Zambry denies he is 'mentri besar of the court'

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

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Aminah claims she was offered top posts, RM80,000

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.

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Najib doesn’t depend on me: Dr M

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..

Fairus: Clear my name or prepare for expose

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..

Eli Wong agrees to stay as exco, rep

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

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..

Updates on Three by-elections today...

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???

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

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..

Najib’s slogan mocked as ISA 13 only freed tomorrow

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

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..

Dr M, wife and son rejoin Umno

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..

Najib sworn in as Malaysia's sixth Prime Minister

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..

Tri-elections: From straight fight to fray..

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..

Other related news: The Malaysian Insider: Rifts inPKR over Bukit Selambau

Fairus quits as Penang Deputy CM 1

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..

Ali faces dead-end, decision on Norza, Azalina soon

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..

Perak Drama:Dr M says Perak grab unlawful

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..

Handover early April?

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..

PM: No agenda in unexpected meeting with Anwar

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..

‘We will only act on solid evidence,’ says Anwar

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..