Malaysia Update

KUALA LUMPUR: Perak Barisan Nasional representatives have met with the Deputy Prime Minister and reaffirmed their loyalty to the coalition.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the MPs and assemblymen pledged to stick with Barisan through thick and thin.

He said this would put to rest rumours, including those spread through SMS, of more crossovers by Perak representatives, adding that those named in the SMS were also at the meeting, which took place on Monday at his residence in Jalan Langgak Duta.

This followed Bota assemblyman Datuk Nasarudin Hashim announcement on Sunday that he was quitting Umno for PKR – the first Barisan representative to defect to the Opposition – and ensuing statements that there would be more crossovers in the state.

It is learnt that 26 assemblymen and 11 MPs were at the meeting with Najib. Those absent were Umno Wanita chief Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan and an unnamed assemblyman.

Najib said those absent also pledged their loyalty to him through the telephone.

“You see, they are all here to show their commitment. Those mentioned in the SMSes are also here,” he said.

On Nasarudin, he said Perak Umno would monitor and tackle the problem.

“Nothing is impossible in politics,” he said, adding that the meeting also discussed party strength, commitment to serve the people and confidence in Barisan.

Umno Perak liaison committee secretary Datuk Ramly Zahary said the representatives at the meeting had voiced their views on Nasarudin’s crossover.

He said Perak Umno had sent close associates of Nasarudin to talk to him on why he decided to jump ship.

Perak Umno chief Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali, meanwhile, said Nasarudin could have been “pinched” from Umno to replace two PKR state executive councillors who are charged with corruption.

“Maybe they are working ahead to fill up the positions,” Tajol Rosli told reporters after attending the Perak MCA open house

Edited from The Star 28 Jan 09

Do not provoke or cause trouble. That was the warning issued by Deputy Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar to those who wished to take part in the funeral procession of A. Kugan, who died while in custody at the Taipan, USJ8 Subang Jaya police station on Jan 22.

He said those taking part in the procession from Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) to Bt 14, Puchong, should not provoke racial sentiments that may spark untoward incidents.

Ismail cautioned that stern action would be taken against “trouble-makers" at tomorrow’s procession, scheduled to start at 2pm.

“I really hope the procession will be a peaceful one and one that is in accordance with Kugan’s faith, and done with proper rituals and rites. Police respect the deceased family’s needs and thus we have allowed the procession from UMMC to the Hindu Crematorium in Bt 14 Puchong.

“However if people try to divert the procession or start a demonstration, we will initiate action. I urge them remain calm and not be emotional and please stop spreading unwanted messages which does not benefit anyone,” he said.
He told reporters this at the Ampang Jaya Police Headquarters, after chairing a coordination meeting on the investigation of Kugan’s death, in the presence of Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar.

He also warned those who may take advantage of the procession for their own mileage.

Kugan who was detained on Jan 15 on suspicion of being involved in luxury car theft cases, collapsed and died at the station on Jan 22, while being questioned by police.

Police initially classified the case as sudden death but the 23-year-old’s family later released photographs of the deceased with bruises and severe marks on his body, deep cuts on his wrists and bruises on his legs, apparently taken at the Serdang Hospital mortuary, while awaiting a post-mortem.

This then prompted the family to request for a second post-mortem at the UMMC.

Subsequently Attorney-General (A-G) Tan Sri Gani Patail, ordered the case to be reclassified as murder after the photographs were made public.

Asked on Majlis Permuafakatan Ummah’s (Pewaris) decision to gather at the UMMC tomorrow to protest the procession, Ismail said: “I would like to make it clear again, don’t take things for granted. We have said it many times, do not create any chaotic situation or else be prepared to face the law if you want to break the law,” he added.

Asked if any police personal would be charged with Kugan’s death, he said the police would await the A-G’s directive before initiating any action.

Meanwhile, deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Senator T. Murugiah urged everyone to restrain from any form of demonstration, including displaying banners condemning the police.

“Since the government has fulfilled the family’s request for a second post-mortem and also pledged an in-depth investigation into the matter, there should be no demonstrations,” he told Bernama.

He added that everyone must respect the law of the country and let the investigation take its course.

“Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and the Attorney General had given assurance that there will be no cover up and that a thorough investigation will be carried out. So we should respect the government’s initiative,” said Murugiah.

Edited from NST 28 Jan 09