldeep Kumar while Sirul Azhar, is represented by Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin, Hasnal Redzua Marican and Ahmad Zaidi Zainal.

In elaborating the sole defence of C/Insp Azilah who testified under oath in January, Justice Mohd Zaki said the first accused had contended that he did not utter those statements relating to the scene which were admitted by the court as evidence of information leading to discovery of facts.

“That he (C/Insp Azilah) was not at the scene of crime at the relevant dates and times and instead claimed that he was somewhere in Wangsa Maju as per his notice of alibi, and that he was not the last person to be with the deceased for he had handed her over to the second accused on the night in question to send her back to Hotel Malaya,” he said.

However, Justice Mohd Zaki noted that C/Insp Azilah did not call any of his witnesses to support his defence and his alibi.

“The law relating to the non-calling of a witness by the defence is well settled,” said the judge.

On the defence of Kpl Sirul who gave his statement in dock on Feb 4, the judge said Kpl Sirul claimed that he was made “the scapegoat”.

“Kpl Sirul claimed that he did not utter all the statements relating to those personal belongings of the deceased which were admitted by this court as evidence of information leading to the discovery of facts under Section 27 of Evidence Act.

“He claimed that he was not at the crime scene but was instead having tea at Devi’s Corner in Sri Hartamas and having “sahur” at Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur and that the deceased had never been handed over to him by the first accused for her to be sent back to Hotel Malaya,” he said.

Justice Mohd Zaki said the law relating to the weight to be attached to the unsworn statement from the dock, which was not subjected to cross-examination by the prosecution, was also likewise settled.

“The weight to be attached to this category of defence may not be the same as one attached to the defence upon evidence on oath,” he said.

However, he said the court must consider it for whatever it was worth having regard to the other evidence available and to see whether the defence had succeeded in casting a reasonable doubt in the case.

In Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Mohd Zaki only read out the final four pages of his 283-page draft judgment.

Kpl Sirul and C/Insp Azilah had claimed trial to murdering the Mongolian beauty between 10pm on Oct 19 and 1am on Oct 20, 2006 at Mukim Bukit Raja here.

The two were ordered on Oct 31 to enter their defence.

Last October, political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda was acquited without his defence being called of abetting in the murder of the 28-year-old Mongolian woman.

Eighty-four witnesses out of 198 witnesses had testified in the trial that took 165 days to complete recording their evidence.

In an immediate response, lead prosecutor DPP Tun Abd Majid Tun Hamzah said it was a fair decision saying that the prosecution had strong circumstantial evidence against both accused.

“Of course, the battle is not over yet. It will be a fight at the Court of Appeal and Federal Court. Only if the Federal Court affirms the decision, is it settled. Let’s wait and see at the appellate court,” he said with a smile.

For now, DPP Tun Abd Majid said the prosecution was satisfied as their hard work had paid off.

“As far as the prosecution is concerned, there was no involvement of anyone else, politically or otherwise,” he added.

Lawyer Datuk Hazman Ahmad, for C/Insp Azilah, said he would file an appeal against the court ruling, probably by next week.

Counsel Hasnal Rezua Merican, acteing for Kpl Sirul, said he would file an appeal against the court decision.

Among those present in court included Mongolian translator Enkhjargal Tsetsgee, who sent a text message to Altantuya’s father over the verdict.

Earlier, over 60 media representatives were screened to the courtroom at 8.50am.

C/Insp Azilah, clad in blue checked long-sleeve shirt and black pants, walked to the courtroom at 9am and jovially chatted with his fiancee Nur Azila Baharuddin and hugged his friend.

Shortly later, Kpl Sirul, attired in black shirt with a matching dark coat and black pants, came and shook hands with his police friends.

In the high profile trial that hogged the local and international media, the duo were charged with murdering Altantuya, who was 28 then, between Lot 12843 and Lot 16735 Mukim Bukit Raja near here, between 10 pm, Oct 19 and 1 am, Oct 20, 2006.

Initially they were tried together with the executive director of Malaysian Strategic Research Centre (MSRC), Abdul Razak Abdullah Baginda, 48, who was charged with abetment in the murder of Altantuya.

However on Oct 31, 2008, the political analyst walked out a free man after the court found that the prosecution had failed to furnish proof on an important element on the abetment charge.

Abdul Razak since has left to United Kingdom and is said to be taking up a PhD at Oxford University.

While Azilah and Sirul Azhar -- who pleaded not guilty -- were hoping to be released, the prosecution went all out to prove they were the ones behind Altantuya's murder and the disposal of her remains using explosives.

The prosecution team consisting of Deputy Public Prosecutor Tun Abdul Majid Tun Hamzah, Noorin Badaruddin, Manoj Kurup and Hanim Rashid, stressed in their submissions that Azilah and Sirul Azhar were the people behind Altantuya's murder.

Based on the evidence gathered from prosecution witnesses, the explosive used to blow up Altantuya's body was probably placed in her mouth.

Manoj noted at the end of the prosecution's case that both accused had the motive to kill and it was a preplanned crime.

Manoj noted that several circumstantial pieces of evidence that the prosecution tried to prove were never denied, explained or answered by both defendants.

"Several of the strong evidence deduced from the testimonies when spun together will make two ropes that are strong enough to hang each one of them.

"The prosecution has proven beyond reasonable doubt on the actions of the duo calls for their conviction on the murder carried out with the common intention," he had said.

Azilah, who started his testimony on Jan 15, stated that he had no motive to kill or destroy the woman and instead he only met Altantuya to advise her politely not to harass Abdul Razak or create a ruckus outside the latter's home.

Azilah also told the court that he was ordered by a superior, DSP Musa Safri to help Abdul Razak and thus he would not have done something stupid like killing -- especially seeing he was a policeman.

While defending himself Sirul Azhar broke down a few times and claimed he had been made the sacrificial lamb in the murder.

The case has set many records including being the most number of days for hearing (159 days) and 84 witnesses at the prosecution stage and two at the defence stage, and it remained the high profile case for almost two years before Abdul Razak was released.

According to records, Azilah has been incarcerated at the Sungai Buloh Prison for 891 days while Sirul Azhar 895 days.

News by TheStar Online..

p/s Lord, have mercy on them..

Bkt Selambau - PKR wins

2009-04-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

10:45pm) Bkt Selambau: Official final results - PKR’s Manikumar wins with 2,403 vote majority. PKR 12,632 votes vs BN 10,229 votes. Independents 1,326 votes. Spoilt votes 415.

(10:35pm) Bkt Selambau: Official results from 61 out of 64 streams - PKR 11,856 votes vs BN 9,708 votes. Independents 1,245 votes.

more news at TheStar..

PKR’s Manikumar wins in Bukit Selambau

By Shannon Teoh

SUNGAI PETANI, April 7 — First-timer S. Manikumar has ensured that Bukit Selambau is represented in the state executive council after a hard-fought but convincing 2,403-vote win over Barisan Nasional's Datuk S. Ganesan.

The PKR candidate polled 12,632 votes to defeat the former Lunas assemblyman who managed 10,229.

The win in the mixed constituency is a fillip for the PAS-led government of Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak as speculation of defections to topple the Pakatan Rakyat continues to swirl.

With Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu's MIC also failing to deliver the crucial tie-breaking Indian votes who make up 30 per cent of the electorate here, it also brings the beleaguered party on the brink of irrelevance.

Ganesan was nowhere to be found, having told reporters he would not be at the counting centre as BN reels from yet another election setback with the 2-1 defeat in the triple by-elections.

With even the influence of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad failing to swing the tide, tonight's results confirm that the new leadership of Datuk Seri Najib Razak will not see a honeymoon period.

Samy Vellu said: “I am certain we have increased Indian support. Even though we are disappointed, we accept the verdict and will work hard to regain the confidence of the Indian community.”

Datuk Johari Abdul, PKR's election director for Bukit Selambau and Sungai Petani MP, said: "Umno may have done well but the other BN component parties have not."

He said BN took most of the Malay areas but PKR won in Chinese and mixed areas even though the Indian support decreased.

news by TheMalaysianInsider..

Ousted Perak MB Nizar (PAS) wins; BN wins in Sarawak

2009-04-07T06:55:00.000-07:00

PAS retains Bkt Gantang

TAIPING: PAS’ Datuk Seri Mohamad Nizar Jamaluddin won the Bukit Gantang parliamentary by-election with a majority of 2,789 votes.

He beat Barisan Nasional’s Ismail Saffian and independent Kamarul Ramizu Idris.

The 52-year-old former Perak mentri besar garnered 21,860 votes against Ismail’s 19,071. Kamarul Ramizu only managed to secure 62 votes and lost his deposit.

Ismail, 49, is the only local candidate in this three-cornered contest. Nizar, who hails from Kampar, is a registered voter in Pasir Panjang in the southern part of Perak.

Barisan’s expectation of securing more support by fielding a local candidate did not materialise. The coalition managed to get 622 more votes compared with the 18,449 votes it had secured in 2008 general election.

PAS, through Nizar, who was said to be banking on sympathy votes after the Barisan takeover of Perak state, improved its vote count by 1,845 votes compared with the 20,015 votes it garnered in 2008.

The by-election -- largely seen as a referendum on Barisan’s move to capture the state from Pakatan Rakyat by getting three of the latter’s state assemblymen to quit parties of the Pakatan alliance -- was called following the death of its Member of Parliament Roslan Shaharum of PAS in February.

In the last general election, the late Roslan had scored an upset over Umno’s Datuk Abdul Azim Zabidi with a majority of 1,566 votes.

Intermittent rain did not deter voters from coming out to exercise their democratic rights. Turnout was 75.1% or 41,626 of the total 55,562 voters, slightly higher than 72.65% in the 2008 general election.

In fact, the turnout this time was the highest ever for the constituency which was created in 1986. In the last six elections, the average turnout was only 70%.

This semi-rural parliamentary constituency is made up of the three state constituencies of Changkat Jering, Trong and Kuala Sepetang.

Barisan takes Batang Ai

LUBOK ANTU: Barisan Nasional won the remote Batang Ai state constituency in southern Sarawak by a convincing majority of 1,854 votes.

Its candidate Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, 49, from Parti Rakyat Sarawak, defeated Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s Jawah Gerang, 55, after garnering 3,907 votes against Jawah’s 2,053.

In the 2006 state elections, Barisan’s Datuk Dublin Unting won against opposition Sarawak National Party (SNAP) by 806 votes in this seat that is made up of 95% Ibans. Unting died on Feb 24 from a stroke.

PKR, which was contesting for the first time in an Iban heartland in Sarawak, gave Barisan a good fight all the way to the finish line, but failed to overcome the powerful election machinery that Barisan had deployed to Batang Ai over the last month.

Mussen is an engineer with the State Agriculture Department, while Jawah was a former five-term MP for Lubok Antu when he was with the now deregistered Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak.

OFFICIAL RESULTS N029 BATANG AI
8,006 registered voters

1. Jawah Gerang (PKR) .............. 2,053
2. MALCOLM MUSSEN LAMOH (BN)........ 3,907

Majority .................. 1,854
Votes cast .......... 6,019
Percentage ............... 75.32
Spoilt votes ........... 59

news by TheStar..

Updates on Three by-elections today...

2009-04-06T23:39:00.000-07:00

PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional’s candidate for Bukit Selambau S. Ganesan is believed to have been the first politician to kick off the nation’s historic triple-play by-elections when he cast his ballot at SJK(T) Ladang Perbadanan at about 8:20am.

The three by-elections are being closely watched not only because of the heightened political scenario but also due to some “firsts” they created.

It was the first time three by-elections will be held in the country on the same day and the first time 15 candidates will fight for a seat.

Also, for the first time, a former mentri besar, who is still an assemblyman, is contesting a parliamentary seat in a by-election.

All in all, 20 candidates are contesting.

The Bukit Selambau state seat in Kedah has a record number of 15 candidates -- the highest ever in the country’s election history.

Barisan, under the fresh leadership of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak which promises change under the 1Malaysia concept, has put a lot of pressure on its opponents, with even former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who has just rejoined Umno, on the campaign trail.

The Opposition meanwhile believes that Malaysian voters are still supporting PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Voting starts at 8am and ends at 5pm. The results are expected in between 9pm and 11pm.

Bukit Gantang (P59)
The Bukit Gantang parliamentary by-election will see a three-cornered fight between Barisan Nasional’s Ismail Saffian, 49, former Perak mentri besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, 52, of PAS and independent Kamarul Ramizu Idris, 42.

Malays make up 63.5% of the 55,562 voters in Bukit Gantang, followed by Chinese (27.1% ), Indians (9.1%) and others (0.2%).

The Bukit Gantang seat fell vacant following the death of incumbent Roslan Shaharom of PAS on Feb 9.

Ismail is a local unlike Nizar who is a registered voter in Pasir Panjang, where he is also its state assemblyman. Kamarul is from Taiping, but is not considered a factor in the by-election.

Ismail, who is Bukit Gantang Umno information chief, is from Kampung Kubu, Bukit Gantang while his wife is from Changkat Ibol in the same constituency.

Bukit Selambau (N25)
Some 13 independent candidates are up against Barisan Nasional’s S. Ganesan and PKR’s S. Manikumar.

The independent candidates are former Kedah PPP Wanita Chief L. Sarala, insurance manager T. Chandrarajan, businessman R. Loganathan, Arumugam’s special assistant S. Moganakumar, management consultant A. Jayagopal, businessman Venason Michael, businessman Tan Hock Huat, former army personnel Mohd Fazil Abdul Wahab, former army personnel Major (rtd) Anuar Abdul Hamid, quarry operator Husaini Yaacob, contractor Abdul Rahim Abu, town planner Khamis Awang, and businessman Radzi Md Lazim.

There are 35,140 voters registered in Bukit Selambau.

Independent candidate V. Arumugam won the seat in the 12th general election and later joined PKR and was appointed state executive councillor. He vacated the seat on Feb 8, paving the way for the by-election.

Batang Ai (N29)
The Batang Ai by-election will see a straight fight between Barisan Nasional newcomer Malcom Mussem Lamoh, 49, who will face former five-term Lubok Antu MP Jawah Gerang, 55, in this rural, predominantly Iban constituency.

The Batang Ai constituency, located near the Sarawak-Kalimantan border, fell vacant following the death of assemblyman Datuk Dublin Unting on Feb 24.

It has 8,006 registered voters, about 95% of whom are Ibans.

FULL UPDATES AND STORIES CLICK HERE (THE STAR ONLINE)..

Datuk Siti Nurhaliza dan Datuk K sertai PAS???

2009-04-06T03:10:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Sun:

Datuk Seri Khalid Mohd Jiwa has denied rumours that he and his wife, popular singer Datuk Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin, had joined PAS.

Khalid, more popularly known as Datuk K, said the rumours could have started following their making a courtesy call on Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat at his office in Kota Baru recently.

"It's pure rubbish ... I am an Umno member and support fully the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak," he said.

He added that they paid a visit to Nik Aziz on hearing that the PAS spiritual leader was unwell.

"The night before (our visit to Nik Aziz's office), Siti had a performance at Istana Kelantan which Nik Aziz did not attend and when we asked the reason were told he could not make it because he was not feeling well," he said, adding that as a mark of respect for the menteri besar they called on him at his office the next day to extend their well wishes for him.

News by NSTOnline...

Dr M vs Anwar rematch in Bkt Selambau

2009-04-06T03:05:00.000-07:00

By Shannon Teoh

SUNGAI PETANI, April 6 – Some 11 years after sacking him as deputy prime minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed will go head on against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a grand finale for the Bukit Selambau state seat.

Having just rejoined Umno, the former prime minister will arrive in Bukit Selambau at 5.30pm today to put the finishing touches on a Barisan Nasional campaign that appears to have whittled away the 2,362-vote margin it lost by in the last general election.

Meanwhile, the opposition leader will start work earlier in an attempt to reduce gains made by BN before addressing a final ceramah as campaigning officially ends at midnight.

Former Umno vice president Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik, a Mahathir loyalist, is already in town and believes his arrival will be “a real political factor” as it will not only bring back Umno supporters who deserted BN last year, but also help to tip over non-Malays who “still accord him the highest level of respect.”

“He is a special secret weapon whose presence will overcome internal bickering,” he said.

The final day of campaigning will be crucial, as most analyses are rating the polls at 50-50. Military intelligence sources as well as bookies believe it is too close to call with only police special branch giving BN a slight edge.

Both Umno and PKR back rooms however, seem to lean towards PKR coming into the final stretch a hair’s breadth ahead as Pakatan Rakyat’s machinery builds up steam while BN’s seem to already be looking to tomorrow’s balloting.

They also seem to agree that the Chinese votes will be firmly behind PKR while BN has the edge with the Malays despite the best efforts of Pas among heartland Malays.

But while it is likely that the 80 per cent sweep of Indian votes by PKR will not be repeated, there is uncertainty over exactly how many will swing to BN and this is the margin where the battle will be won or lost.

Reading Indian voters has been impossible due to defections going both ways, the initial uncertainty over Hindraf’s backing for PKR and MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu’s month-long campaign which nobody can say for sure is having a positive or negative effect.

Various factors have led to PKR candidate S. Manikumar being unlikely to maintain the advantage that previous incumbent V. Arumugam held.

The six Indian and six Malay independents will probably cancel out the effects on Manikumar and MIC’s Datuk S. Ganesan’s final tally and result in a scaling-down of the majority, whoever it goes to.

Sources say that the 13 independents will collect between 2,500 to 3,000 votes in total.

Lower turnouts are also normal for a by-election and total votes are estimated at just over 25,000.

But with this phenomenon usually more significant among non-Malays due to the voters being based outside of the constituency, it will work in Ganesan’s favour.

Despite Umno sources citing unhappiness among rural Chinese over the Pas-led state government, the majority will still go to PKR.

In fact, while Umno will bus in Malay voters, a BN campaign leader told The Malaysian Insider that both MCA and Gerakan are unlikely to do the same as outstation Chinese voters could not be counted on to vote for BN.

PKR election strategist Saifuddin Nasution acknowledges that it will not take four-fifths of Indian votes again, studies show a two-thirds approval of Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak among them.

Malays make up just over half of the electorate and BN has made inroads into the seven polling districts previously won by PR with up to three won by PR by just a handful of votes last year set to be turned over.

However, in the four Umno stronghold Malay districts, PKR believes it has made inroads.

“We will still lose those districts, but by reduced majorities,” Saifuddin said, adding that it has achieved this by targetting various opinion makers in local communities to swing pockets of Malay villagers.

Anwar will in fact, be making a visit to one such local leader tomorrow afternoon in a last-gasp bid to pin back gains made by Umno among Malays.

And then on to his final speech tonight, as he looks to put one back over his old boss.

News by TheMalaysianInsider..

Hindraf men not exactly “free” men

2009-04-06T03:03:00.000-07:00

By Baradan Kuppusamy

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 — They are free but they will feel like they are still in jail.

The two Hindraf lawyers V. Ganabatirao and R. Kengadharan have been tied down with numerous conditions as part of their “freedom.”

They cannot leave the districts they live in, must be back home by 7pm, must get written permission from the district police to leave the districts and cannot give any press conference, take part in gatherings of more then five people or take part in organised political activities.

When they were freed and driven to their homes here — Ganabatirao in Kampung Jawa, Shah Alam and Kengadharan in Kelana Jaya — they were taken to the respective district police stations where the rules were read out to them.

While Kengadharan managed to say a few sentences at a press conference at his house, Ganabatirao was too shaken to say even a few words.

But he did tell The Malaysian Insider his disappointment that his “release” had not brought him the freedom he and his family had hoped for.

He was overcome with emotions when asked what was top most in his mind on the long drive from Kamunting Camp yesterday. “We paid the price, we sacrificed for the community but others are enjoying the benefits,” he said.

“We (Hindraf Five) cleared the jungle, tilled the soil, planted the seeds but we suffered in prison while others harvested the fruits,” he said before plainclothes police intervened and stopped him from speaking.

Earlier after his arrival in a police car, about 200 people greeted Ganabatirao with flowers, Tamil mridangam (drum) music and hoisted him on their shoulders and walked to his house at the 8th mile Jalan Kemuning.

His house is part of a settlement of uprooted Indians from estates who had settled in the land since the 1970s and had been given legal titles by the government in the 1990s — ironically after MIC representation.

Most people worked in numerous small scale family-based industries that dot the settlement and had migrated from Perak and Kedah, uprooted after the estates they worked in were redeveloped.

Ganabatirao’s father was uprooted from Teluk Intan while his wife B. Buvaneswary is from Sungei Petani.

His brother Papparaidu, a councillor under the Pakatan Rakyat Selangor government and a DAP member, did most of the talking for his brother, his eyes always straying to the plainclothes police officers hanging in the background.

Ganabatirao and the four others were detained since December 13, 2007 for leading the largest Indian uprising in the country on Nov 25, 2007, that helped mobilise Indian support for the opposition Pakatan Rakyat.

He and 12 other detainees were freed by Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak on his first day as the sixth prime minister three days ago.

Both Ganabatirao and Kengadharan still have their law offices as their wives had been paying the rent but they face a tough job to get their once prospering practices going again.

For one they cannot leave their respective districts without permission and that would hinder their legal practice as most of their work is in Kuala Lumpur.

Most of all they will have to adjust to living as “free” men again because in the detention camp every thing was regulated — from waking up to eating, exercising, reading and lights off time.

But now they have to create a new routine. It will take some adjusting to get use to the fact that now they can turn off the light as they like.

Buvaneswary says she will not stop Ganabatirao from restarting his political work, if he wants to.

But friends of Genga as Kengadharan is popularly known, says he might concentrate on his legal practice.

News by TheMalaysianInsider..

Najib’s slogan mocked as ISA 13 only freed tomorrow

2009-04-04T05:26:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak's slogan “People First, Performance Now” was mocked today when police said the 13 freed ISA detainees can only leave Kamunting tomorrow.

DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang said both the home minister and national police chief should be sacked for failing the new prime minister's thematic slogan.

"It is most disgraceful and testimony of gross incompetence and ineptitude that although Najib announced in his maiden address to the nation over television last night that his government had decided 'with immediate effect' the release of 13 detainees from ISA detention, none of the 13 could be released today and the earliest they could regain their freedom is tomorrow," Lim said in a statement released here.

The Ipoh Timur MP noted that families of the released detainees had turned up only to learn that the release is tomorrow due to paperwork that had to be completed.

"Is this what Najib meant by 'Performance Now' in his maiden address to the nation last night?

"Were the IGP and the home minister kept completely in the dark about Najib’s announcement of the 'immediate release' of the 13 ISA detainees, learning only about it when the new prime minister’s maiden address was telecast live last night?

"If so, it reflects a shambolic government with no notion whatsoever about 'People First' or 'Performance Now'!' he said, adding he expected all 13 to be released immediately last night.

Lim hoped that Najib's slogan will come to reality unlike his predecessor Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's “Cemerlang, Gemilang, Terbilang” slogan which swiftly became a national joke.

"But Najib’s substitute of '1Malaysia. People First. Performance Now' is in danger of becoming a national joke within 24 hours — thanks to the home minister and the Inspector-General of Police!" he added.

Lim also told Najib to ensure all ISA would be able to leave Kamunting detention centre by 8am tomorrow or pay compesation for their continued detention.

News by TheMalaysianInsider..

Anwar to announce ‘major surprise’ tonight, says PKR

2009-04-04T05:23:00.000-07:00

SUNGAI PETANI: PKR has announced that a “major surprise” is in store tonight which it claims will determine the outcome of the Bukit Selambau by-election.

Party information chief Tian Chua and strategic planning director Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told a joint press conference yesterday that PKR had something important to announce at a mammoth ceramah by its de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Tye Seng Estate here.

Asked by the mass media about the “surprise,” Saifuddin said it would have a telling effect on the by-election, adding: “If the media misses it, be prepared to be scolded by your bosses.”

Saifuddin said the surprise was indirectly linked to the swearing-in of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as the nation’s sixth Prime Minister yesterday.

Asked if the announcement would also create an impact on the Bukit Gantang and Batang Ai by-elections, Saifuddin said it remained to be seen.

He was evasive when asked if the announcement would be on speculation that former Bukit Selambau assemblyman V. Arumugam would return from a sabbatical in India to campaign for PKR or whether there were defections among Barisan Nasional representatives.

News by TheStar..

Freed ISA detainees to leave Kamunting Sunday

2009-04-04T05:21:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The 13 freed Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees will be allowed to leave the Kamunting Detention Centre near Taiping on Sunday, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan on Saturday.

He said they would leave after the documentation process pertaining to their release had been completed.

"They cannot be released immediately. The documentation process has to be completed first. We will release all of them tomorrow after the documentation process has been completed," he said when contacted by Bernama here. Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, in his maiden address over television last night as the new prime minister, had announced the immediate release of the 13 ISA detainees.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar, in a statement Friday, said two Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders, V. Ganabatirau and R. Kenghadharan, were among the detainees to be released. They had been held since Dec 13, 2007.

The others to be released include seven members of the Darul Islam group Binsali Omar, A. Artas A. Burhanudin, Idris Lanama, Francis Indanan, Mohd Nazri Dollah, Pakana Selama and Mohd Arasad Patangari who were detained in 2006 and were to have been held until the end of next year.

Also to be released are three foreigners Sundaraj Vijay of India and San Khaing and Amir Hussain of Myanmar who were detained in 2007 for falsifying documents, and one member of the Jemaah Islamiah Wan Amin Wan Hamat who was detained in 2003 and was to have been held until 2011. - Bernama

News by TheStar..

Dr M, wife and son rejoin Umno

2009-04-04T05:19:00.000-07:00

PUTRAJAYA, Sat:

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad; his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali; and son Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir have rejoined Umno. They handed in their forms and RM2 fee to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at noon.

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today rejoined Umno after having resigned from the party almost a year ago.

The former Umno president handed his application form and the RM2 membership fee to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at Sri Satria, the official residence of the deputy prime minister here, at noon.

After that, Dr Mahathir''s wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, and their son Datuk Mokhzani also handed their forms and fees to Najib.

Najib expressed his thanks to Dr Mahathir for having returned to Umno to continue with the party's struggle.
"I believe Tun Dr Mahathir's return will provide a strong impetus to Umno and can help in the rejuvenation of Umno and the Barisan Nasional (BN)," Najib told reporters.

He said that as a statesman, Dr Mahathir could play a meaningful role in helping to restore the people's confidence in Umno and the BN.

Najib, who is Umno president, also welcomed the return to Umno of Dr Siti Hasmah, saying her services to the party and the country could surely be of assistance to the role of women in the future.

Dr Mahathir had resigned from Umno on May 19 last year, saying he had lost confidence in the party which he had led for 22 years.

"Although I was out of Umno, my heart and soul were in Umno," said Dr Mahathir, adding that the criticisms he hurled at the party were with the intention to strengthen it and not destroy it.

Asked about him having joined Umno previously during the era of second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and rejoining now during the era of Tun Razak's son, Najib, as the sixth prime minister, Dr Mahathir said: "That family link was not something intended."

Dr Mahathir was expelled from Umno on Sept 26, 1969 during the era of first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman for having criticised the party leadership. Tun Razak had welcomed Dr Mahathir's return to Umno in 1972.

Two other children of Dr Mahathir -- Datuk Mukhriz and Datuk Mirzan -- were also present at today's function.

Asked what role he would play in the party now, Dr Mahathir said he believed that a leader should help Umno after he has retired and not isolate himself from the party after retirement.

On him taking up possible posts in Umno or the government, Dr Mahathir said positions were unnecessary and added that he was prepared to give his views if necessary.

Asked about the impact of Dr Mahathir's return to Umno on the by-elections in Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau, Najib said he believed it would have a positive effect which would be well received by Umno members.

Najib said this was evident at the Umno general assembly last week when party delegates gave a resounding welcome when Dr Mahathir made a surprise entry at the gathering.

Dr Mahathir said the biggest challenge for Umno now was to revive the image of the party which had taken a beating in the last few years.

Asked whether he would continue to be vocal during Najib's administration just as he had been during former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's administration, Dr Mahathir said: "I was critical whenever Umno went wrong."

At the handing over of the Umno application forms, Mokhzani had forgotten to attach the RM2 membership fee.

When asked by Najib, Mokhzani found he had no small change and Mukhriz came up with the money, causing Dr Mahathir to remark "This is money politics", which left everyone present in stitches.

News by NSTOnline..

NEW PM Najib's maiden speech: 'One Malaysia. People First. Performance Now.'

2009-04-03T06:07:00.000-07:00

1.On behalf of all Malaysians, I would like to thank YABhg. Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for his 31 years of exemplary public service to our country, his commitment to strengthening the institutions and fabric of our democracy and for his graceful example as our leader.

2.I am grateful to YABhg. Tun for his confidence in proposing my name as Prime Minister to Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and I am honoured that His Majesty has consented to my appointment with this morning’s swearing-in ceremony. I feel a deep sense of humility at the opportunity to serve as your Prime Minister at an important time in our nation’s history. My life has been dedicated to public service. Growing up, I was inspired by the positive impact of public service in the example of my late father. Four decades on, I remain committed to the goals of tackling poverty; of restructuring our society; of expanding access to quality education for all; and of inspiring a new generation of young Malaysians to work on behalf of this great country. My own service in government has always been about getting results: to ensure a better deal for teachers, to improve conditions for our brave soldiers, and to strengthen our economy in defence of the people of Malaysia, as we deal with the outbreak of a global recession.

3.In the coming weeks, I will be consulting with people around our country, as I begin to reshape the leadership and priorities of the Government. I am mindful that we should build on the successes and lessons of the past. It must be a government with new approaches for new times – a government that places a priority on performance, because the people must come first.

4. We must reach out to all parts of Malaysia - to all our diverse communities. In our national discourse and in pursuing our national agenda, we must never leave anyone behind. We must reach out to the many who may have been disaffected and left confused by political games, deceit and showmanship.

We must draw on talented people across our nation, regardless of their position or background, to re-energize a passion for public service. We must sow the seeds of goodwill and understanding in every corner of this land, so that we continue to harvest the fruits of progress and prosperity for all Malaysians.

We must seek to include and unlock the potential of our young people who will be the next generation of leaders, businesspeople, engineers, scientists, teachers and doctors. We must give them wings to fly.

5.And so today, I pledge that I will work tirelessly to serve all of you.

6.In this spirit, I would like to announce that the government has decided with immediate effect, to remove the temporary ban on TWO news publications, release 13 detainees from ISA detention, and conduct a comprehensive review of the Internal Security Act. Additional details will be announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs shortly.

7.These decisions are timely as we move to enhance the confidence of our citizens in those entrusted with maintaining peace, law and order, while recognizing the need to remain vigilant of the very real security threats we continue to face as a young nation.

8.I know that for every citizen, these are hard times and I remain focused in providing strong leadership to lead us out of this economic crisis and unleash our full potential as a nation. I will be steadfast in my commitment to meet the needs, aspirations and concerns of all Malaysians.

9.So, today I ask you to join me in this task of renewing Malaysia. I urge us to rise to the challenge of building a One Malaysia. People First. Performance Now.

10.Let us begin this great journey together.

News by TheStar..

Najib sworn in as Malaysia's sixth Prime Minister

2009-04-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was sworn in as Malaysia’s sixth prime minister Friday, taking over from Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who stepped down after leading the country for over five years.

Najib 55, took his oath of office before Yang di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin at Istana Negara.

Dressed in a black baju Melayu complete with sampin, Najib arrived at the palace, accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor. Together they entered the Balairong Seri at 10am, followed by Abdullah and his wife, Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah.

A total of 319 guests, including former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, attended the historic event.

The ceremony, steeped in tradition, began when Tuanku Mizan and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Zahirah entered the throne room at 10.05am and the national anthem was played by the Malaysian Armed Forces band.

After taking his oaths of office, loyalty and confidentiality, Najib signed the four instruments of appointment, followed by the reading of the doa selamat.

The instruments of appointment were then signed by Court of Appeal President Tan Sri Alauddin Mohd Sheriff as witness and handed over to Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan.

At the same ceremony, Abdullah was conferred the nation’s highest award, the Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara (SMN), while Jeanne received the Seri Setia Mahkota (SSM) by Tuanku Mizan. Both awards carry the title Tun.

Najib was born in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, on July 23, 1953, and is the eldest son of the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, the nation’s second prime minister, and Tun Rahah Mohd Noah.

His appointment is most significant in the country’s history in that this is the first time that a prime minister’s son is holding the post.

His leadership capability began to surface when he was elected Pekan Umno division Youth head in 1976 and he went on to become the country’s youngest Member of Parliament at the age of 22 when he won the Pekan seat unopposed in a by-election following his father’s death.

He then went from strength-to-strength in politics and Government to reach the pinnacle as Umno president and Malaysia’s prime minister. - Bernama

Time line of Najib's swearing in as PM on Friday

10.27am: Swearing in ceremony of Najib as PM ends.

10.25am: Abdullah’s wife Jeanne conferred the Darjah Seri Setia Mahkota Negara, which also carries the title Tun.

10.23am: Abdullah conferred the nation's highest award, Darjah Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara, which carries the title Tun.

10.10am: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak sworn in as Prime Minister before the Yang di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin at Istana Negara.
The swearing in ceremony is also witnessed by the two previous Prime Ministers, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

09.55am: King arrives for swearing in ceremony.

09.45am: Abdullah and Najib arrive at Istana Negara.

09.30am: Ministers and officials gather at Istana Negara. Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad also arrives at the Palace.

News and Picture by: The Star Online..

Large field because PKR Kedah chose crony

2009-03-30T03:21:00.000-07:00

By Shannon Teoh

SUNGAI PETANI, March 30 - Cronyism and power plays within PKR Kedah is fuelling dissatisfaction among its Indian members that has led to a large field of candidates in the Bukit Selambau by-election.

Independent candidate A. Jayagopal made this accusation today, saying the party was not serious in selecting credible people for the state seat.

The 57-year-old, who has been suspended by the party, seconded what Jerai division chief B. Kalaivanar said today when resigning his entire division from the party - that PKR Kedah are merely interested in votes but not service to the Indian community here. Speaking to The Malaysian Insider, he explained how he was one of 21 candidates interviewed to run on PKR's ticket.

"But the interview did not seem serious. They just asked who you are, why you should be the candidate and whether you have a clean record," he said.

"But what is a clean record? Even Anwar has a sodomy charge," he said of de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He claimed that Anwar was in fact, never part of the selection process but that local leaders had installed S. Manikumar, a political novice that would still appeal to the Indians here but still be under their control.

"They are looking for a crony to take instructions from them," he claimed.

To explain who these leaders were, Jayagopal showed documents from the party establishing that he had founded and led the Pokok Sena division in 2004.

But then in 2007, the party claimed the division was irregular and that he was not a member. In 2008, he was suspended for bringing PKR to court over the 2007 declaration.

He said the move was started by Kedah PKR strongmen Datuk Johari Abdul and Senator Zamri Yusuf, who was then the state chief and that the duo are also pulling the strings behind Manikumar's bid to enter the Kedah executive council as its only Indian representative.

But just like Kalaivanar, he admitted to having ambitions of wanting to be in Manikumar's position.

"I would have run no matter who PKR picked," he said.

A PKR ticket would have given his chances a huge boost. But as it stands now, he is one of many trying to make a point to PKR.

For Jayagopal however, it is likely to come at the cost of his RM5,000 deposit.

News by TheMalaysianInsider..

CIMB offers staff 6-month unpaid leave

2009-03-30T03:15:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 – Malaysian financial services group CIMB has asked its 36,000 employees to consider taking up to six months of unpaid leave as it aims to cut costs in the global economic slowdown, a top official said on Monday.

CIMB is the first major Malaysian company to ask staff to go on unpaid leave.

CIMB Group Chief Executive Nazir Razak said the offer was made last week to its staff in the country’s second-largest lender, CIMB Bank as well as its units BankThai in Thailand and PT Bank CIMB Niaga in Indonesia.

“In the slower economic environment, we are looking at ways to temporarily reduce our costs. The reception from our staff has been very, very good,” Nazir told reporters at a company event.

He said workers who take up the group’s offer will start their leave from April 1, but this will not affect the bank’s operations.

Nazir said there was no set target on the number of employees accepting the offer and denied the company was cutting staff.

“How can (this) possibly be called a lay-off? We are not instructing anyone to do anything. We are just giving them an option to apply if they wish to take an extended break. Don’t interpret it any other way,” he said. – Reuters

News by TheMalaysianInsider..

p/s This is not good.. The effects of Economic slowdown has begun in our country... Let just hope we (the government and rakyat) will be able to come out with a formula to ease the burdens due.. I just hate the current situation in Malaysia which put more attention to the upcoming by-elections.. surely the govs has shifted their priority to the less important issues...

By-Election:Jerai PKR division dissolved

2009-03-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

SUNGAI PETANI, Mon:

The Jerai Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) division was dissolved today after more than 500 of its members, including its head, B.Kalaivanar, resigned.
Kalaivanar said they had lost confidence in the party leadership.

Kalaivanar, who was also the Kedah PKR Indian Community Development Committee chairman, said all the members who resigned would campaign for non-PKR candidates in the Selambau state by-election.

The by-election on April 7 will see a three-way fight among PKR's S.Manikumar, the Barisan Nasional's Datuk S.Ganesan and 13 independent candidates.

news by NSTOnline..

Tri-elections: From straight fight to fray..

2009-03-29T05:09:00.000-07:00

Something fishy in Bukit Selambau.. some may say that it shows how truly democratic we are BUT i would like to differ, rather it shows how immature our so-called democracy is.. Why?? Our so-called 'politicians' are not really want to win and serve the rakyat BUT they're chasing personal glory, and MOTIVE behind it is very very very mysterious!!!!!! They should respect their party's decision on the candidacy.. stubborn politicians!!! Something really fishy!!!!

GOAL: To divide the votes.. WHOSE GOAL: Sendri mo fikir....

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians will see a triple-play by-election day on April 7, with everything from a straight fight in one constituency to an all-out fray in another.

In TAIPING, the Bukit Gantang parliamentary by-election will see a three-cornered fight among the Barisan Nasional, PAS from the Pakatan Rakyat alliance and an independent candidate.

Barisan’s Ismail Saffian, 49, will face former Perak mentri besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, 52, of PAS and Kamarul Ramizu Idris, 42.

Returning officer Datuk Mahmod Morsidi announced the candidates after nominations closed at 11am Sunday at the Taiping Town Hall.

There were three objections but all were rejected.

Mohammad Nizar was the first to arrive at the nomination centre at 8.45am, followed by Ismail at 9am and Kamarul at 9.20am.

Ismail was accompanied by Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, current Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and thousands of supporters; while Mohammad Nizar was accompanied by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa and Perak state assembly speaker V. Sivakumar and their supporters.

Ismail, of Kampung Kubu, Bukit Gantang, is the former Bukit Gantang Umno division information chief, while Mohammad Nizar, of Kampung Air Hitam Labu, Kampar, is Perak PAS deputy commissioner.

The Bukit Gantang seat fell vacant following the death of incumbent Roslan Shaharom of PAS on Feb 9.

Record broken
In SUNGAI PETANI, the Bukit Selambau state by-election created a record for having the most number of candidates -- 15 altogether, with 13 of them independents.

Returning officer Datuk Abdullah Mat Akhir announced that all 15 candidates who submitted their nomination papers qualified to contest in the by-election.

Among the huge pool of independents are Barisan Nasional candidate S. Ganesan and PKR’s S. Manikumar.

The independent candidates are R. Loganathan, Tan Hock Huat, Mohd Radhi Mat Lazim, Mohd Fadzli Wahab, Abdul Rahim Abu, L. Sarala, A. Jayagopal, S. Moganakumar, Khamis Awang, Husaini Yaacob, Venason Michael, Mejar (Rtd) Anuar Abdul Hamid and T. Chandrarajan.

Abdullah said he received several objections against some of the candidates but rejected them as they did not involve technical matters.

In TAIPING, Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof confirmed that the number of candidates in Bukit Selambau was the highest ever in the country’s election history.

“The previous record was in Sabah involving eight candidates,” he said.

He was not sure, however, whether the record in Sabah was set in a state election, a by-election or a general election.

Asked what could be the reason for the crowded contest, he said, “I don’t know. The only reason I could think of is because in the previous election, an independent candidate ended up being appointed as executive council member.”

“This is a democratic country, that is their choice, we don’t stop them,” he said.

Independent candidate V. Arumugam won the seat in the 12th general election and later joined PKR and appointed state executive councillor. He resigned earlier this year.

Straight fight
In LUBOK ANTU, the Batang Ai state by-election will see a straight fight between Barisan newcomer Malcom Mussem Lamoh, 49, and face PKR’s Jawah Gerang, 55, a five-term former Lubok Antu Member of Parliament.

Returning officer Nelson Mujah Girie made the announcement at the nomination centre at the Lubok Antu Sports complex here after the objection period ended at 11am Sunday.

Jawah was the first to submit his nomination papers when the centre opened at 9am.

He was accompanied by his seconder Lepang Gerang and proposer Unggeh Babang, filing his papers at 9.03am.

Mussem filed his papers at 9.15am accompanied by his proposer, Jampi Tutong and seconder, Gerang Juben.

Sarawak Barisan chairman Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud led the coalition march to the nomination centre together with Barisan director of operations Datuk Seri Dr James Masing and more than 5,000 people.

Also with them were newly elected Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Parti Bersatu Sabah president Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan and former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak.

The PKR candidate, meanwhile, was accompanied by 3,000 supporters led by Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

The weather was fine and police helicopters were seen hovering over the area.

Party supporters started converging on the area near the nomination centre as early as 6am.

The 38km road leading to this rural border bazaar from the junction of the Sri Aman-Miri trunk road was jammed with vehicles, ferrying party supporters, election workers and dignitaries while police personnel facilitate traffic and ensure order.

About 850 policemen will be mobilised from today as part of security measures.

Due to the remoteness of Batang Ai, 10 police boats, three helicopters and two light aircraft will also be deployed, with the Election Commission expected to spend RM400,000 to run the by-election.

About 40% of the 22,270 Batang Ai residents from 238 longhouses and 15 longhouses rely on boats as the mode of transport.

There are 8,600 registered voters, comprising 95% Ibans, in the 1,341 sq km constituency where 24 polling centres will be opened on polling day.

The seat fell vacant following the death of four-term Barisan incumbent Datuk Dublin Unting Ingkot, who was Sarawak Agriculture and Sports Assistant Minister and Parti Rakyat Sarawak vice-president, on Feb 24.

Batang Ai is one of two state constituencies under the Lubok Antu parliamentary seat. The other is Engkilili. -- Bernama

EARLIER UPDATES

Noon: Bukit Selambau returning officer Datuk Abdullah Mat Akhir said there were nine objections but all were rejected.

11:30am: Nomination papers of all the 15 candidates for the Bukit Selambau by-election were accepted.

11:25am: Bukit Gantang returning officer Datuk Mahmod Morsidi said three objections received, no candidate rejected. So the three-cornered fight is on between Ismail Safian (BN-Umno), former Perak mentri besar Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin (PKR-PAS) and independent Kamarul Ramizu.

11:15am: Batang Ai returning officer Nelson Mujah said two objections were raised but rejected. He declares both candidates eligible. It’s a two-way fight between Barisan’s Malcolm Mussen Lamoh and PKR’s Jawah Gerang.

11am: Small scuffle in front of Taiping Municipal Council building as Barisan supporters throw objects at national DAP chairman Karpal Singh’s car; police manage to keep situation under control.

10:15am: Altogether 15 candidates have filed nomination papers for the Bukit Selambau by-election in Sungai Lalang. Of the number, 13 are independent candidates and one each from Barisan Nasional (Datuk S. Ganesan) and PKR ( S. Manikumar)

Two new independent candidates joined in the fray. They are Radzi Md Lazim, 54, and Khamis Awang, 32.

The others are L. Sarala, T. Chandrarajan, R. Loganathan, A. Jayagopal, S. Moganakumar, Vaneson Michael, Tan Hock Huat, Mohd Fazil Abdul Wahab, Anuar Abdul Hamid, Husaini Yaacob, and Abdul Rahim Abu.

10:10am: It’s a three-cornered fight for Bukit Gantang between Ismail Safian (BN-Umno), former Perak mentri besar Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin (PKR-PAS) and independent Kamarul Ramizu.

10:01am: Nominations close and objection period now until 11am.

10am: Batang Ai returning officer Nelson Mujah declares nominations closed. It’s a two-way fight between Barisan’s Malcolm Mussen Lamoh and PKR’s Jawah Gerang. Independent Johnny Chua decided not to contest, saying he supports PKR’s vision.

9:30am: In Bukit Gantang, Barisan candidate Ismail Safian and PKR candidate Mohd Nizar submit their nomination forms.

9:15am: Pakatan Rakyat leaders at Batang Ai include Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, PKR vice-president Jeffrey Kitingan, Sarawak DAP chairman Wong Ho Leng and Sarawak National Party president Edwin Dundang.

9.14am: Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk S.Ganesan arrives at SMK Teknik 1 in Sungai Lalang to file the nomination papers for the Bukit Selambau by-election.

He was accompanied by MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, Umno vice-president Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein, MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, and party vice-presidents Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, and Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

The crowd of supporters for both parties who arrived were in the thousands.

Both the DAP and PAS had defied the orders of the Election Commission not to display flags of parties that were not contesting by hoisting their respective flags.

Since the Pakatan Rakyat candidate is from the PKR, only the PKR flag is allowed to be displayed.

9:11am: Ipoh businessman Kamarul Ramizi, 42, arrives at nomination centre to file his papers as an independent candidate for Bukit Gantang seat.

9:10am: Barisan candidate for Batang Ai Malcolm Mussen Lamoh arrives at the nomination centre accompanied by Sarawak chief minister Tan Sri Abdul Talib Mahmud and other coalition leaders.

9am: Barisan candidate for Bkt Gantang Ismail Safian arrives at the nomination centre there.

9am: Batang Ai returning officer Nelson Mujah declares nominations open.

8:45am: PKR candidate for Batang Ai Jawah Gerang arrives at the nomination centre at Lubok Antu Sports Complex where a large crowd had already gathered.

8:40am: PAS candidate for Bukit Gantang former Perak mentri besar Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin arrives at the nomination centre.

8:25am: Number of supporters in Bkt Gantang swell to the thousands, hundreds of FRU personnel and police cordon off a 100m radius around the building to maintain calm.

8:15am: Hundreds of Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat supporters have started to gather at the Taiping Municipal Council building to await their candidates for the Bukit Gantang parliamentary by-election.

Barisan will be fielding Ismail Safian of Umno against former Perak mentri besar Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin of PAS.

The other two by-elections are the Bukit Selambau state seat in Kedah and the Batang Ai state seat in Sarawak.

7:20am: Earliest to arrive at SMK Teknik 1 in Sungai Lalang for the Bukit Selambau by-election nomination centre to file his nomination paper was Independent candidate Husaini Yaacob, 44.

Nominations will be open from 9am to 10am. Objections can be lodged from 10am to 11am. The returning officer will announce the candidates at about noon.

News by: TheStar Online..

Earth hour campaign - lights off from 8.30-9.30pm Saturday

2009-03-27T06:24:00.000-07:00

PETALING JAYA: It's lights off for an hour Saturday night and it's all for a good cause.

Several companies and agencies have thrown their weight behind the Earth Hour 2009 campaign by pledging to turn off the lights from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.

The campaign, an annual event initiated by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in 2007 to get households and businesses to turn off non-essential lights for an hour, aims to raise awareness on global climate change.

Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) group chief executive officer Datuk Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa said all non-essential lights would be turned off at its Menara TM headquarters in Kuala Lumpur and offices nationwide.

He added that more than 23,000 TM employees have also pledged to turn off the lights at home to show support for Earth Hour 2009.

While the move was a symbolic gesture, he said TM was already adopting good practices to conserve power and that the environment was one of the major social responsibilities of the corporation.

“This building is built using advanced technology and techniques to conserve power,’’ he said Saturday at the launch of TM Earth Hour 2009, at Menara TM.

“We have placed recycle bins here to encourage employees and tenants to be environmentally friendly,” he added.

WWF senior director (support operations) Sudeep Mohandas said more than five million people worldwide were expected to participate in the event.

Meanwhile, the National Service (NS), in support of Earth Hour, will switch of the lights in its camps except in certain areas, to ensure trainees’ safety, said NS Training Department director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil in a statement Saturday.

Male and female trainees will be separated, he added.

Furthermore, camp commanders will explain global warming and the significance of environmental conservation to the 34,119 trainees in 80 camps nationwide during the hour.

News by TheStar..

p/s Let us show our love to our earth ya.. Ikut ya kempen ni.. but jangan time2 driving kna lights off juga... hehehe

Badminton/India Open: Lee Chong Wei crashes out in first round

2009-03-25T03:25:00.000-07:00

After impressing performance by the current world no.1 at All-England and Swiss Open, Datuk Lee Chong Wei surprisingly humbled at the 1st round of India open. He was reported to be hit by food poisoning prior to the match. Nonetheless, let us continue our support for him for the sake of Malaysia. Malaysia Boleh! Gemilang! Cemerlang! Terbilang!

News by NSTOnline:
HYDERABAD, Wed.:

China's Chen Long stuns Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei 7-21, 21-16, 21-18 in the first round of the India Open Badminton Championships.

Hit by food-poisoning, world champion Datuk Lee Chong Wei lost in the first round of the Yonex Sunrise India Open 2009 this morning.

Lee, top seeded in the men's singles in the tournament, lost 21-7, 16-21, 18-21 to unseeded Chinese player Chen Long at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh.

Read full news HERE..

Speaker ejects Kit Siang till 1pm

2009-03-24T22:40:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Ipoh Timur MP Lim Kit Siang was ejected by the Speaker from the House till 1pm Wednesday for refusing to apologise after calling Barisan Nasional politicians power crazy.

All Opposition MPs walked out of the House.

Read full story HERE..

Angry wives chop off cheating husband's manhood

2009-03-22T23:13:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI, SUN:

Two young women frustrated with their husbands'' sexual promiscuity decided to teach their partners a painful lesson -- by slicing off their manhood.

One of the women, a 39-year-old from Katihar district in Bihar state, unable to cope with her husband''s persistent illicit affair with another woman from the same village, admonished her husband several times but blew her top when she caught him in the act with his ex-beau in the family bedroom.

After a morning quarrel last week, the wife decided to settle her vengeance by trying to slice off Singh's private organ using a sharp blade.

"It was a domestic dispute and a case was reported on the woman. She is out on bail and living with her parents now. She had attacked her husband using a sharp object; he suffered minor injuries and is fit now," Katihar superintendent of police Anil Kishore Yadav told Bernama.

Villagers had rushed the husband, in his 30s and a peon at a local school, to a nearby hospital where doctors managed to save him from any worse trauma.
But the anger on infidelity reached a peak and was far scarier in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where another fuming wife chopped off her husband's manhood early this month after discovering that he was having sexual relations with other women.

In a well-planned revenge, the 35-year-old wife from Amraiwadi district lured her unfaithful husband to bed after sedating him during dinner.

Thinking he was in for a nice bondage sexual rendezvous, the excited 30-year-old husband, got into bed where the wife tied both his hands and legs to the bed using ropes. In a fit of rage, she cut off his penis using a sharp knife.

"She had nicely planned the whole attack after she caught her husband doing it with his ex-woman. She gave him some sedation and tied his limbs and hands to the bed. Once he got excited, she chopped off his organ.

"The organ was completely cut off and they brought it in two pieces. Doctors did some skin grafting but could not reconnect it. It was badly cut and he can''t function," Dr Gautam Sharma, assistant administrator at the Civil Hospital in Amraiwadi, where the victim was treated, told Bernama.

Police detained the woman for questioning and the husband was discharged from hospital.

News by NSTOnline..

p/s Alamak.. bahaya nie.. bha sepa2 yang pernah mo fikir curang tue, bagus fikir 100x..

PKR names candidate for Batang Ai by-election

2009-03-22T23:11:00.000-07:00

KUCHING, Mon:

Former Lubok Antu member of Parliament Jawah Gerang, 55, has been named as PKR's candidate in the April 7 Batang Ai Sarawak state seat by-election, PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced in Kuching.

Another leading candidate, Nicholas Bawin, 51, who contested on the Sarawak National Party (SNAP) ticket in the May 2006 state election and lost narrowly by 806 votes to incumbent, the late Dublin Unting Ingot, was made director of operations for Jawah's election campaign.

Anwar said Gerang, the five-term Lubok Antu MP, was chosen after much discussion between supporters of the two proposed candidates.

"I hope everybody will give their cooperation as PKR is confident in Gerang's ability in solving the people's problems and in looking after the interests of all communities in the state.

"I believe that with the strong partnership of Bawin and Gerang, PKR can wrest the Batang Ai seat," he told reporters at a packed conference room.
Gerang, a graduate in Economics from Universiti Malaya, said he would work hard to deliver the seat.

"I believe we can make a good start," he said.

The Batang Ai seat fell vacant following the death of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) vice-president Dublin on Feb 24 after being in coma following a stroke in May last year.

Batang Ai is one of the two state seats in the Lubok Antu parliamentary constituency. The other is Engkilili.

Gerang is up against Agriculture Department engineer Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, 49, fielded by Barisan Nasional.

Expected to contest as an independent candidate is Johnny Chuat, 38, the publisher of a well-known Iban cultural, educational and entertainment magazine and who has his own portal.

The Election Commission has fixed March 29 as nomination day and April 7 for polling.

News by NSTOnline..

Fairus quits as Penang Deputy CM 1

2009-03-21T05:08:00.000-07:00

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin has resigned effective April 8, Chief Minister Lim Guan said.

Lim said Fairus also quit his position as state executive councillor but declined to disclose the reason to reporters at the press conference held in his office in Komtar Saturday morning.

However, later in Petaling Jaya, de factor PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told reporters that Fairus, who has two Masters degrees, had received offers for further stuidies and planned to take up one of those offers.

In the Penang press conference, Lim said he received a resignation letter from Mohammad Fairus this morning stating his intention of stepping down as both Deputy Chief Minister and state executive councillor.

"After discussions with him, PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and state party chairman Datuk Zahrain Mohamed Hashim, I have decided to accept his resignation which will be effective from April 8," Lim said.

"As Mohammad Fairus is on leave and not in Penang, the letter was faxed this morning," he added.

He said Mohammad Fairus would stay on as the Penanti assemblyman.

When asked about the reasons for the resignation, Lim said it would be announced by Mohammad Fairus at a suitable time.

"Everything else will be announced later. I just got the letter this morning and so let us do the necessary transition.

"Let him answer at a time he sees fit," Lim said.

Asked whether the resignation had anything to do with state PKR’s internal investigations into allegations that two of their leaders were involved in illegal activities with quarry operators, Lim replied, "I do not want to comment on matters that are not in relation to what I am announcing."

Speculation was high about an announcement on Mohammad Fairus, Penang’s youngest Deputy Chief Minister at 33, who has been in the centre of controversy since the end of last year under allegations of under-performance, clashes with other PKR members and most recently, misuse of power.

It was announced on Friday that the double Masters degree holder had taken leave until the end of the week.

In the last-minute press conference Friday, which Lim conducted with Zahrain, Lim said Mohammad Fairus’ leave would be extended until his resignation took effect.

Meanwhile, Lim said Mohammad Fairus’ position as the state Entrepreneurial and Co-operative Development, and Information and Community Relations Committee chairman would be left vacant for the time being.

"Any issues regarding his portfolio can be forwarded to his personal assistant or the Chief Minister’s Office and we will inform the necessary departments involved," Lim said.

News by TheStar..

p/s ermmmmm...i don't like the speculations done by our TV3 news.. cant we just wait..

what a productive python

2009-03-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: A reticulated python on display at the Cave of Reptiles at Batu Caves has laid more than 160 eggs over the past two days.

This is believed to be the first time such a large number of eggs has been laid by a python in captivity, said Arun Raveendran, who owns the snake.

The 25-year-old snake weighs about 115kg and measures 7.6m.

"Normally reticulated pythons lay 30 to 40 eggs with a maximum of up to 100 eggs," he said yesterday.

"We incubate the eggs. They are kept at a constant room temperature of about 30o Celcius.
"We have 100 per cent success in hatching them."

The reticulated python is non-venomous but it is an aggressive constrictor and feeds monthly on a live goat weighing 20kg to 40kg or large turkeys.

It is the longest snake in the world. The largest one ever caught in the wild was found in Sulawesi in 1912. It measured 10.05m .

The blood python, the other python species found in Malaysia, is short and fat and grows to a maximum of 2m.

Both are protected species. They are in danger of extinction because they are hunted for their meat and skins, said Arun, who kept a pet tortoise when he was 3 years old but has since turned to researching and conserving reptiles.

His pet monitor lizard of seven years is also on display at the Cave of Reptiles together with a menagerie of Malaysian king cobras, spitting cobras, water snakes, frogs and other amphibians.

Arun also breeds cobras and other reptiles and releases them into the jungle for nature conservation.

News and picture by: NST Online..

No dodging NS for singers

2009-03-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

MALACCA: One is a singing competition winner. The other is a finalist. But Low Sook Yee, popularly known as Suki and Muhammad Aliff Mohd Satar will still have to report for national service.

Suki won the One In A Million competition at the age of 16 in 2006 while Muhammad Aliff was one of the finalists in the same contest.

They had applied to defer their training stint because of singing commitments.

National Service Training Department director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil said the singers were not exempted but had their stint deferred due to “extraordinary circumstances.”

When the department approached them, they promised to report for training at a later date, he added.

Abdul Hadi, who sent off the second batch of trainees at MITC, Ayer Keroh, yesterday, said: “We will decide where to place the two singers when they report for training by April 3.”

Actress Diana Danielle Danny Beeson reported for training at the Sepang Princess Haliza camp on Thursday.

Abdul Hadi said all 43,000 trainees had reported for their stints at 80 camps. Last December, nine camps were closed indefinitely due to poor hygiene and building defects.

News by TheStar..

p/s No one can escape from attending plkn once shorlisted.. i wonder kalu anak2 datuk and mentri pun kena paksa..!!

Ali faces dead-end, decision on Norza, Azalina soon

2009-03-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The Umno appeals panel has upheld the disciplinary board's decision to bar Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam from contesting the Umno deputy president's post at next Thursday's party election.

It is reliably learnt that Umno supreme council contender Datuk Mohd Norza Zakaria has also been barred by the party's management committee while Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said's case will be determined by the board in the next few days.

Both Norza and Azalina are being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

However, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, said yesterday that Norza's position will be announced on Monday.

Last night, Ali declined to comment on the rejection of his appeal.
"I have not received anything in black and white regarding my appeal being rejected. Let me get something in writing, then I will comment on the matter.

"Anything pertaining to this, I will only be making a statement tomorrow."

Yesterday, Umno appeals panel chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Kamaluddin said the decision was effective immediately.

He said the five-man panel only discussed Ali's appeal letter dated March 18.

Zuki said the case was heard quickly by the panel as it was in Ali's interest.

On Tuesday, the Umno disciplinary board announced that 15 of the 29 Umno members investigated by it had breached the party's ethics in relation to money politics.

The board found that Ali was guilty under item 10.1 and barred him from contesting for the post of deputy president.

The board also found Umno Youth chief aspirant Khairy Jamaluddin guilty of the same offence but let him off with a warning.

Khairy's rival for the Youth chief, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo was cleared of all charges of money politics.

Ali also said there was no reason for him to step down as Malacca chief minister as insisted by the opposition.

Commenting on a memorandum from state Pakatan Rakyat yesterday urging him to resign as chief minister and Bukit Baru assemblyman over alleged money politics, Ali said it was a political ploy which he would not entertain.

"I have no reason to quit. I am still the chief minister and the opposition can do what they like," he said.

The memorandum was handed over by Keadilan Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Hakim to assistant administrator in the Chief Minister's Office, Syueeb Zahari.

Shamsul Iskandar, when met after handing over the document, claimed that the memorandum was the voice of the people who wanted Ali to step down from all his posts.

In George Town, Pas Tanjung division yesterday lodged a report at the MACC against Ali over allegations of money politics. Its division's deputy chief, Berahim Mohamad Said, lodged the report at 3.45pm.

News by NSTOnline..

Parliament: Umno Youth men questioned over scuffle

2009-03-18T03:29:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Three Selangor Umno Youth members accused of having confronted Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal Singh on Feb 26 turned up on Wednesday to give their testimony to the Parliamentary committee investigating the scuffle.

The members are from the Gombak, Serdang and the Petaling Jaya Utara divisions.

Another Umno youth member from Shah Alam was also called in by the committee to give his testimony as an eye-witness.

The four were with the committee for around 30 minutes.

The members were accompanied by Datuk Reezal Merican, who is contending for the deputy Umno Youth chief post, and some 20 others from 22 Selangor Umno divisions.

News by TheStar..

Brunei drops claim over Limbang district

2009-03-17T01:35:00.000-07:00

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei has officially dropped its long-standing claim over Sarawak’s Limbang district after the two countries resolved various land and maritime territory disputes.

“Brunei has decided to drop the Limbang issue and as a result, Limbang is part of Malaysian territory,” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced to Malaysian media.

The resolution of the disputes were sealed via the signing of the Letters of Exchange by Abdullah and the Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at Istana Nurul Iman here yesterday.

The other disputes include over where the maritime boundary between the two countries in the South China Sea should run, the rights to exploit potentially rich oil deposits in the disputed maritime territory, the right of movement by Malaysian vessels over Brunei waters and the demarcation of the common boundary of the two countries.

The dispute over Limbang can be traced back to the cession of the territory by Brunei to Sarawak’s White Rajahs in 1890. The cession had been strongly disputed by the Sultanate which regarded the transfer as annexation by Sara-wak.

Yesterday, Abdullah thanked the Sultan for the resolution of the various disputes, especially that of Limbang.

He said bilateral relations between the two countries would now enter a new era.

Abdullah and the Sultan said in a joint statement that they had reached agreement over the maritime boundaries between the two countries in the South China Sea.

They also agreed to establish a “commercial arrangement area” where oil and gas revenue in the disputed area would be shared between the two nations. How much each country would get was not disclosed.

The two sides also agreed to the existence of “unsuspendable rights of maritime access” which guaranteed the right of movement by Malaysian vessels through Brunei territorial waters provided Brunei’s laws and regulations are obser-ved.

Lastly, the Letters of Exchange also established the methods to demarcate the land boundary between the two countries.

The negotiations over the agreements, which began in 1995, took 39 rounds of talks to reach the resolution.

The dispute over maritime territory arose out of a 1979 map published by Malaysia which indicated that all deep-sea territorial waters off the coast of Brunei belonged to Malaysia.

The latest dispute over maritime territory occurred in 2003 when Malaysia and Brunei awarded petroleum production-sharing contracts for four exploration blocks to different companies in the disputed area, close to where a 440 million-barrel discovery had been made the year before.

Following the dispute, both countries agreed to stop drilling activities in the area.

News and photo source: The Star..

p/s kan bagus kalu yang satu tue pun drop claim mo ambik Sabah.. huhuhu...

Lecturer raped me, alleges student

2009-03-17T01:32:00.000-07:00

SERDANG: A lecturer at a public university here stands accused of raping one of his charges.

The lecturer, from the engineering faculty, is said to have threatened to expel the 26-year-old student from Bandar Tasik Selatan if she told anyone about the rape. He also allegedly offered to make her his third wife.

The student lodged a report last week alleging rape and molest.

Her ordeal began at the end of last year when she was told to meet the lecturer in his office. She was supposed to hand in her assignment.

"She went to the lecturer's office and handed her assignment. She was told to wait while he browsed through the work," said a source.
"The student then told him this would be their last meeting as she had completed all her assignments. She thanked him for his help and guidance."

The lecturer then locked the door and hugged and kissed the student who tried to push him off.

He allegedly took out a sleeping bag from a cupboard, grabbed the student and pushed her onto to the floor. The victim screamed for help but was gagged.

After allegedly raping her, the lecturer warned the student not to inform anyone about the incident or he would not only smear her name but also get her expelled.

"The victim claimed that the lecturer offered to make her his third wife. But she refused despite his persistence. She was molested and raped on two other occasions," the source disclosed.

Selangor CID chief Senior Assistant Commissioner II Hasnan Hassan said police would question the lecturer when he returned from his holiday abroad.

News by NSTOnline..

Karpal Singh claims trial to sedition charge

2009-03-17T01:30:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Tue.:

Veteran lawyer and politician Karpal Singh claimed trial at the KL Sessions court to one count of sedition against the Sultan of Perak.

He is alleged to have uttered seditious words during a media conference at his office in Jalan Pudu Lama here between noon and 12.30pm on Feb 6.

He was charged section 4 (1) (b) of the Sedition Act1948. If convicted, he faces a maximum RM5,000 fine or three years jail, o rboth.

He was represented by 13 lawyers including himself and four of his children.

Bail was granted at RM2,000. The case has been transfered to the High Court. The next mention date will be determined by the High Court.

News by NSTOnline..

Wives face sex clip, nude photo threats

2009-03-16T03:16:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: A 24-year-old housewife got a shock when her husband of five months told her that a clip of her having sex with an old boyfriend is circulating via MMS (multimedia messaging service).

The husband found the clip in a friend's phone.

It was believed the recording was made some time in 2005 or 2006, a source said.

When the woman broke up with her then boyfriend, he threatened to post a clip of them having sex but she didn't believe he had one.

"When she found out about the clip, she called her ex-boyfriend, but he denied distributing it, saying he had deleted it from his handphone after they broke up," said the source.
Supported by her husband, the woman lodged a report at Petaling police station on Thursday.

A 25-year-old nurse is also facing a similar predicament.

She lodged a report at Pantai police station on Friday that a man who raped her three years ago is threatening to circulate nude photographs of her.

According to a source, she said he had assaulted her when she refused to become his business partner in selling CDs of religious music, and had taken nude photographs of her with his handphone.

At the time, she did not file a report but he has since been threatening to tell her family and the man she married a year ago.

The last straw came when the man threatened to distribute the photographs.

Police are looking for two men in their 30s to assist in investigations into the cases.

News by NSTOnline..

Gobind suspended one year from Parliament

2009-03-16T03:13:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo has been suspended from Parliament without allowance and benefits for one year for alleging that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was involved in a murder case and for contempt against the Deputy Speaker.

Parliament Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia made the decision on Monday after the matter was put to vote and a majority of MPs were in favour of suspending Gobind Singh.

On Thursday, Gobind Singh was ejected from the House for the third time when he kept on speaking about Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu’s murder case although the chair had ordered him to stop.

Deputy Speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee ruled that it was sub-judice to talk about a case that was pending in court.

The outburst occurred after Najib had finished replying to points raised during the debate on the mini budget.

Later at the Parliament lobby, Gobind Singh said it was most unfortunate that he had been suspended.

“The fight does not stop here. I will focus more on constituency work from now one and in one year, I will be back,” he said.

He also said he was disappointed that he was not given a chance to defend himself in the House.

News by TheStar..

Perak Drama:Dr M says Perak grab unlawful

2009-03-14T04:33:00.000-07:00

By Shannon Teoh

KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 — More than a month after Barisan Nasional ousted Pakatan Rakyat from Perak, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said the takeover was not done according to the law.

He said mistakes, bad strategy and carelessness in the Feb 5 power grab, orchestrated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, had led to the current crisis in the state.

"You cannot topple a menteri besar or a prime minister without a no-confidence vote in the assembly. There is no other provision," he said at a function organised by Mubarak, the association for former elected representatives.

"Umno-BN was too careless and did not wait for an assembly but instead asked the Ruler to sack the menteri besar," he said, referring to Sultan Azlan Shah's decision to ask Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin to resign.

"As far as I know, there is no such provision in the Perak or Federal Constitution," he said.

Dr Mahathir said that BN should have done it properly and not "be in conflict with the law" as the courts may now rule that the Sultan has no right to sack a menteri besar.

He added that a Sultan could only reject a candidate for one of his choice after an election but even this candidate could be defeated in the assembly by a vote.

The veteran politician said BN should have "followed the laws of the country, especially the constitution."

"Because this may be in conflict with the law, we find that people will not comply. Because we started on the wrong foot, people are now against us," said Dr Mahathir, who quit Umno last year in a long-running feud with his successor Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The Perak power grab is now mired in a series of lawsuits, with both sides claiming to be the legitimate government.

Six people have also been charged with insulting the Perak Ruler after he backed BN to govern the state. One has pleaded guilty and was fined RM10,000 yesterday while five others claimed trial.

Umno has said those who opposed the Sultan's decision are committing treason.

News by TheMalaysianInsider..

Bkt Gantang: Ismail Safian is Barisan candidate for by-election

2009-03-14T04:30:00.000-07:00

TAIPING: Solid Waste Management and Public Cleaning Corporation human resources director Ismail Safian has been named as the Barisan Nasional candidate for the upcoming Bukit Gantang parliamentary by-election.

Announcing the name during a meet-the-people session at Simpang near here on Saturday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said with Ismail as the candidate, Barisan stood a better chance of winning back the seat, which was previously won by PAS.

“The most important thing is the candidate can work with the divisions leadership to cut down on friction or suspicion,” said Najib, who is also Perak Barisan chief.

While Barisan had considered several names before deciding on Ismail, Najib said one of the criteria was Ismail being a local boy.

“We surveyed and shared opinion with other leaders before deciding on him,” he added, noting that division leaders also gave their full support on Ismail’s candidacy.

Najib also said that as a pre-condition for Ismail’s candidacy, he was not supposed to contest the Bukit Gantang Umno division chief post.

In a separate press conference, Ismail, 48, said he had no qualms about being barred from standing for the division chief’s post.

“My resolution is to serve the people of Bukit Gantang to the best of my ability,” said the Universiti Sains Malaysia graduate from the Housing, Building and Planning faculty.

Asked to rate his chances, Ismail said Barisan stood a good chance of reclaiming the seat as the people had realised that the opposition had cheated them.

“My survey among people of all races confirmed that,” he said, adding that the support now was better than last year.

The father of three girls and two boys, aged between 24 and 10, is now the deputy Kampung Kubu Umno branch chairman.

He joined Umno in 1982 and became Bukit Gantang Umno divisions Youth secretary in 1984.

His highest position in the party was the division’s information chief, which he held between 2004 and 2008.

The Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of its former MP Roslan Shahrum on Feb 9.

The Elections Commission has fixed March 29 as nomination date while polling date falls on April 7.

News by TheStar..

Handover early April?

2009-03-12T21:45:00.000-07:00

Kota Kinabalu: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said a date will be set for the transition of power between him and Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The handing over of the Prime Ministership was slated for the end of this month but the Malaysia Insider blog reported that he would only hand over the reins to Najib on April 3.

"(But) of course there is a date for the transition. I have discussed with Najib and I will make a formal announcement on that," he told reporters after visiting the Sepanggar Naval Base with his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah.

Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and wife Datin Seri Faridah Tussin, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin, Industrial Development Assistant Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad and State Federal Secretary Datuk Ismail Wadin.

The Malaysian Insider claimed the slight change to the timetable has to do with Abdullah wanting to chair the Cabinet meeting on April 1 and bid farewell to the Ministers in person.

The swearing in of Najib as the sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia is set for Friday, four days before the April 7 by-elections in Bukit Gantang, Bukit Selambau and Batang Ai. The blog said the new development would pour water on speculation that Abdullah would continue in office even after the Umno elections. Speculation was also heightened after Abdullah and opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim met at a lunch on Tuesday in conjunction with the Prophet Muhammad's birthday.

News by Daily Express.. Read More HERE..

Kurup to remain as Pensiangan MP

2009-03-12T21:30:00.000-07:00

KOTA KINABALU: PBRS president Tan Sri Joseph Kurup will keep his Pensiangan parliamentary seat in Sabah.

The Federal Court here on Friday overturned the Sept 17, 2008 Election Court decision to nullify March 2008 general election results for the seat.

On Feb 12, the Federal Court had reserved its ruling on the election petition appeals for both the Pensiangan parliament and Api Api state seats.

Court of Appeal president Justice Alauddin Mohd Sheriff, who chaired the panel, said the court reserved its judgments on both cases to a date yet to be fixed.

He said this after hearing submissions on the appeals with Chief Judge of Malaya Justice Ariffin Zakaria and Federal Court judge Justice Nik Hashim Nik Ab Rahman.

On Sept 8 last year, High Court judge Justice David Wong Dak Wah, who was sitting as an Election Court judge, quashed the outcome of the Pensiangan seat that was won uncontested by Barisan Nasional’s Kurup.

Justice Wong held that returning officer Bubudan OT Majalu had erred in overturning an Election Commission directive that PKR candidate Danny Andipai’s nomination papers be accepted though they were filed after the 10am deadline.

The judge had also ruled that the objections against Andipai’s nomination forms — on the grounds that they were not signed and that improper forms were used — were invalid.

News by TheStar..

Six to be charged for insulting Perak Sultan via blogs, postings

2009-03-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Six people, who allegedly insulted the Sultan of Perak via their blogs or online postings, are expected to be charged on Friday under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

They are expected to be charged in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Kota Kinabalu, and Butterworth under Section 233(1) of the Act for unwise use of network or network services by making comments, demands, suggestions or communication deemed vulgar, false, threatening or disturbing. The charges are to be read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.

The six will thus become the first to be hauled up under the Act.

Two others are also expected to face similar charges in Terengganu on Sunday.

Those found guilty under the Act face a maximum fine of RM50,000 or a maximum jail term of one year or both as provided for under Section 233(3) of the Act.

Attorney General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail confirmed his officers are expected to charge several people on Friday but declined to elaborate on the facts of the case.

It is learnt that several senior Information, Communication and Technology executives working with the Perak State Secretary lodged a report with Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on Feb 16 after reading the offending posting and comments in several of the blogs that is said to be linked to the Sultan of Perak’s web site.

Several of the offending comments were also posted and sent to the Perak state government website.

The MCMC acting on their complaint started a round the clock probe and after about a month of tedious investigations applied and obtained several search warrants from the courts to further investigate the matter.

They (MCMC) officers armed with the search warrants raided several premises and shop lots throughout the country including houses and shops in Taman Tun Dr Ismail in Brickfields, Kajang, Sri Kembangan, Permatang Pauh, Ranau in Sabah and several other places where the culprits were alleged to have operated from.

The sources said the raiding team seized lap tops, modems, personal computers and even telephone bills as evidence that is said to belong to the suspects and would produce them as evidence.

News by TheStar..

p/s omg.. to all bloggers out there.. from this moment we have to be xxtxra careful on your posting..

SPM: 6,277 score straight As in all subjects

2009-03-11T23:19:00.000-07:00

PUTRAJAYA: The 2008 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results announced Thursday saw 6,277 students scoring straight As in all subjects compared with 5,060 in 2007.

Education Ministry Director-General Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said 1,676 students scored A1s in all subjects compared with 892 in 2007, while 181,416 or 46.7% passed all subjects compared with 175,452 in 2007.

“There were three excellent result achievers who scored A1s in all 16 subjects, two who scored A1 in 15 subjects while six scored A1s in 14 subjects,” said Alimuddin while announcing the SPM and STAM results here Thursday.

Last year, 442,936 students sat for the SPM compared with 439,255 in 2007; 435 Special students also sat for the examination last year compared with 355 the previous year. -- Bernama

News by TheStar..

PM: No agenda in unexpected meeting with Anwar

2009-03-11T04:07:00.000-07:00

KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has dismissed any political agenda in his unexpected meeting with Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at a religious school in Hulu Langat on Tuesday.

"There was no discussion between me and Anwar. There is nothing more about it,” he told reporters here Wednesday after visiting the Sepangar naval base.

He said he was invited by well known Ustza Sheikh Mahmud Al-Mazjub to celebrate Malulidur Rasul as to mark the ending of the spiritual development of the Uztaz.

"I was having my lunch with the Sheikh when Anwar came (later). We were listening to the Sheikh Mahmuds during lunch, he said in dismissing bloggers speculations of political implications about the meeting.

Asked if a date has been set for the transition of power between him and his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, he replied: "Of course we have a date. I have discussed with Najib. I will make official (in time)."

News by TheStar..

AG, IGP cleared in Anwar's black eye incident

2009-03-11T04:05:00.000-07:00

PUTRAJAYA, WED:

A three-member independent panel acting as deputy public prosecutors, found that Attorney-General (AG) Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail and Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Musa Aman did not fabricate evidence in the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim "black eye" incident in 1998.

"After studying the case carefully and in depth, Tan Sri Abdul Gani and Tan Sri Musa did not commit any criminal offence as alleged by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim," said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in a statement today.

As such, the MACC chief commissioner also found no criminal case against the two.

The independent panel comprised two former Federal Court judges and a Court of Appeal judge, Datuk Abdul Kadir Sulaiman, Datuk Wira Mohd Noor Ahmad and Datuk Mohamad Noor Abdullah, who were appointed as DPPs in the case by the Solicitor-General.
Anwar had in July last year, alleged that Abdul Gani and Musa had fabricated evidence or information pertaining to the assault on him, giving him a black eye, by the then IGP Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Noor while in police custody in 1998.

The statement said MACC viewed seriously Anwar''s allegation that the commission failed to act against the AG and IGP after he lodged a police report.

Following this, MAAC (which was then known as the Anti-Corruption Agency -ACA) carried out a two-month investigation from July 2, 2008, with Abdul Gani and Musa as the prime subjects of the investigation, which recorded statementsfrom witnesses including Anwar himself.

Taking into consideration that this was a sensitive, high-profile and public-interest case, the MACC proposed the setting up of an independent panelwith the three members acting as DPPs to look into the case, the statement said.

Meanwhile, in the Dewan Rakyat today, Minister in the Prime Minister''s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said the panel members did notdiscuss the case among themselves and dealt with it professionally andmeticulously.

"Majority-wise, the panel found that the AG and IGP did not commit anycriminal offence in the case as alleged," he said in reply to a question fromGobind Singh Deo (DAP-Puchong).

Mohamed Nazri said two of the three panel members cleared Abdul Ghani of any wrongdoing while all the members made the same decision on Musa.

"I am not able to say here who had agreed or disagreed (with regards to allegation against Abdul Ghani)," he said, adding that the panel''s decision tooktime to be announced as several factors had to be considered.

News by NST online..

RM60bil for stimulus package

2009-03-10T03:45:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak tabled an RM60bil “mini budget” (see below) as part of the second economic stimulus package to help Malaysia weather the global economic crisis.

Najib, also the Finance Minister, pulled no punches as he unveiled the Supplementary Supply Bill 2009 in Parliament, noting that more than half of the major world economies -- in particular the United States, Europe and Japan -- are in recession and experiencing the worst economic contraction since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

The RM60bil package, to be implemented over 2009 and 2010, includes RM15bil as fiscal injection, RM25bil in Guarantee Funds, RM10bil for equity investments, RM7bil for private finance initiatives and off-budget projects, as well as RM3bil in tax incentives.

“This RM60bil accounts for almost 9% of (Malaysia’s) GDP (Gross Domestic Product),” he said, describing it as “unprecedented in the nation’s economic history.”

Najib said that Malaysia’s highly open economy is likely to be affected by four factors:

* First, exports will decline in line with deteriorating world demand (for instance, in January 2009, exports declined 27.8%);

* Second, commodity exports, in particular, crude oil and gas as well as palm oil, have experienced sharp decline in prices;

* Third, decline in FDI (foreign direct investment), in line with the global recession, is expected to be half of that in 2008, declining to RM26bil compared with RM51bi; and

* Fourth, the global meltdown in equity markets has led to a significant decline in Bursa Malaysia, which has also adversely impacted investor and consumer sentiment as well as the services sector, which normally is a high-growth sector.

“Given these factors and in the context of the sharp deterioration in the global economy, Malaysia now faces an extremely challenging economic environment. This necessitated a review of the GDP growth forecast for 2009.

“However, the Government is confident that the original 2009 Budget with an allocation of RM206bil, as well as the First Stimulus Package of RM7bil and the Second Stimulus Package, will contribute towards mitigating the impact of the global contraction on the domestic economy.

“Taking into account these measures, GDP growth is expected to be in the range of –1% to 1% for 2009. Without these efforts, the economy faces the prospect of a deep recession,” Najib said.

MINI BUDGET SPEECH BY DATUK SERI NAJIB TUN RAZAK

(Click tilte to read more..)

News by TheStar Online..

Father sodomises daughter, brother molests sisters

2009-03-08T05:15:00.000-07:00

KLANG, Sat: A man sodomised his seven-year-old daughter last week, while, in another case, a brother forced his younger sister to perform oral sex.

A doctor at the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital lodged a police report on Thursday after a rectal examination on a seven-year-old girl revealed numerous tears in her anus. The girl, a Standard One pupil from Rantau Panjang, Klang, had been taken to the hospital after complaining of pain in her anus.

A police source said: “The doctor was initially reluctant to release the victim back into her mother’s care but had no choice.”

Following the report, a second medical examination was conducted on the victim and the results were conclusive, indicating that she had been sodomised.

It is learnt that the victim’s father, a lorry driver aged 47, has since gone into hiding.

In the second incident, a 19-year-old man is being sought by police after he is said to have sexually assaulted both his younger sisters on Wednesday at their home in Taman Seri Putra, Banting.

The suspect is said to have pulled his sisters, aged 11 and 8, into the bedroom, while their parents were away. He allegedly pushed the 11-year-old girl onto the bed and kissed her.

The suspect is then said to have dragged both girls into the toilet where he ordered the younger girl to perform oral sex on him.

He then warned the girls to keep quiet about the incident. However, the elder girl told her mother what happened when she returned home.

The mother lodged a report at the Banting police station. It is understood that a similar incident had occurred in the past when the family lived in Kelantan.

However, at that time, the mother did not believe her daughter. Medical examinations indicated neither of the girls had been raped.Selangor CID chief Senior Assistant Commissioner II Hasnan Hassan said police were looking for the two suspects.

News by NST Online..

p/s Kiamat mo sampai suda nie kalu gni.. macam2 dunia sekarang nie...

‘We will only act on solid evidence,’ says Anwar

2009-03-08T05:13:00.000-07:00

PENANG: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he will act on allegations of corruption involving two state party leaders only if there is solid evidence.
He said the committee concerned would investigate the allegations by Kepala Batas PKR Youth chief Amizudin Ahmat.

"If there is solid evidence, then I would inform Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to act," he told reporters after jointly lauching the Penang Free WiFi project with Lim, at the Sunway Cannival Mall in Seberang Jaya here on Sunday.

On Thursday, Amizudin had alleged that two state PKR leaders received bribes from a quarry company.

Meanwhile, Lim condemned the police action of firing tear gas at a crowd that had marched to submit a memorandum to the King against the policy of teaching Science and Mathematics in English.

Police said that it was an illegal gathering and they had no choice but to disperse the crowd that tried to march from the National Mosque to the Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. - Bernama

News by TheStar..

Sepah Juara Raja Lawak 3

2009-03-06T21:55:00.000-08:00

Malam tadi telah berlangsungnya Malam Kemuncak Gelanggang Raja Lawak musim ketiga yang telah dipancarkan secara langsung daripada Dewan Sivik, Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ) dan juga disiarkan menerusi Astro Prima (saluran 105).

Malam yang penuh gilang gemilang itu telah bermula pada jam 8.30 malam dengan acara karpet merah yang bertemakan Karpet Lawak. Antara pelawak yang muncul di karpet merah adalah Dato’ Yahya Sulung, Param, Acappan, Hamid Gurkha, Dato’ Aziz Satar dan ramai lagi.

Malam tadi merupakan detik paling manis buat Kumpulan Sepah apabila berjaya mengenepikan dua saingannya iaitu Jihan dan Amir, setelah berjaya merebut gelaran Juara Raja Lawak 3. Namun tidak dapat dinafikan ketiga-tiga finalis berjaya menyempurnakan dua tugasan yang telah diberikan dengan baik. Dua tugasan yang telah diberi adalah bertemakan Bebas dan Komedi Musikal.

Sepah yang tampil sebagai warga emas di dalam persembahan kedua berjaya mengamatkan suasana dengan aksi mereka yang bersahaja dan ditambah pula dengan unsur-unsur nyanyian yang mengasyikan dan sekaligus membolehkan mereka mendapat sorakan gemuruh daripada semua penonton yang hadir.

Jihan yang merupakan finalis wanita pertama bagi tiga musim tampil anggun bak primadona dalam persembahannya yang kedua dan sekaligus mendapat pujian daripada kesemua pengkritik. Namun persembahan pertama dilihat agak kurang menonjol berbanding persembahan sebelumnya yang menyebabkan beliau hanya memperoleh tempat sebagai naib juara.

Amir yang tampil mendendangkan lagu-lagu berunsurkan negeri kelahirannya dalam persembahan kedua nampaknya gagal menarik perhatian para pengundi apabila hanya berjaya mendapat tempat ketiga.

Berikut adalah peratusan undian sejurus undian ditutup malam tadi:

SEPAH 48.12
JIHAN 30.82
AMIR 21.07

Juara Raja lawak musim ketiga ini berjaya membawa pulang sebuah kereta Citroen Picasso, wang tunai RM20,000, produk elektrik dan trofi sumbangan Astro. Manakala naib juara akan membawa pulang sebuah motosikal jenama Naza Blade 250R, wang tunai RM14,000, produk elektrik serta trofi sumbangan Astro dan tempat ketiga memenangi wang tunai RM8,000, barangan elektrik serta trofi.

Majlis penyampaian hadiah telah disempurnakan oleh 3 pelawak veteran iaitu Dato Yahya Sulong, Hamid Gurkha dan Param. Malam Kemuncak Gelanggang Raja Lawak 3 telah berakhir kira-kira pada jam 11 malam dan disusuli dengan Sidang Media bersama ketiga-tiga finalis dan juga Pengurus Saluran Prima iaitu En. Nizam Sani.

News from HERE..

p/s
Ermmm.. memang telah diduga sejak dari awal lagi bahawa kumpulan sepah akan menjadi raja lawak 3 astro.. Tahniah kumpulan Sepah.. Tapi me myself didn't watch it cuz of OIAM at the other channel... Anyhow, I wish Sepah all the best and gud luck... Ermmm.. kalu tak tau mcm mana nak bagi kereta tue, bagi jak lar pada saya.. takkan nak bahagi 3 kereta tue...hehehehe...

Naked photos taken during job interview

2009-03-05T06:16:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: He answered an advertisement to be a guest relation officer. Instead, David (not his real name) was photographed naked as part of an interview to be a gigolo.

The 28-year-old salesman from here said he had telephoned a man called “Uncle Simon” because he needed a better paying job as he wanted to plan for his future.

After “Uncle Simon” met him for the first time, he asked David to be a gigolo as he was good-looking.

“I accepted the offer because there was an interview, and I didn’t think there would be anything wrong with it,” David said at a press conference yesterday at the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department,

During the interview, he was required to be photographed naked.

He agreed to do so but covered his private parts during the photo shoot.

“I was afraid to reject Uncle Simon because he had my personal details as well as the pictures,” he said.

“They asked me to wait for a telephone call but it never came.”

He added he wanted to forget the whole issue because it was a stupid decision.

David sought help from the department yesterday because he was afraid that “Uncle Simon” would expose the photographs of him.

David also said there were other gigolos as well and their naked pictures were compiled into an album for women customers to choose from.

Department head Datuk Michael Chong said there were many such advertisements that offered lucrative pay to attract naive young men and women.

News by TheStar..

p/s This world is getting hotter..lol

A step closer to Labuan-Sabah bridge

2009-03-05T00:29:00.002-08:00

LABUAN: A long-awaited bridge linking Sabah and this international offshore financial centre (IOFC) appears to be one step closer to reality.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he would be asking the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) to have a re-look at the proposed project that had been bandied about since 1997.

“Something of this magnitude is not immediately possible but it should be given due attention,” he said after launching the halal distribution hub at Kiansam, some 20kms from downtown Labuan yesterday.

He said a bridge between Sabah and Labuan would be good for the island as it would spell more tourism arrivals apart from easing the entry of raw materials from the mainland for industries here.

Last year, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique said the government had appointed Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to conduct a RM5mil feasibility study linking the southwestern Sabah settlement of Menumbok and Labuan.

The study would look into the pros and cons of a bridge with an estimated span of 17km and a price tag of at least RM550mil as stated in the Labuan Development masterplan drafted in 1997.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman had said that such a bridge would spell a “win-win” situation for the state and Labuan.

Labuan Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Chin Chee Kee said the island’s physical link with Sabah was important because it would ensure that Labuan would not be bypassed when the Pan-Borneo Highway is completed.

News by TheStar Online..

p/s ermmmmm... tgu jak lar..betul2 ka ada nie..

A step closer to Labuan-Sabah bridge

2009-03-05T00:29:00.000-08:00

LABUAN: A long-awaited bridge linking Sabah and this international offshore financial centre (IOFC) appears to be one step closer to reality.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he would be asking the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) to have a re-look at the proposed project that had been bandied about since 1997.

He said a bridge between Sabah and Labuan would be good for the island as it would spell more tourism arrivals apart from easing the entry of raw materials from the mainland for industries here.

The study would look into the pros and cons of a bridge with an estimated span of 17km and a price tag of at least RM550mil as stated in the Labuan Development masterplan drafted in 1997.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman had said that such a bridge would spell a “win-win” situation for the state and Labuan.

News by TheStar Online..

p/s ermmmmm... tgu jak lar..betul2 ka ada nie..

Three by-elections on April 7

2009-03-04T07:12:00.000-08:00

KUCHING: The Election Commission has fixed March 29 as nomination day for the Batang Ai by-election while polling is on April 7.

The nomination and polling dates are the same as the by-elections for the Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat in Perak and the Bukit Selambau state seat in Kedah.

Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said the Commission decided to hold the three by-elections at the same time so as not to prolong the campaign period.

“We don’t want the campaign period to be too long. If we do it after the by-elections in Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau, it would add nine more days to the campaign period to make it a total of 18 days.

“Such a long campaign period could create tension, so we feel that it’s best to hold the by-elections simultaneously; this would also save time for those involved in campaigning,” he told a press conference here Wednesday.

The Batang Ai seat fell vacant following the death of its four-term assemblyman Datuk Dublin Unting Ingkot on Feb 24.

Unting, who was also state assistant minister for sports and agriculture and a Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) vice-president, died nine months after suffering a stroke and falling into a coma.

Abdul Aziz said the Commission’s officers in Sarawak were ready to conduct the by-election and had made the necessary preparations.

He said the Commission had 25 vehicles and 18 boats ready as well as a helicopter on standby in case of an emergency.

He added that the dates were also suitable in terms of weather conditions as it would not be the dry season yet.

“I understand that during the dry season, it would be more difficult to navigate the rivers in the area,” he said.

The Commission will use the 2008 master electoral roll gazetted on Feb 19 this year for the by-election.

There are 8,006 registered voters in Batang Ai, including 43 postal voters.

Abdul Aziz said an enforcement team would be set up to monitor campaign activities from nomination day to the end of polling at 5pm on April 7.

He also said Malaysians for Free and Fair Elections (Mafrel) would be given permission to observe the by-election.

PRS, a Dayak-based Barisan Nasional component party, is expected to meet Thursday to decide on the candidate for the by-election.

Barisan is expected to face PKR, part of the Pakatan Rakyat alliance, and independent(s) in the fight.

News by TheStar..

p/s These 3 by-elections will revealed everything..

Perak drama: Court order on illegal assembly sitting delivered

2009-03-04T07:08:00.000-08:00

IPOH, WED:

The lawyers representing Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and six State Executive Councillors today handed over an injunction issued by the High Court yesterday refraining State Assembly Speaker V.Sivakumar from holding any illegal State Assembly sitting.

The court order was handed over to Sivakumar''s political secretary, A.Wasu, who represented the Speaker, at 4.15 pm at Sivakumar''s office by Farid Zul Azlan Abdul Shani, an aide to lawyer Faizul Hilmi Ahmad Zambri, who was also present.

Wasu said Sivakumar was not present to receive the court order as he was attending a meeting here.

"The Speaker will decide what action would be taken subsequently," he told reporters after receiving the court order.

Earlier, the lawyers representing Zambry and the six Executive Councillors, who had arrived at 3 pm, failed to hand over the document to Sivakumar as the Speaker''s office at the Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan was locked.
They later handed a copy of the court order to the State Legal Advisor''s office at the same building at 3.20 pm.

Meanwhile, Faizul Hilmi said he had received the injunction from the court dated yesterday at noon today.

"Sivakumar can appeal within 30 days of the date of the court order. However, so far there has been no appeal from him," he said.

When asked to comment on the submission in court yesterday, he said the State Assistant Legal Advisor, Zulqarnain Hassan, who represented the Speaker, had presented the case well.

News by NST Online..

Perak drama... Is This How We Potray Malaysia?

2009-03-03T02:27:00.000-08:00

It is indeed, I would say, the most embarrassing moment for Malaysia as a truly democratic country (**as some of our leaders claimed). It is by hundreds miles the worst democratic practice compare to the many other practices or events (such as The downfall of PBS in Sabah, The Terengganu 'Binatang' issue, to named a few..)

It all started during/after the GE2008, when the then government (of Perak) lost. To worsen the scenario, the present government of Malaysia had lost 5 states to the opposition alliance, and lost 2/3 majority in the Parliament. From that moment, a lot of things happening, not only in Perak, but in Malaysia as a whole. Political scene in Malaysia has completely changed and continuously evolve. We are serve with a lot of issues, which obviously very confusing.

To name a few: The pro-gov medias kept on telling us(the rakyat) that they(PR) did not actually won the 5 states, but (from their point of view) the rakyat had no choice (general term: still with BN but rejecting the President of BN). Came Anwar (again!); he claimed that he had enough 'hoppers' to form a new government. Terengganu issue:'Binatang' word that 'hurt' a lot and lots of 'berhati mulia' rakyat. Then, the by-elections in several constituties, a lot of dramas and issues, but still the rakyat has spoken. A lot, and i really mean a lot, issues and events served to the rakyat.

Frankly speaking, we understand why these two big parties keep on rising up issues in order to be seen as hero to us. That's the art of war in politic (I would say).

Interestingly, both parties, in order to gain as many supporters as possible, ventures into new approaches. They begin to sneak into others private life and exploring and exposing a lot of not-so-shocking news (well, its private life, who cares?). Certainly the most obvious and pathetic approach is by abusing power and exploitizing their power capacity/capacities. For instance, the abuse use of Acts and Laws (which obviously beyond my credibility to discuss further), and the emerging of new laws (*of course I never heard this law before..).

And now, we are very privilege indeed to be in Malaysia today to witness the most historical moment of democracy practise in our beloved not-so-democratic country. Apparently, we will never heard any government holding their assembly under a tree. At least, the positive thing about this is, we successfully promoting Malaysia to the eyes of the world. The impacts of these scenario, whether negative or positive, is very much secondary, at least for the moment.

To both parties,
Please and please.. stop this drama at once. You are (or we are) potraying a very bad image of Malaysia. If the USA potraying the political scene towards better evolution(of course shocked juga lar when Obama become the first black President), why are we facing the other way round?

The rakyat become more confuse with the latest showdown in Perak. Your party says you are lawfully right, but the other party says the same thing.

Why can't we just hold a fresh state election and let the rakyat (who FYI are the right decision maker) decides on who has the right to form government.

There's a lot of other important things that need to be attended and required much efforts from the politicians. Economic crisis which begin to pressed the rakyat is far more important than your thug of war in Perak. We want a true hero that can help us to ease our life and not to confuse us with all these political-drives motive.

Perak drama: The showdown.. Court Declares Assembly illegal..

2009-03-03T02:24:00.000-08:00

IPOH, March 3 — The High Court here has declared this morning’s emergency sitting of the Perak state assembly which was held on a street under a tree illegal.

The court granted the order under Section 44 of the Specific Relief Act after accepting arguments from Barisan Nasional lawyers that the immunity from judicial review stated in the federal constitution was only for proceedings in the state assembly.

Earlier today Perak Speaker V Sivakumar convened an emergency sitting of the state assembly which effectively voted to end the de facto Barisan Nasional (BN) government of Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

The court’s declaration was the latest development on an eventful day in which Perak’s administration was thrown into chaos with both BN and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) questioning the legitimacy of each other’s actions.

The State Secretary had earlier directed the closure of the building which houses the state assembly venue.

This morning, Judicial Commissioner Ridwan Ibrahim had ruled that five lawyers, including constitutional expert Tommy Thomas, had no locus standi to represent the Perak Speaker in court.

He said the Speaker must be represented by the state legal advisor because he is part of the state government.

News by TheMalaysianInsider..

Perak drama: The showdown Chronology

2009-03-03T02:22:00.000-08:00

5.39pm 4.49pm: High Court Judicial Commissioner Ridwan Ibrahim today granted an injunction sought by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and the six State Executive Councillors to stop Speaker V Sivakumar from convening any state assembly sittings.

4.49pm: Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan said today Perak state legislative assembly secretary Abdullah Antong Sabri had acted correctly in declaring that the emergency sitting of the assembly was illegal, BERNAMA reports. He said Abdullah was only discharging his responsibilities. "If a public officer is acting in accordance with the law, then he or she has acted rightly," he said when asked to comment on the issue today.

1.11pm Kuala Lumpur High Court Justice Lau Bee Lan will decide on Friday whether to transfer the judicial review application by former Perak MB, Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, to the Federal Court. Nizar is challenging the legitimacy of Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir as Perak menteri besar.

10.34am Judicial Commissioner Ridwan Ibrahim removes the five counsels representing the Perak Speaker on grounds that they have no locus standi to represent Sivakumar, who is from the government. He says that the state legal adviser will now appear for the Speaker. Constitutional expert Tommy Thomas, who was one of the five removed and now only allowed to hold watching brief but with no speaking rights, has withdrawn himself, saying that there's no point with no role for him to play.

10.32am Speaker adjourns Assembly meeting.

10.29am Perak State Assembly passes a vote of confidence in Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin as mentri besar and proposes that a new election be called.

10.05am Misbahul Munir, as the newly-appointed State Assembly secretary, recites a prayer to mark the start to the State Assembly sitting.

10.01am State Assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar dons robe and songkok to show he's still State Speaker and declares a small clearing as the venue for the State Assembly to hold its emergency meeting.

9.47am Pakatan leaders walk to DAP headquarters about 30 metres from the State Secretariat.

9.43am The crowd and Pakatan leaders move back behind barricade as instructed by police. The Police thank everyone for cooperating.

9.37am Pakatan assemblymen try to gain access to the State Secretariat but are blocked by police. All, including media personnel, were given five minutes to disperse.

9.33am Nizar walks towards the State Secretariat entrance with his supporters. Heavy police presence around the premises. Police warn of arresting those who refuse to disperse.

9.19am Pakatan Rakyat assemblymen, including former mentri besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, arrive outside the State Secretariat. Federal Reserve Unit personnel are blocking the building entrance.

By NST Online..

Perak drama: The showdown

2009-03-03T02:14:00.000-08:00

Under a tree, assembly votes for fresh polls

IPOH, March 3 — In the shade of a rain tree with the State Secretariat just 200 metres away, Perak Speaker V Sivakumar convened an emergency sitting of the state assembly today which effectively voted to end the de facto Barisan Nasional (BN) government of Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

Across town at the same time in the Ipoh High Court, BN lawyers were arguing to stay the proceedings of the state assembly, pending a law suit against Sivakumar for suspending from the assembly Zambry and his six executive council members.

On an eventful day, Perak’s administration has been thrown into chaos with both BN and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) questioning the legitimacy of each other’s actions.

The State Secretary’s directive to close off the building which houses the state assembly had added to the confusion over the administration of the state.

The directive resulted in riot police barring state assemblymen from entering the building.

All the lawmakers that had turned up this morning were from PR parties. BN legislators, not surprisingly, did not show up as they contend the assembly was invalid.

Sivakumar was the only person given permission to access the building, but he chose instead to walk nearby to convene the assembly with the presence of the PR assemblymen.

Dressed in his ceremonial black robes and songkok, the Speaker presided over a sitting, which on the face of it appeared legal as long as he was present.

The sitting proceeded to pass three votes – expressing their confidence in Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin as mentri besar; calling on Nizar to seek a dissolution of the state assembly; and endorsing Sivakumar’s suspension of Zambry and the de facto BN executive council.

Nizar told reporters later that he would seek an audience with the Sultan to ask for consent to dissolve the assembly.

At the Ipoh High Court, Judicial Commissioner Ridwan Ibrahim ruled that five lawyers, including constitutional expert Tommy Thomas, had no locus standi to represent the Perak Speaker in court.

He said the Speaker must be represented by the state legal advisor because he is part of the state government.

Thomas told reporters the team had no choice but to withdraw from the case.

Earlier this morning, a minor scuffle broke out when a group of unidentified men tried to stop Nizar and other PR assemblymen from entering the state assembly compound.

Subsequently, Nizar and the assemblymen were prevented from entering the state assembly by riot police, backed by two trucks with water cannons.

Yesterday, Zambry declared any attempt to hold an emergency sitting of the state assembly a “threat to national security.”

News by TheMalaysianInsider

Perak drama: Set for showdown

2009-03-02T02:34:00.000-08:00

IPOH: The situation in Perak was calm but tense Monday as the wrangling political parties took their battle to the courts.

Perak executive councillor Mohd Zahir Abdul Khalid and two lawyers served a notice of misconduct to State Assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar, referring him to the Rights and Privileges Committee.

The notice, handed to Sivakumar’s political secretary A. Wasu at the Speaker’s office at 11am Monday, came with a report accusing him of abusing his power to commit contempt of the House by disloyalty to the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah.

Mohd Zahir told a press conference that the Speaker was referred to the committee for violating Article 47 of the state constitution following his suspension of Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and his six exco members.

The Article reads that an assemblyman taking oath must swear to preserve and defend the State Constitution and bear true allegiance to the Sultan of Perak.

“We feel that the Speaker is not following the constitution and has disobeyed the Sultan’s orders (titah).

“We have already informed all assemblymen, including the Speaker, that they must remain loyal to the Ruler. This is blatant disresgard of His Royal Highness,” Mohd Zahir said outside the Speaker’s office at the state secretariat here.

Interestingly, Sivakumar heads the same Rights and Privileges Committee.

Lawyers representing Perak Barisan Nasional are also expected to file an injunction against the Speaker at the Ipoh High Court.

Sivakumar had called for an emergency sitting of the State Assembly on Wednesday, invoking Standing Orders 8 and 11 to vote on two motions.

State secretary Abdullah Antong Sabri however released a statement to say notices sent to state assemblymen of the sitting must be accompanied with the Sultan’s proclamation summoning the assembly.

There were reports that supporters of both parties would convene Tuesday -- Barisan supporters to prevent the previous Pakatan Rakyat state government from convening the state assembly sitting, Pakatan supporters to stop them from doing so.

As of Monday, there was no sign there would be a mass gathering being planned for Tuesday. PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub said supporters might turn up if there are police roadblocks.

On Monday evening, the State Secretary’s office issued a circular informing all staff to cancel all appointments scheduled at the premises Tuesday as the main entrance into the building would be closed.

The circular did not say why the doors would be barred. The State Assembly Hall is located within the State Secretariat building.

Perak CPO Deputy Comm Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah warned members of the public not to gather outside the State Secretariat building on Tuesday.

“Those who do not heed our advice will be considered as taking part in an illegal gathering,” he said in a statement.

“We will take the necessary action against them,” he said, adding that only officials, employees and those with permits would be allowed into the building.

He said that according to the State Assembly Secretary, the emergency meeting of the Assembly called by Sivakumar is invalid because it had not received the consent of the Perak Ruler.

Former mentri besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, who still maintains he is the legitimate mentri besar, said they would have the emergency sitting at a coffeeshop or the canteen at the state secretariat building if the doors to the Dewan were barred.

In KUALA LUMPUR, Bernama reported that Nizar’s judicial review application to challenge the legitimacy of Dr Zambry as Perak mentri besar will be heard before another High Court judge on Tuesday.

The case is fixed before High Court (Special Powers and Appellate) Court judge Lau Bee Lan, six days after Judicial Commissioner Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof recused himself from hearing the suit.

One of Nizar’s lawyers, Leong Cheok Keng, when contacted, confirmed the matter.

On Feb 25, Mohamad Ariff recused himself, in the interest of justice because prior to his appointment as judicial commissioner, he had represented PAS, PKR and even Barisan in several court cases, including election petitions.

In his application for a judicial review, Nizar is seeking an interpretation of the Perak state constitution on whether the mentri besar’s post can be vacated in a situation whereby:

* THE mentri besar had advised the ruler on the dissolution of the state legislative assembly;
* THERE is no dissolution of the assembly;
* THERE was no motion of confidence performed against him at the state legislative assembly;
* THERE was no resignation made by him.

He said the writ is of quo warranto (by what warrant) on Zambry to show cause under which authority the Barisan-designated mentri besar can be the legitimate mentri besar.

He is also seeking a declaration that he is the legal mentri besar of Perak and an injunction to stop Zambry from carrying out the duties and functions of the mentri besar.

Nizar is also seeking punitive, aggravated and exemplary damages and costs.

NEWS BY THESTAR ONLINE..

MORE NEWS AND UPDATES, CLICK HERE.

DUN Perak ditutup, elak sidang tergempar

2009-03-02T02:30:00.001-08:00

Dalam tindakan mengejut untuk menggagalkan sidang tergempar Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) yang dirancang esok, kompleks pentadbiran negeri yang menempatkan dewan itu akan ditutup esok.

Menurut kenyataan yang dikeluarkan oleh bahagian khidmat pengurusan, Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan di Jalan Bukit Gantang Wahab akan ditutup.

Kakitangan yang menetapkan temujanji di bangunan tersebut esok diarah membatalkannya.

Notis tanpa tandatangan itu dari pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan (SUK) menggunakan logo rasmi kerajaan negeri.

Terdahulu, seorang exco kerajaan BN Perak ingin Speaker Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) dihadapkan kepada Jawatankuasa Hak dan Kebebasan dewan itu berhubung dakwaan salah laku V Sivakumar.

Notis yang mengandungi laporan salah guna kuasa oleh Speaker, menghina DUN serta tidak taat setia kepada titah Sultan Perak itu diserahkan kepada setiausaha Speaker, A Basu di pejabatnya di Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan pada 11 pagi.

Mohd Zahir Abdul Khalid berkata notis itu juga berkaitan tindakan Speaker menggantung dan melarang Menteri Besar Perak Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir dan enam exco kerajaan negeri menghadiri persidangan DUN, lapor Bernama.

Tindakan ini dipercayai sebagai reaksi balas terhadap usaha Speaker memanggiil sidang tergempar DUN jam 10 pagi esok bagi membahaskan usul-usul undi percaya terhadap Datuk Seri Mohamad Nizar Jamamaluddin, yang ditumbangkan oleh BN, dan membubarkan dewan.

Semalam, Setiausaha DUN Abdullah Antong Sabri berkata cadangan Speaker untuk memanggil sidang tergempar itu tidak sah.

Ia tidak boleh diadakan dengan tidak mendapat perkenan Sultan Perak berdasarkan perintah tetap dewan serta undang-undang tubuh kerajaan negeri, tambahnya.

Sivakumar mingggu lalu dilaporkan berkata sidang tergempar itu tidak memerlukan perkenan baginda terlebih dahulu kerana notis 14 hari hanya perlu dikeluarkan dalam keadaan DUN bersidang biasa dan bukannya untuk sidang tergempar.

Semalam, beliau bertegas akan tetap meneruskan sidang tergempar itu - melanjutkan lagi krisis peralihan kuasa di negeri itu yang berlarutan kira-kira sebulan.

Kerajaan BN juga akan memohon perintah injunksi daripada mahkamah bagi menghalang sidang tergempar itu.

More news from Malaysia Kini..

Sivakumar accused of abuse of power, notice served

2009-03-01T21:35:00.000-08:00

IPOH: Perak executive councillor Mohd Zahir Abdul Khalid has served notice referring State Assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar to the Rights and Privileges Committee.

The notice, served to Sivakumar’s political secretary at 11am Monday, came with a report accusing the Speaker of abusing his power to commit contempt by showing disloyalty to the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, under Article 47 of the state constitution.

Zahir told a press conference that the matter concerned Sivakumar’s suspension of Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Kadir and his six executive council members.

News by TheStar..

Najib to be new premier at end of month

2009-03-01T21:34:00.000-08:00

HUA HIN (Thailand): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will hand over the baton to his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak this month.

He said he would stick to the plan to hand over the prime ministership to Najib.

“That is the plan that I have made, so we will have to follow the plan,” Abdullah replied to a question by a foreign journalist on concerns that he would not hand over the prime ministership after the Umno general meeting at the end of the month.

Abdullah is here attending the 14th Asean summit.

He had late last year decided not to seek re-election as the party president and step down as Prime Minister.

In another development, Malaysia’s push for Asean to recognise the Gaza situation received a boost when the region’s 10 leaders called for humanitarian aid for the Palestinians.

The chairman’s statement at the summit said the well-being of the Palestinian people in Gaza was of paramount importance.

“We support all efforts – regional and international – aimed at achieving a durable ceasefire on the ground.

“We stress the importance of promoting recovery and rehabilitation in Gaza, and the need for sustained international assistance,” said the statement.

News by TheStar..

In a day of shame, Parliament came close to emulating the Taiwan legislature - Security tightened at Parliament

2009-03-01T21:32:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Security measures at Parliament building were beefed up on Monday after the scuffle last Thursday.

Police and security officers were seen outside the main gate of the road leading to Parliament building. All drivers had to either show their tags or inform security of their intentions in coming to Parliament before they were allowed to drive in.

Except for Members of Parliament (MPs) and Parliament staff, all drivers -- whether they were civil servants, members of the media, contract workers or visitors -- had to surrender their working tags or identity cards in exchange for Parliament tags right after they entered the main gate.

Previously, they only had to surrender their tags or identity cards when they entered the building.

Chief administrator Datuk Kamaruddin Mohamd Baria said this would be an interim measure pending a decision by Dewan Rakyat after an investigation committee set up last Thursday had completed its findings.

The eight-men committee was set up after DAP national chairman Karpal Singh told the House that he had been blocked by a group comprising members of Umno Youth at the entrance. A scuffle had ensued.

The committee, led by Dewan Rakyat speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, comprises his deputy Datuk Ronald Kiandee, and MPs such as Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (BN-Bintulu), Nancy Shukri (BN-Batang Sadong), Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn (BN-Alor Gajah), R. Sivarasa (PKR-Subang), Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) and Datuk Kamaruddin Jaffar (PAS-Tumpat).

It would conduct its probe in chambers, then report back to the House with its recommendation for a decision to be made in the House.

Other new security measures may be imposed later, depending on the recommendation and decision of Dewan Rakyat, Kamaruddin said.

Karpal was however far from impressed with the heightened security measures and suggested that when it comes to guests, only those invited by an MP should be allowed in.

“Whoever comes to Parliament must be sponsored by an MP, and the MP must be held responsible for whoever comes in here,” he said at the Parliament lobby.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz also proposed that the invitation system, which was once practised in Parliament, be implemented again.

“Perhaps one MP can be allowed to extend 10 invitations,” he said.

He added that the beefed-up security at Parliament was a decision made by the Speaker, and hoped that the measures would be made permanent.

Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said security at Parliament were too loose compared with to those in other countries such as Australia, Bangladesh and India.

News by The Star Online...

"ODOI ODU" big winner in Astro Kirana Short Film Award

2009-02-28T17:03:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Farizie bin Morinding on his aspiring "Odoi Odu (Oh Grandma" short film which was the big winner last nite on Astro Kirana Short Film Award. I am so proud of him and as a Sabahan myself I wish him a very fruitful career ahead. Indeed It's nice and proud to see another Sabahan won an award in this industry.

After the award ceremony, which was live telecast in astro kirana channel, I watched his film and I was so amazed on the performance of the 'odu' character. As if there were no camera in front of her, and doing and acting so brilliantly. One will really inspired and awed by watching that film albeit Dusun language was used in the dialogue. Once again, Congratulations 'Odoi Odu'.

****************************************************************

Odoi Odu

Director: Farizie Bin Morinding
Performers: Grandma Lukiah Bte Mahadi, Grandpa Suman B. Lontou, Mdm, Sabiah Bte Suman, Mdm. Laidah Bte Ghani, Mdm. Noraini Bte A. Hamid, Norhazdwani Bte Wahinin, Mohd Shahrie B.Jusilin
Producer: Farizie Bin Morinding
Genre: Drama
Language: Dusun
Length: 19.45 Min
Screenwriter: Farizie Bin Morinding
Cinematographer: Farizie Bin Morinding
Editor: Farizie Bin Morinding
Sound: Farizie Bin Morinding
Art Director: Farizie Bin Morinding

Synopsis:
Odoi Odu or oh Grandma is a story using the theme of sadness old grandmother. She always saw her late husband. The village people think she is mad but she manage to cope up daily life with only her cat make her happy.

The Prizes

Grand prizes: RM 100,000 feature length movie production budget + Cash RM5,000 + Trophy + Prize
First Runner up: Cash RM 3,000 + Trophy + Prize
Second Runner up: Cash RM 2,000 + Trophy + Prize
Sub- categories: 8 Awards + Trophy

The Winners of Astro Kirana Short Film Awards 2008/2009

Grand Prize : ‘Odoi Odu’ (Oh Grandma) (Director: Farizie Bin Morinding)
2nd Prize : Mirror (Director: Christopher Low)
3rd Prze : Aku (Director: Shuhaimi Zulkefli)

Categories:

Best Direction: ‘Odoi Odu’ (Oh Grandma) (Director: Farizie Bin Morinding)
Best Story: ‘Odoi Odu’ (Oh Grandma) (Director: Farizie Bin Morinding)
Best Editing: Mirror (Director: Christopher Low)
Best Videography: Aku (Director: Shuhaimi Zulkefli)
Best Performance: ‘Odoi Odu’ (Oh Grandma) (Director: Farizie Bin Morinding)
Best Sound: Michelle (Director: Sia Yaw Yie)
Best Art Direction: Burp (Director: Tayanithi Ramanujem)
Audience Award: Permata Bonda (Director: Fikri Jermadi)

Congratulations to all winners!

Full story and if you wish to watch the film, please click HERE...
Source: Astro Kirana Website

The nude pitcures of Elizabeth Wong...

2009-02-28T02:24:00.000-08:00

Forum: Does M’sia need privacy laws?

KUALA LUMPUR: Stringent laws such as a Privacy Act, should be drawn up to protect a person’s privacy, a forum heard.

The Bar Council public forum entitled ‘Privacy: Does it exist in Malaysia? Is it time to legislate?’ also saw panelists calling for a speedy introduction of the much-awaited Data Protection Bill.

Criticism was also voiced out against the invasion of privacy of Selangor exco member and Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong who tendered her resignation after private semi-nude pictures were distributed publicly.

Wong, who is now overseas, had said the pictures were taken without her consent while she was sleeping at home.

Some participants also called for the abolishment of archaic laws such as those against oral sex.

One participant suggested amending the Federal Constitution to include the words “right to privacy” and allowing judges to interpret each situation before them.

Bar Council president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, in her opening address, said the public must take personal responsibility in the fight against invasion of privacy.

“If someone sends you a picture, delete it and don’t spread it around. The media also needs to play its part by not sensationalising such news,” she said, adding that “what happened to Wong is a terrible invasion of privacy, causing a great lady to resign.”

Panelist Sonya Liew, who heads the initiative for privacy in the council’s Human Rights Committee, said there was no specific law to deal with privacy although there were certain provisions in current laws.

“We should have a Privacy Act, especially given the easy availability of surveillance and image capturing images in the market.

“This Act can fully encompass the different areas of privacy not covered under the Data Protection Bill,” she added.

Panelist and MCA think tank Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap)’s chief executive officer Fui K. Soong said privacy existed in Malaysia but it was everyone’s responsibility to protect it.

“Different societies have varied views of what morality is. It is a challenge to come up with a privacy law as we cannot just take one case and treat it as a norm,” she said.

Bar Council Human Rights Committee deputy chairman and panelist Andrew Khoo questioned whether a privacy legislation could be used to legislate morality.

“Different people have different standards of morality. How do we decide which standard should be applied?” panelist and Malay Mail online editor U-En Ng said.

The question to ask was where should the line be drawn if a person was elected on purity grounds, Ng added.

“I find it peculiar that so many preach a moral high ground yet so many are obsessed over whether she took her clothes off or not,” said Ng, who resigned as editor to make a stand over the Wong issue.

News by TheStar Online..

p/s This fit to what the Malay proverb saying "sudah terhantuk,baru terbuka mata'...lol.. lebih kurang macam tu lar.. anyhow, i second the proposal to have such act to be imposed in Malaysia..

MAS offers low fares from RM69

2009-02-28T02:21:00.001-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, FRI:

It's low fares galore again as Malaysia Airlines offers all-inclusive one-way fares from RM69 for domestic travel, RM170 regional and RM790 for international destinations.

For 12 days from February 28 until March 11, customers will enjoy fares as low as RM69 for travel within the Peninsular, and within Sabah and Sarawak, it said in astatement.

"Pay only RM30 more to enjoy the flights for the crossings (West Malaysia to East Malaysia and vice versa)," it said.

The national carrier said it is also easy to find reasons to travel when fares are from RM170 to Jakarta, RM210 to Bangkok and RM370 to Hong Kong.
Australia is also irresistible at RM790 to Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, it added.

"Fancy visiting Big Ben? RM1,400 will get you to London while it’s only RM1,425 to Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt.

“On top of that, customers have the peace of mind of knowing that what they see is what they pay – total fare transparency with no hidden charges – and they travel in comfort with a 5-Star airline," said Malaysia Airlines senior general manager, network revenue & management Dr Amin Khan.

News by NST Online..

In a day of shame, Parliament came close to emulating the Taiwan legislature

2009-02-26T18:13:00.000-08:00

A fisticuffs was prevented, but not before a scuffle broke out.

The drama started when DAP chairman Karpal Singh was confronted by about 20 Selangor Umno Youth members as the Bukit Gelugor MP was entering the Tower Block at 2.45pm.

The group, who had been waiting for Karpal since 1.30pm, surrounded the wheelchair-bound Karpal and demanded that he apologise for calling Umno Youth celaka (damn) in the house on Wednesday.

Karpal had also accused the wing of sending bullets in the mail to him recently.
The feisty politician refused.

Fellow Pakatan Rakyat MPs -- Fong Kui Lun (DAP-Bukit Bintang), N. Gobalakrishnan (PKR-Padang Serai) and Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut) -- who had just come back from lunch, went to help Karpal after being told by Parliament staff of the incident.

The MPs said they were roughed up and shoved by some of the Umno Youth members.

"One even pulled my tie. At one point, I nearly fell into the fountain," Lim said.

However, the three MPs managed to get Karpal into the house, while the group continued to heckle and shout at them.

Moments later, Liew Chin Tong (DAP-Bukit Bendera) tried to cool the situation but was shouted down by several Umno Youth members.

Karpal's son, Gobind Singh Deo (DAP-Puchong), who sprinted to his father's aid, had a shouting match with the group.

At one point, Gobind and a member of the group had to be restrained by their friends to prevent a fisticuffs.

The situation only cooled down when Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club chief Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing came and told the group to disperse.

"Please go back and respect the house. We can't have such incidents happening here," he told them.

Gombak Umno Youth chief Megat Zulkarnain Omardin said the group comprised Umno members.

"He must stop insulting the rulers and Malays," he said.

Karpal immediately took up the matter in the chambers and demanded to know how the group could have made it into the compound.

"What security is the house providing?" he asked Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, to which the speaker promised to investigate.

News by NST online..

p/s It was indeed one the most embarrassing scene in the history of parliament in Malaysia. It shouldn't happened. Personally, they (especially the Pemuda UMNO) shows how childish and immature are they by confronting Karpal in such a way. Things can be handled in so many way, and its all about choices. Smarter people will never act like that. I am really upset and sad on our political scenario lately. It become worst and ugly.

I remember my parents told me not to get myself into trouble. If someone call u 'stupid' or 'sial' or any hash or mean word, just ignore them because you know who you are. By confronting them you are actually approved on what they were saying. Sometimes silence is the best weapon. But i reckon that this is not applied on those who are involved in politics. In politics, when sum1 called u 'celaka', u should confronted them and kick their ass. It is to show to the people how heroic they are. Because if don't, other will take u for granted. That's real dilemma.

Christian allowed to use the word ‘Allah’

2009-02-26T18:04:00.001-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The Catholic Herald magazine is permitted to use the word Allah provided the publication clearly states the words “For Christians only” in its masthead.

Herald editor Father Lawrence Andrew said this was stated in the recently gazetted Internal Security Act signed by the Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar on Feb 16.

“The next edition of the Herald will contain the word Allah, and we will print the words “For Christians only” on the masthead so as not to contravene the Act,” he said.

It is learnt the Act also forbids the use of the words Kaabah, solat and baitullah.

Meanwhile, the Home Ministry’s Quran Publication Control and Text Division secretary Che Din Yusoh confirmed the content of the gazetted Act.

The High Court will today hear the mention of the case about the use of the word Allah in the Herald.

The Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, who is the plaintiff, had applied for a judicial review of a Home Ministry directive last year forbidding the Herald publisher from using the word Allah as a synonym for “God.”

The plaintiff’s counsel Porres Royan had argued that the directive was unlawful and that the word was not exclusive to Islam.

On Dec 5, the publisher filed a writ of summons in the Kuala Lumpur High Court to seek a declaration on the use of the word.

The other respondents were the Home Ministry, the Government and the state Islamic Councils of the Federal Territory, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor, Kedah, Johor, Malacca and the Malaysia Chinese Muslim Association.

News by TheStar Online..

p/s It seems to me that it was settled off-court.. i wonder why?? I guess it was the best alternative to avoid further tension.. Let just live in harmony..

Adun Pakatan Rakyat cuba dibeli????

2009-02-26T00:56:00.000-08:00

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak berkata terpulang kepada Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) untuk menyiasat dakwaan dua Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (Adun) Pakatan Rakyat Perak yang mendakwa mereka ditawarkan imbuhan oleh ejen yang mendakwa mewakili timbalan perdana menteri itu supaya menjadi wakil rakyat bebas atau menyertai Barisan Nasional (BN).

"Siapa yang membuat laporan palsu, dia akan didakwa," katanya ketika ditemui selepas merasmikan mesyuarat MenteriKumpulan Lapan Negara Islam Membangun (D8) Mengenai Jaminan Makanan di ibunegara pagi ini.

Semalam, dua Adun Pakatan itu membuat laporan kepada SPRM, mendakwa mereka ditawar sehingga RM20 juta serta jawatan oleh pihak tertentu supaya menjadi wakil rakyat bebas atau menyertai BN.

Mereka yang membuat laporan di pejabat SPRM di Ipoh ialah Adun Malim Nawar, Keshvinder Singh daripada DAP dan Adun Kuala Kurau Abdul Yunus Jamsari daripada Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

Keshvinder memberitahu pemberita bahawa beliau menerima pelbagai tawaran dari beberapa ejen mendakwa mewakili timbalan perdana menteri yang juga pengerusi perhubungan Umno Perak, dengan seorang daripada ejen itu ialah seorang wartawan akhbar berbahasa Cina tempatan.

"Saya tidak tahu apa-apa pun mengenai perkara itu. Biar SPRM siasat," kata Najib.

Ditanya mengenai namanya yang turut disebut dalam laporan berkenaan, Najib berkata: "Tak ada, saya tak ada tawar-menawar sesiapapun."

Manakala mengenai dakwaan kedua-dua ADUN itu kononnya mereka memreka mempunyai bukti ukuh, beliau berkata: "Sudah tentunya mereka kata begitu Tapi) biarlah uruhanjaya siasat. Seperti yang saya kata, jika mereka buat laporan palsu, mereka akan hadapi kesannya."

Ditanya apakah Umno mempunyai begitu banyak wang sehingga boleh menawarkan sehingga RM50 juta kepada Adun-adun Pakatan, Najib berkata:

"Mana ada RM50 juta...mengarut ni. Kita tak ada wang, dia dakwa sahaja, itu yang dia dakwa. Biar SPRM siasat," katanya.

Sebelum ini, Ketua Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Bahagian Ipoh Barat, Fauzi Muda, dalam akuan bersumpahnya, mendakwa kononnya Najib menawarkan RM50 juta kepada mana-mana Adun daripada Pakatan Rakyat di Perak supaya menyertai BN.

Fauzi dilaporkan mendakwa, Najib yang juga timbalan presiden Umno telah mencuba tahun lalu untuk memujuknya supaya melobi dua Adun Pakatan di Perak supaya melompat parti.

Fauzi mendakwa, beliau telah ditawar sejumlah RM50 juta bagi perkhidmatannya itu dan untuk membayar mereka yang berjaya dipujuk melompat parti.

Bagaimanapun, katanya, beliau tidak membuat apa-apa tindakan untuk memenuhi hasrat Najib itu.

Mengulas lanjut, Najib berkata sesiapa ang membuat laporan palsu kepada SPRM akan didakwa.

Katanya, tindakan serupa juga akan diambil terhadap mereka yang menyalah guna akuan berkanun.

"Mereka akan terima padahnya," katanya.

News by Muda Mohd Noor form Malaysia Today..