From an email forward:
Subject: Will PR lose out at next General Elections?
Interview with a former UMNO Supreme Council member, did not want his name posted here and says he has no political affiliations but that he is "sincerely anti-UMNO.:
Will Pakatan Rakyat lose out at the next general Elections?
Well it certainly looks like they will, so much of negative publicity and bashing they receive from UMNO including the latest episodes from the likes of UMNO moles like Zaid, Gobla and many more working in
their midst seem to point in that direction.
The question is are we aware of this great UMNO sabotage that is under way to discredit the party and is there anything we can do to turn the tables?
To answer this question we must first understand that this UMNO attack is well planned and very precise, there are still many surprises to come, they are desperate to get PKR and the coalition out of the way.
To get at PAS and the DAP is the difficult part, mainly because these two parties have been long established and infiltrating them is difficult. They have done it in the past, they will do it again but the damage met out seems to b e minimal. The treat is Anwar, so go for the PR first and wipe Anwar out that is their strategy, then everything else will be like before.
What do you mean "like before?"
UMNO can go ahead with its great agenda of corrupt practices. There is the present Najib/UMNO dream of another tallest building in the world, that is an obsession, they feel by doing that they will prove to the
world at large that this is a great country, to their supporters this will be the propganda machine for another Ketuanan Melayu campaign.
The benefits (corruption based) derived out of such a project will boost UMNO again that is what they believe.
Muhyuddin needs to build his grass root base, he can only do so with a strong financing, and this project will give him that opportunity.
Najib with the ghost of Altantuya, hanging over his head and the immense control of Plastic Rose, which he can't shake off and who has literally taken control of his office as PM. He needs a something big to put a halo around his head and he believes this is it.
To do all this they have to get Anwar out of the picture. Then there is the Mahathir factor, this arch crook saw it much ahead of his time, he could well be the architect. Sleeping Dollah was not the type to handle a marauding Anwar, so he used all his influence and brought
Najib in. In fact it is rumored that Mahathir spent a personal fortune plus he got others in his circle to contribute to the down fall of Dollah, because he saw Anwar as a personal threat to him and his
family's ill gotten wealth.
The Saiful saga and what is called Sodomy 2 was the first part, they are terribly embarrassed by it that is Najib and some of his cabinet members. Never before in the history of the country not even in Sodomy 1 with the judge who suddenly turned rich and bought flashy luxury cars has justice been so tampered with.
In sodomy 2 the way judges have behaved has rendered the word "justice" in this country vulgar. Such is the desperation of UMNO.
They have that feeling that they can let Sodomy 2 go, to showcase to the world that our justice system that is so corrupt and lop sided is clean and fair, they need that 'show case' to work to get maximum mileage, right now they can't and it is affecting the FDI and creating
an outflow of capital from this country.
FDI will remain low in fact it will get lower by the years, they know it and that too is one of the reasons they require another tall building. Tall buildings have almost always been the answer of UMNO since Mahathir.
They are buying people and people you least expect will turn coat.
Turn Coats? Who?
Well we all know the case of the Perak UMNO state assemblyman who crossed over to PKR, the Trojan horse so to speak, and later people from the then PR coalition crossed over and he too crossed back to
give the BN the majority they needed.
I think PKR has to be very careful, I have serious doubts about the sincerity of Zaid, to me he seems to be committed to destrying the PKR, in fact I do not think I am the only one who feels that way, many others too feel very strongly the same.
Zaid is not a novice, he is a seasoned politician, he knew "how to spoke the wheel", he knew how to "throw the spanner into the works."
Like I said he is no novice, he knew by going for the deputy Presidency he would be drawing Anwar to play his game. He wanted to get Anwar to back him, but then Anwar is no Novice too, and Anwar's deputy needxs no testing for sincerity, he has proven himself not only
to Anwar but the party at large. he has tremendous grassroots support, the grassroots love him, they are now suspicious of Zaid and Zaid knows it so he goes about making wild allegations to nullify the PKR
elections, he is trying an UMNO on PKR.
UMNO has all the experience to carry that out, you have KU Li and Mahathir their eto tell you how to operate it from both sides, so who do you think are those who play the flip side.
Zaid knows what his actions will do to the party, but he has underestimated the membership and the sentiment of the rakyat, he is now playing his cards.
Take it from me he is not the only Turn Coat, Wee Choo Keong turned Coat and we all witnessed it, then there is GobalaKrishnan waiting for his opportune moment. They are puppets on a string, they wait for the moment that UMNO pulls the string and they dance, and the the dance is called the how many millions do you want me to dance for?
One other person looks like he is being set up to make the cross, that will be Najib's trump card, the negotiations are going on, I believe in London with one interested party in Malaysia too, it will come believe me it will, but it is something I will not want to comment on.
Is the situation really bad?
For PR? well yes and more so for PKR, but and it is one big BUT there is still hope.
If all of us do our part let the others know the hypocrysiy of UMNO and the BN, how UMNO robs the Melayu and the Bumiputera, how the MCA and MIC do the same to their people, and how the natives of Sarawak and Sabah are being made fools of then we can turn the tide.
It's not too late we have to start now, but on low key then gradually increase the tempo, we can if we want to we can make the change. and change we must.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
New version Rasa Sayang eh has morphed to Rasuah Sayang Eh
Listen to the new version of all time Malaysian favorite Rasa Sayang eh which has now morphed to Rasuah Sayang Eh coutesy of the corrupt UMNO/BN. See also the new lyrics
Rasuah sayang eh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Hey lihat nona jauh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Rasuah sayang eh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Hey lihat Pak Lah tidur rasuah sayang sayang eh
Budak Mongolia di luar pagar
Ambil C4 tolong bombkan
Saya budak baru nak mengajar
Kalau salah you duduk diam - diam
Rasuah sayang eh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Hey lihat Parliament rasuah sayang sayang eh
Parliament kita macam ZOO
Penuh dengan banyak binatang
Ada beruk, monyet dan kera
Kalau pergi bawalah kacang
Rasuah sayang eh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Hey lihat rempit jauh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Khairi kata rempit terer
Mereka mat cemerlang
Otaknya hendak ke mana
Mungkin nak jadi rempit di longkang
Rasuah sayang eh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Hey lihat polis jauh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Bila nak tiba hari raya
Polis kita merata rata
Muka mereka semacam saja
Bagi IC dan Ringgit Malaysia
Rasuah sayang eh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Hey Malaysia hancur rasuah sayang sayang eh
Rasuah sayang eh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Hey Malaysia hancur rasuah sayang sayang eh
Rasuah sayang eh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Hey Malaysia BOLEH rasuah sayang sayang eh
New lyrics: Rasuah Sayang Eh
Rasuah sayang eh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Hey lihat nona jauh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Rasuah sayang eh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Hey lihat Pak Lah tidur rasuah sayang sayang eh
Budak Mongolia di luar pagar
Ambil C4 tolong bombkan
Saya budak baru nak mengajar
Kalau salah you duduk diam - diam
Rasuah sayang eh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Hey lihat Parliament rasuah sayang sayang eh
Parliament kita macam ZOO
Penuh dengan banyak binatang
Ada beruk, monyet dan kera
Kalau pergi bawalah kacang
Rasuah sayang eh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Hey lihat rempit jauh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Khairi kata rempit terer
Mereka mat cemerlang
Otaknya hendak ke mana
Mungkin nak jadi rempit di longkang
Rasuah sayang eh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Hey lihat polis jauh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Bila nak tiba hari raya
Polis kita merata rata
Muka mereka semacam saja
Bagi IC dan Ringgit Malaysia
Rasuah sayang eh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Hey Malaysia hancur rasuah sayang sayang eh
Rasuah sayang eh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Hey Malaysia hancur rasuah sayang sayang eh
Rasuah sayang eh rasuah sayang sayang eh
Hey Malaysia BOLEH rasuah sayang sayang eh
Friday, November 19, 2010
Briefing: SYABAS stealing billions of public money
How SYABAS is stealing billions of our money from under our noses
Here’s a basic simple write-up. If you can afford the time, do swing by a briefing:
Date : Saturday, 20th November 2010
Time : 2.30pm – 5.00pm
Venue : Bilik Gerakan, 1st Floor, MBPJ Headquarters, Jalan Yong Shook Lin
In 1997, the Barisan Nasional state and federal governments began privatising the water industry in Selangor. Then Menteri Besar Muhammad Taib chose the treasurer from his Umno division, Tan Sri Rozali Ismail to be the main beneficiary of this privatisation exercise.
By 2010, the amounts of losses generated by leakage and corruption in the private water companies have now run into the hundreds of millions. Amongst the many questionable financial practices found in the private water companies are:
1. An audit report on Syabas showed more than 72% of contracts, worth RM 600 million in total, was awarded to companies chosen through direct negotiation not by open tender process. Also, RM 325 million was found to be ‘missing’ in discrepancies between Syabas’ public accounts and the records of contracts awarded from 2005 to 2007.
3. In June 2005, Syabas contravened the terms of their concession when they imported RM 375 million worth of pipes from an Indonesian company instead of sourcing them locally. The Indonesian company was owned by Tan Sri Rozali Ismail, the CEO of Syabas.
4. Tan Sri Rozali Ismail’s salary is RM 5.1 million a year or RM 425,000 a month.
5. The four water companies have a combined debt of RM 6.4 billion. The federal government has given Syabas a soft loan of RM 320 million. The total interest on this 20 year loan is RM 250 million, and Syabas will not be required to pay a single sen of this amount. Instead, this cost will be fully borne by Malaysian taxpayers.
In light of this appalling financial mismanagement, the Selangor state government has prevented Syabas from raising water tariffs by 37%, and is now endeavouring to reacquire all water concessions from the private water companies. Their goal is to eliminate the element ofprivatised profit and socialised losses, stop the corruption and leakage, and ensure quality delivery of water at affordable rates. This move requires public and support and pressure to succeed.
Here’s a basic simple write-up. If you can afford the time, do swing by a briefing:
Date : Saturday, 20th November 2010
Time : 2.30pm – 5.00pm
Venue : Bilik Gerakan, 1st Floor, MBPJ Headquarters, Jalan Yong Shook Lin
In 1997, the Barisan Nasional state and federal governments began privatising the water industry in Selangor. Then Menteri Besar Muhammad Taib chose the treasurer from his Umno division, Tan Sri Rozali Ismail to be the main beneficiary of this privatisation exercise.
By 2010, the amounts of losses generated by leakage and corruption in the private water companies have now run into the hundreds of millions. Amongst the many questionable financial practices found in the private water companies are:
1. An audit report on Syabas showed more than 72% of contracts, worth RM 600 million in total, was awarded to companies chosen through direct negotiation not by open tender process. Also, RM 325 million was found to be ‘missing’ in discrepancies between Syabas’ public accounts and the records of contracts awarded from 2005 to 2007.
3. In June 2005, Syabas contravened the terms of their concession when they imported RM 375 million worth of pipes from an Indonesian company instead of sourcing them locally. The Indonesian company was owned by Tan Sri Rozali Ismail, the CEO of Syabas.
4. Tan Sri Rozali Ismail’s salary is RM 5.1 million a year or RM 425,000 a month.
5. The four water companies have a combined debt of RM 6.4 billion. The federal government has given Syabas a soft loan of RM 320 million. The total interest on this 20 year loan is RM 250 million, and Syabas will not be required to pay a single sen of this amount. Instead, this cost will be fully borne by Malaysian taxpayers.
In light of this appalling financial mismanagement, the Selangor state government has prevented Syabas from raising water tariffs by 37%, and is now endeavouring to reacquire all water concessions from the private water companies. Their goal is to eliminate the element ofprivatised profit and socialised losses, stop the corruption and leakage, and ensure quality delivery of water at affordable rates. This move requires public and support and pressure to succeed.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Briefing: Resolving the Water Restructuring Impasse in Selangor
The Selangor State Government cordially invites you to a Briefing Session entitled
“Resolving the Water Restructuring Impasse in Selangor”
at the Singgahsana Hotel, Petaling Jaya, 17th November (see location map):
The Briefing Session is organised by the Selangor State Government. The objective of the event is to allow the Selangor State Government to provide a briefing and explanation on its position in regards to the restructuring of the water services industry in Selangor, which has taken more than two years and has not yet been resolved.
The water services industry in Selangor used to belong to the state government, but over the years was corporatised and eventually privatised to four water concession companies. The Federal Government recognised the problems privatisation of such a public utility would eventually cause, and in 2006 passed in Parliament the Water Services Industry Act (WSIA). The Act, together with several other national policies, set out to reverse the wrongs of the privatisation.
Selangor is the most complex of all the states in Malaysia, as it has the most number of private water companies. Matters are also complicated because of the different coalitions in the Federal and Selangor State Government respectively. This briefing is meant to clarify the Selangor State Government’s position on the matter and allow an avenue for discussion, questions and dialogue with those present. We look forward to meeting with you.
4.00 pm : Arrival of Guests and Registration
4:15 pm : Opening Prayer
Y.B. Teresa Kok, Selangor State Executive Councillor
4.30 pm : Presentation
Y.B. Tony Pua, MP for PJ Utara (Selangor State Water Review Panel)
5.00 pm : Discussion
6.00 pm : Closing
Date : Wednesday, 17th November 2010
Time : 4.00pm – 6.00pm
Venue : Singgahsana Hotel, Petaling Jaya
Ps. Please note 17th November is a public holiday for Hari Raya Haji.
View Larger Map
“Resolving the Water Restructuring Impasse in Selangor”
at the Singgahsana Hotel, Petaling Jaya, 17th November (see location map):
The Briefing Session is organised by the Selangor State Government. The objective of the event is to allow the Selangor State Government to provide a briefing and explanation on its position in regards to the restructuring of the water services industry in Selangor, which has taken more than two years and has not yet been resolved.
The water services industry in Selangor used to belong to the state government, but over the years was corporatised and eventually privatised to four water concession companies. The Federal Government recognised the problems privatisation of such a public utility would eventually cause, and in 2006 passed in Parliament the Water Services Industry Act (WSIA). The Act, together with several other national policies, set out to reverse the wrongs of the privatisation.
Selangor is the most complex of all the states in Malaysia, as it has the most number of private water companies. Matters are also complicated because of the different coalitions in the Federal and Selangor State Government respectively. This briefing is meant to clarify the Selangor State Government’s position on the matter and allow an avenue for discussion, questions and dialogue with those present. We look forward to meeting with you.
4.00 pm : Arrival of Guests and Registration
4:15 pm : Opening Prayer
Y.B. Teresa Kok, Selangor State Executive Councillor
4.30 pm : Presentation
Y.B. Tony Pua, MP for PJ Utara (Selangor State Water Review Panel)
5.00 pm : Discussion
6.00 pm : Closing
Date : Wednesday, 17th November 2010
Time : 4.00pm – 6.00pm
Venue : Singgahsana Hotel, Petaling Jaya
Ps. Please note 17th November is a public holiday for Hari Raya Haji.
Location map: Singgahsana Hotel, Petaling Jaya
View Larger Map
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Bonsification' of the Malay mind by Hishamuddin Rais
Listen to this great and very funny talk by Hishamuddin Rais who talks about how UMNO (which he says is not a Malay party because UMNO stand for United Malay National Organization which is English. If I have time I will do a transcript so do check back, but listen to him I guarantee you that not only will you be educated, you will have a great time laughing:
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Check your voter registration status: Why it is very important
Please do a quick check to see whether anyone has deleted your name from the list of eligible voters or transferred you to elsewhere like for example Timbukto. There have been reports of registered voters no longer on the list, transferred and even eligible voters who said they have never register to vote but found their name in the list of eligible voters. The Malaysian Election Commission cannot be trusted to be impartial as they should be.
So please to to either:
http://daftarj.spr.gov.my/daftarj/daftarbi.aspx (English)
or
http://daftarj.spr.gov.my/daftarj/daftarbi.aspx (Bahasa Malaysia)
Just key in your I/C No. and you should see your voter status. If the result is "record not found", do go to the nearest Post Office to get yourself registered. It will take only a few minutes.
PASS THIS AROUND TO ALL OVER THE GLOBE AND ENSURE THAT THE 'GREATEST CHANGE' WILL TAKE PLACE VERY SOON.
CHEERS TO ALL.
Please remember, by 7th level this email will reach 1 million people and that is only when each of us forward it to 10 people.
Please do it for do sake of our future. This is a good deed that all Malaysians MUST do. It is our duty to save our nation.
You are going to save 28 million people.
Please do so.
General Election
We all know that once in a few years we are given the opportunity to vote.
Why vote? It has no effect on the outcome.
One vote alone may not count but many votes together becomes a voice to be reckoned with. Let your voice be heard.
This election, more so than others is a vital election because we are at a cross roads. If we get it right we will prosper; if we get it wrong, we will suffer as we have seen in our neighboring countries.
To help you decide please ponder these issues:
Do you think our politicians in power are corrupt?
Do you think our civil service is corrupt?
Do you think they are incompetent?
Do you think the people in power sets themselves above the law?
Do you think our leadership has lost its way?
Do you think we are getting more & more divided by race & religion?
Do you think we have a questionable justice system?
Do you think that they are wasting our wealth?
Do you think our children will suffer more?
Do you want to see change?
If you say yes to 3 or more of these issues, don't you think we need change? YOU CAN MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN!!!
Just send this to 10 other relatives or friends and ask them to do the sameto 10 of their friends and so on. By so doing we are enlisting the power of multilevel marketing. Yes the math works and it is awesome. By the 7th level this message would reach 1,000,000 people. Yes we can make our vote count! Better believe it!! We owe it to ourselves and to our children and to their children.
Malaysia Boleh! make it happen for ours and our children's future.
So please to to either:
http://daftarj.spr.gov.my/daftarj/daftarbi.aspx (English)
or
http://daftarj.spr.gov.my/daftarj/daftarbi.aspx (Bahasa Malaysia)
Just key in your I/C No. and you should see your voter status. If the result is "record not found", do go to the nearest Post Office to get yourself registered. It will take only a few minutes.
PASS THIS AROUND TO ALL OVER THE GLOBE AND ENSURE THAT THE 'GREATEST CHANGE' WILL TAKE PLACE VERY SOON.
CHEERS TO ALL.
Please remember, by 7th level this email will reach 1 million people and that is only when each of us forward it to 10 people.
Please do it for do sake of our future. This is a good deed that all Malaysians MUST do. It is our duty to save our nation.
You are going to save 28 million people.
Please do so.
General Election
We all know that once in a few years we are given the opportunity to vote.
Why vote? It has no effect on the outcome.
One vote alone may not count but many votes together becomes a voice to be reckoned with. Let your voice be heard.
This election, more so than others is a vital election because we are at a cross roads. If we get it right we will prosper; if we get it wrong, we will suffer as we have seen in our neighboring countries.
To help you decide please ponder these issues:
Do you think our politicians in power are corrupt?
Do you think our civil service is corrupt?
Do you think they are incompetent?
Do you think the people in power sets themselves above the law?
Do you think our leadership has lost its way?
Do you think we are getting more & more divided by race & religion?
Do you think we have a questionable justice system?
Do you think that they are wasting our wealth?
Do you think our children will suffer more?
Do you want to see change?
If you say yes to 3 or more of these issues, don't you think we need change? YOU CAN MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN!!!
Just send this to 10 other relatives or friends and ask them to do the sameto 10 of their friends and so on. By so doing we are enlisting the power of multilevel marketing. Yes the math works and it is awesome. By the 7th level this message would reach 1,000,000 people. Yes we can make our vote count! Better believe it!! We owe it to ourselves and to our children and to their children.
Malaysia Boleh! make it happen for ours and our children's future.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Citizens of Malaysia - please pray for the nation
The URL of this blog is pray-for-malaysia.blogspot.com. Why? Because prior March 2008, it was perceived that UMNO/BN is so entranched that with so many tantacles aroung very crucial institutions like Election Commission, Anti-Corruption Agency, PDRM, civil service, the UMNO/BN complex will be next to impossible to dislodge that it may need the intervention of God's intervention.
From the look of things, the 13th General Election will soon be upon us and this time UMNO/BN will be much better prepared that March 08 plus I believe there will be even more cheating, official as well as unofficial and this round it may be an even tougher struggle.
So now that Nik Azmi has requested for Malaysians to pray, I hope all Malaysians will pray along with Nik Azmi for the welbeing of the nation and wisdom of our leaders on both side of the divide:
From the look of things, the 13th General Election will soon be upon us and this time UMNO/BN will be much better prepared that March 08 plus I believe there will be even more cheating, official as well as unofficial and this round it may be an even tougher struggle.
So now that Nik Azmi has requested for Malaysians to pray, I hope all Malaysians will pray along with Nik Azmi for the welbeing of the nation and wisdom of our leaders on both side of the divide:
Let us pray ... — Nik Azmi
October 23, 2010
OCT 23 — Citizens of Malaysia.
Let us all pray over the weekend, regardless of your religious beliefs, for the following:
1. That our PM Najib and his government finally see sense and realise what is truly good and bad for the country, regardless of what his advisers, who may have personal interests, say.
2. The the leadership in Pakatan Rakyat also sense and practice the same and the term WAKIL RAKYAT is truly practiced by both sides of the political divide; to serve the RAKYAT and not any selfish political or personal interests.
3. That there will be true unity among The RAKYAT of Malaysia, internally and nationally.
4. That the RAKYAT FIRST slogan is practiced and not just a slogan.
5. That 1 Malaysia is truly ONE, without any bias or unfair practices, and not just another slogan.
6. That all races throw away all their chauvinistic traits and adhere to the constitution.
7. That all shortcomings are realised and attended to jointly, regardless of political parties affiliation, for the sake of the RAKYAT.
8. That a NATIONAL RECONCILIATION COUNCIL (NRC) be put in place to review, revamp and reconstruct any flaws in our system such as in Education, Constitution, Judiciary, Administration and other aspects of government. The membership MUST include everyone from the political, racial and religious divide
9. PM Najib to take a look back into his history and see what his father did and the calibre and integrity of the people advising his father to forge the country forward after the unwanted May 13 incident.
10. Let politics take a back seat for now till the next general election and let the NRC under the leadership of a wise statesman do its job and advise sincerely and faithfully PM Najib and his government, to steer Malaysia to GREATNESS again.
WE CAN & MUST DO IT FOR OUR NEXT GENERATION TO COME, IF NOT FOR OUR SELFISH SELVES.
* Nik Azmi reads The Malaysian Insider.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.
October 23, 2010
OCT 23 — Citizens of Malaysia.
Let us all pray over the weekend, regardless of your religious beliefs, for the following:
1. That our PM Najib and his government finally see sense and realise what is truly good and bad for the country, regardless of what his advisers, who may have personal interests, say.
2. The the leadership in Pakatan Rakyat also sense and practice the same and the term WAKIL RAKYAT is truly practiced by both sides of the political divide; to serve the RAKYAT and not any selfish political or personal interests.
3. That there will be true unity among The RAKYAT of Malaysia, internally and nationally.
4. That the RAKYAT FIRST slogan is practiced and not just a slogan.
5. That 1 Malaysia is truly ONE, without any bias or unfair practices, and not just another slogan.
6. That all races throw away all their chauvinistic traits and adhere to the constitution.
7. That all shortcomings are realised and attended to jointly, regardless of political parties affiliation, for the sake of the RAKYAT.
8. That a NATIONAL RECONCILIATION COUNCIL (NRC) be put in place to review, revamp and reconstruct any flaws in our system such as in Education, Constitution, Judiciary, Administration and other aspects of government. The membership MUST include everyone from the political, racial and religious divide
9. PM Najib to take a look back into his history and see what his father did and the calibre and integrity of the people advising his father to forge the country forward after the unwanted May 13 incident.
10. Let politics take a back seat for now till the next general election and let the NRC under the leadership of a wise statesman do its job and advise sincerely and faithfully PM Najib and his government, to steer Malaysia to GREATNESS again.
WE CAN & MUST DO IT FOR OUR NEXT GENERATION TO COME, IF NOT FOR OUR SELFISH SELVES.
* Nik Azmi reads The Malaysian Insider.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
IPU Report: Anwar Ibrahim Sodomy 2 Trial
The 24-page report on the trial of Datuk Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim in the High Court of Malaysia observed on behalf of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) by MARK TROWELL QC, August 2010.
THE TRIAL OF ANWAR IBRAHIM
Report on the trial of Datuk Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim in the High Court of Malaysia observed on behalf of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) MARK TROWELL QC
August 2010
Introduction
My report was intended to relate to the critical period of the trial of Datuk Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim (“Anwar") in the High Court of Malaysia at Kuala Lumpur in August 2010 when medical and scientiic experts were due to be called by the prosecution to prove the central allegation of sexual penetration. The complainant Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan (“Mohd Saiful”) had tive months earlier testihed how Anwar had forcibly penetrated his anus with his penis.
In his opening remarks at the start of the trial, the chief prosecutor told the Judge that Mohd Saiful‘s allegation of anal penetration would be supported by scientific evidence establishing that Anwar’s DNA had been detected in specimens taken from his anus and rectum when he was medically examined two days after the incident.
He further explained that although the medical examination didn’t find any evidence of physical injury to the anus or rectum that wasn’t conclusive of the fact that penetration had not occurred. The trial was Hxed to be heard during the entire month of August, but another issue derailed the trial yet again. This report concerns that issue and the considerable impact it has had on the general integrity of the trial.
However, before discussing this issue, it is worth providing some background to these critical events.
General Background
Datuk Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim had in the 1990's been Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia. However, in 1998 Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad dismissed him after he was charged with allegedly sodomising his wife’s driver and acting corruptly by attempting to interfere with the police investigation. He was convicted and imprisoned, but released when Malaysia’s Federal Court overtumed the conviction in September 2004.
On 2 September 2004 the Federal Court, by a majority of 2:1, upheld Anwar‘s appeal overturning the convictions and ordered his immediate release from prison. The Court was later to reject his appeal against conviction for acting corruptly, but he had already served that sentence.
The majority found the complainant, on whose testimony the prosecution was based, to be an unreliable witness. Given the various inconsistencies and contradictions in his testimony, the Judges concluded that it was not safe to convict on the basis of his uncorroborated testimony alone. They found that Anwar should have been acquitted without having to enter a defence.
The Federal Court’s decision was for Anwar Ibrahim the culmination of a 6-year struggle for justice after pleading his innocence through the various tiers of the Malaysian court system.
DDuring his lengthy period of incarceration, Anwar Ibrahim became the symbol of political opposition to the Mahathir regime. Amnesty Intemational declared him to be a prisoner of conscience, stating that he had been arrested in order to silence him as a political opponent.
Prevented by legislation from retuming to Parliament until April 2008, Anwar was still considered by many as having the potential to become the prime minister of Malaysia.
The ruling alliance, Barisan Nasional, called an early election for 8 March 2008, which some oommentators observed was an attempt to prevent Anwar returning to parliament.
The election was a disaster for Barisan Nasional. Opposition parties seized a third of parliamentary seats and Eve states in the worst ever showing for the coalition that had ruled Malaysia for half a century. Anwar‘s wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who for a time had been Malaysia’s first female opposition leader, declared that she would resign her Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat and force a by-election.
On 26 August 2008, Anwar won the by-election with a majority of more than 15,000 votes retuming to Parliament as leader of the three-party opposition alliance known as Pakatan Rakyat (PKR).
Anwar Charged
Earlier that year, and just before the national election in March 2008, a young man named Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan (“Mohd Saiful") was invited by a friend, employed by Anwar, to work in the opposition leader’s ofice.
Mohd Saiful, then aged 23 years, was unemployed having left his electrical engineering studies at Universiti Tenaga Nasional because his academic performance failed to meet the required standard. He joined as a volunteer, but later became a paid member of staff as Anwar's private assistant.
On 28 June 2008, Mohd Saiful lodged a police report claiming that not only had Anwar sodomised him on the aftemoon of Thursday 26th June 2008, but that he had been sexually assaulted about eight to nine times against his will by Anwar over the previous two months.
On 29 June 2008, the non-government political news website Malaysiakini reported that an aide of Anwar Ibrahim had lodged a police report claiming that he had been sodomised by him. The next day, Anwar insisted he would fight a by-election later that year and form a new govemment despite rumours he would soon be charged with sodomy. He announced that he would contest a by-election for the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat vacated by his wife and PKR leader Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
On 30 June 2008, the Malaysiakini news service reported that police investigations into the sodomy complaint against Anwar Ibrahim had been completed and the papers had been delivered to the Attorney-GeneraI's Chambers for further action. lt further quoted senior opposition party officials saying Anwar may be arrested in the next 48 hours, arguing it was to stop him contesting the by-election.
Anwar was arrested on July 15 2008 and kept overnight but no charges were hled over the accusations made by Mohd Saiful two weeks earlier. At the time, Anwar refused to provide a DNA sample, claiming that it could be misused to fake evidence against him. Police told Anwar to report back to them within 30 days.
After his release, the former deputy premier said the allegation was a high-level conspiracy to prevent him from entering parliament, adding that he refused to give his DNA, as he did not believe in the system.
"It should not be used as a personal vendetta against me. I was questioned for 5-% hours; I was stripped naked including the examination of my private parts. Why treat me like a major criminal and a public enemy?" [Reuters Thursday July 17, 2008]
Anwar said the police chief harbored a grudge against him after he lodged a report with anti-corruption agency officials saying the police chief had fabricated evidence against him in an assault case 10 years before.
Anwar was finally brought before the Sessions Court on 7 August 2008 charged under s. 377B of the Penal Code. The charge alleged that he committed the offence of sodomy against Mohd Saiful on 26 June 2008. Anwar pleaded not guilty to the charge. Despite the allegations of earlier sexual assaults, the prosecution chose to charge Anwar only with the last act allegedly committed at the Desa Damansara Condominium.
With Anwar in the midst of a political comeback, many supporters viewed the sodomy charge as a desperate attempt by the government to cling to power. The timing of the charge, they suggested, was just too coincidental with his return to politics.
Saiful’s Allegations
Mohd Saiful alleged that on the day of the alleged incident he was asked by Anwar to come to a private condominium not far from the centre of Kuala Lumpur to meet with him and discuss work related matters and deliver documents.
He alleged that he arrived at about 2.45pm. He stopped at the security gate and gave the password “Mokhtar", which he claimed Anwar had told him to use to enable him to enter the compound. Video cameras at the security gate recorded his arrival and later departure. Security cameras also monitored the public areas of the apartment complex. Having parked his vehicle, Mohd Saiful took the lift to the tifth floor and having entered the apartment says he found Anwar seated at the dining table. He said that Anwar asked him to have sex with him and being “angry and frightened” he complied with the demand and then went into the bedroom where the alleged offence took place.
Medical Examinations
Two days later, on 28 June 2008, Mohd Saiful went to the private hospital Pusat Rawatan Islam (“Pusrawi”) in Jalan Tun Razak to be medically examined.
During the examination, he told Dr. Mohamed Osman Abdul Hamid that for the last few days his anus was painful and that a “plastic" item had been inserted into it.
A proctoscopy examination by Dr. Osman showed no physical signs of penetration and a nonnal anus and rectum. After the examination, Mohd Saiful then told Dr. Osman he had been sodomised by a “VlP”. Dr Osman recommended that because of the allegation of sodomy he be examined again at a government hospital.
More than two hours later, Mohd Saiful went to Hospital Kuala Lumpur (“HKL”), which was very near to Hospital Puswari. Three specialist doctors examined him later that night, but again they found no evidence of injury and in their words “...no conclusive clinical Endings suggestive of penetration to the anus and no significant defensive wound on the body of the patient."
Various swabs were taken from his body for scientific analysis. These included swabs taken from his tongue, nipples, body, perianal region and rectum. High and low rectal swabs and blood samples were also taken for DNA prohling. For some reason, these samples didn’t arrive at the chemistry laboratory for analysis until two days later and there was some issue about the proper labeling of the exhibits.
lt is interesting to note, that Mohd Saiful testified at the trial that he told the medical examiners he had not washed his anus nor had he defecated before the examination. He said under cross-examination that he had not washed to preserve the evidence, which was a curious thing for a victim of sexual assault to do.
It is well known that victims of sexual assault almost always wash their bodies in an attempt to ‘cleanse’ themselves of the sexual contact. Very few have the presence of mind not to wash themselves so as to preserve evidence of sexual contact. Mohd Saiful’s explanation was also curious because he claimed to be a devout Muslim, which meant that he would need to wash himself before being called to daily prayers.
But in any event, evidence of Anwar’s DNA upon or in the body of the complainant would undoubtedly be persuasive evidence of sexual contact, if it could be proved.
Before the adjoumment of the trial proceedings on 17 February 2010, Anwar’s lawyer Sankara Nair claimed there were many questionable aspects of the prosecution DNA evidence and announced that the defence had appointed foreign DNA and forensic experts to debunk the prosecution's claim of a DNA match.
Mr. Nair said the PKR leader had engaged the services of DNA expert Dr Brian Leslie McDonald from Sydney, Australia, and two forensic experts Prof Dr C. Damodaran from Chennai, India and Associate Professor David Lawrence Noel Wells from Melbourne, Australia.
The Malaysian Penal Code: "unnatural offences"
Anwar Ibrahim was charged with committing an act of sodomy. lt is more properly described as “camal intercourse" contrary to Section 377B of the Penal Code.
Homosexuality or homosexual acts are not defined in the Malaysian Penal Code. They are described by reference to "unnatural offences" deemed to be "against the order of nature" and are punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and whipping.
Report on the trial of Datuk Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim in the High Court of Malaysia observed on behalf of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) MARK TROWELL QC
August 2010
Introduction
My report was intended to relate to the critical period of the trial of Datuk Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim (“Anwar") in the High Court of Malaysia at Kuala Lumpur in August 2010 when medical and scientiic experts were due to be called by the prosecution to prove the central allegation of sexual penetration. The complainant Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan (“Mohd Saiful”) had tive months earlier testihed how Anwar had forcibly penetrated his anus with his penis.
In his opening remarks at the start of the trial, the chief prosecutor told the Judge that Mohd Saiful‘s allegation of anal penetration would be supported by scientific evidence establishing that Anwar’s DNA had been detected in specimens taken from his anus and rectum when he was medically examined two days after the incident.
He further explained that although the medical examination didn’t find any evidence of physical injury to the anus or rectum that wasn’t conclusive of the fact that penetration had not occurred. The trial was Hxed to be heard during the entire month of August, but another issue derailed the trial yet again. This report concerns that issue and the considerable impact it has had on the general integrity of the trial.
However, before discussing this issue, it is worth providing some background to these critical events.
General Background
Datuk Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim had in the 1990's been Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia. However, in 1998 Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad dismissed him after he was charged with allegedly sodomising his wife’s driver and acting corruptly by attempting to interfere with the police investigation. He was convicted and imprisoned, but released when Malaysia’s Federal Court overtumed the conviction in September 2004.
On 2 September 2004 the Federal Court, by a majority of 2:1, upheld Anwar‘s appeal overturning the convictions and ordered his immediate release from prison. The Court was later to reject his appeal against conviction for acting corruptly, but he had already served that sentence.
The majority found the complainant, on whose testimony the prosecution was based, to be an unreliable witness. Given the various inconsistencies and contradictions in his testimony, the Judges concluded that it was not safe to convict on the basis of his uncorroborated testimony alone. They found that Anwar should have been acquitted without having to enter a defence.
The Federal Court’s decision was for Anwar Ibrahim the culmination of a 6-year struggle for justice after pleading his innocence through the various tiers of the Malaysian court system.
DDuring his lengthy period of incarceration, Anwar Ibrahim became the symbol of political opposition to the Mahathir regime. Amnesty Intemational declared him to be a prisoner of conscience, stating that he had been arrested in order to silence him as a political opponent.
Prevented by legislation from retuming to Parliament until April 2008, Anwar was still considered by many as having the potential to become the prime minister of Malaysia.
The ruling alliance, Barisan Nasional, called an early election for 8 March 2008, which some oommentators observed was an attempt to prevent Anwar returning to parliament.
The election was a disaster for Barisan Nasional. Opposition parties seized a third of parliamentary seats and Eve states in the worst ever showing for the coalition that had ruled Malaysia for half a century. Anwar‘s wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who for a time had been Malaysia’s first female opposition leader, declared that she would resign her Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat and force a by-election.
On 26 August 2008, Anwar won the by-election with a majority of more than 15,000 votes retuming to Parliament as leader of the three-party opposition alliance known as Pakatan Rakyat (PKR).
Anwar Charged
Earlier that year, and just before the national election in March 2008, a young man named Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan (“Mohd Saiful") was invited by a friend, employed by Anwar, to work in the opposition leader’s ofice.
Mohd Saiful, then aged 23 years, was unemployed having left his electrical engineering studies at Universiti Tenaga Nasional because his academic performance failed to meet the required standard. He joined as a volunteer, but later became a paid member of staff as Anwar's private assistant.
On 28 June 2008, Mohd Saiful lodged a police report claiming that not only had Anwar sodomised him on the aftemoon of Thursday 26th June 2008, but that he had been sexually assaulted about eight to nine times against his will by Anwar over the previous two months.
On 29 June 2008, the non-government political news website Malaysiakini reported that an aide of Anwar Ibrahim had lodged a police report claiming that he had been sodomised by him. The next day, Anwar insisted he would fight a by-election later that year and form a new govemment despite rumours he would soon be charged with sodomy. He announced that he would contest a by-election for the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat vacated by his wife and PKR leader Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
On 30 June 2008, the Malaysiakini news service reported that police investigations into the sodomy complaint against Anwar Ibrahim had been completed and the papers had been delivered to the Attorney-GeneraI's Chambers for further action. lt further quoted senior opposition party officials saying Anwar may be arrested in the next 48 hours, arguing it was to stop him contesting the by-election.
Anwar was arrested on July 15 2008 and kept overnight but no charges were hled over the accusations made by Mohd Saiful two weeks earlier. At the time, Anwar refused to provide a DNA sample, claiming that it could be misused to fake evidence against him. Police told Anwar to report back to them within 30 days.
After his release, the former deputy premier said the allegation was a high-level conspiracy to prevent him from entering parliament, adding that he refused to give his DNA, as he did not believe in the system.
"It should not be used as a personal vendetta against me. I was questioned for 5-% hours; I was stripped naked including the examination of my private parts. Why treat me like a major criminal and a public enemy?" [Reuters Thursday July 17, 2008]
Anwar said the police chief harbored a grudge against him after he lodged a report with anti-corruption agency officials saying the police chief had fabricated evidence against him in an assault case 10 years before.
Anwar was finally brought before the Sessions Court on 7 August 2008 charged under s. 377B of the Penal Code. The charge alleged that he committed the offence of sodomy against Mohd Saiful on 26 June 2008. Anwar pleaded not guilty to the charge. Despite the allegations of earlier sexual assaults, the prosecution chose to charge Anwar only with the last act allegedly committed at the Desa Damansara Condominium.
With Anwar in the midst of a political comeback, many supporters viewed the sodomy charge as a desperate attempt by the government to cling to power. The timing of the charge, they suggested, was just too coincidental with his return to politics.
Saiful’s Allegations
Mohd Saiful alleged that on the day of the alleged incident he was asked by Anwar to come to a private condominium not far from the centre of Kuala Lumpur to meet with him and discuss work related matters and deliver documents.
He alleged that he arrived at about 2.45pm. He stopped at the security gate and gave the password “Mokhtar", which he claimed Anwar had told him to use to enable him to enter the compound. Video cameras at the security gate recorded his arrival and later departure. Security cameras also monitored the public areas of the apartment complex. Having parked his vehicle, Mohd Saiful took the lift to the tifth floor and having entered the apartment says he found Anwar seated at the dining table. He said that Anwar asked him to have sex with him and being “angry and frightened” he complied with the demand and then went into the bedroom where the alleged offence took place.
Medical Examinations
Two days later, on 28 June 2008, Mohd Saiful went to the private hospital Pusat Rawatan Islam (“Pusrawi”) in Jalan Tun Razak to be medically examined.
During the examination, he told Dr. Mohamed Osman Abdul Hamid that for the last few days his anus was painful and that a “plastic" item had been inserted into it.
A proctoscopy examination by Dr. Osman showed no physical signs of penetration and a nonnal anus and rectum. After the examination, Mohd Saiful then told Dr. Osman he had been sodomised by a “VlP”. Dr Osman recommended that because of the allegation of sodomy he be examined again at a government hospital.
More than two hours later, Mohd Saiful went to Hospital Kuala Lumpur (“HKL”), which was very near to Hospital Puswari. Three specialist doctors examined him later that night, but again they found no evidence of injury and in their words “...no conclusive clinical Endings suggestive of penetration to the anus and no significant defensive wound on the body of the patient."
Various swabs were taken from his body for scientific analysis. These included swabs taken from his tongue, nipples, body, perianal region and rectum. High and low rectal swabs and blood samples were also taken for DNA prohling. For some reason, these samples didn’t arrive at the chemistry laboratory for analysis until two days later and there was some issue about the proper labeling of the exhibits.
lt is interesting to note, that Mohd Saiful testified at the trial that he told the medical examiners he had not washed his anus nor had he defecated before the examination. He said under cross-examination that he had not washed to preserve the evidence, which was a curious thing for a victim of sexual assault to do.
It is well known that victims of sexual assault almost always wash their bodies in an attempt to ‘cleanse’ themselves of the sexual contact. Very few have the presence of mind not to wash themselves so as to preserve evidence of sexual contact. Mohd Saiful’s explanation was also curious because he claimed to be a devout Muslim, which meant that he would need to wash himself before being called to daily prayers.
But in any event, evidence of Anwar’s DNA upon or in the body of the complainant would undoubtedly be persuasive evidence of sexual contact, if it could be proved.
Before the adjoumment of the trial proceedings on 17 February 2010, Anwar’s lawyer Sankara Nair claimed there were many questionable aspects of the prosecution DNA evidence and announced that the defence had appointed foreign DNA and forensic experts to debunk the prosecution's claim of a DNA match.
Mr. Nair said the PKR leader had engaged the services of DNA expert Dr Brian Leslie McDonald from Sydney, Australia, and two forensic experts Prof Dr C. Damodaran from Chennai, India and Associate Professor David Lawrence Noel Wells from Melbourne, Australia.
The Malaysian Penal Code: "unnatural offences"
Anwar Ibrahim was charged with committing an act of sodomy. lt is more properly described as “camal intercourse" contrary to Section 377B of the Penal Code.
Homosexuality or homosexual acts are not defined in the Malaysian Penal Code. They are described by reference to "unnatural offences" deemed to be "against the order of nature" and are punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and whipping.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Cancer Institute cost jump to 700 million
Another case of crony capitalism by UMNO/BN. The Cancer Institute which was supposed to cost RM340 million (even this figure is likely inflated) and scheduled to be completed June 2009 has now balloned to RM700 million and still only in the "final stages" of construction. It would not be a surprise if the cost jump even further
Cancer institute's price doubles to RM700 million
Joseph Sipalan
Oct 20, 10
3:19pm
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PARLIAMENT The opposition bench today launched new salvoes at Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and his far-reaching government transformation plan (GTP), this time claiming that the construction cost of the National Cancer Institute in Putrajaya had jumped by 100 percent to RM700 million.
PKR Machang MP Saifuddin Nasution (right) said the institute was initially supposed to cost RM340 million as indicated under the Ninth Malaysia Plan of former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Saifuddin said the project, which was launched by Abdullah on Jan 9, 2007, was scheduled to be completed over 30 months by June 2009.
“But on March 10, 2009, the then Deputy Health Minister (Dr Abdul) Latif Ahmad said in Parliament that the institute is in the final stages of construction and will cost RM700 million,” he said at a press conference in Parliament.
“Twenty four months after the project was announced, the cost escalated by 100 percent,” he said.
Source: Malaysiakini: Cancer institute's price doubles to RM700 million
Joseph Sipalan
Oct 20, 10
3:19pm
Share
PARLIAMENT The opposition bench today launched new salvoes at Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and his far-reaching government transformation plan (GTP), this time claiming that the construction cost of the National Cancer Institute in Putrajaya had jumped by 100 percent to RM700 million.
PKR Machang MP Saifuddin Nasution (right) said the institute was initially supposed to cost RM340 million as indicated under the Ninth Malaysia Plan of former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Saifuddin said the project, which was launched by Abdullah on Jan 9, 2007, was scheduled to be completed over 30 months by June 2009.
“But on March 10, 2009, the then Deputy Health Minister (Dr Abdul) Latif Ahmad said in Parliament that the institute is in the final stages of construction and will cost RM700 million,” he said at a press conference in Parliament.
“Twenty four months after the project was announced, the cost escalated by 100 percent,” he said.
Source: Malaysiakini: Cancer institute's price doubles to RM700 million
Daylight robbery at The Curve Mutiara Damansara
The security CCTV footage shown in the video below shows how blatant robbers in Malaysia have become with the robbery taking place in full daylight and I assume in a busy environment as it took place in The Curve, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya:
CIJ's Ops Bilang at Annexe Gallery, Pasar Seni
Click on poster below to enlarge:
Invitation to CIJ's Ops Bilang* at Annexe Gallery KL; 26 Oct (Tue) 8
*Ops Bilang**
Time
Tuesday, October 26 · 8:00pm - 10:00pm
------------ --------- --------- -------- -----------
Location: Annexe Gallery Central Market, Kuala Lumpur
see location map
------------ --------- --------- -------- -----------
Created By
Cij M'sia
------------ --------- ---------
Come join the artists/activists in exploring complex issues at Ops Bilang*.
Artis/aktivis membilang pada kita isu penting sezaman di Ops Bilang*.
Amir Muhammad - Kewarganegaraan
Anne James - Religious freedom
Fahmi Fadzil - Workers' rights
Fahmi Reza - Hak Pelajar
Jerome Kugan - Federalism
Jo Kukathas - Rape
Leong Mei Chern - Death penalty
Norhayati Kaprawi - Undang-undang Sivil atau Shari'ah?
Pang Khee Teik - Gender/sexuality rights
See Tshiung Han - Free expression
Vernon Adrian Emuang - Indigenous rights
Zedeck Siew - Culture
*Malay word for “count”; “to tell”
Bilang 1 – hitung (satu demi satu), jumlah, congkat, campur, kira
Bilang 2 – bercakap, katakan, sampaikan, khabarkan, ceritakan, adu,
beritahukan, nasihatkan
------------ --------- ------
Organised by the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)
Anjuran Pusat Kewartawanan Bebas
In conjunction with the launch of CIJ's e-forum, “Let's Talk About...”
Sempena pelancaran e-forum CIJ “Bicara Pasal...” LetsTalkAbout. cijmalaysia.
org
Location map: Pasar Seni (Central Market) Kuala Lumpur
View Larger Map
--
Centre for Independent Journalism Malaysia
Web: cijmalaysia. org
Tel: +603-4023 0772
The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) is a non-profit
organisation that aspires for a society that is democratic, just and free,
where all peoples will enjoy free media and the freedom to express, seek and
impart information.
--
If you cannot express yourself you are already behind bars - Mbana Kaitako
Seri 2011 Malaysian Budget Dialogue at Wawasan Open University
Event: SERI 2011 MALAYSIAN BUDGET DIALOGUE
Date: 22nd October 2010 (Friday)
Time: 4pm to 6pm
Venue: Wawasan Open University (see location map)
Organizer: Socio-Economic and Environmental Research Institute (SERI)
10 Brown Road
Penang 10350
Tel: 03-228 3306
Fax: 03-226 7042
Discussion on: "SERI 2011 Malaysian Budget Dialogue"
3.45pm: Registration
4.00pm: Introduction by Chair Dato' Dr. Toh Kin Woon SERI Economic Chair
4.15pm: Presentation by Speakers
5.30pm: Discussion and Question and Answer
6.00pm: Light Refreshment
SERI will be organizing a SERI 2011 Malaysian Budget Dialogue at Wawasan Open University on the 22nd October Friday from 4pm to 6pm. The Dialogue seeks to provide a succinct analysis of the 2011 Budget and the implications of the various policies and measures introduced. The 2011 Budget is expected to provide an insight int the directions and strategies that the government plans to execute in implementing the 10th Malaysis Plan, New Economic Model (NEM), and the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) as far as Penang is concerned.
The Dialogue will feature 3 distinquished corporate and academic figures in Malaysia who will share their views and perspectives on the impact and implications of the Federal Budget to the economy, market and business.
The Speakers:
YB Liew Chin Tong, Executive Director of SERI
Manokaran Mottain, Senior Economist at AmResearch
Dr. Chan Huan Chiang, senior research fellow at SERI
For more details, click the image below to enlarge and read:
Location map: Wawasan Open University, Georgetown, Penang
View Larger Map
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Hannah Yeoh DAP Subang Jaya Service Center
Hannah Yeoh & DAP Subang Jaya Service Center
24A (1st Floor), Jalan SS14/1A
47500 Subang Jaya
Tel : 603 5631 2768 Fax : 603 5631 2757
Email : dapsj(at)dapsj.com
View Hannah Yeoh Service Center in a larger map
Address
DAP Bandar Subang Jaya Service Center24A (1st Floor), Jalan SS14/1A
47500 Subang Jaya
Tel : 603 5631 2768 Fax : 603 5631 2757
Email : dapsj(at)dapsj.com
Location map: DAP Subang Jaya Service Center
View Hannah Yeoh Service Center in a larger map
Join 1M Malaysians Reject 100-storey Mega Tower
To all Malaysians who are concerned about this propensity of UMNO/BN splurging on mega projects probably to enrich croonies and line own pocket, please join (like) this Facebook group: 1M Malaysians Reject 100-storey Mega Tower
RM64 billion bill compensation to PLUS to freeze toll rates
This is a scandal of foisted upon Malaysians by UMNO/BN who under Dr. Mahathir, signed grossly lopsided agreements with PLUS and other toll road operators with obscene guaranteed profit and regular toll rate increases. Now because UMNO/BN fears upsetting the voters, they have frozen toll rates for 5 years and open themselves to potential RM5 billion compensation to PLUS for the five years. If toll rates are frozen till the end of the concession agreements, the compensation balloons to RM64 billion. What has UMNO/BN wrought upon the suffering nation:'Populist' toll freeze may cost rakyat RM64 bil
Joseph Sipalan
(see video)
The government may end up forking out RM64 billion to compensate Plus Highways Berhad, if it intends to freeze toll rates till the end of the concession term in 2038 as a populist move, said DAP publicity secretary Tony Pua.
Taking the going estimate of RM5 billion in compensation for the recently announced five-year freeze on toll rates on four of Plus' highways, he said it makes no sense for the government to make such an “obscene” pay-out just to keep voters happy.
“Given the circumstances where the government is fearful of increasing any toll rates due to a potential voter backlash, should the toll rates be frozen all the way till the concession expires, the total compensation that needs to be paid over the next 28 years will amount to a mind-boggling RM64 billion,” said Pua at a press conference in the parliament lobby today.
Pua (right), who is also Petaling Jaya-Utara MP, said it would be more sensible if the government instead takes over Plus Expressways Berhad rather than to allow the Employees' Providence Fund (EPF) and UEM Berhad to buy over the toll concessionaire
Repeating the DAP's proposal to nationalise toll concessionaires, he said it would cost the government RM23 billion to buy-over Plus, based on the RM4.60 per share offer by the UEM-EPF joint venture.
Assuming that the toll rates are then frozen for 14 years, the government would still recoup its investment and allow it to either make the highways toll free or charge just minimal fees for maintenance, he said.
“It absolutely does not make sense for the government to be compensating an obscene amount of RM5 billion to the concessionaire, or possibly even as high as RM64 billion over the entire period, when the cost of directly acquiring Plus will only be RM23 billion as offered by UEM-EPF.
“Unless of course, the government is intent on making Malaysians suffer,” he said.
Najib's (left) Budget 2011 speech last Friday highlighted a freeze in the earlier planned toll hike on Plus highways, one of many populist moves that prompted critics to label the budget an “election budget”.
Earlier, Pua had criticised the planned buy-over of Plus Expressways Bhd saying that while the EPF's main task is to ensure fund contributors receive dividends, Plus was "sucking" ordinary citizens who are paying high toll rates due to lopsided highway concessions.
"This is not the way for EPF to generate returns for the people. The government might as well just create more highways with unfair contracts and let EPF manage them.
Source: Malaysiakini: 'Populist' toll freeze may cost rakyat RM64 bil
Joseph Sipalan
(see video)
The government may end up forking out RM64 billion to compensate Plus Highways Berhad, if it intends to freeze toll rates till the end of the concession term in 2038 as a populist move, said DAP publicity secretary Tony Pua.
Taking the going estimate of RM5 billion in compensation for the recently announced five-year freeze on toll rates on four of Plus' highways, he said it makes no sense for the government to make such an “obscene” pay-out just to keep voters happy.
“Given the circumstances where the government is fearful of increasing any toll rates due to a potential voter backlash, should the toll rates be frozen all the way till the concession expires, the total compensation that needs to be paid over the next 28 years will amount to a mind-boggling RM64 billion,” said Pua at a press conference in the parliament lobby today.
Pua (right), who is also Petaling Jaya-Utara MP, said it would be more sensible if the government instead takes over Plus Expressways Berhad rather than to allow the Employees' Providence Fund (EPF) and UEM Berhad to buy over the toll concessionaire
Repeating the DAP's proposal to nationalise toll concessionaires, he said it would cost the government RM23 billion to buy-over Plus, based on the RM4.60 per share offer by the UEM-EPF joint venture.
Assuming that the toll rates are then frozen for 14 years, the government would still recoup its investment and allow it to either make the highways toll free or charge just minimal fees for maintenance, he said.
“It absolutely does not make sense for the government to be compensating an obscene amount of RM5 billion to the concessionaire, or possibly even as high as RM64 billion over the entire period, when the cost of directly acquiring Plus will only be RM23 billion as offered by UEM-EPF.
“Unless of course, the government is intent on making Malaysians suffer,” he said.
Najib's (left) Budget 2011 speech last Friday highlighted a freeze in the earlier planned toll hike on Plus highways, one of many populist moves that prompted critics to label the budget an “election budget”.
Earlier, Pua had criticised the planned buy-over of Plus Expressways Bhd saying that while the EPF's main task is to ensure fund contributors receive dividends, Plus was "sucking" ordinary citizens who are paying high toll rates due to lopsided highway concessions.
"This is not the way for EPF to generate returns for the people. The government might as well just create more highways with unfair contracts and let EPF manage them.
Source: Malaysiakini: 'Populist' toll freeze may cost rakyat RM64 bil
From Malaysian Insider: Guan Eng says toll-freeze meaningless:
Guan Eng says toll-freeze meaningless
By Clara Chooi October 19, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 — Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng threw a wet blanket today over the five-year toll freeze for Plus highways, pointing out that it was “meaningless” and would only lead Malaysians into greater debt.
He explained in a statement that while the people would save on toll money, they still end up paying toll-road concessionaire Plus Expressways Bhd large compensations.
UEM Group managing director Datuk Izzaddin Idris revealed yesterday that the five-year toll freeze could cost the government some RM5 billion in compensation payments, which is about RM170 per Malaysian.
If added to the outstanding RM2.5 billion presently owed to Plus, the government would have to foot a staggering RM7.5 billion bill to the company.
Izzaddin however added that although compensations averaged at RM1 billion each year in the past, the actual sum to be paid to Plus for the five-year toll freeze still needed to be finalised with the government and could cost less than RM5 billion.
Lim said today that the compensation payments would only lead to an unhealthy increase in both Federal government debt and debt service charges.
“DAP is shocked at the revelations by UEM Group’s Datuk Izzaddin Idris that toll highway operator Plus could be compensated as much as RM5 billion by the Federal government over the next five years for not raising toll rates.
“Clearly freezing toll rates is meaningless as the people still has to pay through compensation payments by the government,” said Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general.
He suggested that the government consider a one-off nationalisation programme limited to toll concession agreements to prevent irresponsible companies from reaping extraordinary profits at the expense of the public.
“Nationalisation is necessary when toll concession operators like Plus have not only recouped their investment and construction costs but also maintenance costs and are earning pure profits from toll rates revenue collected.
“Failure to do so will not only create an unbearable financial burden to the people but also strain our country’s finances for the foreseeable future,” he said.
Lim revealed that according to the Finance Ministry’s Economic Report 2010/2011, the total federal government debt would soar by 12.6 per cent from RM362.4 billion in 2009 to RM408.2 billion in 2010.
This, he pointed out, meant every Malaysian would be in debt of RM15,118 as at 2010.
“In other words for every Malaysian born, he or she will be immediately in debt of RM15,118.
“If we take into account paying an extra RM1 billion every year to Plus, it is an expense and a debt burden that the country can ill-afford,” he said.
Lim also said that corresponding to the increase in federal debt, debt service charges had also increased from RM14.2 billion in 2009 to RM15.9 billion in 2010 and was expected to soar to RM18.6 billion in 2011.
“Many Malaysians are unhappy why the country has to carry such a huge debt burden borne by 27 million Malaysians for the benefit of one company.
“Clearly unless drastic action is taken, 27 million Malaysians will lose out to enable a company comprise of BN cronies to gain,” he concluded.
By Clara Chooi October 19, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 — Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng threw a wet blanket today over the five-year toll freeze for Plus highways, pointing out that it was “meaningless” and would only lead Malaysians into greater debt.
He explained in a statement that while the people would save on toll money, they still end up paying toll-road concessionaire Plus Expressways Bhd large compensations.
UEM Group managing director Datuk Izzaddin Idris revealed yesterday that the five-year toll freeze could cost the government some RM5 billion in compensation payments, which is about RM170 per Malaysian.
If added to the outstanding RM2.5 billion presently owed to Plus, the government would have to foot a staggering RM7.5 billion bill to the company.
Izzaddin however added that although compensations averaged at RM1 billion each year in the past, the actual sum to be paid to Plus for the five-year toll freeze still needed to be finalised with the government and could cost less than RM5 billion.
Lim said today that the compensation payments would only lead to an unhealthy increase in both Federal government debt and debt service charges.
“DAP is shocked at the revelations by UEM Group’s Datuk Izzaddin Idris that toll highway operator Plus could be compensated as much as RM5 billion by the Federal government over the next five years for not raising toll rates.
“Clearly freezing toll rates is meaningless as the people still has to pay through compensation payments by the government,” said Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general.
He suggested that the government consider a one-off nationalisation programme limited to toll concession agreements to prevent irresponsible companies from reaping extraordinary profits at the expense of the public.
“Nationalisation is necessary when toll concession operators like Plus have not only recouped their investment and construction costs but also maintenance costs and are earning pure profits from toll rates revenue collected.
“Failure to do so will not only create an unbearable financial burden to the people but also strain our country’s finances for the foreseeable future,” he said.
Lim revealed that according to the Finance Ministry’s Economic Report 2010/2011, the total federal government debt would soar by 12.6 per cent from RM362.4 billion in 2009 to RM408.2 billion in 2010.
This, he pointed out, meant every Malaysian would be in debt of RM15,118 as at 2010.
“In other words for every Malaysian born, he or she will be immediately in debt of RM15,118.
“If we take into account paying an extra RM1 billion every year to Plus, it is an expense and a debt burden that the country can ill-afford,” he said.
Lim also said that corresponding to the increase in federal debt, debt service charges had also increased from RM14.2 billion in 2009 to RM15.9 billion in 2010 and was expected to soar to RM18.6 billion in 2011.
“Many Malaysians are unhappy why the country has to carry such a huge debt burden borne by 27 million Malaysians for the benefit of one company.
“Clearly unless drastic action is taken, 27 million Malaysians will lose out to enable a company comprise of BN cronies to gain,” he concluded.
Pakatan Rakyat post 308 - Who says no change
RPK is one among many who claimed that after 2 plus years since Pakatan Rakyat became the state government in the 5 states (now 4, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan) after the political tsunami March 2008, there had change. This is not quite true. Although reforms had not been as fast as what one may want, there had been incremental advances with regards to reforms that so many Malaysians now yearn for and this post will list here reforms and improvements instituted by Pakatan Rakyat as a "running total" to be updated whenever we come across any positive developments. It would be great that if you want to help add to the list to leave a comment and update us:
1. Selangor State Government tabled FOI (Freedom of Information) Act
2. Penang State Government to table FOI Act
Penang to table FOI Bill next week
3. Penang State Government have reinstated open tenders at all levels
Press Release By Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng In George Town On 31.1.2010
4. Selangor State Government upheld Orang Asli's right to their customary land by opting not to contest judgement in a land case awarded to them.
5. Penang State Government has won the Auditor General praise for good governance
6. To be updated
References:
TNG: Assessing Pakatan Rakyat in Selangor
1. Selangor State Government tabled FOI (Freedom of Information) Act
2. Penang State Government to table FOI Act
Penang to table FOI Bill next week
3. Penang State Government have reinstated open tenders at all levels
Press Release By Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng In George Town On 31.1.2010
4. Selangor State Government upheld Orang Asli's right to their customary land by opting not to contest judgement in a land case awarded to them.
5. Penang State Government has won the Auditor General praise for good governance
6. To be updated
References:
TNG: Assessing Pakatan Rakyat in Selangor
Monday, October 18, 2010
UMNO/BN pre-buying votes for 13th General Election
UMNO/BN and that "You help me I help you election offence" PM Najib has become wiser and instead of resorting to vote buying during election campaign period has now resorted to pre-buying of votes, a prelude to the 13th General Election.
Malaysia 2011 Budget:
Village head or a Kafa teacher: RM800 monthly allowance.
Civil servant: special financial assistance amounting to a lump sum of RM500.
Woman civil servant: fully-paid 90-day maternity leave.
Super constructor or an Indonesian worker: you get a chance to participate in the 100-storey tower project and other mega construction projects.
Motorists: toll rates in four highways owned by PLUS Expressway Berhad will not be raised for the next five years (but the government, read Malaysian public faces a RM7.5b toll compensation bill due to lop-sided agreement)
Malaysia 2011 Budget:
Village head or a Kafa teacher: RM800 monthly allowance.
Civil servant: special financial assistance amounting to a lump sum of RM500.
Woman civil servant: fully-paid 90-day maternity leave.
Super constructor or an Indonesian worker: you get a chance to participate in the 100-storey tower project and other mega construction projects.
Motorists: toll rates in four highways owned by PLUS Expressway Berhad will not be raised for the next five years (but the government, read Malaysian public faces a RM7.5b toll compensation bill due to lop-sided agreement)
Yum Seng to Budget 2011! – Tay Tian Yan
October 18, 2010
OCT 18 – It certainly is a good budget.
If you are a village head or a Kafa teacher, you will get a RM800 monthly allowance.
If you are a civil servant, you can get a special financial assistance amounting to a lump sum of RM500.
If you are a woman civil servant, you can enjoy a fully-paid 90-day maternity leave.
If you are a super constructor or an Indonesian worker, you get a chance to participate in the 100-storey tower project and other mega construction projects.
If you are not a village head, a Kafa teacher, a pregnant civil servant, a super constructor or an Indonesian worker, but just an ordinary middle-income wage earner like most of the people, or a busy small business owner without any special channels, you may ask: What the Budget 2011 have in store for me?
Of course you, too, will also benefit from it.
The toll rates in four highways owned by PLUS Expressway Berhad will not be raised for the next five years. Unfortunately, the government cannot afford to buy the highways to allow toll-free use.
The government has to increase revenue and thus, it proposed that the rate of service tax be increased from 5% to 6%. It follows you whenever you go and even if you just stay at home, you still have to pay the 6% of service tax once you switch on the television for the paid television channels.
In fact, most of the people prefer to have tax cuts.
Many foreign governments actually ease the burden on middle income people through tax cuts to stimulus business vitality.
However, the rates of personal income tax and corporation tax remain unchanged as the people are required to carry out their national duty during the hard time.
Meanwhile, first-time house buyers will be given stamp duty exemption of 50% on instruments of transfer on a house price not exceeding RM350,000, a saving of RM2,000 to RM3,000. But you may not be able to afford a house now due to the rapid real estate price hike, especially in the Klang Valley.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department and Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Idris Jala had said earlier in the year that said that Malaysia could become next Greece and go bankrupt by 2019 if the government fails to cut its burgeoning expenses.
Yet, the allocations under Budget 2011 are immense – RM5 billion for a 100-storey complex in Kuala Lumpur, RM10 billion for the Sungai Buloh development project, RM3 billion for the integrated eco-nature resort in Sabah, and RM40 billion for the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) in Greater KL.
People had expected the government to reduce expenses, but it is embarking on several mega projects instead.
The national economy surely needs a transformation and the people’s incomes have to be doubled by 2020, the Budget 2011 should be the starting point for the transformation and every ringgit spent by the government must be carefully weighted. The Budget 2011 should have included more specific reform measures.
Productivity would not be reflected in the allowances for village heads and Kafa teachers while competitiveness would not be reflected on a 100-storey skyscraper. Instead, they are hidden in the national productivity, corporate competitiveness and government efficiency.
As the starting point of the 10th Malaysia Plan (10Plan), the budget for next year should be geared at improving the quality of education, revitalising enterprises, and strengthening the confidence of foreign investors.
However, there is still some good news from the Budget 2011. For example, at least there is no price hike for alcoholic drinks. So, let’s put aside the worries, raise our glass, and yum seng! – mysinchew.com
October 18, 2010
OCT 18 – It certainly is a good budget.
If you are a village head or a Kafa teacher, you will get a RM800 monthly allowance.
If you are a civil servant, you can get a special financial assistance amounting to a lump sum of RM500.
If you are a woman civil servant, you can enjoy a fully-paid 90-day maternity leave.
If you are a super constructor or an Indonesian worker, you get a chance to participate in the 100-storey tower project and other mega construction projects.
If you are not a village head, a Kafa teacher, a pregnant civil servant, a super constructor or an Indonesian worker, but just an ordinary middle-income wage earner like most of the people, or a busy small business owner without any special channels, you may ask: What the Budget 2011 have in store for me?
Of course you, too, will also benefit from it.
The toll rates in four highways owned by PLUS Expressway Berhad will not be raised for the next five years. Unfortunately, the government cannot afford to buy the highways to allow toll-free use.
The government has to increase revenue and thus, it proposed that the rate of service tax be increased from 5% to 6%. It follows you whenever you go and even if you just stay at home, you still have to pay the 6% of service tax once you switch on the television for the paid television channels.
In fact, most of the people prefer to have tax cuts.
Many foreign governments actually ease the burden on middle income people through tax cuts to stimulus business vitality.
However, the rates of personal income tax and corporation tax remain unchanged as the people are required to carry out their national duty during the hard time.
Meanwhile, first-time house buyers will be given stamp duty exemption of 50% on instruments of transfer on a house price not exceeding RM350,000, a saving of RM2,000 to RM3,000. But you may not be able to afford a house now due to the rapid real estate price hike, especially in the Klang Valley.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department and Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Idris Jala had said earlier in the year that said that Malaysia could become next Greece and go bankrupt by 2019 if the government fails to cut its burgeoning expenses.
Yet, the allocations under Budget 2011 are immense – RM5 billion for a 100-storey complex in Kuala Lumpur, RM10 billion for the Sungai Buloh development project, RM3 billion for the integrated eco-nature resort in Sabah, and RM40 billion for the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) in Greater KL.
People had expected the government to reduce expenses, but it is embarking on several mega projects instead.
The national economy surely needs a transformation and the people’s incomes have to be doubled by 2020, the Budget 2011 should be the starting point for the transformation and every ringgit spent by the government must be carefully weighted. The Budget 2011 should have included more specific reform measures.
Productivity would not be reflected in the allowances for village heads and Kafa teachers while competitiveness would not be reflected on a 100-storey skyscraper. Instead, they are hidden in the national productivity, corporate competitiveness and government efficiency.
As the starting point of the 10th Malaysia Plan (10Plan), the budget for next year should be geared at improving the quality of education, revitalising enterprises, and strengthening the confidence of foreign investors.
However, there is still some good news from the Budget 2011. For example, at least there is no price hike for alcoholic drinks. So, let’s put aside the worries, raise our glass, and yum seng! – mysinchew.com
Budget 2011 - Change or Continuity? Public Forum
Public Forum: "Budget 2011 - Change or Continuity?"
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 20 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: Poolside Cove, Sunway Lagoon Club (see location map)
No. 3, Jalan Lagoon Timur, Bandar Sunway
Speakers:
1. MP for PJ Utara Tony Pua, Chief Executive of Selangor Economic Advisory Office Rafizi Ramli, MP for Klang Charles Santiago, MP for Kuala Selangor 2. Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, political analyst Dr. Ong Kian Ming.
Organiser: Office of State Assemblywoman for Subang Jaya, Hannah Yeoh
Admission: Free
Enquiries: 019-2865858
View Larger Map
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 20 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: Poolside Cove, Sunway Lagoon Club (see location map)
No. 3, Jalan Lagoon Timur, Bandar Sunway
Speakers:
1. MP for PJ Utara Tony Pua, Chief Executive of Selangor Economic Advisory Office Rafizi Ramli, MP for Klang Charles Santiago, MP for Kuala Selangor 2. Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, political analyst Dr. Ong Kian Ming.
Organiser: Office of State Assemblywoman for Subang Jaya, Hannah Yeoh
Admission: Free
Enquiries: 019-2865858
Location map: Sunway Lagoon Club, Jalan Lagoon Timur
View Larger Map
Most important reform: just independent judiciary
Because of decades of power abuses and wanton corruptions by unrepentent UMNO/BN, Malaysia urgently need reforms, but the one of the most important reform is the tainted judiciary. The Judiciary is the Last Bastion of Hope and Justice especially if our rights are trampled upon by the executive and its croonies and we need to seek justice from the courts and judges.
Just look at how Anwar is denied access to his accuser Saiful Bukhari's police statement. When one is accused of a crime, how can the accused be denied such crucial information in order to defend oneself? Imagine if you are the one who stand accused in the dock and you are unable to get whatever needed to enable you to defend yourself. Do you want to face such a desperate situation? I hope not.
Please Malaysians, do whatever you can to remove the unrepentant UMNO/BN from the seat of power in Putrajaya and help start this process of reforms, the birth of a counter-balancing 2 party/coalition system and truly free and fair elections which are only possible if you help put Pakatan Rakyat as the next federal government to initiate the process.
If you are unable to do more, at the very least do ensure you register as a voter and vote or if you are already a registered voter, participate in this voter-get-voter and get at least one eligible voter to register at the nearest post office plus verify you are still registered and check your voter registration also registered where you want to vote.
Just look at how Anwar is denied access to his accuser Saiful Bukhari's police statement. When one is accused of a crime, how can the accused be denied such crucial information in order to defend oneself? Imagine if you are the one who stand accused in the dock and you are unable to get whatever needed to enable you to defend yourself. Do you want to face such a desperate situation? I hope not.
Please Malaysians, do whatever you can to remove the unrepentant UMNO/BN from the seat of power in Putrajaya and help start this process of reforms, the birth of a counter-balancing 2 party/coalition system and truly free and fair elections which are only possible if you help put Pakatan Rakyat as the next federal government to initiate the process.
If you are unable to do more, at the very least do ensure you register as a voter and vote or if you are already a registered voter, participate in this voter-get-voter and get at least one eligible voter to register at the nearest post office plus verify you are still registered and check your voter registration also registered where you want to vote.
Appeal to get Saiful's statement dismissed
Hafiz Yatim
Oct 18, 10
3:58pm
Share
The Federal Court today dismissed Anwar Ibrahim's appeal to obtain Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan's witness statement which was recorded by the police.
Today's decision comes after the apex court had earlier allowed the acceptance of a two-page broad reasons by the Court of Appeal as a basis in hearing the leave application.
In a unanimous decision, the apex court led by Chief Judge of Malaya, Arifin Zakaria, ruled that the High Court ruling was not within the definition of a decision.
“It does not dispose of the rights of the appellant. Hence, the application before us is dismissed.”
Arifin agreed with the Court of Appeal judges that it is not a final order and could be raised when the trial ends.
The other judges sitting with Arifin were Justices James Foong and Md Raus Sharif.
The sodomy charge against Anwar, faces a historic contradiction when complainant and star witness Saiful alleged the June 26,2008, Desa Damansara condominium incident was non-consensual.
Despite this, the Permatang Pauh MP was charged under Section 377b of the Penal Code with consensual carnal intercourse.
Just last Thursday the Kuala Lumpur Hospital forensic pathologist, Dr Siew Sheue Feng, told the High Court that Saiful had told the doctors the alleged sodomy incident was done without force.
On May 11, High Court judge Justice Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah dismissed lead counsel Karpal Singh's application to have a copy of Saiful's witness statement.
The decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal which only provided the broad reasons of its decision rather than the lengthy detailed written grounds of judgment which under normal circumstances may run in excess of 20 pages.
Source: Appeal to get Saiful's statement dismissed
Hafiz Yatim
Oct 18, 10
3:58pm
Share
The Federal Court today dismissed Anwar Ibrahim's appeal to obtain Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan's witness statement which was recorded by the police.
Today's decision comes after the apex court had earlier allowed the acceptance of a two-page broad reasons by the Court of Appeal as a basis in hearing the leave application.
In a unanimous decision, the apex court led by Chief Judge of Malaya, Arifin Zakaria, ruled that the High Court ruling was not within the definition of a decision.
“It does not dispose of the rights of the appellant. Hence, the application before us is dismissed.”
Arifin agreed with the Court of Appeal judges that it is not a final order and could be raised when the trial ends.
The other judges sitting with Arifin were Justices James Foong and Md Raus Sharif.
The sodomy charge against Anwar, faces a historic contradiction when complainant and star witness Saiful alleged the June 26,2008, Desa Damansara condominium incident was non-consensual.
Despite this, the Permatang Pauh MP was charged under Section 377b of the Penal Code with consensual carnal intercourse.
Just last Thursday the Kuala Lumpur Hospital forensic pathologist, Dr Siew Sheue Feng, told the High Court that Saiful had told the doctors the alleged sodomy incident was done without force.
On May 11, High Court judge Justice Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah dismissed lead counsel Karpal Singh's application to have a copy of Saiful's witness statement.
The decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal which only provided the broad reasons of its decision rather than the lengthy detailed written grounds of judgment which under normal circumstances may run in excess of 20 pages.
Source: Appeal to get Saiful's statement dismissed
Mahathir wants Malays to be handicapped for life
Mahathir Mohamad said: "To be given handicaps is to ensure fairness" for he claimed Malays should be treated special and different, that Malays need handouts, that Malays are unable to compete with Chinese and Indians and thus deserved handicaps as in the game of golf. However, Mariam Mokhtar (The dilemma: A Malay handicap) raised a very pertinent point for unlike the sport golf where once a handicapped golfer achieve competency, the handicap is taken away (Competent golfers don't need handicaps: Mahathir failed to mention that once golfers become competent, they are 'scratch players' and do not need handicaps. Left to Mahathir, Malays will always be given a handicap and be 'handicapped' for life. One would have thought that after 53 years of Umno, the Malays would not need this handicap)
However, in Malaysia, the Malays expect the handicap (numerous privilages and rights not given to non-Malays) to be forever even for those who have already accumated huge fortunes. Is that what the framers of Malaysia's Constitution intend?
However, in Malaysia, the Malays expect the handicap (numerous privilages and rights not given to non-Malays) to be forever even for those who have already accumated huge fortunes. Is that what the framers of Malaysia's Constitution intend?
The dilemma: A Malay handicap
Mariam Mokhtar
Oct 18, 10
Mahathir Mohamad's premiership was a mixture of adulation and fear. He was considered a Third World hero, a Malay champion and a divisive character. His admirers range from kampung folk to western educated non-Malay professionals. Although he resigned in 2003, he refuses to retire gracefully and cannot resist the political limelight. Last week, his damning statement, “To be given handicaps is to ensure fairness” caused outrage.
That statement appeared in Mahathir's blog, when he apologised to the Malaysian students in Melbourne, for his failure, through illness, to present his talk, “Are we ready for 1Malaysia: Does race still play a part?”
In it, Mahathir claims to 'love' Malaysia and said, “I am past self-interest”.
Is he confirming he acted out of self-interest in the past and not out of the interests of the nation? Or is he looking down on the current crop of politicians who he believes is acting out of 'self-interest'?
His talk would have covered how “Malays must be treated as special and different”, “for as long as the Chinese and Indians prefer to be identified with their countries of origin…… and keep their home languages and their schools”.
Mahathir needs to be reminded that his policies perpetuate division. From the time we are born we are obliged to classify our racial orientation on our birth certificate, and later our identity cards. At school, specific subjects are taught to certain races. Racial quotas determine eligibility for scholarships or for civil service jobs. No one can escape their racial identity.
Non-Malays identify themselves as Malaysians. They were born here. Malaysia is home. It is the government which fails to acknowledge that.
Mahathir's obsession with race continues to be championed by Malay extremists. The problem is that the average Malay has a high expectation that his race entitles him to profits and riches.
We must be honest and make the most of ourselves by building our self-confidence. Aspiration and hard-work are not something we are born with, but something which anyone of us can learn.
Upbringing proved his success
Mahathir seems disingenuous especially as his upbringing proved his success. As a child, his highly motivated and disciplined father subjected him to a rigorous regime of study which made him excel at school and improved his mathematics and English.
Mahathir developed positive traits of discipline, hard-work, self-improvement and good learning habits. He spoke good English and was a voracious reader. All these changed his life.
Why is Mahathir denying the ordinary Malay the chance to excel, be disciplined, stretch himself, shake off his provincial thinking, be rewarded by hard work and realise that fear of failure is only in the mind? Is this political expediency or lack of political will?
On a social level, Mahathir easily made friends with people from all ethnic backgrounds. And yet, his racial stance encouraged enmity amongst the various races.
Why perpetuate the myth that Malays need handouts? Mahathir told his children “nothing came easy” and there was “no shortcut to success”.
Extremists are fuelled by Mahathir's racist rhetoric and will never earn the respect of others. These 'ultras' assume arrogance and tell unhappy non-Malays to 'return to their homeland'.
Mahathir argues that Malays who condemn the NEP fall into two groups.
The first group includes politicians or party supporters “motivated by a desire to get Chinese support”. He said “They assume that they themselves would lead the nation and enjoy power and opportunities through Chinese support” and branded ex-Perak Menteri Besar Nizar Jamaluddin as a “mere puppet”.
The second group is the non-politically educated Malays who are “ashamed they have to be helped”. He said, “If we study these people almost invariably they have benefited from the NEP” but “they are ashamed to admit that they were unable to compete with the other races.”
Why insult the Malays who succeeded on their own? Mahathir is emphatic he is a 'successful Malay'. Why disbelieve and begrudge the competence and capability of other Malays?
He then said, “the Chinese excel in developing Malaysia (for which they are amply rewarded)”, and “Simply to catch up with them we need handicaps. To be given handicaps is to ensure fairness, not discrimination”, as in a game of golf.
Competent golfers don't need handicaps
Mahathir failed to mention that once golfers become competent, they are 'scratch players' and do not need handicaps.
Left to Mahathir, Malays will always be given a handicap and be 'handicapped' for life. One would have thought that after 53 years of Umno, the Malays would not need this handicap.
He said, “It is selfish if having benefited from the handicaps you want to deny others from having them.” But it is Mahathir who is selfish in wanting to continue putting the Malays down.
Not all non-Malays are rich and successful. There are poor Malays AND poor non-Malays. Only the cronies benefit.
Whilst Prime Minister Najib is desperate for his 1Malaysia policy to work, his efforts are hampered by Mahathir, goading from the sidelines, like a bully and a spoilsport.
If Perkasa, who echoes Mahathir's sentiments, is keen on Malay supremacy, why lap up every word of Mahathir who has Indian ancestry?
Two school principals who made derogatory comments about their students and the Biro Tata Negara assistant director, Hamim Husan who called the Chinese and Indian communities “si mata sepet” and “si botol” respectively, have conveniently disappeared from the public radar.
No one knows if investigations proved they were guilty of racism and punished. A motion to debate racism was disallowed by the speaker of the Parliament.
Najib's insincerity towards 1Malaysia is shown by his failure to censure the racists. Moreover, a Race Relations Act was rejected presumably because Umno benefits from racial inequality.
Unsurprisingly, BN's non-Malay political parties were hardly vocal and did not hold Najib to account. Why?
If Najib was more decisive and used the laws on sedition to lock-up Mahathir, racist politicians including Cabinet members and key civil servants, only then will Malaysians get the message he is serious about 1Malaysia and racism.
If he was a capable leader, he would sack those ministers who claim they lack the 'power' to act.
Unless Najib is willing to demonstrate steadfastness and commitment, few will believe in his 1Malaysia ideal.
MARIAM MOKHTAR is a non-conformist traditionalist from Perak, a bucket chemist and an armchair eco-warrior. In 'real-speak', this translates into that she comes from Ipoh, values change but respects culture, is a petroleum chemist and also an environmental pollution-control scientist.
Mariam Mokhtar
Oct 18, 10
Mahathir Mohamad's premiership was a mixture of adulation and fear. He was considered a Third World hero, a Malay champion and a divisive character. His admirers range from kampung folk to western educated non-Malay professionals. Although he resigned in 2003, he refuses to retire gracefully and cannot resist the political limelight. Last week, his damning statement, “To be given handicaps is to ensure fairness” caused outrage.
That statement appeared in Mahathir's blog, when he apologised to the Malaysian students in Melbourne, for his failure, through illness, to present his talk, “Are we ready for 1Malaysia: Does race still play a part?”
In it, Mahathir claims to 'love' Malaysia and said, “I am past self-interest”.
Is he confirming he acted out of self-interest in the past and not out of the interests of the nation? Or is he looking down on the current crop of politicians who he believes is acting out of 'self-interest'?
His talk would have covered how “Malays must be treated as special and different”, “for as long as the Chinese and Indians prefer to be identified with their countries of origin…… and keep their home languages and their schools”.
Mahathir needs to be reminded that his policies perpetuate division. From the time we are born we are obliged to classify our racial orientation on our birth certificate, and later our identity cards. At school, specific subjects are taught to certain races. Racial quotas determine eligibility for scholarships or for civil service jobs. No one can escape their racial identity.
Non-Malays identify themselves as Malaysians. They were born here. Malaysia is home. It is the government which fails to acknowledge that.
Mahathir's obsession with race continues to be championed by Malay extremists. The problem is that the average Malay has a high expectation that his race entitles him to profits and riches.
We must be honest and make the most of ourselves by building our self-confidence. Aspiration and hard-work are not something we are born with, but something which anyone of us can learn.
Upbringing proved his success
Mahathir seems disingenuous especially as his upbringing proved his success. As a child, his highly motivated and disciplined father subjected him to a rigorous regime of study which made him excel at school and improved his mathematics and English.
Mahathir developed positive traits of discipline, hard-work, self-improvement and good learning habits. He spoke good English and was a voracious reader. All these changed his life.
Why is Mahathir denying the ordinary Malay the chance to excel, be disciplined, stretch himself, shake off his provincial thinking, be rewarded by hard work and realise that fear of failure is only in the mind? Is this political expediency or lack of political will?
On a social level, Mahathir easily made friends with people from all ethnic backgrounds. And yet, his racial stance encouraged enmity amongst the various races.
Why perpetuate the myth that Malays need handouts? Mahathir told his children “nothing came easy” and there was “no shortcut to success”.
Extremists are fuelled by Mahathir's racist rhetoric and will never earn the respect of others. These 'ultras' assume arrogance and tell unhappy non-Malays to 'return to their homeland'.
Mahathir argues that Malays who condemn the NEP fall into two groups.
The first group includes politicians or party supporters “motivated by a desire to get Chinese support”. He said “They assume that they themselves would lead the nation and enjoy power and opportunities through Chinese support” and branded ex-Perak Menteri Besar Nizar Jamaluddin as a “mere puppet”.
The second group is the non-politically educated Malays who are “ashamed they have to be helped”. He said, “If we study these people almost invariably they have benefited from the NEP” but “they are ashamed to admit that they were unable to compete with the other races.”
Why insult the Malays who succeeded on their own? Mahathir is emphatic he is a 'successful Malay'. Why disbelieve and begrudge the competence and capability of other Malays?
He then said, “the Chinese excel in developing Malaysia (for which they are amply rewarded)”, and “Simply to catch up with them we need handicaps. To be given handicaps is to ensure fairness, not discrimination”, as in a game of golf.
Competent golfers don't need handicaps
Mahathir failed to mention that once golfers become competent, they are 'scratch players' and do not need handicaps.
Left to Mahathir, Malays will always be given a handicap and be 'handicapped' for life. One would have thought that after 53 years of Umno, the Malays would not need this handicap.
He said, “It is selfish if having benefited from the handicaps you want to deny others from having them.” But it is Mahathir who is selfish in wanting to continue putting the Malays down.
Not all non-Malays are rich and successful. There are poor Malays AND poor non-Malays. Only the cronies benefit.
Whilst Prime Minister Najib is desperate for his 1Malaysia policy to work, his efforts are hampered by Mahathir, goading from the sidelines, like a bully and a spoilsport.
If Perkasa, who echoes Mahathir's sentiments, is keen on Malay supremacy, why lap up every word of Mahathir who has Indian ancestry?
Two school principals who made derogatory comments about their students and the Biro Tata Negara assistant director, Hamim Husan who called the Chinese and Indian communities “si mata sepet” and “si botol” respectively, have conveniently disappeared from the public radar.
No one knows if investigations proved they were guilty of racism and punished. A motion to debate racism was disallowed by the speaker of the Parliament.
Najib's insincerity towards 1Malaysia is shown by his failure to censure the racists. Moreover, a Race Relations Act was rejected presumably because Umno benefits from racial inequality.
Unsurprisingly, BN's non-Malay political parties were hardly vocal and did not hold Najib to account. Why?
If Najib was more decisive and used the laws on sedition to lock-up Mahathir, racist politicians including Cabinet members and key civil servants, only then will Malaysians get the message he is serious about 1Malaysia and racism.
If he was a capable leader, he would sack those ministers who claim they lack the 'power' to act.
Unless Najib is willing to demonstrate steadfastness and commitment, few will believe in his 1Malaysia ideal.
MARIAM MOKHTAR is a non-conformist traditionalist from Perak, a bucket chemist and an armchair eco-warrior. In 'real-speak', this translates into that she comes from Ipoh, values change but respects culture, is a petroleum chemist and also an environmental pollution-control scientist.
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