Under Construction!!

Syed Albar extremist and big time liar!

Hindraf leader P Waythamoorthy did not minced his words in attacking Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar for labelling the outlawed group as an extremist organisation.

MCPX

“The allegation that Hindraf is an extremist group and allegedly ... declare that Malays and Islam are their only enemy is absolutely ridiculous and a blatant lie,” said Waythamoorthy, who is currently in self-imposed exile in United Kingdom.

According to Waythamoorthy, the Hindu Rights Action Force “was never a religious body”.

“It only raises legitimate rights of Hindus and Indians to practise their religion in peace and quiet under the Federal Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“We have always maintained we never have any problems with Malays and Muslims but we have serious problems with Umno, which is a bully, and practises racist and extremist divide-and-rule policies to survive and maintain its political rule in Malaysia,” said the Hindraf chairperson.

Syed Hamid, in an interview with Malaysiakini yesterday, said that Hindraf “advocates and propagates hatred”.

The minister, who last week declared Hindraf an illegal organisation, cited the speeches made in 338 demonstrations organised by the movement.

But Waythamoorthy challenged Syed Hamid to prove his accusations against Hindraf.

“Each and every Hindraf gathering and meetings are recorded and kept in a safe. We knew these and many other dirty and cheap methods would be used by Umno to demonise and paint an evil picture of Hindraf and were ready for the negative propaganda campaign especially when the entire state machinery and media are controlled by them.”

Syed Hamid denies lying

Earlier this week, Hindraf accused Syed Hamid of lying when he said that Waythamoorthy’s passport was not revoked five months ago.

The movement showed a document purportedly issued by British authorities confirming that the passport had been revoked by the Malaysian government.

On May 26, Syed Hamid said his ministry had been informed by the Immigration Department that the Malaysian international passport issued to Waythamoorthy "is still active in our passport and travel document system".

However, the minister conceded that there was previously a directive for Waythamoorthy to surrender his passport to the Malaysian High Commission in London.

After he was appointed home minister, Syed Hamid said he subsequently gave the order for the directive to be rescinded.

HISHAMMUDDIN - Pot Calling Kettle Black.

Pot calling the kettle black. This timely advice to politicians to refrain from going overboard from someone who had no qualms brandishing a keris as a reminder.

KHAN YOU BELIEVE IT?

Source: NORMAN FERNANDEZ

Absurdity is a virtue in Malaysia. How else can one describe Malacca’s decision to confer Datukship on Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan.

Years ago when I was at the Subang airport, a security guard beaconed a driver who had parked his Mercedes Benz right at the entrance of the main door to move on. Somehow the driver just refused to move and so the security guard walked to the driver and told him sternly to drive off. The driver protested saying that he was “tunggu Datuk” (waiting for Datuk). I chuckled pink when the guard told the driver “hello, Daud Kilau (a popular gelek singer) pun Datuk lah… jalanlah”. (Hello, even Daud Kilau is a Datuk.. just move on will ya..). The guard cared too hoots for Datuk’s.

Recently, a writer wrote in the NST, how at the waiting room of Institute Jantung Negara, when a nurse called out the patient “Datuk”, six Datuk’s actually got up !.

Malaysia, it would seem is teeming with Datuks and the running joke is if you were to throw a stone in Malacca, there is a very high possibility that the stone would strike a Datuk. I am confident sooner or later I will also obtain one (well maybe after 20 million other have got theirs).

So just what did Shah Rukh Khan do to deserve his Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka Datukship. According to Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, the decision to confer the title was suggested to the Yang di Pertua Negeri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob by former Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuddin. Apparently in 2001 the Bollywood heartthrob had shot a movie One Two Ka Four at A Famosa Resort, Alor Gajah Melaka. According to the Chief Minister that has resulted many people visiting Malacca.

Yesterday, was the investure ceremony but the actor did not attend the ceremony. Infact the great Khan was in Singapore for a Zee TV engagement. Apparently, Tun Daim is making arrangements to bring the actor here to receive his gong in a special ceremony. The great Khan must be really looking to the great day but before that he must once again look up in the map where the sleepy hollow is.

Now, if Shah Rukh Khan deserved the award, then other notables like Catherine Zeta Jones and Sean Connery who shot the movie Entrapment against the backdrop of Petronas Twin Tower, Chow Yuen Fatt in King and I shot around Ipoh and Jackie Chan who shot among other Police Story surely also deserves Datukship.

Datukships in Malaysia are too easily dished out. Add to the annual list which seems to grows each year, some Datuk’s are known to have obtained theirs from the Sulu rulers. Now, we have Datuks who are Yoga masters, to mini market owners to “besi buruk” businessmen added to the perenial list of politicians being rewarded more often than not for service to their political masters. Just read the congratulatory advertisement which appear in the neswspapers after each investure ceremonies and you would have an idea what their day job is. Mention also must be made of many lawyers who hardly have any time for service to the BAR but are Datuks by virtue of their public service in the east coast.

I believe it is high time that members of the public should also be allowed to nominate Malaysians who have distinguished themselves in the service for the people for consideration for such awards

They Wont Consider About Us!!!

Dear Editor,

I’m currently teaching in a secondary school and I am totally dissatisfied with an issue so I am writing this complain hoping that it will make a difference. As most of you are aware of, we had just completed the PMR examinations throughout Malaysia. We as teachers also look forward to marking the PMR papers, as we will be able to gain experience and insights, which will be useful when conducting the Form 3 classes for the coming year.

However, all the hopes of Indian teachers are dashed to the ground as the meeting with the heads of the marking group is being held on the eve of Deepavali in some places. These meetings are held over a span of two to three days so that each group is able to discuss with their respective group leaders on issues concerning the marking of the papers. The examiners will also be given their scripts and briefed on the issues of marking. These meetings are essential and if they are held during the preparations for Deepavali, many Indian teachers will not be able to attend and thus they lose out as they won’t have the chance to mark the papers.

Some may argue that these meetings are not long, and the teachers will be able to attend the meeting and then go back home to continue with the preparations, but I ask you is it fair? Some of us are sent to different states away from our hometowns and we dedicate ourselves to our work but during the holidays we would like to spend time with our loved ones.

I’m not surprised that this sort of incident is taking place as we have come across many incidents like this over the years but I would seriously like to pose this question. Is this what we call BANGSA MALAYSIA? This ignorance of the celebration that is going to take place and the importance of this celebration to a small group of people who are a part of Malaysia.

I can only hope that things will get better and even though we are a small group of people we still contribute to the development of this nation and thus our voices should be heard. The meeting could have been held during the weekday since we already know beforehand when the examinations are going to take place and when it’s going to be over. There is no logical explanation on why the meeting is held on the eve of Deepavali unless it has been done on purpose.

DISAPPOINTED TEACHER

Maapuu Vechitayah ApppppU!!!! No Way We Are Doing It

Setelah issue Hindraf di Rumah Terbuka oleh Perdana Menteri kita masih dipolitikan oleh pelbagai pihak terutamanya Utusan Malaysia and Menteri Dalam Negeri yang sangat di sanjungi oleh rakyat Malaysia. Pagi ini saya terkejut membaca berita "online" oleh The Star yang bertajuk MIC Loses Grip On Little India. Laporan akhbar tempatan menyatakan bahawa permohonan oleh Dato G. Rajoo untuk melaksanakan Malam Deepavali yang disambut gilang gemilang di Little India IPOH telah ditolak oleh EXCO Kerajaan Negeri A. Sivanesan.

Adakah tindakan Sivanesan wajar untuk menolak permohonan MIC? Pada padangan saya, permohonan MIC patut di tolak walaupun tindakan ini berbentuk balas dendam tetapi tindakan sivanesan boleh dikatakan "Sweet Revenge" balas dendam manis. Pihak MIC tidak langsung mengendahkan masyarakat india di negara ini. MIC telah membiarkan rakyat india di Malaysia terbantut dari segi ekonomi, pendidikan, sukan dan lain lain lagi. Pemimpian MIC tidak ada masa untuk menyelesaikan masalah rakyat india tetapi mempunyai masa untuk merompak negara. Lebih lebih lagi rasuah berleluasa di kalangan ahli.

Setelah Hindraf bangkit menentang kejahilan Samy Velu bersama UMNO terhadap masyarakat india di Malaysia. Hindraf mampu heret ratusan ribu orang protes kezaliman UMNO dan Samy Vellu. Kesemua pemimpin MIC kalah dan dimalukan secara besar besaran dan kekalahan ini merupakan satu hadiah khas oleh masyarakat india kepada Presiden MIC pada hari jadinya yang turut sama di sambut secara gilang gemilang pada hari pilihanraya.

Secara keseluruhanya, semboyan telah dibunyikan, masyarakat india mengantar mesej yang jelas kepada kerajaan bahawa MIC bukan pilihan lagi. Issue kuil roboh baru baru ini, MIC telah melancarkan serangan terhadap pakatan rakyat, soalnya mengapa MIC baru sedar, baru nak lancarkan protest, kenapa tak protest ketika MIC didalam pemerintahan sebelum pilihanraya, kenapa tak protest dihadapan bangunan kerajaan selangor sebelum ini.Apabila hindraf protest, ahli hindraf dipukul and dihumban kedalam penjara. Pihak MIC cuba membina imej yang terjejas and binasa kerana tamak dan rasuah sesama ahli and ketua. Sepandai pandai tupai melompat, akhirnya jatuh ke tanah juga, pepatah ini sering disebut sejak zaman persekolahan. Pada zaman moden ini pepatah tunjuk ajar patut ditukar kepada "Sepandai pandai tupai melompat, akhirnya jatuh ke tanah lalu di langgar bas".


The Star reports :

IPOH: It is game over for Perak MIC chairman Datuk G. Rajoo, who wanted to hold a Deepavali celebration in Little India here as his Ipoh Barat MIC division has been doing for the past 16 years.

Perak executive councillor A. Siva­­nesan said Rajoo would be going against the law if he did so as the authorities had rejected his application to hold the event there.

“He can’t organise the celebration in Little India,” Sivanesan said yesterday after a meeting with 32 traders and representatives from various authorities and bodies on the state government’s Deepavali celebration.

Sivanesan said the Ipoh City Council had approved the state’s application to hold the celebration in Little India from Oct 14 to 25.

Rajoo, who is the Ipoh Barat MIC division chief, had cried foul over the state government’s rejection of his application to hold the celebration there.

“It is final. The best Rajoo can do is to celebrate Deepavali happily with his loved ones in his house,” said Sivanesan.

He, however, said Rajoo was invited to attend the celebration in Little India.

“Let’s put our differences aside and celebrate Deepavali in good spirits,” Sivanesan added.

Anwar cries foul over case transfer

From Al Jazeera

Anwar has said he will lead a move to oust Malaysia's current leadership [AFP] Anwar Ibrahim, leader of Malaysia's opposition alliance, has hit out at government efforts to have his trial on charges of sodomy moved to the country's high court, saying it threatens his right to a fair trial. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday the de facto leader of the Pakatan Rakyat (People's Alliance), said the push to transfer his case from a lower court would likely see him facing a biased judge and was part of a political plot. Anwar is accused of sodomising a former male aide, and could be jailed up to 20 years if convicted. But before the trial could begin in a lower court Abdul Gani Patail, the Attorney-General (AG) or country's top prosecutor, ordered the case to be transferred to the high court. Anwar, a former deputy prime minister, protested the order when he appeared in a district court on Tuesday. He has repeatedly rejected the allegations, which he says are part of a plot by his political opponents. "I am concerned over the issue of fair trial," he said at the hearing to decide if the case should be transferred. "I find it difficult to understand why the AG is so desperate, fighting tooth and nail, to go to the High Court." He said the order has "raised a lot of suspicion" that the government would pick a biased judge in the high court. 'Disqualified' Yusof Zainal Abiden, the prosecutor in Anwar's trial, urged the district court to "follow the procedure" and transfer the case. But defence lawyers have maintained that Abdul Gani should stay out of Anwar's case because of his alleged involvement in a previous sodomy charge against Anwar in 1998, when he was sacked from the government and subsequently jailed. "The AG should play no part, and he should not be deciding this," Sulaiman Abdullah, Anwar's lawyer, told the district court, adding that the order was void because it was "signed by somebody who has been disqualified". Anwar's sodomy conviction was overturned in 2004, but a conviction on a separate corruption charge remains. Malaysian law criminalises sodomy, even if the act is between consenting adults. Anwar's trial comes amid escalating racial and political tensions in Malaysia, with the government's popularity rating at an all-time low following the loss of its two-third majority in parliament in the March general elections. The opposition alliance has repeatedly said it plans to remove the present leadership by orchestrating the defection of more than 30 government MPs.

Altantuya’s dad speaks: RPK shouldn’t be a victim of political (in) justice

By Susan Loone

Altantuya Shariibuu’s dad, Stev, has emailed me his statement (through his lawyer in Mongolia) regarding RPK’s trial and detention under the ISA. The image above is his own handwriting. The translation copy I receive in his mail says:

"I understand, Mr. Raja Petra has good personal character and has a good reputation and runs humanitarian activity.

I understand that the below issues were directly connected with murder case of my daughter:

- Who did arrange visa issue for my daughter while she visited in French?
- Who was attending in the trip to French and what did they do?

If it could make clear those issues, they would understand every thing. Why is there so much force and influence in the case? Because there was a serious issue. Thus they destroyed my daughter.

Unfortunately, they pressed down Mr.Raja Petra’s statement. I think this issue needs to get attention from international human right organizations.

He (RPK) shouldn’t be a victim of politic for justice. It would be justice if they release Mr.Raja Petra.

As we are, all Mongolian worry for him and his justice, we lack of information on truth and situation."

Signed:

Mongolian citizen:Shaariibuu Setev
06.Oct.2008

I am also sending this information to my friends in the media and bloggers. Hope this letter can be distributed for RPK’s sake.

Anwar tops Malaysia poll, economy dominates concerns

By David Chance | Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim scored better than the government’s pick to become the next prime minister in an opinion poll which showed that worries over the economy dominated voter concerns.

Anwar is threatening to unseat the government that has ruled Malaysia for 51 years and the rise of the opposition since their success in elections in March has paralysed policy-making as top politicians from the government jostle for power.

The poll by the Merdeka Center published on Monday showed that for half of people questioned, the main concern in this country of 27 million people was the economy at a time when fuel prices have risen and inflation has surged to 27-year highs.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who has offered to quit early to avoid a leadership challenge topped the poll, although his approval ratings continue to fall.

Asked who would make the better prime minister, 40 percent said Anwar and 34 percent said Najib Razak. Najib has been named as successor to Abdullah who scored 43 percent.

Anwar, a former deputy prime minister who was imprisoned on what he says were trumped up sodomy and corruption charges in the late 1990s was characterised as “a strong and visionary leader” and “a competent manager of the economy” by 51 percent of respondents in the poll of 1,003 voters.

He is facing new charges of sodomy which he denies.

Anwar has said that he has won over enough government MPs to oust Abdullah in a confidence vote in parliament and the prime minister on Friday said he would hand power to Najib, most likely in March.

Abdullah had earlier planned to hand over power in 2010.

Since becoming prime minister in 2004, Abdullah has failed to implement key pledges such as ending corruption and boosting the independence of the judiciary. The policy drift, along with rising racial tensions, has unsettled both party activists and investors.

NERVOUS MARKETS

A year ago just 25 percent of those questioned in a similar poll by Merdeka, an independent pollster, were worried about the economy in the poll a year ago compared with 50 percent now.

Markets are nervous over a prolonged transition.

“Political noise remains elevated, which we consider bearish for risky assets, including the ringgit, and bullish for government bonds,” ING said in its morning Asia research report.

ING forecasts that the ringgit will end this year at 3.55 to the dollar compared with 3.4410, a depreciation of over 3 percent. It has already fallen 3.7 percent this year.

The plan to hand power to Najib has also unsettled some in the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), the party that dominates the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.

On Saturday, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, a former finance minister said the plan was “extra constitutional” and said he would stand in the party polls.

Home Minister Syed Hamid said on Sunday said that the intense contest for party posts was causing splits in UMNO.

“We see that the heat is becoming more intense, as though there are instigators pitting one group against another,” he said, according to state news agency Bernama.

Traditionally the leader of UMNO is also the prime minister of Malaysia and under party rules, any contenders for UMNO president must garner 30 percent of total nominations to be eligible to run.

Drama Minggu Ini

Yahooo! Another weekend, those partying tonight,my advise is party safe and don't over booze. Those who are jobless keep trying for current and future job vacancy. Those who have fail in their exams lately, don't worry your life doesn't end here. Well, don't think i am merapu-ing but there is reason for the advises above.

I wonder when Malaysians get to see a proper administration by a group of responsible minister or politicians. I feel currently our country is total damaged and screwed by politicians like Syed Albar, Samy Vellu, Mahathir, a bunch of non qualified politicians and finally Badawi and Najib the partners in crime. Each and every day, this politicians hits the news for greater politic image.

Syed Albar is interfering with Prime Minister Department for investigating remarks made over poor food by Teressa Kok while she was detained in ISA. What is Albar's problem? Let the boys do their work, Is he cutting down the food cost and swindling the rest of it for himself?.Questions arises in the minds of every citizen when Albar reacted towards the Prime Minister's Department. Whats wrong investigating since it is public interest already? You had her in ISA now what ever she complains you cant accept it.

Now Teresa under fire for making the such remarks on poor food. Today morning, malaysiakini reported that two Molotov cocktails were thrown into the family home of Seputeh member of parliament Teresa Kok in Kuala Lumpur. She face this because she made the remarks?

Pelbagai acara menyerang pejabat kerajaan dan media turut disertakan dalam senarai drama minggu ini. Antara paparan hebat ialah Samy Vellu menunding jari bahawa pihak MPAJ telah merobohkan kuil di Ampang. Adakah ini benar? Tidak, Yang benar ialah beliau telah nyanyok dan makin gila setelah kehilangan kepercayaan oleh masyarakat india di Malaysia. MPAJ telah dituduh merobohkan kuil sepertimana di laporkan di Malaysiakini dan TheStar. Apabila disiasat dengan lebih dalam, pihak Kerajaan Negeri Selangor mendapat tahu kuil itu dirobohkan oleh ahli jawantankuasa kuil untuk mengubah suai, tetapi ini dibatas dengan bukti bahawa kuil dirobohkan secara sengaja. Apa tindakan selanjutnya oleh pakatan? Ini antara paparan yang boleh dikatakan Komedi Minggu Ini.

Sekarang siapa yang malu? Samy Vellu and Konco Konconya yang malu. Termasuklah Menteri Sumber Manusia yang kecewa dengan pakatan konon. Semasa mereka berkuasa asyik bersembunyi dibelakang UMNO apasal nak bising sekarang? Kesimpulanya, ahli politik bn and komponen bn tidak ingin berjabat tangan walaupun kalah, cuma yang mereka tahu menunding jari seolah hal hal ini tidak berlaku ketika mereka di dalam pentadbiran negara.

**Just testing out my bahasa malaysia writting skills.

Reported by Malaysiakini :

The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) ordered the demolition of the 19-year old Sri Maha Kaliamman temple without the knowledge or directive of the Selangor state government, said executive councillor Dr Xavier Jayakumar.

“We have a format prepared for temples in Selangor to register with the state but this temple was not on the list of registered temples. And it is not a temple, it is a shrine which it is located on a forest reserve,” he said.

Yesterday, MIC president S Samy Vellu ticked off the opposition-led state government for breaking its election promise to not demolish any temples.

“It is very careless of the local council to demolish the temple without first relocating the temple,” Samy said in a statement.

Jayakumar however denied the accusation, claiming the MIC was trying to politicise the issue. Instead, the relevant authorities should waste no time finding a way to restore the temple which was torn down on Sept 10, he added.

“The incident happened following a misunderstanding between MPAJ and the temple management on renovation works and documentations relating to management procedures,” said Zuraida, who is PKR Wanita chief, in a statement today.

According to Zuraida, some MPAJ councillors had already met with the council’s vice-chief to resolve the matter. Some documents have already been prepared and were under consideration, she added.

She also pointed out that Murugiah had previously complained the temple’s problems had not been resolved by the previous Barisan Nasional state government even after 19 years.

Pakatan Set To Meet Agong

Source : Malaysiakini

Pakatan Rakyat leaders will seek an audience with the king should Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi decline to meet them to discuss a peaceful transition of power by Barisan Nasional.

MCPX

PKR information chief Tian Chua said this may happen as soon as within the next 24 to 48 hours.

“We’ve already said that we have the numbers, and Anwar (Ibrahim) just now revealed we have more than 31 Barisan Nasional MPs,” said Chua, in reference to a press conference held earlier this afternoon.

In the event they do meet Abdullah but he refuses to resign, he said Pakatan may seek the intervention of the Agong, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin (left in photo), to persuade him to step down.

“As much as possible, however, we will try to avoid dragging the king into this,” Chua said when contacted.

'116 MPs in the bag'

Earlier today, AFP quoted PAS treasurer Dr Hatta Ramli as having said that the opposition coalition would seek an audience with the king to seek a mandate to rule, should Abdullah reject the request for a meeting.

“The issue of the appointment of the prime minister and change of government is very much the role of the king,” Hatta said.

He claimed that the opposition now has the support of as many as 116 parliamentarians. This would mean 35 government defectors.

At the press conference today, Opposition Leader Anwar said he had signed up more than the 31 BN defectors needed to form a new government and called on Abdullah not to implement emergency rule to thwart a takeover.

Anwar, however, did not reveal the names of any of the lawmakers.

“We want a peaceful transition. We hope that Barisan will not (impose) emergency rule to stop MPs from going to Parliament or arrest (government) MPs or stop them from joining Pakatan Rakyat,” he said.

“That's why we have taken a very soft, conciliatory option. I am not making excuses. We have the numbers. We can and are prepared to move. If after a few days there is no response, Pakatan leaders will meet and see what is the next course of action.”

After the March 8 general election, Anwar set himself a target of Sept 16 to persuade at least 30 government lawmakers to switch sides and enable him to form a new administration.

Anwar : We Are Ready To Move

Source : Malaysiakini

Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim said today he had signed up more than 31 defectors needed to form a new government and called on Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi not to impose emergency rule to thwart a takeover.

MCPX

"We have a slight majority, it is in excess of 31," he told a packed press conference held at 2pm in the PKR headquarters in Petaling Jaya.

Anwar, however, did not reveal the list of the defecting lawmakers.

"We name them now and they get harassed immediately. So I'm telling you now that I will choose to confide in the prime minister.

"And if he wants the list I will show the list at the meeting. Until the right opportune moment, we can't declare. We know how the system operates," said Anwar.

His Pakatan Rakyat alliance - made up of the PKR, DAP and PAS - now holds 81 out of the 222 seats in Parliament. Its rival, the Barisan Nasional coalition led by Abdullah's Umno party, currently has 140 seats.

To overthrow the Barisan, Pakatan would need another 31 MPs to join its camp for it to hit 112 seats, the minimum simple majority required.

Anwar also said that many BN MPs were keen to join him in forming a new government.

"It keeps increasing by the hour... seriously. I'm not joking. This morning, I received a signed note from another member. What do you want to know? You want to know if we have the numbers. We've the numbers!" he added.

He revealed that these included cabinet members and their deputies.

The 61-year old Anwar, who has been in talks with a number of disgruntled backbenchers, also said he wants Abdullah's assurance the power transition could proceed smoothly.

Peaceful transition

Abdullah had last week shocked the nation by arresting three civilians under the country's draconian Internal Security Act, which allows for detention without trial.

The move, which sparked widespread condemnation, was seen as a means to shore up his political standing within his Umno party and also as a warning to Anwar's Pakatan.

“We want a peaceful transition. We hope that Barisan (Nasional) will not put up emergency rule to stop MPs from going to Parliament or arrest (government) MPs or stop them from joining Pakatan Rakyat,” he said.

"That's why we have taken a very soft, conciliatory option. I am not making excuses. We have the numbers. We can and are prepared to move. If after a few days there is no response, Pakatan leaders will meet and see what is the next course of action."

Pakatan leaders had yesterday sent a letter to Abdullah, requesting for a meeting.

"We give the PM time to consult and act responsibly as head of the country to heed the wishes of the people," Anwar said.

"I believe he will meet and we will have to wait today or tomorrow. He is a politician under siege, so you can forgive him for sounding desperate."

"We are looking at a matter of days (for a change in government)," he added.

"We've not given any ultimatum to Abdullah. We've said it is of national importance, it is incumbent and urgent for any sitting prime minister to respond positively in the interest of the nation and not just to appease the upheavals and turmoil within Umno," said Anwar.

According to Malaysian law, the king has the right to accept and formalise any new government that can show proof of sufficient mandate in Parliament.

This means that Anwar can approach the monarch with proof that he has the support of enough MPs to be the new leader.

Alternatively, the king could order fresh general elections, provided the prime minister - either outgoing or incoming - recommends it.

And Anwar said that his first option was to discuss the takeover with the prime minister before going to the king.

Malaysia opposition wants “handover talks” with PM

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is seeking a meeting with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Tuesday to discuss a handover of power after declaring that he had won over enough government MPs to form the next government.

Anwar needs to convince 30 legislators from the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition to join his three-party opposition alliance in order to get a parliamentary majority.

At a rally on Monday night, he said he had done so, although none of the government’s 140 MPs have publicly declared for Anwar.

“He wanted to meet with the prime minister,” a spokesman for Anmwar’s Keadilan party said on Tuesday.

No one from the government was immediately available for comment and Abdullah insisted on Monday that he would remain prime minister and that a change of government would not happen.

Anwar’s opposition alliance has 82 MPs in the 222-strong Malaysian parliament and he has been trying to convince 30 government MPs to change sides so as to oust the coalition that has run Malaysia for 51 years since independence from Britain.

He says that if he wins power he will root out corruption and end a system of affirmative action for ethnic Malays, over half of the population in this nation of 27 million people.

Anwar says that the system has not only failed the people it was aimed at helping, but has also created a class of crony businessmen entirely dependent on government contracts, which has hurt the country’s economic prospects.

Malaysian newspapers treated Anwar’s announcement with scepticism on Tuesday, saying that he had not yet shown that he could form a new government.

“It is the 16th of September, 2008. And we do not know what if anything will happen. We do not know what, if anything is going on,” the pro-government New Straits Times wrote in an editorial.

Malaysia’s stock market sold off early on Tuesday losing 2.26 percent.

Dealers said this was partly due to concerns over Malaysian politics and partly due to global financial market uncertainty caused by the U.S. banking crisis.

Minister walks as pressure piles up on Malaysia’s PM

From The Age

MALAYSIAN opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim moved closer to a parliamentary showdown yesterday as the embattled Government suffered another blow when its law minister resigned.

Zaid Ibrahim, a minister assisting Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi on legal affairs, resigned over last week’s arrest of two journalists and an opposition member of parliament under the Internal Security Act.

Mr Zaid said the Government was wrong to use the act, which allows indefinite detention without trial.

This came as Mr Anwar was convening a mass meeting in a Kuala Lumpur sports stadium last night to protest against the arrests. Mr Anwar has predicted that enough MPs of the ruling Barisan Nasional, or National Front, will cross to his People’s Alliance coalition for him to form government.

In recent days Mr Anwar has suggested the September 16 deadline for this is not fixed, but sources close to his headquarters said he already had firm promises from about 37 MPs now in Barisan.

The parliament is in recess for the Islamic fasting month, so any immediate shift in power would depend on Mr Anwar persuading the King, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, that he has a majority.

Mr Zaid’s resignation, which was not immediately accepted by Mr Abdullah, came after the arrests of internet political blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin, an opposition Democratic Action Party MP Teresa Kok, and for one night, Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng.

At the same time, the Government issued “show-cause notices” to three newspapers under a press law requiring annual renewal of publishing licences and lets authorities suspend or withdraw licences for public order threats.

Originally enacted in 1960 to fight a long-running communist insurgency, the Internal Security Act allows police to hold and interrogate a suspect for 60 days, and for the Home Minister to authorise detention without trial for renewable periods of two years. But the latest arrests have rebounded on the Government, with Mr Zaid among half a dozen ministers and Barisan’s smaller parties voicing criticism.

“Rightly or wrongly, the perception about the latest arrests is that it’s related to the political situation of the country,” said Malaysian Bar Council president Ambiga Sreenevasan. “Certainly the intention is intimidation and to put fear into people so that they are more careful in the comments that they make.

“It is really a direct threat to the freedom of speech, and very telling that a blogger and a journalist have been held.”

Pakatan Rakyat Sedia Mengambil Alih

Hari ini rakyat Malaysia menyambut Hari Malaysia- hari di mana negara kita menjadi satu dan rakyatnya bersatu. Hari ini mempunyai makna baru. Selepas bertahun berjuang, melawan sistem yang dilanda dan mengabaikan prinsip keadilan- kita sekarang berada diambang kemenangan. Hasrat kita untuk membina semula negara dan menyatu padukan rakyat Malaysia sebagaimana yang dicita-citakan oleh pejuang-pejuang kemerdekaan sudah semakin dekat.

Keadaan ekonomi yang merudum jatuh dengan kadar pengangguran dan inflasi yang tinggi telah menyebabkan rasa tidak puas hati rakyat yang meluap-luap. Hubungan antara kaum menjadi tegang, diburukkan lagi dengan propaganda oleh media yang dikawal oleh kerajaan. Pentadbiran sekarang gagal untuk menawarkan jawapan buat negara kita keluar dari kedudukan sukar ini.

Pakatan Rakyat yakin dapat menyelamatkan Malaysia dari masalah ekonomi dan politik berbaur perkauman. Kami akan melaksanakannya secara bertanggungajwab, menuruti prinsip undang-undang dan tidak akan sama sekali menjejaskan keselamatan dan kestabilan negara dan rakyat negara ini.

Pakatan Rakyat kini memiliki majoriti yang selesa untuk membentuk sebuah kerajaan baru yang stabil. Kerajaan baru yang mencerminkan masyarakat Malaysia yang majmuk.

Jesteru itu kami ingin duduk semeja dengan Perdana Menteri Abdullah Badawi untuk melaksanakan peralihan kuasa secara bertanggungjawab, lancar dan aman. Hasrat ini telah kami sampaikan kepada Perdana Menteri melalui surat yang dikirimkan jam 2.30 petang semalam.

Dengan mandat ini kami bertekad untuk melaksanakan peralihan kuasa yang aman. Kami tidak ingin berulangnya peristiwa yang berlaku sewaktu mengambil alih kuasa di negeri Perak dan Selangor, di mana dokumen milik kerajaan negeri di lupuskan oleh pentadbiran terdahulu.

Kami mengingatkan kepada elemen radikal di dalam Barisan Nasional agar tidak menyalahgunakan kuasa serta menahan para penyokong Pakatan Rakyat. Penyiasatan yang dibuat secara tergesa-gesa oleh BPR terhadap Dato Seri Yong Teck Lee selepas mengumumkan akan membuat undi tidak percaya terhadap Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi merupakan di antara taktik yang kita tolak. Penggunaan ISA terhadap Ahli Parlimen Teresa Kok merupakan contoh untuk menghalang perubahan dengan tidak mengikut lunas-lunas perundangan.

Jesteru itu kami ingin duduk semeja dengan Perdana Menteri Abdullah Badawi untuk melaksanakan peralihan kuasa secara bertanggungjawab, lancar dan aman. Hasrat ini telah kami sampaikan kepada Perdana Menteri melalui surat yang dikirimkan jam 2.30 petang semalam dan kami menuntut beliau memberi perhatian terhadap beberapa perkara seperti berikut :

1) Agar Barisan Nasional tidak menghalang ahli parlimennya dari bertindak menurut suara hati mereka, hak yang dijamin undang-undang serta keputusan yang mereka buat tanpa paksaan.
2) BN tidak boleh menggunakan Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri untuk menahan ahli parlimen yang berhasrat untuk menyertai Pakatan Rakyat atau ahli parlimen Pakatan Rakyat yang berjumlah 82 itu.
3) Kerajaan BN tidak seharusnya menggunakan kuasa darurat, kuasa polis, atau menggantung perlembagaan mahupun membubarkan parlimen di dalam usaha mereka untuk menghalang Pakatan Rakyat dari berkuasa.
4) Dan Kerajaan Barisan Nasional tidak membuat sekatan jalan raya dan menghalang ahli parlimen, dari memasuki parlimen dan juga institusi-institusi kerajaan lainnya.

Kami yakin Perdana Menteri berkongsi keperihatinan yang sama terutamanya berkenaan kebajikan rakyat dan keselamatan negara. Kami percaya beliau akan memastikan Barisan Nasional bertindak mengikut perlembagaan dan prinsip-prinsip demokratik demi memastikan peralihan kuasa yang aman, serta tiada tindakan sabotaj untuk menghalang hasrat rakyat ataupun menggunakan retorik berbaur perkauman.

Kami menyeru masyarakat di semua lapisan agar memahami hasrat kami semata-mata untuk kebaikan negara ini. Saya juga ingin mengingatkan media massa jangan lagi berada di dalam penafian dengan meneruskan propaganda bahawa kami berbohong. Kita sekarang berada dalam era baru maka saya menyeru media massa meninggalkan tabiat lama dan mengambil iltizam untuk meningkatkan professionalisme kewartawanan.

Selepas pertemuan dengan Perdana Menteri, kami berhasrat untuk meneruskan gerak kerja kami sebagaimana yang digariskan oleh Perlembagaan Persekutuan di dalam kami membentuk kerajaan baru dengan perkenan Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.

ANWAR IBRAHIM
Ketua Pembangkang
Ketua Umum Parti Keadilan Rakyat

Raja Petra 'arrested under ISA'

Source : Malaysiakini

Controversial blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin has been detained under the Internal Security Act, said his wife Marina Lee Abdullah.

MCPX

According to her, 10 police personnel from Bukit Aman came to their home in Sungai Buloh at about 1.10pm to arrest him. They also confiscated a computer, some books and VCDs.

When Malaysiakini contacted Marina at 1.25pm, the police personnel were still there. However, he was taken away to an unknown destination at 1.50pm.

On Sept 6, Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar had warned the 58-year-old editor of popular news portal Malaysia Today could be charged under the ISA for comments allegedly insulting Islam and Prophet Muhammad.

Several religious groups - Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim), Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (Maiwp) and Federal Territory Religious Department (Jawi) - had lodged police reports against him.

The groups complained his comment in an article entitled "I Promise to be a good, non-hypocritical Muslim" allegedly used sentences that insulted Muslims.

The government has ordered the blocking of Raja Petra's Malaysia Today website two weeks ago, but the ban was lifted yesterday.

Second time under ISA

Raja Petra, popularly known by his initials RPK, is also alleged to have allowed comments to appear on his website that degraded Islam and Prophet Muhammad in an article entitled "Not all Arabs are descendants of the Prophet".

This is the second time Raja Petra, a father of five and part of the Selangor royal family, has been detained under ISA, which allows for indefinite detention without trial.

His first arrest under the tough security law was on April 11, 2001. RPK was detained as part of a crackdown against reformasi activists in which nine others were also held.

At that time, he was webmaster for the now defunct FreeAnwar.com site.

Raja Petra was subsequently released after 53 days in detention. However, six of the reformasi leaders were eventually sent to the Kamunting Detention Centre in Taiping where they were detained for two years.

Charged earlier for sedition, defamation

The controversial blogger has earlier been charged with sedition and defamation after linking Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife to the sensational murder of a Mongolian woman.

Abdul Razak Baginda, a close friend of the deputy premier, has been charged with abetting the murder of 28-year-old Mongolian woman Altantuya Shaariibuu, whose body was blown up with explosives.

Two police officers from an elite force, whose duties included guarding the prime minister and his deputy, were also charged with the killing.

The ISA, which human rights groups have pushed to have abolished, provides for renewable two-year periods of detention without trial and is normally used against suspected terrorists.

It has also been used to lock up opponents of the government, and last year five Hindraf leaders were detained three weeks after mounting a mammoth rally in the streets of Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25.

Difference Between Racist Mahathir and Anwar The Boss

Mahathir is an Evil, Choose Mahathir For Hell

A superb documentary on Anwar's 1998 trial, the documentary reveals that Dr.Mahathir had lead and framed Anwar into sodomy charge. The documentary also proves that Mahathir had set-up the entire 98 trial just to get rid of Anwar and some of main key figures testify their statements.

Today, Mahathir is acting like another hero that going to save in the country, Mahathir is total @!!%%%!!!! Referring to Malaysiakini's report, i don't think so i am going to support the evil animal anymore (Mahathir) he is no use to the country.

Racist and Acting Mr.Nice Guy

Koh Tsu Koon is another hell of liar and covers BN to the max. What is the arguement for? Why Koh Tsu Koon acting like MR. NICE GUY nowdays. People in penang had thrown u away, we dont want corrupt politicians like you each time covers Barisan Nasional corrupted way of administering the country. I was suprised to see Ahmad Ismail "u turn statement" against the press media. Damn man, He twisted it as if he never did anything wrong, you can call chinese as pendatang since your talking history. If you not racist you should have used "masyarakat cina datang ke malaysia" since you are giving the speech after 50years of merdeka.

For further reading on the issue i have posted part of the news which can be viewed in full at Malaysiakini

The war of words among Barisan Nasional component parties over an alleged racist remark made by an Umno division leader has escalated after the latter

MCPX

refused to tender an apology.

Penang BN chief and Gerakan acting president Dr Koh Tsu Koon said today that he could not accept Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Ahmad Ismail’s explanation on the controversy yesterday.

“His explanation has caused more damage. We don’t accept the explanation which was couched in such terms, it was totally irresponsible and uncalled for,” Koh told Malaysiakini this evening.

The Gerakan leader, who has been branded as a “great liar and opportunist” by Ahmad yesterday, insisted that the Umno division leader should have apologised to the Chinese community.

He called on the police to immediately investigate the police reports lodged against Ahmad while Umno, on the other hand, should look into the action to be taken against its division leader.

“Since he (Ahmad) claimed he didn’t say it, the police must investigate. If there is evidence (to show Ahmad had uttered the remark), he should be charged under the Sedition Act,” said Koh.

Sept 16 Takeover Still On Track

Reference : Malaysiakini

Ten days to go and Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim said today he is on track to meet the Sept 16 deadline to recruit enough members of parliament to topple the government.

MCPX

The opposition is confident it will secure the defection of at least 30 members from the ruling Barisan Nasional government - the number needed to unseat the government of Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, Anwar said.

Anwar, speaking to reporters in Jakarta after meeting with a think tank, said he was "quite positive from the initial response from the members of parliament."

"We have seen some very positive signs, but we have also seen the desperate acts by the government, threats and using institutions to discourage them," he said.

Government attempts to compel members of parliament to travel overseas until after his pledged Sept 16 deadline to take power would not work, Anwar said.

Probably we'll meet on 17th

"The only issue now is that they are going to compel members of parliament to (travel to) China or overseas until after the 16th of September, so we'll have to deal with that.

"Probably we'll meet on the 17th because they'll come back on the 17th," he said.

The 61-year-old leader of the three-party Pakatan Rakyat coalition declined to name or give the number of lawmakers who have pledged to defect.

Asked if he had used his two-day trip to Jakarta to meet with potential government defectors, Anwar said: "I won't comment on that, but I will say it's a good visit."

Abdullah, who is facing calls from his party to quit amid plummeting popularity, has said Anwar's push to take power will fail.

The parties of Pakatan gained unprecedented ground against the Barisan Nasional coalition in the March general election, securing a third of parliamentary seats and five states.

- AFP

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Hopefully everything goes fine on Sept 16, this is the only chance Anwar have to topple the current goverment. If he miss this, i think Anwar will be thrown into jail. Hidup Anwar!