Malaysia Update

Forum Giffarine Malaysia

2009-12-10T22:36:00.000-08:00

Atas rasa tanggungjawab untuk memberi maklumat yang lebih terperinci kepada pelanggan/ahli Giffarine Malaysia, saya telah mebuka satu forum yang berkaitan dengan giffarine.

Anda dijemput untuk menyumbang pendapat/buah fikiran di dalam memantapkan lagi pengurusan Giffarine Malaysia di samping dapat memberi idea2 yang bernas serta tips-tips penggunaan produk.

Anda boleh layari link dibawah untuk ke forum tersebut.. http://giffarinekl.forumotion.com/index.htm

Anda juga boleh melawat blog Giffarine Saya di http://giffarinekl.blogspot.com/

Top Dropper For Mei

2009-06-01T18:11:00.000-07:00

Congratulation tu owner for blog Did I miss Something. as a promise, i just transfer 100ec to this blog.

To another participant, i hope all of you enjoy with my blog. Another contestant will be held soon. TQ

Win 100 ec

2009-04-29T20:25:00.001-07:00

Become my top dropper and win 100 ec from 1st May to 31 May 09. The prize will be transfer to the winner account on 1st Jun 09. Happy dropper.

Sarawak CM’s wife Laila dies at 68

2009-04-29T18:26:00.000-07:00

KUCHING: Datuk Amar Laila Taib, wife of Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, died at her residence at Demak Jaya, Jalan Bako here at 3.40pm yesterday. She was 68.

Family sources said Laila, Sarawak’s First Lady who was born in Poland, had battled cancer for the past few months.

Datuk Amar Laila Taib
Laila and Taib celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at a hotel here three months ago.

At that occasion, Taib paid a glowing tribute to Laila as his pillar of strength and source of inspiration.

He said Laila had stood by him through thick and thin throughout his career as a politician.

Laila and Taib have four children including Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib. The others are Datuk Mahmud Bekir Taib, Jamilah Hamidah Taib and Hanifah Hajar Taib.

Laila will be laid to rest at Demak Jaya burial ground at 11.30am today, said Deputy State Secretary Datuk Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani in a statement.

He said those who wished to pay their last respects should do so before 11am.

Big celebration: Taib and Laila cutting their 50th wedding anniversary cake as their family members look on in January 2009.
Sarawak Governor Tun Abang Muhammed Salahuddin, visiting Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and state cabinet ministers were among the first to pay their last respects last evening.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is also expected to attend Laila’s funeral.

Laila was actively involved in charitable, social, community and religious work through numerous non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

As founder and president of Sabati (Wives of the Sarawak Ministers and Assistant Ministers), she was instrumental in setting up the Sarawak Heart Foundation.

The foundation, of which she had been president since its formation, has raised millions of ringgit and sponsored many needy heart patients for surgeries and treatment in the country and abroad over the years.

Laila also helped to set up an orphanage home named after her in Petra Jaya here.

Laila was head of Perkim (the Muslim Welfare Organisation of Malaysia) women’s wing since 1980.

She also headed Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Sourtheast Asia and the Pacific (Riseap) since 1983.

She was patron of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society Kuching Chapter, Persatuan Anak-Anak Yatim Sarawak, Sibu Kidney Foundation, Kuching Lions Nursing Home and Sarawak Single Mothers’ Association and Trustee of the Malaysian Humanitarian Foun dation.

McCurry is not McDonalds

2009-04-29T18:23:00.000-07:00

It is okay to use the prefix “Mc” in naming a company. The Court of Appeal said McCurry Restaurant (KL) Sdn Bhd at Jalan Ipoh did not misrepresent the public nor confuse them in conducting its business.

“There was no proof of the tort of passing of in this case,” Judge Datuk Gopal Sri Ram said in allowing an appeal by McCurry Restaurant against McDonalds Corporation.

Sri Ram, who sat Datuk Heliliah Mohd Yusof and Datuk Sulong Matjeraie, in delivering the unanimous decision yesterday, said there were several distinguishing features between the two in the conduct of their trade.

He said the McDonalds logo consists of a distinctive golden arched “M’ with the word “McDonalds” against a red background.

Sri Ram said McCurry’s signboard carried the words “Restoran McCurry” with the lettering in white and grey on a red background with a picture of a chicken giving a thumbs up and with the wording “Malaysian Chicken Curry.”
Secondly, he said, the items of food available at McDonalds carried the prefix “Mc”.

“However, as evident from the defendants (McCurry) menu card, none of the food items served carries the prefix ‘Mc’,” he said.

Thirdly, he said, McCurry only catered Indian food whereas McDonalds served fast food.

Sri Ram said the High Court judge who ruled in favour of McDonalds overlooked this material fact, a serious misdirection that resulted in a miscarriage of justice.

Fourthly, he said, those who patronised McCurry outlet were mainly adults and senior citizens while those who patronised McDonalds were mainly children.

Sri Ram, now a Federal Court judge, said the irresistible inference to be drawn from the totality of the evidence was that McDonalds’ signboard would not result in reasonable people associating McCurry with the McDonalds’ mark.

Sri Ram said the High Court judge, in arriving at her decision, erred that McDonalds had a monopoly in the use of the prefix “Mc” on a signage or in the conduct of business.

In September the High Court ruled that "Mc" is the exclusive right and trademark of fast food giant McDonald's Corporation, and McCurry then appealed to the Court of Appeal.

Counsel S. F. Wong and S. Indran appeared for McDonalds while Sri Dev Nair represented McCurry.

Girl, 7, believed murdered by dad and buried in secret

2009-04-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

GEORGE TOWN: The skeletal remains of a seven-year-old disabled girl, who died after being allegedly beaten by her father in 2006, were exhumed from a shallow grave in Jalan Kampung Pisang, Air Itam, here.

Police carried out the exhumation following a report by a close relative accusing the father of filicide. The man was arrested on Tuesday night.

One of the man’s three sons led police to the gruesome discovery in an open field at 1pm yesterday. The three brothers were at the scene when police exhumed the girl’s remains.

Brutal end: Forensic police collecting what’s believed to be Priya’s skull from a shallow grave in Air Itam.
State CID chief Senior Asst Comm II Wan Abdullah Tuanku Said said police were assisted by forensic pathologist Datuk Dr Bhupinder Singh.

“Our investigations found that the girl, identified as Priya, could have been beaten to death with a stick at a house in Bandar Baru Air Itam in March 2006.

Her three brothers were at the scene after one of them led police to the site.
“She was then taken to the site and buried. We have classified the case as murder.

“The father, an odd-job labourer in his 40s, has been remanded by a magistrates court,” he said, adding that police were looking to the girl’s mother to assist in the investigations.

It is learnt that only 60% of the skeletal remains were found.

Signs that show Malaysia on human trafficking route

2009-04-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

The foreigners being taken for questioning after their boat was intercepted by the marine police off Kuala Langat on Sunday (below). — Pictures courtesy of marine police

PORT KLANG: The drowning incident off Pengerang in Johor and the arrest of 33 foreigners off Port Klang have confirmed suspicions that Malaysia is a transit point for human trafficking syndicates.

On Tuesday, nine bodies, eight of them Pakistanis, were found floating in the South China Sea off Pengerang.

On Sunday, marine authorities nabbed 33 foreigners from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq on a boat off Kuala Langat, some 30km from here.

In both incidents, the foreigners had luggage with them and most were carrying huge amounts of money.

Police recovered US$8,800 (RM31,620) from the body of a Pakistani woman who had drowned off Pengerang.
Malaysian authorities are probing if both incidents are linked as intelligence reports indicated that the foreigners were on their way to Indonesia before continuing their journey to Australia where they hoped seek asylum.

Last week, Australia's national security adviser led a delegation to Kuala Lumpur seeking the help of their counterparts to intercept these boats before they reached the continent.

On Sunday, Selangor marine police intercepted a boat off Kuala Langat and detained 16 Afghans, 14 Pakistanis and three Iraqis. The Afghans comprised five families with children as young as 2 years old. Initial investigations revealed that the 33 foreigners were on their way to Australia and had big travelling bags with them.

The 44-year-old Indonesian boatman was taking the foreigners to Tanjung Balai in Sumatra.

The Pakistanis were from the border regions with Afghanistan while the Iraqis were Kurds from the north of Iraq.

All had valid passports except for one Iraqi. One of the Afghans also had a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees card with him.

The Afghans and Pakistanis had obtained their visas from the Malaysian embassy in Pakistan.

The foreigners had entered the country through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport about two weeks ago and were attempting to leave by illegal means.

They waded through muddy waters to get to the boat in Sungai Langat before they sailed to the open sea, where they were nabbed at 3.40am on Sunday.

The group allegedly paid US$1,000 per person to the syndicate for the trip to Indonesia.

Selangor marine police chief Deputy Superintendent Marzuki Ismail said the foreigners were nabbed after a tip-off from a passing boat.

They have been handed over to the district police for further investigations.

It was reported that human traffickers promised their victims better lives in Australia and Western countries for a fee. The victims are usually picked from war-torn countries like Afghanistan, Myanmar and Iraq.

Recently, there has been a large number of refugees from Pakistan.

They are given valid passports from their countries. They are then taken to Malaysian embassies or consulates where they will apply for tourist visas to enter the country.

They will arrive in Malaysia through normal entry points.

Once here, arrangements are made to get them to Indonesia illegally through fishing or barter trade boats.

From Indonesia, they will be "loaded" into another boat for Australia.

Ong promises full disclosure by PKA

2009-04-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

PETALING JAYA: The audit report on the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) is ready and the Port Klang Authority (PKA) has been given one week to make it public. Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said he would contemplate submitting the report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the Public Accounts Committee after its release.

Writing this in his blog (ongteekeat.net), the minister said that by releasing the audit report by PriceWaterhouseCoopers he would be keeping a pledge he made earlier.

“I have pledged to ensure transparency on this issue and I intend to keep my word,” he wrote.

He also announced that he had decided to extend the services of PKA chairman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng whose term of office expired on March 31.

“One of his key priorities now is to ensure the release of the report,” he said.

Ong, who is the MCA president, said that he had directed the PKA last year to commission an independent and credible firm to look into the PKFZ controversy.

“The delay in completing the report is due to several technical issues, including the declassification of key government documents related to the investigations,” he explained.

Now that the report was ready, it was only natural for the PKA, which had commissioned the report, to release the findings.

On Sunday, Ong hit out at his critics, saying that it was grossly unfair for some “snipers”, including certain individuals from certain media, to ignore that declassification had to be sought before the report could be released.

The 405ha PKFZ transshipment hub has been dogged by controversy ever since it was revealed that its original development cost had ballooned from the original less than RM2.5bil to RM4.6bil.

Former Transparency International chairman Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam commended Ong for handling the situation very well, “by giving due respect to the PKA and allowing it to release the report.”

He said that Ong, by ordering the release of the report, was also ensuring that public interest was upheld.

“It is right and proper that he submits the report to the MACC and Public Accounts Committee after it is released,’’ he said.

If there was any wrongdoing, those concerned must be brought to book, Navaratnam added.

Electrical and electronics sector seeking more workers

2009-04-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

PETALING JAYA: The electrical and electronics sector is asking the Labour Department for workers, now that orders for its products are on the upswing again.

Labour director-general Datuk Ismail Abdul Rahim said they were receiving requests for more workers from employers in the sector since the beginning of the month.

“The majority of those retrenched at the beginning of the year came from this sector, followed by those in the textile and garment manufacturing sector.

“But now, we believe there may be new orders coming in for the electrical and electronics sector by June. This is a good indication that our exports are getting better.

“We will give bosses our assistance in looking for new workers. For a start, we have provided them with the profiles of 12,000 workers who were recently retrenched,” he said in an interview here yesterday.

Ismail said the department had 27,000 job vacancies on record while those retrenched in the country now numbered some 23,000.

“We have managed to place 7,000 retrenched workers in these jobs. I urge those who have yet to find jobs to register with us.

“Hopefully, the current swine flu outbreak in Mexico and certain places in the United States won’t affect the recovery,” he said.

Ismail said the department would also ask companies and factories to stop depending on third-party contractors to supply them with foreign workers as one way of saving job opportunities for local workers.

In recent statistics posted on the Human Resources Ministry website, 16,744 local and 7,145 foreign workers were retrenched between Oct 1, 2008, and April 27.

Of the 8,242 workers given voluntary separation schemes in the same period, 7,342 were locals.

Similarly, local workers formed the majority of those temporarily laid off or given pay cuts – 30,907 compared with 10,772 foreigners.

Ismail reminded employers that according to the law, they must retrench their foreign workers first.

“Bosses are required to inform us every time they retrench their workers. This is so we can check if they have followed the law and first retrenched their foreign workers,” he added.

Obama seeks $1.5 bln for swine flu as cases jump

2009-04-28T20:19:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama asked Congress on Tuesday for an additional $1.5 billion to fight swine flu as the confirmed U.S. caseload jumped to 65 people in six states in what doctors fear may become a full pandemic.

U.S. President Barack Obama walks back to the Oval Office after attending the 2009 National Teacher of the Year ceremony in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, April 28, 2009. (REUTERS/Jim Young)
Lawmakers convened an emergency hearing in Washington on the government's ability to respond to a more severe outbreak.

"With a new infectious agent you don't sit back and wait and hope for the best. You take bold steps, and then you pull back if you need to," Dr. Richard Besser, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control, told reporters.

The CDC total included 10 cases in California, 2 in Kansas, 45 in New York, one in Ohio and 6 in Texas. An additional case was reported by Indiana state authorities.

While the new flu strain has killed up to 159 people in Mexico, cases seen in the United States and elsewhere have been mild. CDC officials said only five U.S. cases have required hospitalization, two of them in California, but they have said they expect more serious cases -- and possibly deaths -- as surveillance expands.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency over the outbreak, enabling deployment of funds and personnel to fight the disease. Federal officials declared a national public health emergency on Sunday.

Obama, in a letter to Congress, said the $1.5 billion would give the government "maximum flexibility" as it fights the disease, supplementing antiviral stockpiles, adding medical equipment and starting preparations for a vaccine.

As public health headlines gripped the country, former Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius was sworn in as U.S. health secretary in an Oval Office ceremony Obama attended just hours after the Senate confirmed her nomination.

"We wanted to swear her in right away because we've got a significant public health challenge that requires her immediate attention, and that is the H1N1 flu outbreak," Obama told reporters.

Republican critics had delayed confirming Sebelius because of her stance on abortion.

Analysts said the addition of Sebelius and the filling of other senior health vacancies would help Obama, who hopes to appear in control while trying not to generate panic.

"You're almost always going to basically deal with the possibility that there will be some other crisis that emerges just as you're juggling other balls. Obama seems ready to do that compared to other presidents," said Norm Ornstein, a political expert at the American Enterprise Institute.

CRUCIAL FUNDING

On Capitol Hill, health officials told an emergency hearing the funding would be crucial if the flu virus spreads.

"In the face of these cutbacks and layoffs and vacancies, we don't even have the workforce we had two years ago," said Dr. Paul Jarris, executive director of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

In California, Texas and New York City, authorities have ordered schools shut where students have tested positive for the swine flu virus.

Los Angeles County coroner's officials investigated the deaths of two men for links to the disease, but later ruled out one. Local health officials said they expected infections in Los Angeles and were already investigating two possible "flu clusters" at schools in the suburb of Santa Clarita.

In New York, most confirmed cases of infection were at a Queens private school where the virus has sickened 28 students.

Officials had said earlier as many as 100 students might have been ill, but Mayor Michael Bloomberg said on Tuesday officials have stopped testing more people because the symptoms are mild, with only two people going to the hospital.

"This is following the pattern of normal, seasonal influenza," Bloomberg told reporters at City Hall. "So far, nothing about the spread of swine flu has surprised us."

A University of Notre Dame student was the first confirmed flu case in Indiana, according to state and school officials.

There were few signs of panic across the country, although sales of flu medication and items like face masks were up in areas close to where cases have been confirmed. Some stores reported a run on disinfectants.

Schools stepped up cleaning efforts and posted fliers urging students to wash their hands and cover their mouths and noses when they coughed.

"Everyone's a little leery of anyone coughing. Even though the news makes it seem really, really bad, it doesn't seem like it's actually that much of a concern," said Aaron Armelin, 33, a telecommunications technician in Los Angeles.

Despite advice that no pigs have been affected by the virus, Ecuador joined a long list of countries putting bans on imports of some U.S. pigs and pork products, further worrying pork producers.

(Additional reporting by Dan Whitcomb, Steve Holland, Matt Bigg, Emily Chasen, Jason Szep, Dan Trotta, Toby Zakaria)

Swine flu strikes fear in Lukut residents

2009-04-28T20:18:00.000-07:00

Ching Ah Tee, 70, now spends his time taking care of his son, Hwa Luong, 40, who was struck down by the deadly virus epidemic almost a decade ago.

PORT DICKSON: As panic over the deadly swine flu sweeps the world, residents of Kampung Baru Sungai Nipah, a small village in Lukut, remember the devastation and tragedy they suffered when an equally deadly virus struck 10 years ago.

One hundred and five people lost their lives in the outbreak in Bukit Pelandok, at that time the largest pig-farming area in Southeast Asia with a swine population of about 1,000,000.

The virus first surfaced there in late 1998 and within weeks brought the more than 3,000 residents there to their knees.

Pigs were culled while experts at Universiti Hospital fought against time to find a cure.

Authorities said it was an outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis.
There are no pig farms left in Bukit Pelandok but residents fear they may have to relive their nightmare as pigs are still slaughtered and transported through Sepang, near their village.

Ching Hwa Luong, 40, is a living reminder to the villagers of the human toll exacted by the virus.

"After he was infected, he suffered brain damage and was also paralysed," said Hwa Luong's father, Ah Tee, 70.

"Although we (villagers) don't rear pigs here any more, we are still worried. It was a nightmare for us (during the outbreak).

"Each day, someone would die and the thought of something similar happening again is sending shivers down our spine.

"We hope the authorities will ensure the swine flu does not reach our shores... I doubt we can survive another similar ordeal."

The village is now almost deserted as most residents have left in search of new livelihoods.

Today, Bukit Pelandok is a sad shadow of its past self, when posh bungalows were plentiful.

Mat Adib Ralib, 59, who runs a coffee shop, said the latest swine flu was the talk of the villagers, with many looking back to the horror period.

"Reading about the swine flu brings back memories but we can only pray that the virus does not hit our shores.

"We are haunted by memories... those who survived are forever scarred.

Malaysia expands screening of visitors to all entry points

2009-04-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has confirmed that no case of “influenza-like” illness with symptoms of swine flu infection has been found in Malaysia.

However, the Government is not taking chances with the outbreak that is already spreading across Mexico to other countries.

Taking precautions: Perlis Tourism and Health Committee chairman Ahmad Bakri Ali (right) discussing a point with a tourist who arrived via the Padang Besar train station yesterday. — Bernama
The ministry has already expanded its screening of passengers arriving at international entry points like KL International Airport, which it started on Monday, to the ground.

In Rantau Panjang, which borders Thailand, the health department began randomly screening those coming into Malaysia on foot.

“We are doing it as a precaution,” a doctor on site said. He set up an informal unit with five of his subordinates.

The ministry has taken measures to set up hotlines for the public to call for inquiries in Putrajaya and also started a 24-hour monitoring of the situation. The public can call 03-8881-0200/300 for enquiries.

Police personnel at Malaysia’s borders are on high alert to check any signs of the swine flu outbreak sneaking into the country.

A teacher demonstrating to children how to wash their hands as a precautionary measure against swine flu infection at a kindergarten in Hubei in the Anhui province of China. - Reuters
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said policemen would assist all border-control agencies to monitor for any signs of the disease at all entry points including airports.

“We are working closely with the Health Ministry to monitor the situation and assist in the screening process,” he told reporters after a visit to Hospital Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with the 202nd Police Day yesterday.

Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Ismaiil Merican confirmed yesterday that no case of influenza-like illness with symptoms of swine flu virus had been reported in Malaysia. He said that based on surveillance of influenza-like illness, there had been no reported case.

He added that health officers at KLIA screened 428 passengers and airline crew flying in from areas with cases of swine flu for signs of the infection. Passengers and airline crew, he said, were also been given health alert cards and health declaration forms to fill.

“The screening at all international entry points continued yesterday. A technical committee meeting involving several agencies will also be held today to discuss other preventive measures and an integrated approach for the control of any infection,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Dr Ismail said that in view of the World Health Organisation’s decision to raise the swine flu alert to Phase 4 from Phase 3, which made the current situation just two levels away from a full pandemic, the ministry would continue to advise Malaysians to stay away from affected regions.

“This is particularly when the travel is unnecessary and they are not feeling well. Those who fall sick during their travel should seek medical treatment,” he warned.

In Kuala Lumpur, Bernama reports that the Foreign Ministry had asked all Malaysian missions abroad to continuously monitor and update the ministry on the swine flu outbreak in relation to Malaysians residing or travelling overseas.

“The 60 registered Malaysians residing in Mexico where the swine flu outbreak was first detected and another five in the accredited Central American countries are reported to be safe and free from the virus,” the ministry said in a statement.

The public is advised to report to the Consular Divison of the Foreign Ministry at 03-8887-4000 if they are aware or informed of any cases by their friends, relatives or colleagues currently overseas.

Khalid sues over car, cows issue

2009-04-27T18:03:00.001-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim filed a defamation suit against the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and its chief for making false and scurrilous allegations against him over the issue of his car and cows.

Khalid filed the suit yesterday afternoon at the High Court registry through counsel Sankara N. Nair.

Khalid named MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan, the commission and the government as defendants.

Khalid claimed that on or about Feb 21, Ahmad Said had made a statement which was published on the front page of the New Straits Times, "Khalid in hot water over car and cows", and on page two of the paper titled "There is evidence Khalid misused powers".

He said the statement was also published in other newspapers and their online services.

Khalid claimed that Ahmad Said and the MACC had acted in bad faith in that it instigated public hatred against him, lowered his esteem in the eyes of the public and exposed him to ridicule and contempt.

Khalid, through his lawyer, had sent two letters to Ahmad Said, on Feb 26 and on March 19, to seek an explanation but to date, the MACC had not responded.

Expert: Swine flu less deadly but spreads more easily

2009-04-27T18:02:00.001-07:00

SYDNEY:The swine flu outbreak is more worrying than bird flu because it is spread much more readily between humans, an infectious diseases expert said yesterday.

Australian National University epidemiology specialist Prof Paul Kelly said swine flu had a lower mortality rate than bird flu but warned this was a mixed blessing because it would help the virus spread more quickly.

He said bird flu had remained relatively contained because human-to-human transmission was difficult, while swine flu was highly infectious.

"Bird flu has been limited -- to an extent that it happened in Indonesia and other places, but it's never been on the sort of scale as this.

"This is actually more worrying."
He told ABC radio that swine flu appeared to be a form of the virus that epidemiologists had feared for years -- a combination of strains from various animals that was easily transmitted between humans.

Prof John Mackenzie, a biosecurity expert from Perth's Curtin University, said the latest flu threat appeared to be a combination of at least two types of swine virus and an avian virus gene.

He said the next few days would be crucial in determining whether the world was facing a pandemic.

"I guess we're at that 'grey' stage where we don't know if it is going to be a pandemic strain or not."

Shahrizat: Get tough with Mat Rempit

2009-04-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

KLANG: The police must get tough with the Mat Rempit, Women, Fa mily and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shah rizat Abdul Jalil said.

She said the authorities had in the past taken the soft approach to help these youths by carrying out studies to understand them.

Fun time: Shahrizat playing with children of Tadika Perpaduan Taman Sri Menegun in Klang yesterday after attending a community function. — Bernama
Now the kid gloves must come off when and the Mat Rempit menace duly dealt with, Shahrizat said.

“There should not be any compromise in dealing with them. They say they become Mat Rempit because they are bored. Why break the law just because you are bored?” she said.

A government-instituted research revealed that 48% of the youths polled said they became Mat Rempit out of boredom.

Shahrizat also questioned the role of the youths’ family members in ensuring that their children did not resort to becoming Mat Rempit.

“Where are their parents? Parents should not wash their hands of the children and hope the authorities would deal with them,” she said.

Shahrizat, who slammed the violent actions of the Mat Rempit youths, said parents must play a pivotal role in making sure their children did resort to anti-social and unlawful activities.

“Do not take the law in your hands,” Shahrizat told a press conference after attending a community programme at Taman Sri Menegun here yesterday.

She added the Mat Rempit menace had evolved into a serious social ill as they were now involved in crimes such as robbery, rape and molestation.

They have even taken to harassing disabled people, said a visibly angry Shahrizat, referring to the case of a deaf-mute woman who was assaulted and robbed by Mat Rempit last week. The matter was highlighted in The Star yesterday.

In the incident, a group of Mat Rempit had surrounded the 23-year-old at a petrol kiosk and had slapped and kicked the victim before robbing her of her handbag. The presence of other patrons and kiosk employees did not deter the Mat Rempit.

On another matter, Shahrizat said her ministry was seriously re-examining the methods of dispensing aid to the needy.

She said some did not have bank accounts while there were also those who were not able to collect the money on their own and did not have anyone to help them.

Ringgit may test 3.56 level

2009-04-26T18:07:00.000-07:00

THE move to liberalise the 27 services sub-sectors and the plan to do likewise for the financial services industry are set to boost the ringgit, possibly helping it to test the 3.56 level against the US dollar next week.

For the week just ended, the ringgit touched the 3.5800/5850 level against the US dollar from 3.6140/6190 last Friday, showing an increase of 1.6 per cent.

Dealers said that if the local currency managed to hit the 3.56 level, it may be able to hold the strong momentum in the near term.

"The good news boosted the market and spurred commercial demand, with expectation of more inflow funds coming into the country," a dealer said, adding that local bourse strong performance would continue to provide support.

The benchmark Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) was higher by 1.44 per cent, or 14.04 points, to close the day at 992.68 on Friday. In the morning the key index had opened 3.45 points higher at 982.09.

"The ringgit will continue to move in tandem with the Bursa Malaysia performance, which is expected to open higher next week," another dealer said.

During the week, the ringgit was mostly lower against the US dollar as the local unit came under pressure from the inflation data for March 2009 released on Wednesday which showed a rise of 3.5 per cent year-on-year.

The ringgit strengthened against the Singapore dollar at 2.4004/4060 from last Friday's 2.4055/4112 but was weaker against the Japanese yen at 3.6900/6963 from 3.6406/6467 previously.

The local currency moved up against the British pound at 5.2365/2449 from 5.3476/3568 last Friday but declined against the euro at 4.7424/7505 from 4.7253/7329 previously.

Liow: We are prepared to deal with spread of swine flu

2009-04-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry is fully prepared to deal with any spread of the swine flu and has placed its officers at all travel entry points in Malaysia to screen travellers suspected of the illness.

“Our machinery is ready to handle this outbreak,” said its minister, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

The officers, he said, would be at airports, sea ports and land entry points.

“Since the virus spreads from human to human, we are placed on high alert.”

Even if there was no direct flight from Mexico, passengers originating from there would also be screened, he said.

The ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya has started a 24-hour monitoring of the situation. The public can call 03-8881 0200/300 for enquiries.

He urged doctors to be on alert and has made it compulsory for them to notify the ministry of all influenza cases.

Liow said pork in the country was safe to be consumed, explaining that Malaysia did not import the meat from Mexico.

On Thursday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported 854 cases of severe atypical pneumonia that resulted in 59 deaths in Mexico.

The situation is now considered a public health emergency of international concern.

In the United States, at least 10 people have tested positive for the virus which causes symptoms such as fever, cough, body aches and breathing difficulties.

Since the SARS outbreak in 2003, the ministry had come up with strategic plans to battle any similar outbreak.

“We also keep in constant contact with WHO to find out the latest update,” Liow said.

According to WHO, there are now currently no directives on health, travel and trade sanctions that countries have to adhere to.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said those returning from Latin American countries and found to have flu-like symptoms would be quarantined.

“So far, no cases have been reported to the ministry and there is no cause for panic,” he said.

“The public will be informed from time to time on updates about the outbreak,” he said.

Dr Ismail also said that he would discuss with the Veterinary Services Department today on precautionary measures that needed to be taken.

In KOTA KINABALU, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Rashid Shirlin said that health authorities would keep a close watch on visitors arriving from Latin American countries.

Both immigration and customs officers at entry points would assist the ministry, she said, adding that her ministry would also advise Malaysians not to travel to the affected countries.

World on alert with swine flu outbreak

2009-04-26T17:56:00.000-07:00

MEXICO CITY: Governments around the world rushed yesterday to check the spread of a new type of swine flu that has killed up to 81 people in Mexico and infected around a dozen in the United States.

Mexicans huddled inside their homes while US hospitals tracked patients with flu symptoms and other countries imposed health checks at airports as the World Health Organisation warned the virus had the potential to become a pandemic.

Announced on Friday, the outbreak has snowballed into a monster headache for the country, already grappling with a violent drug war and economic slowdown, and has quickly become one of the biggest global health scares in years.

In New Zealand, 10 pupils from an Auckland school that had just returned from Mexico were being treated for influenza symptoms in what health authorities said was a likely case of swine flu.

"We are monitoring minute by minute the evolution of this problem across the whole country," President Felipe Calderon said as health officials counted suspected infections in six states from the tropical south to the northern border.
The flu is spreading in the United States. Eleven cases were confirmed in California, Kansas and Texas, and eight schoolchildren in New York City caught a type A influenza virus that health officials say is likely to be the swine flu.

The new flu strain, a mixture of various swine, bird and human viruses, poses the biggest risk of a large-scale pandemic since avian flu surfaced in 1997, killing several hundred people.

A 1968 "Hong Kong" flu pandemic killed about one million people globally.

New flu strains can spread quickly because no one has natural immunity and a vaccine takes months to develop.

Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova said the swine flu had killed at least 20 and possibly as many as 81 people in Mexico, and more than 1,300 people were being tested for suspected infection.

Most of the dead were aged 25 to 45, a worrying sign because a hallmark of past pandemics has been high fatalities among healthy young adults.

In the crowded capital of 20 million people, museums were closed and public events scrapped, from concerts to a running race.

People hoarded bottled water and canned food, churchgoers were told to stay home and follow Sunday services on television and bewildered tourists were made to wear surgical face masks.

Trendy districts were quiet on Saturday night as authorities closed 70 per cent of nightclubs, along with stadiums and movie theatres. At least one open bar stationed medics at its doors to check clients' throats and take their temperatures.

All schools in the city, Mexico State and San Luis Potosi are to be closed until May 6 and some companies planned to have employees work from home.

Arsenal captain Fabregas charged over spitting allegation

2009-04-24T19:17:00.001-07:00

LONDON Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas was charged with improper conduct by the Football Association on Friday over allegations that he spat at a member of Hull's coaching staff following an FA Cup match.

The 21-year-old Fabregas was not playing in his team's 2-1 win on March 17 but faces two charges, one for walking onto the field of play and the other for spitting at or toward assistant manager Brian Horton.

Hull manager Phil Brown was also charged for comments he made to the media after the match concerning referee Mike Riley.

Fabregas, who could be banned or fined, has denied he spat at anybody.

He was handed Arsenal's captaincy this season after William Gallas was stripped of the armband for comments made about teammates.

The pair have until May 12 to respond to the charges

Heroes in Blue: Experience stood him in good stead

2009-04-24T19:16:00.001-07:00

Sergeant Abdullah Ibrahim with a marine police patrol boat used for operations in Sandakan.

He had been the scourge in the waters off the east coast of Sabah, the Philippines and Indonesia until he had a run-in with Sergeant Abdullah Ibrahim, writes FADHAL A. GHANI.

MOLOY Hijang was as ruthless as they come and this pirate had successfully evaded the marine police of Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia for more than a decade.

Ironically, it was small pickings on that day in Oct 7, 1996, that ended his reign of terror.

Fishermen Ibrahim Albani, 31, and Aripuddin Bachok, 38, were checking their fish traps at Pulau Tobanka, off Sandakan, about 8.30pm when Moloy, also known as Moloy Uwah, and three other pirates came in two speedboats.

The fishermen did not have any valuables on them but Moloy was not to be denied. The pirates unhitched the fishermen's outboard engine and made off with it.
A police report was lodged in Sandakan and the marine police informed of the pirates' last location.

The marine police patrol boat, with corporal Abdullah Ahmad in command and Abdullah Ibrahim, then a corporal, and four constables set out early the next morning.

It was not long before Moloy and his men were spotted in the waters off Segama at 7am.

The marine police boat came up close and Abdullah Ibrahim, using a megaphone, ordered the pirates to surrender.

However, the pirates opened fire. Luckily, none of the marine police officers were injured.

"The bullets whizzed past me. It was a close shave," said Abdullah Ibrahim who joined the force on Aug 15, 1981.

Meanwhile, the pirates headed towards the Philippines at full throttle with the marine police patrol boat giving chase.

"Before this, I had been involved in two sea battles with pirates and I put all this experience to use to apprehend Moloy and his men," said Abdullah Ibrahim.

"I was not only in charge of the patrol boat but I also doubled up as the engineer and I had to back up my men with a machine gun."

The four marine police officers were armed with M-16s.

The sea was rough, the waves were heavy and visibility was poor during the high-speed chase.

"We had to circle their boats to prevent them from escaping. In the one kilometre or so, we managed to circle them several times.

"Each time we circled them, a gun battle erupted and in the end, we shot dead Moloy and another pirate."

The other boat managed to escape into Philippines waters.

Marine police recovered an assortment of explosive devices, an M-16 rifle equipped with a grenade launcher, a Browning pistol, ski masks, binoculars and the outboard engine they had stolen.

For bringing down the fearful pirate, the Batu Pahat-born Abdullah Ibrahim was awarded the police Bravery Medal on May 1, 1998.

Abdullah Ibrahim, who has been with Sandakan marine police since Jan 1, 1983, is married with five children between the ages of 4 and 17.

Today, the 47-year-old Abdullah Ibrahim heads the Engineering Maintenance Department at the Sandakan base.

Umno lets bureau decide on polls

2009-04-24T19:14:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The Umno su preme council has decided to leave the decision on whether to contest the Penanti by-election to its political bureau.

Party president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who heads the bureau, however, declined to say when it would decide on the matter.

“We know when we are meeting. Do I have to tell you?” he told reporters after chairing his first supreme council meeting since the party elections on March 26.

The Penanti by-election has to be held following the resignation of its assemblyman Mohd Fairus Khairud din on April 16.

Barisan leaders have expressed support for Najib’s previous statement that the coalition might not field a candidate as it would “a sheer waste” of funds.

Najib said an elected representative should not resign for frivolous reasons after a year of being elected.

“The principle is that we must adhere to our aku janji (pledge) to the voters who elected us.

“We cannot use our position to resign when we have stood for election with the pledge to serve the people for a term,” he said.

Najib also announced the setting-up of a special committee to handle proposed amendments to the party constitution for tabling at a special assembly in October.

The proposed amendments were aimed at making the party’s election process more open, transparent and democratic, he said.

During the meeting, Najib ex plained the reasons for the abolition of the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry and the liberalisation of the 27 services sub-sectors.

On the liberalisation of the sub-sectors, Najib said it was done after two years of thorough study by the International Trade and Industry Ministry then headed by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“We found that it was good and acceptable to all parties, including the bumiputras involved in the sub-sectors.

“It is also in line with changes undertaken by Asean member countries. We were the last one to open up the services sector,” he added.

Stop, look and learn more about the tapir

2009-04-23T19:26:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: If you spot a man stopping traffic with “Stop! Tapir is crossing the road” in Bukit Bintang or KLCC, do not be alarmed.

Rest assured, no tapir will be crossing the road; the man is a volunteer who will be at the nearest zebra crossing distributing flyers with information on the endangered species during a four-day campaign organised by Zoo Negara and KL Hop On Hop Off.

The volunteers will also be at Menara Hap Seng, Central Market, Chinatown and KL Sentral.

The campaign, which started yesterday, is in conjunction with World Tapir Day celebrated worldwide on April 27.

Environmental cause: Activists promoting public awareness on tapirs in Kuala Lumpur yesterday ahead of World Tapir Day next Monday.
According to Malaysian Zoological Society director Dr Mohamad Ngah, there are four species of tapir left on the planet, including local species tapirus indicus or its common name Malayan Tapir.

“The tapir is often overlooked because of its more ‘high-profile’ peers like the orang utan or the tiger, yet all these animals are equally important,” he said at the launch of the campaign at Zoo Negara yesterday.

Other “attractions” by volunteers include tapir mascots and a man sporting a sandwich board with relevant information on the species.

One flyer will entitle an individual to a RM2 discount for a Zoo Negara entrance ticket if the ticket is bought on KL Hop On Hop Off buses on Sunday.

The ticket enables the person to take the bus at the Bintang Walk bus stop next to the Lot 10 Shopping Complex at 11am on the same day. The buses will then ferry the passengers to the zoo for a World Tapir Day celebration.

Dr Mohamad said tapir-related activities have been lined up for visitors on the day including art exhibitions, a puppet show and “Tapir & You” 3D photography.

KL Hop On Hop Off managing director Syed Azhar Syed Nazir said that beginning April 18 until May 18, a ringgit off each bus ticket sold would be donated to the Zoo Negara Tapir Fund.

Father paid her RM1 every time they had sex

2009-04-23T19:25:00.001-07:00

GEORGE TOWN: A 13-year old girl who was allegedly turned into a sex slave by her father and molested by her brothers for the past five years finally plucked up the courage to lodge a report on Wednesday.

The Form One pupil confided in her teachers the trauma she had been subjected to at her home since she was 9 years old.

Following the report, police arrested her 47-year-old father and her older brothers aged 15 and 17.

The father, an odd job labourer allegedly raped her on several occasions, while her brothers took turns to molest her.

The girl told police that the first time her father raped her was when she was 9 years old.
She said she had gone with her father to collect banana leaves when he raped her.

After that incident, she was paid between RM1 and RM2 by her father each time he sexually abused her.

The girl did not disclose this to her mother, who is a housewife, as she was afraid.

But on Wednesday, she decided to reveal all to her teacher, as she was afraid that her younger sisters, aged 7 and 9, would suffer the same fate. The victim has seven siblings.

Her teacher then took her to the Bukit Mertajam police station where a report was lodged.

State Criminal Investigation Department chief SAC II Wan Abdullah Tuanku Said said the girl was also raped in her house and in a secondary forest in Berapit.

He said all three suspects were picked up from their homes on Wednesday, adding that the case was classified as rape and molest.

In an unrelated development, Wan Abdullah said said police have also arrested a 19-year-old man for allegedly raping his 22-year-old girlfriend.

He said the suspect took advantage of the victim after taking her to a hotel room in George Town last March.

Wan Abdullah said the victim lodged a report on Wednesday and the police detained the suspect shortly after.

Bus conductor gropes girl's breasts

2009-04-23T19:24:00.001-07:00

PEKAN: A 16-year-old schoolgirl was groped when she encountered an amorous bus conductor on a two-hour ride from Bandar Muadzam Shah to Lepar on Monday morning.

The girl, a Form Four student of SM Muadzam Shah, was travelling to a secondary school in Lepar when the 40-year-old conductor sat next to her and struck up a conversation.

When the man's attention turned, after innocently brushing her arms, to pawing and groping her breasts, the girl became frightened and got down with other passenger in Paloh Inai here.

A passenger, who had noticed her distress and teary face, helped call her family in Bandar Tun Razak.

They took her to a police station to lodge a report.
Pahang deputy criminal investigation chief Superintendent Nordin Mustapha said the bus conductor, who is married and from Kuantan, was detained at his workplace for allegedly outraging the girl's modesty.

"The girl was lucky because there were passengers on the bus. We hope others who suffer a similar experience will speak out or seek help from other passengers instead of suffering in silence."

In another incident, he said a motorcyclist molested a 21-year-old female motorcyclist on the road in Sungai Jerik, Felda Jengka, Maran, on Monday afternoon.

Nordin said the victim was riding alone along the lonely road when the man approached from behind.

When they were riding alongside each other, the man reached over to grope her breast.

"The woman slowed down. Luckily for her, an approaching car scared off the molester. She sped off to Bandar Jengka police station to lodge a report."

Police are looking for the man, believed to be in his 20s.

70-year-old man behind boy's RM1m kidnapping

2009-04-23T19:23:00.001-07:00

Some of the suspects who were ordered to be remanded by the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court on Wednesday. (Inset) Paremsvaran Ramu @ Veera who is sought by the police.

KUALA LUMPUR: A 7-year-old kidnap victim was released after his family paid a ransom of RM1 million last week.

(Inset) Paremsvaran Ramu @ Veera who is sought by the police.
However, within days of the boy's release, police arrested 14 suspects and recovered part of the ransom.

Investigations revealed that the kidnap was carried by a large gang which was broken up into four groups. Each group had specific roles to play and they were scattered across three states.

The boy was kidnapped early on April 10 when his mother was about to drop him off at school near his house in Bandar Utama.

Federal Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Bakri Zinin said a Proton Satria with four dark-skinned men stopped next to the mother's car.
The mother was pushed to the ground and the kidnappers, armed with sharp weapons, grabbed the boy before driving away with him.

Bakri said the mother tried to fight back but was injured. The kidnappers drove past the security post and were believed to have pointed the weapons at the guards who tried to stop the car.

The boy was believed to have been held in a condominium in Kepong for four days while the kidnappers negotiated with his businessman father over the ransom.

On April 14, the boy was released near the security post leading to his home in Bandar Utama some 30 minutes after the ransom of RM1 million was dropped off in front of a bank in Kepong Baru.

Acting on a tip-off, police began their first wave of arrests on April 21 where nine men and four women, between the ages of 19 and 70, were arrested at several undisclosed locations in Selangor.

Bakri said RM319,700 of the ransom was also recovered from this group. In follow-up operations, police picked up three other suspects in Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Juasseh, Negri Sembilan and Serdang, Selangor. Bakri said 14 of the suspects have been remanded while two others were released. Three of the suspects also have criminal records.

Initial investigations revealed that most of the suspects were car repossessors and security guards while the women in the gang were housewives.

Police believe that the oldest member of the gang, said to be a 70-year-old man, masterminded the kidnapping.

It was also learnt that police are probing the possibility that the suspects were linked to the security guards in the housing estate or were employees of the victim's father.

Bakri said they were looking for several other suspects. He said the boy was still traumatised but was safe with his parents.

Meanwhile, police are looking for Paremsvaran Ramu @ Veera (IC 830625-05-5259) to assist in the investigations.

Paremsvaran's last known address was at 587/18A, Jalan Waterfall, Taman Hijau, Rawang, Selangor. Those with information on his whereabouts can contact Assistant Superintendent Mohd Hasreeq Yunus at 03-79662222 or the nearest police station.

Condition of rundown buildings upsets Deputy PM

2009-04-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Being located in the heart of the capital city did not give extra advantage to some schools.

This is true in the case of two schools which Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin visited yesterday.

He was upset to see how rundown SJK (T) Ladang Bukit Jalil was and the less than satisfactory state of SMK Setapak Indah.

The moment he arrived at the schools, Muhyiddin rolled up his sleeves and got down to work.

“I can observe for myself what the headmasters and principals have mentioned in their reports and at the same time look at the schools, too,” he said.

Face to face: Muhyiddin speaking to students of SMK Setapak Indah during his visit to the school Thursday.
After spending almost two hours at SJK (T) Ladang Bukit Jalil, Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, said he was sad to see the condition of the school.

“Although the Government has provided aid, the school infrastructure is not very good. It is also hot and uncomfortable for the pupils and teachers,” he said.

At the end of his visit, Muhyiddin announced that the school would be relocated to another piece of land nearby.

“Work to construct the new school building on the 0.4ha land will start once the tender has been awarded,” he said.

The school, which was presently partially aided, he added, would become fully aided once it was constructed on government land.

The work was expected to take 18 months, he said, adding that teachers and pupils should be able to start the new school year there in 2011.

The allocation for the project was almost RM2mil and more than RM1mil had already been approved, he added.

SJK (T) Ladang Bukit Jalil headmistress Tamilselvi Suppiah said the 75-year-old school was originally built on estate land, and had six classrooms for 92 pupils from Years One to Six, and 14 teachers.

“Our enrolment figures started to drop after the school was affected by floods 13 times in the last two years,” she said.

At SMK Setapak Indah, Muhyiddin said the building was structurally safe despite cracks and some subsiding of the soil.

Work to repair these would be carried out immediately, he said, adding that the Public Works Department would also conduct a detailed study on the matter.

Penanti by-election hangs in the balance

2009-04-23T19:20:00.001-07:00

Former Penang deputy chief minister 1 Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin says he is not power crazy

PUTRAJAYA: Embattled Penang politician Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin is having second thoughts about quitting as state assemblyman, creating a huge poser as to whether the anticipated Penanti by-election will proceed.

The Parti Keadilan Rakyat representative said he might stay on, now that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has said it did not have enough grounds to charge him with corruption.

Fairus resigned as Penang deputy chief minister 1 and Penanti assemblyman last week amid allegations over illegal quarrying operations.

He expressed confidence that the Pakatan Rakyat leadership would reassess his position.

"I'm sure the leadership will hear out what the people of Penanti have to say," he told the New Straits Times in a telephone interview.
If Fairus plans to return as Penanti assemblyman, he has until Monday to get the Penang speaker to notify the Election Commission on the resignation retraction, as the EC has to announce the vacancy in 10 days after being given the notice of vacancy.

If he misses the date, even if he is keen to stay on, he will not be able to do so as the law prohibits elected representatives who have resigned to contest for the next five years.

If the EC is notified of his retraction before the deadline, there will be no by-election in Penanti.

"He has every right to change his mind and remain as assemblyman, as he was rightfully chosen by the voters in Penanti," said EC deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar.

Fairus, who sounded visibly relieved, asked that the MACC statement which absolved him of the allegations be read to him.

"I thank God for bringing out the truth. Truth always prevails. I am just a leader for my voters, not one who is power crazy or out to enrich myself."

Fairus had said he wanted to resign to further his studies.

Yesterday, he conceded that he was also pressured to let go of his positions following the probes initiated against him.

"True, that was one of the reasons. When the baseless allegations were levelled against me, I felt that I needed to be given space for the issue to be cleared.

"It was not that I was afraid to face the consequences of the chalked-up claims, but rather to reflect the traits of a genuine leader," he said.

The MACC said the decision to clear Fairus was reached after all statements in the investigation reports were studied and the investigation papers referred to the commission's legal and prosecution unit, which subsequently found that the statements offered no grounds for prosecution.

The attorney-general, who was informed of the findings, agreed with the decision not to prosecute Fairus.

MACC Investigations Department director Deputy Commissioner Datuk Shukri Abdull said investigations revealed that Fairus' scope of duties and responsibilities under his portfolio had no direct link to the Penang quarry industry.

(Apart from chairing the state Religious Affairs Committee, Fairus was also chairman of the Entrepreneur Development, Cooperatives, Information and Community Relations Committee.)

Shukri said probes showed that Fairus was merely tasked with handling investigations into a case that involved the alienation of land at Lot 954 and 955 in Mukim 20 of the Seberang Prai Tengah district.

Shukri also said the commission would send a team to Penang to conduct studies in promoting transparency and accountability as well as on the procedures and ethics in accepting contributions and donations.

He said the commission would propose that the findings of this study be implemented by all states and ministries.

Clerk-blogger held over SMS threats to Terengganu reps

2009-04-22T19:18:00.001-07:00

PETALING JAYA: The ongoing leadership crisis in Terengganu took another twist with the arrest of a clerk- cum-blogger in Bangi on Monday, believed to be involved in sending out threatening SMSes to three of 10 Barisan Nasional assemblymen last week.

The 31-year-old man is believed to be linked to the group of 10 assemblymen who boycotted the assembly sitting last week after receiving death threats via SMS.

The group had claimed that the SMS had originated from a senior official in the Mentri Besar’s office.

Terengganu police chief Senior Asst Comm (I) Datuk Mohd Shukri Dahlan, who confirmed the arrest, said the man was being investigated for involvement in a plot to discredit Ahmad.

“We are hoping to make another arrest soon. We have already identified the individual but so far we have not been able to establish his whereabouts.

“This person that we are looking for is someone who is involved with the group, but he is not a state assemblymen,” he told The Star.

The suspect being sought is believed to be an aide of one of the 10 assemblymen.

SAC Shukri said investigations thus far proved that the threatening SMS did not originate from the MB’s office.

.Last Tuesday, the 10 assemblymen stayed away from the second day of the sitting of the assembly, claiming that they feared for their safety after three of them said they had received death threats via SMS.

However, there were also suggestions that they were staging a boycott in protest against the leadership of Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said.

The assemblymen involved are State Backbenchers Club chairman Datuk Rosol Wahid, former mentri besar and Kerteh assemblyman Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, Paka assemblyman Zakaria Ariffin, Permaisuri assemblyman Halim Jusoh, Tepoh assemblyman Muhammad Ramli Noh, Mohd Zawawi Ismail (Kuala Berang), Datuk Din Adam (Bukit Besi), Alias Abdullah (Alor Limbat), Ramlan Ali (Jabi) and Mohd Pehimi Yusof (Kota Putera).

In Kuala Terengganu, state CID chief Asst Comm Mohd Fauzi Abduri said the clerk-cum-blogger was arrested after several days of surveillance by a unit formed specifically to track the sender of the SMS.

ACP Mohd Fauzi said the suspect was taken to his home in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, where his computers and related hardware were confiscated.

The suspect had been remanded for four days and would be brought to Kuala Terengganu to facilitate investigations.

In an immediate response, Ahmad said he was relieved to know that his office was not linked in the sending of the SMSes.

“The truth has prevailed at last and we thank police for their prompt action.

Anwar says sorry to Guan Eng

2009-04-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

PENANG: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng considers the problem between him and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim resolved after he received an apology from the Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser. Lim yesterday confirmed that Anwar had apologised to him for failing to inform him of the resignation of former deputy chief minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin as the assemblyman for Penanti. "I don't want the matter to go on," he said here

Arrest warrant out for Raja Petra (Update)

2009-04-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

PETALING JAYA: The Sessions Court here issued a warrant of arrest against Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamarudin on Thursday after he failed to turn up for his sedition trial.

His lawyer J. Chandra informed judge Rozina Ayob that his client did not turn up in court on the grounds he is on a self-imposed exile from the state for “reasons that are well known.”

“You know these ‘well known reasons,’ so please highlight them to the court,” Rozina said.

“The accused is posting his reasons on his website this morning,” said Chandra.

“You expect the court to go through that, is it?” the judge said.

Chandra then went out to explain that for over a month now, Raja Petra, 58, has posted articles or comments on issues in relation to the Selangor royal house that have angered some members of his own family who have demanded an apology.

On Malaysia Today, explaining why he did not attend court Thursday,Raja Petra wrote, “My family then gave me an ultimatum. I was to either make that public apology or else my family would insert an advertisement in the mainstream newspapers practically distancing itself from me, which could be interpreted as disowning me ....

“I went into exile outside Selangor ... . It has to be noted that this has always been the punishment for any member of the Selangor Royal Family who is considered durhaka (traitorous) since the beginning of the Selangor Sultanate more than 250 years ago.”

He also wrote that another reason why he did not attend court was the he did not expect to get a fair trial.

In court on Thursday, his lawyer Chandra added, “You have to bear in mind that he is a member of royalty and this self-imposed exile is a punishment he has handed out to himself.”

His wife Marina Lee, who is also his bailor, was also absent.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Shahidani Aziz asked for a warrant of arrest to be issued against Raja Petra and a notice of showcause for his wife and bailor Marina. The judge granted both and set May 22 for mention.

Raja Petra, a former Internal Security Act detainee, had on May 6 2008 claimed trial to publishing a seditious article on his Malaysia Today news portal on April 25 of that same year.

He is accused of publishing the article Let’s send the Altantuya murderers to hell on the website www.malaysia-today.net.

The charge under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948 carries a maximum fine of RM5,000 or three years' jail or both upon conviction.

Cycling / Jelajah Malaysia: Hometown drives Anuar to victory

2009-04-22T19:12:00.000-07:00

Anuar Manan (centre) celebrates after winning the Jelajah Malaysia fourth stage from Pasir Mas to Kuala Terengganu yesterday. — Pic: YUSNI ARIFFIN

WITH 14 riders from Terengganu in the peloton rushing to the finish of Stage Four from Kota Baru to Kuala Terengganu yesterday, there just had to be the first Malaysian stage winner in this edition of the Jelajah Malaysia.

And after multiple prospects coming to the fore in an immensely aggressive stage under scorching coastal heat, the longest attack was cancelled out just five kilometres from the finish line, and the bunch sprint provided just the opportunity for Anuar Manan to bag his first victory of the year.

Anuar, 23, delivered Iranian outfit Azad University's second consecutive victory in this race, after teammate Hossein Nateghi bagged the previous stage from Grik to Tanah Merah, when he surged ahead of Doha Team's Tunisian World Cycling Centre (WCC) graduate Rafai Chtioui and Polygon-Sweet Nice's Russian Sergey Kudentsov to hit the finish to rapturous celebrations around the Kuala Terengganu town centre.

"Today (yesterday), I had targeted the win from the start. It is extra special since this is my hometown and I have so many supporters here," said Anuar.

The win didn't come easy as a group of 12 riders which included national riders Ahmad Fallanie Ali and Rauf Nor Misbah, Terengganu-Toshiba-Bikelabz's find of the season Saufi Mat Senan and Armed Forces' Nor Rizuan Zainal headed away probing for a runaway victory 30 kilometres into the 177.5 kilometre stage.
Four riders, including Saufi and Le Tua's Samai Amari, were dropped from that group after the third intermediate sprint at the 157-kilometre point, and eight soldiered on before a breakaway four with Nor Rizuan, Jazysport-Beacon's Irish Valenzuela and Sherwin Carrera and Savings & Loans' David Pell asked the final questions in a last ditch attempt before being gobbled up by a surging peloton led by the Azad University team.

"It was a difficult day. The breakaway had built up an over six minutes advantage by the 100km point, so my team had to work at bringing back the group. It was hard in the final kilometres, but then when we caught the breakaway, I just prepared to get the win," said Anuar, last year's points classification winner.

Tabriz Petrochemical's Mehdi Sohrabi kept the overall lead in the race and is tied on 15 points in the points classification with Anuar.

The stage without a single categorised climb also meant Azad University kept the polka dot jersey on the back of Abbas Saeditanha, while the Malaysian riders' jersey remained intact with Suhardi Hassan.

The Jelajah Malaysia heads into Stage Five today, which at 204.8km is the longest this yearbut offers another flat stage and the opportunity for Anuar to register back-to-back wins should it finish in a bunch sprint.

Got Astro or TV? Sorry, no welfare aid for you

2009-04-21T23:14:00.001-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The words "disabled, Astro" and "aid" cannot occur in the same sentence, as far as the Welfare Department is concerned.

The department bars the disabled from getting welfare aid if they have Astro or a television set at home.

The rule applies even if one lives in someone else's house, temporarily or otherwise.

S. Karupanan, 73, found this out the hard way three months ago when the department cut the RM200 aid to him as he was temporarily staying in a house which "had Astro service".

The department had paid for surgery on one knee and promised to underwrite the cost of the operation on the other knee.
But while awaiting the second surgery, he moved into his daughter's house and his troubles began.

Welfare officers who came to visit him saw red when they chanced upon the Astro connection and immediately withdrew the aid.

For K. Shanmugam, 51, who applied for welfare assistance in 2005 on becoming paralysed, it has been a string of "no's" from the department for aid.

His mistake, he believes, was his honest reply when asked if he had a television set and Astro at home.

"That's the first question they asked. When I said I had both, they immediately said that I was not eligible for assistance as there were others poorer than me."

The former crane driver, who was earning RM2,000 in Singapore when a motorcycle accident four years ago left him paralysed, was baffled by the department's decision.

He said that the bills of the family of six were paid by relatives who realised that he only had Astro to keep him company when the children were out of the house.

"I cannot work. The only pleasure in my life now is the Astro service," he said.

Another extreme case is that of a a disabled 40-year-old, paralysed from the neck downwards, who lives with her partly-paralysed mother.

The disabled woman, who declined to be identified, decided against applying for an Astro connection after being warned by a welfare officer that they would cut aid to them if she did so.

What she cannot understand is why they would do so as Astro was the "only" company she and her mother could have at home.

"We cannot leave our house and we live on donations and welfare aid. What's wrong if some people who sympathise want to get us an Astro connection?"

Welfare director-general Datuk Meme Zainal Rashid could not be reached for comment.

Police ops extended to four states in major offensive against criminals

2009-04-21T23:11:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The stepped-up offensive against crime, which began here a week ago, has been extended to four more states.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan wants more of his men and women in blue to hit the streets and get tough with the bad hats in a blitz to keep the country safe.

The IGP has directed police chiefs in Selangor, Penang, Perak and Johor to follow the Kuala Lumpur police lead by increasing patrols and be in public places day and night to arrest criminals or deter those planning to commit crimes.

Increased street presence: Two policewomen on crime prevention rounds in Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, yesterday. — AZHAR MAHFOF / The Star

“The order is out for all police stations in the four states and the Federal Territory to go on the offensive and to screen as many people as possible. We have identified areas where the crime rate is high or where there are many complaints of criminal activities.

“We are seeking the cooperation of other agencies including the Road Transport and the Immigration departments to assist us in tackling Mat Rempits and illegal immigrants. We will zoom in on other criminals,” he said.

Musa will be in constant communication with his counterparts in neighbouring countries to cooperate to nab criminals who are trying to seek refuge or go into hiding in other countries.

Nabbed: A suspected pimp struggling with officers during a raid at Jalan Alor, Kuala Lumpur, on Monday night to flush out criminals.

Musa said the police have had some measure of success lately following the integrated effort among the CID, narcotics, general duty and Special Branch.

More than 1,000 people and vehicles have been screened and inspected on a daily basis by city police and the results have been very encouraging as a number of wanted persons have been arrested and weapons including firearms, knives and Samurai swords confiscated.

Although this massive clampdown on criminals may cause some inconvenience to the people, Musa urged the public to bear with them and to cooperate to keep the crime rate down.

The additional manpower from the latest intake of policemen would be of help to beef up the force in certain crime-prone areas.

“The police are doing their best but they cannot be at all the places at any one time.

“Our officers and men be will moving from place to place to flush out the law-breakers besides increasing patrols and roadblocks,” Musa said.

All state CID chiefs have been directed to release daily crime statistics as well as the number of arrests made to the mass media so that the public would be kept informed of the police operations.

“The public should not be unduly worried with the perceived high crime figures. If possible, they should help the police by providing information and by calling the nearest police station or the police control centre.”

To a question, Musa said the integrated policing operations were part of the police force’s five-year strategic action plan to keep a lid on the crime rate.

Baby Alert

2009-04-21T23:10:00.000-07:00

BABY ALERT...A one-year old boy, Kee Hao Kit has gone missing from his home and his parents are on a frantic search for the toddler. His mother, Tan Lay Khiaw (left) and her husband Kee Bak Siang are worried their only child may have been smuggled out of the country as there was no ransom demand. Their gardener, has since gone missing. For more...READ HERE

Proton Exora tested!

2009-04-15T21:51:00.000-07:00

Tengku Azizan is perhaps the longest-serving employee in Proton, having been with it since even before the company’s first car rolled out. Over the years, he has been involved in testing prototypes in Malaysia and overseas and today heads the team that does homologation and testing of products. For many years now, I’ve told him that I would love to do a story on his career because it must be an exciting and very interesting job testing prototypes of models which won’t be in showrooms until some years later. But being the good corporate man, he’s always suggested that I 'talk to the PR department first and get their approval’ before he could agree to an interview. I’ve tried on and off but never really gotten down to that interview yet.

So it was a surprise to get a message from him inviting me to a 'TT’ (teh tarik session) - and also mention of driving 'the MPV’ to Temerloh the next day. The invitation really was a surprise, not that he had seemingly agreed to chat with me but that he was telling me that the MPV – which was obviously the Exora – was to be present. I was so puzzled that I even SMS back whether I would get to sit with him in the MPV because it was hard to believe I could be allowed to do so! We’ve always talked about his prototype testing and how his team has to sneak out late at night to avoid being caught by spy photographers and though I have tested prototypes of other companies in Malaysia and other countries, I never asked him to allow me because I believed he would not be able to agree due to strict company policy. In fact, he told me they really work hard not to be spotted when they are on the road and if pictures start to appear, then there will be 'problems with the bosses’.

The invitation was the day before, as I said, and I had another appointment but I felt this was such a rare opportunity that I postponed it. Actually, I did not realize that the session was specially organized for me as I had assumed it was one of their many test runs, now safe to be conducted in broad daylight since the launch was only a month away, and I was just being offered a chance to tag along. When I told Tengku Azizan that I actually had an appointment, he kindly offered me another chance 'next week’ but I felt that the offer was so good that I would be silly to postpone it because the following week, things may be different.

So I turned up at the Proton carpark early in the morning very excited about the drive and Tengku Azizan told me there would be two Exoras available, a manual and an automatic. Because I had to be back in town by 2 pm, we would not go as far as Temerloh and I could decide where I wanted to go. He also had a number of his team members come along because he knew that one of the things which would need to be assessed was the performance of the MPV with a full load of seven on board. It was very thoughtful of him and knowing that his guys are very busy, I have also to thank them for coming along for the ride. I didn’t expect to be allowed to take pictures and didn’t try and in any case, the Proton people requested that I use only those pictures which have already appeared in the Exora ads and none at all from the drive session if I needed to illustrate my report. They trusted me enough not to make me sign a million ringgit indemnity form if I didn’t follow their request and I see no reason why I should make them feel their trust was unjustified.

I had a go in the manual first and when I settled into the driver’s seat, the first thing I checked out was the driving position. In the Waja and models on the same platform, the driving position never seemed right – somehow the relationship between the steering wheel, its angle and the seat were awkward and it seemed like the people who chose such a relationship were thinking of a sporty driving position. That’s fine if you are doing a Lotus but not if you are doing a sedan for everyday commuting and certainly not for a MPV.

In the Exora, which has a brand new platform, the constraint of that driving position is not there and they have had a chance to get it right and this time, they have. It’s a very comfortable position and being a MPV, the seating height is higher which gives a commanding view forward. Women drivers especially will appreciate this as it promotes confidence.

Having had experience with the Campro CPS already, I expected the same character but discovered that the one in the Exora had a different feel. It felt stronger at the low end with more linear power delivery than what I remembered. I was told that they had done some tuning to match the engine to the increased weight (a figure of 1,400 kgs was mentioned) and driving style expected. More significantly, the gear ratio has been changed which does help in the take-off. However, I noticed that the engine speed at 100 km/h was 2900 rpm which is somewhat high by today’s standards (the Toyota Vios 1.5-litre engine spins at 2600 rpm at the same speed) and can have implications on fuel economy (more on this later).

There’s not much to assess a manual transmission really and the only thing I found was that the shifting was a bit notchy. This could have been an adjustment issue since the unit was a prototype and production versions may not have the same notchiness.

Steering feel was very good, precise and correctly weighted. On the smooth Karak highway, I didn’t notice it but over rough surfaces and ripples, I felt that the feedback was on the high side. This could be a consequence of making the steering feel precise and most people will probably be okay with it. However, in places like East Malaysia and rural areas where roads are rough, the vibrations coming through the steering wheel during long periods of driving could contribute to fatigue, not to mention being irritating.

At the BHP station along the Karak highway, I switched to the automatic since there was not much else to discover about the manual. Tengku Azizan said that the automatic would probably sell in larger numbers so I thought I should give it more attention.

Like the manual, the engine in the automatic also felt more lively, more eager at the low end. What I liked though was the gated shifter. For those who are not familiar, a gated shifter (you can see it in the picture) has a shift lever slot that is not straight. Mercedes-Benz was the first to introduce this concept in the 1970s and the various positions have more defined 'slots’ to allow more positive selection. It is not like the tiptronic transmission which is an automatic transmission with manual shift (sequential) capability but it is just an automatic transmission with a specially-shaped slot and you can select lower gears manually. Personally, I like a gated shifter more than a tiptronic because the feel is more like that of a manual transmission whereas a tiptronic transmission in manual mode only executes shifts with a very short movement up or down (or left or right). Paddle shifts on the steering wheel are, of course, a different matter.

The shifts in the automatic were pretty smooth though not seamless and in some conditions, kickdown was a bit too abrupt. But what was important was that there was no 'hunting’ of gears, suggesting that the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) has been well programmed and properly matched to the engine characteristics. In some other cars I’ve driven with poor matching, the transmission would keep trying to find the right gear and downshift even on a slight incline. That’s very annoying and I am pleased to say that the Exora has none of that behaviour.

Also very surprising to me was the smoothness of the engine at cruising speeds. Above 110 km/h, the Campro CPS engine ran so smoothly and quietly and it was not entirely due to sound insulation.

Now comes the part where I answer one of the Big Questions about the Exora’s performance: can it go up the Genting road? Well, I didn’t use the road to Genting Highlands because it’s usually crowded and I prefer the Bukit Tinggi road. I’m more familiar with that road so if there was any comparison to be made, that would have been a better road for me and I used it for the Exora. The question about whether the Exora or any car can go up a hilly road is, to me, unnecessary. Any car and lorry can go up a hill and what people really want to know is how fast it can go and that depends on expectations. A familyman who cares about safety for himself and his family isn’t going to expect to drive to the top of Bukit Tinggi like that guy in InitialD, right? He will want to be able to drive at a decent speed without the engine having to roar at 6000 rpm, both of which the Exora – with 7 guys aboard – can easily do.

The Campro CPS engine in the Exora has adequate power and torque to meet such a requirement satisfactorily and I believe that 90% of people would have no complaints. The other 10% who may feel it is 'under-powered’ would be those who expect performance levels like a Waja or Persona and they are probably not the target buyers for a MPV anyway.

I won’t talk about the fuel consumption since the driving I did was rather fast and hard, not how a real owner would be driving. As I said, the high rpm at cruising speeds does suggest that consumption might be affected but until I actually do a run using our own route and procedure, I can’t say for sure and it would not be fair to make a judgement at this time.

Another thing which I noticed driving around was that in many MPVs, there were usually a number of children which means that the load is not as great as 7 adults. And the occasions when there are likely to be 7 adults would probably be in town when office colleagues go for lunch in one vehicle. In such a situation, it’s unlikely that there will be any issues about performance.

That’s one major question answered so I’ll move on to ride and handling. This area gets top marks and I was really impressed. Of course, Protons since the Satria GTI have had above-average handling thanks to Lotus technology and experience. It’s the one area no one has ever criticized and with the MPV, it is clear that the engineers have done wonders with their skills. I would rate it as the best in its class – not the best among all MPVs in the world – and the closest rival in this department would be the Naza Citra II Rondo which has a rather European feel about it. When I mentioned this comparison to Tengku Azizan, he found it interesting and suspected that the Kia people (the Rondo is adapted from a Kia Carens) may have had Lotus Engineering do some chassis tuning work too!

Getting the Exora to handle so impressively might have meant sacrificing ride comfort, something which could not be allowed in a family-type vehicle. Surprisingly, the ride comfort was also very good. Not soft like a French MPV but firm like a European one. Even on broken roads and bumps, the Exora maintained it poise and body roll was negligible. Most MPVs in this class tend to roll a bit when you push them hard through corners but the Exora cornered like a car! No kidding!

I would also add that the brakes worked very well and the feel was excellent. This is not what I would say of other Proton models and certainly not for the Satria Neo CPS which I drove recently and was surprised that the brakes were spongy. But with the Exora, I felt confident even braking hard late in corners to see how much the nose dipped (very little).

Strength of body structure of the Exora has been given a lot of attention, especially at the front. Its rigidity also makes the ride and handling very impressive

I would have suggested to Proton an advertising tagline like 'a 2-seater with space for 7’ but Honda already describes their Stream like that! And talking of the Stream, I would say that the Honda MPV along with the Mazda5 and Toyota Wish should not be considered rivals to the Exora. They are a notch higher and I doubt very much if someone who has eyes on any of them would consider the Exora. The more obvious rivals would be the Nissan Grand Livina, Toyota Avanza and Naza Citra, all of which are selling very well but will definitely lose sales to the Exora when it becomes available. What about the Toyota Innova? Some people considering an Innova might look at the Exora but the Toyota has a larger engine (and a higher price as well).

Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) were commendably low even though the unit was not a mass production one. In the rear seat, road noise could be heard but this is not unexpected because of the open space at the back. What was telling about the sound insulation was during the storm that we had to drive through. With low-priced models, roof insulation is often kept to a minimum for cost reasons but I don’t think this is the case with the Exora because there was no intrusive sound from the roof even with raindrops hammering down on it.

Now that we’ve moved inside, let’s talk about the packaging and accommodation. The cabin width felt generous and the large size of the front seat would also suggest this. I sat in the middle row briefly and didn’t take too much note but Paul Tan (who had his session a week after me) commented that the middle row gets much more legroom than it needs to have. As for the third row, I made sure I checked it out and sat there all the way from the Genting tunnel to Shah Alam. The space was fine for me and about the same as what is in a Grand Livina (and I also sat in its third row for a very long period during a test-drive in Bali).

From the first sighting of the bodyshell during the Proton Technology Week a while back, I wondered about the third side window. It seemed like a rather small opening and I felt that it could mean the people in the third row would have something like a small window like on an aircraft, which is not particularly pleasant. However, when I sat inside and looked out, the amount of glass area is actually quite large and kids will have a nice view of the world passing by.

Comfort-wise, the seats are well structured but I felt that the cushion thickness might be on the thin side. I’m not sure if this is because the interior designers wanted to get as much headroom as possible but if it is thin, then fatigue could set in on long distances. This only applies to the second and third rows as the front two seats are fine.

As the pictures show, the second and third row can fold down completely flat which is very good. However, the folding operation for the second seat didn’t seem so good though owners may eventually get used to it. It is not a straightforward operation and salesmen had better practice doing it so they do not struggle in front of potential customers! Incidentally, the head restraints are low-profile types which do not have to be removed when the seats are flat.

Looking around the cabin, I was impressed by the innovative thinking the interior designers had and I suspect a large portion of the R&D budget went to creating an interior that is among the best in this class of MPVs. At a workshop with Proton’s interior designers a couple of years ago, I had emphasized this as being very important because it is something that is related to perceived quality. Earlier models didn’t have the right textures and panels appeared cheap and plasticky. Some of the trim in the Exora was untextured because it was a prototype but I feel sure that the texture will be the right type in the production units because the latest Waja CPS is very well done. Maybe the interior designers did feel I had a point and have worked hard at it.

One teh tarik hook is under the front head restraint and the other is on the dashboard

The Proton designers know that the one thing I have always asked about is a little thing called a teh tarikhook. I am sure you know what it is and many vehicles have it as standard. It’s a simple feature but very useful because our culture is such that we do have a lot of plastic bags of teh tarik,nasi lemak and so on. In the past, people would hang these on the door handles; okay but not the best way. So, to me, it has been odd that Proton being a Malaysian product did not have such a feature from the start and yet it is standard in a Kia, Honda, Toyota and other foreign makes (even the Land Rover Discovery!). I was told that this feature was a 'must-have’ for the Exora because they did not want me bringing it up again!

Actually, even though the Proton people associate me with the teh tarik hook, I must explain that it was really the late Dato’ Gurcharan Singh, the first GM of EON, who brought it up. During the media launch of the Saga 1.5I in 1987 or 1988, he complained that there was no 'char kuey teow’ hook for him to hang the packet of noodles and he felt that was something a Malaysian Car should have as standard.

The cupholders and bottle holders get high marks. You may think that these are all the same but a good cupholder is deep so that the cup does not topple over when you corner. The ones in the Exora (there are ten) are very well designed, perhaps the best I have seen. Those right at the back, along the sides below the third windows, have a slot for magazines or comics, something which is also thoughtful.

Stowage pockets for seatbelt buckles are a plus point

Other nice things are the neat storage of the seatbelts on the second and third rows (not all manufacturers think of this) and this will also make sure that there are no customers asking why the seatbelts are missing. In quite a number of cases I have heard, customers are puzzled to find their rear seatbelts missing. Actually the seatbelts are underneath and during installation of the seat, the people are too lazy to pull them up and just leave them on the floor and drop the seat on top.

The most expensive version will have a DVD player mounted on the ceiling somewhere above the gap between the front seats. It’s a standalone unit rather than integrated with the audio head unit. I think it also takes SD card media.

As for the dashboard, the design is clean and contemporary. There are some carryover parts from other models but it did surprise me to see quite a lot of new parts which means a higher initial cost of production. Perhaps this also suggests that there are new suppliers and Proton has finally been able to get rid of those that caused its reputation to go downhill by supplying parts with sub-standard quality.

You should be able to answer calls using the integrated Bluetooth connection by pressing a button on the steering wheel

The instrument panel has a nice presentation and the only thing I would have an issue with is reflections at the top (inside the shroud) because the surface is too shiny and smooth. Tengku Azizan said that it was not the final trim and the 'ghosting’ I noticed would not be present in the production model.

The Honda-like steering wheel has a nice feel and has some buttons for operating the radio and handsfree connection via Bluetooth. The Bluetooth facility is welcome and will help in motoring safety. The only thing about these Bluetooth facilities in cars is that the standards keep evolving and some manufacturers like to be right up to date. This can mean that some older handphones have problems connecting because their Bluetooth version is older. I mentioned this to Tengku Azizan and he said that they would try to test as many different phones as possible and see if any had problems and then get the supplier to make the necessary adjustments.

One thing which you won’t see even in the showroom vehicles but which is also innovative is a Body Control Module. This is something which can control multiple functions in a vehicle and some of the features which I was told about were things like activation of the hazard warning lights during emergency braking and disabling of the central locking system (in unlocked position) if a child operated it more than 30 times in 30 seconds.

With a Proton, there is always the final question – what about build quality? I can’t answer that since the units I drove were prototypes and I accept that they had parts which would not be in the production models. But I feel sure the quality will be high going by what we’ve seen of the New Saga. It would be a real shame if all the fantastic efforts of the engineers and interior designers in developing one of the best MPVs in its class had poor quality.

So that’s about as much as I can tell you about the experience of driving the first truly Malaysian MPV. If you think that my positive views are enough and you do not need further convincing and you want to be among the first to own an Exora, then go and book one now (you only need RM1,000 to do so). And if you can't decide on the colour choices, the two new ones - Pyrite Brown and Gaia Blue – look very suitable for the Exora.

Footnote: As I mentioned in the opening part of this report, it was a real surprise to be offered a test-drive well before the launch of the Exora. I have had such opportunities with other companies before (and on some occasions, I had to go to Africa for the drive!) but I never expected it from Proton. After all, this is the company which – under the former management – was so paranoid about the public seeing a new model before launch that it selectively picked on one journalist to threaten with a legal suit for having pictures of the Gen2 on his website and when that didn’t do the trick, they asked the police to have the matter investigated as a commercial crime so as to intimidate the journalist into submission, maybe even hoping that he would still refuse to cooperate and be thrown in jail for being a 'threat to national security'!. Fortunately, such discrimination and childish attitudes do not exist in the present management and there is certainly none of the arrogance and boastfulness either. That today's Proton MD gave permission for such a test-drive to be done and did not have his legal department prepare a 10-page indemnity form to sign shows just how different things are. Thanks for the privilege, Proton.

On another note, I am obliged to refute the suggestion on another website that there was 'pressure on the management to allow other journalists to have a test-drive’ because it was alleged that we had learnt that a certain journalist on that website had been given the chance. From the way I described how I was invited to take part, it is very clear that the allegation is total rubbish, perhaps made to justify breaking of the embargo we had all agreed on. The rest of us had no idea that Proton was going to have such an activity so how could we even have 'pressured the management’? Doesn’t make sense at all, does it?

MAS offers value deals

2009-04-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines has announced special travel plans for its customers who fly domestic and international destinations to help them weather the challenging economic situation.

Under the airline’s “MHFlex, 1+1” deal, customers who buy an adult economy class ticket will be able to get another one free while the “Kids Fly Free” package allows a child below 12 to fly for free with every purchase of two adult economy class tickets.

“In times of crisis, products must be tailored to suit the wallets of consumers. People still intend to fly even during the economic crisis. We just have to provide them with options,” MAS managing director and CEO Datuk Seri Idris Jala said when unveiling nine deals under the airline’s stimulus package here yesterday.

The packages, available until the end of the year, cater to travellers in the first, business and economy classes.

Other deals includes the “Economy +” package which allows travellers to enjoy business class privileges while paying for economy class tickets.

For more information, visit the MAS website at www.malaysiaairlines.com.

Break away from ethnic prison, urges Najib

2009-04-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak wants Malaysians to break away from being in an "ethnic prison" and to think as one.

At a press conference after chairing his first cabinet meeting as prime minister yesterday, he gave this example: "If there is a road accident, the first thing we tend to do is ask if the victim is Malay, Chinese or Indian. That is the Malaysian mentality. If someone has died, does it matter if the person is Malay, Chinese or Indian? Tell me, does it matter?"

He said most Malaysians were still concerned about their own community. He was responding to a question about the unhappiness regarding the representation of the Indian community in the cabinet, with one minister and two deputy ministers.

He also spoke on the recent release of Internal Security Act detainees, two of whom were V. Ganapatirau and R. Kengadharan.

"We released two Hindraf (Hindu Rights Action Force) detainees. But, at the same time, we also released 11 others (non-Indians). The MIC should also thank us for the release of the 11 others."
He said the government was for all. "If I tell an MCA leader go to a Malay kampung and an Umno leader go to Chinese village and the Indian leader go to other communities, it does not matter.

"But we are still operating in an ethnic prison and we should have got over it over the years."

Najib said the concept of 1Malaysia was based on mutual respect.

"I do not want to be too rigid, but as long as we respect each other and go beyond tolerating each other and trusting each other."

He also clarified that the concept of 1Malaysia was different from the "Malaysian Malaysia" concept claimed by the opposition.

"It is not the same. Under the 1Malaysia concept, we stand, we think and act as Malaysians and as one people. And we take actions that are based on every ethnic group in Malaysia."

He gave several examples: If a ministry organises a public housing programme for the poor, it should not forget the people in Sabah and Sarawak living in longhouses. "They should also rebuild longhouses"

Or if a ministry was looking at the poverty issue, "it should be looked at across the board, in urban, rural, estate, kampung baru and Orang Asli settlements".

KPI test in November Ministers

2009-04-15T18:07:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Ministers under the Najib administration will face their first performance evaluation under the key performance indicator (KPI) concept in November.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who announced this after chairing his maiden Cabinet meeting in Putrajaya yesterday, said he had spelt out to his ministers what he expected of them.

Among others, he said they would be judged by their integrity, willingness and preparedness to serve and their ability, saying he had reminded them to give their best always and to have “job satisfaction.”

“They must build a good esprit de corps among themselves,’’ the Prime Minister said, describing the meeting as “lively”.

Najib said it had been agreed that Khazanah Nasional would help with the drawing up of KPI elements, saying that ministers could use the evaluation results in November to review their performance and resolve problems. As the Cabinet was the people’s line-up, he said every minister must be capable of fulfilling the people’s high expectations and hopes.

Najib said he told the ministers not to work with only their communities in mind but to give their assistance to every ethnic group. “The bottom line is that any decision should be made with the interests of the rakyat in mind although it is important for the Government to continue with private sector-friendly policies.

“I have told the Cabinet members that with the current political situation, the people have become more critical and they should not assume that it’s still business as usual. There must be change and renewal.

“I emphasised on the need for them to hold discourses and dialogues with various groups so that any decision will really have the people’s interests at heart,” he told reporters at his residence in Jalan Langgak Duta here.

Asked if any minister would be dropped if they failed to hit the minimum requirements of the KPI, Najib said the Cabinet was fully aware that the future of the Government depended on them and the way it performed.

On the dissatisfaction expressed by the MIC on its representation in the new Cabinet line-up, the Prime Minister said the needs and wishes of every ethnic group should be considered.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin said of the meeting: “We were reminded to give our best and to make changes and reforms in areas we feel necessary.”

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek summed it up by saying that Najib wanted ministers to improve on their efficiency.

Proton Exora launched

2009-04-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

The Proton Exora was officially launched tonight at the KLCC by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Bits of the exterior are familiar, yes.

The seven-seater MPV enters the market in two iterations, the 1.6l AT Medium-line and 1.6l AT High-line. Both variants are equipped with a four-speed automatic gearbox, which features a retuned transmission control unit and a revised final drive.

Roomy it is, inside.

There's plenty of kit and gizmos on this one, which is priced at RM69,998 for the Medium-Line and RM75,998 for the High-Line (both on-the-road, without insurance).

ISA review 'soon'

2009-04-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

PUTRAJAYA: The Internal Security Act will be reviewed soon. "We want it (review) to be done very soon. I will discuss this with the home minister. I have some ideas but I will have to discuss them with him first. Then, we will announce it when the time comes," Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.

Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein is the new home minister, replacing Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.

Najib, on his appointment as the country's sixth prime minister on April 3, freed 13 ISA detainees and lifted the suspension of two opposition papers -- Harakah and Suara Keadilan.

In his maiden speech as PM, which was broadcast live, Najib had said Barisan Nasional would comprehensively review the ISA.

"These decisions are timely as we move to enhance the confidence of our citizens in those entrusted with maintaining peace, law and order, while recognising the need to remain vigilant of the real security threats we continue to face as a young nation," Najib had said.
Various quarters had hailed the review as timely.

Najib will chair the first cabinet meeting as the prime minister today. He said he would expound on the 1Malaysia concept to cabinet members and also editors.

On the demands made by MIC and MCA, Najib said they could always voice their views and ideas.

"But I am the one who will decide," Najib, who is also the finance minister, said after launching the Work Capital Guarantee and Industry Restructuring Guarantee schemes at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.

MCA had asked for the second deputy prime minister post while MIC had demanded for greater representation in the cabinet.

Red Shirts told to pack their bags and return home

2009-04-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

BANGKOK: Red-shirted protesters blinked when they went eyeball-to-eyeball with the military in the Thai capital.

Surrounded by armoured vehicles and soldiers armed with automatic weapons, the red-shirted protesters – whose numbers at the Prime Minister’s office grounds dwindled from 100,000 to about 2,500 – were all set for a bloody confrontation.

Backing down: Two antigovernment protesters (left) talking with a Thai soldier while others load their belongings on to a truck after ending their nearly two-week protest in Bangkok yesterday. — AP

“We will fight for the entire country and are aiming for victory in the long run,” proclaimed an SMS sent yesterday by the red-shirted “public relations” team.

However, at around 11am on the third day of the state of emergency in Bangkok, a red-shirted leader, Veera Musigapong, told protesters to pack their bags and return home. more

Blogstarz

2009-04-13T23:03:00.001-07:00

HOW TO START

1. FREE Sign up and become our privileged BLOGGER and enjoy the full e-commerce facilities available in our website.

Online registration
On line Referral
Genealogy Report
e-Classified
e-Yellow Pages
Bonus
e-Voucher Statement
BLOG & SMS services
e-Newsletter
e-Wallet

2. You may sell/purchase any of the Packages as listed below buy purchasing one pack or more to achieve the status that you desire; the price per package is as listed

PACKAGE BLOGGER

PACKAGE BLOG ASSOCIATE

PACKAGE BLOG MANAGER

- 1 Blog Center
- 1 Web Blog Package
- 50 BulkSMS Credits
- Status as BLOGGER
- 20% Clickshare Bonus

- 3 Blog Center
- 1 Web Blog Package
- 150 BulkSMS Credits
- Status as BLOG ASSOCIATE
- 40% Clickshare Bonus

- 7 Blog Center
- 1 Web Blog Package
- 350 BulkSMS Credits
- Status as BLOG MANAGER
- 60% Clickshare Bonus

HOW TO EARN INCOME

3. You will get your income from several ways and below are the illustration of your streamline income:-

Your Prime Income
You will get our Blogstarz Clickshare profits from 20% - 60% every month. Anyone who joined as a Blogger will get their share.

Your First Income
You will have a blog that can promote your Product, Services and your Thoughts in Blogstarz.my and earn income from its.

Your Second Income
2Way SMS Programme (Info On Demand) that will be host by yourself and earn up to 25% of the SMS charges. You can held SMS promotion, Quiz, Informative or anything can blow people minds.

Your Third Income
You will enjoy commission from Blogger Enrollment in blogstarz.my. You will also get commission from our latest creation plan, what we call By2AutoMatch and its been created to make sure everyone in our network get their

4. Income whenever they like it to be done. If you dont understand about this plan, please ask us and we will assist you on how you can create your network whether by Manual or AutoMatch.

5. To activate your account, please make payment to me MOHD AZRUL BIN AHMAD @ OTHMAN through CIMB Account

CIMB - 0405 0071 8935 21

1bc = RM 99.00 BLOGGER

3bc = RM 297.00 ASSOCIATES

7bc = RM 693.00 MANAGER

15bc = RM 1485.00 PRESIDENT

Master Centre = RM3399

After you make a payment, just sms to me your name, ic no, address, email, bank, amount of payment, date and time to 0176156626. Your activation will be made between 24 hour.

Pls ensure your BLOGGER ID is mine azruljourney

To register please click here

Six people killed in highway bus crash

2009-04-13T22:00:00.001-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Five passengers and the driver died and three others were seriously injured when their double-decker bus hit the road divider and landed on its side in a ditch at Km443 of the North-South Expressway yesterday.

An unidentified injured woman being sent to hospital.

The bus was heading for Kuala Lumpur when the accident occurred at 5am about 5km after the Bukit Beruntung exit.

Thedriver is believed to have lost control before the bus crashed.

One of the dead victims, C. Magenthiran, 26, from Taman Sri Indah, Kelang, was found on the opposite side of the highway. He is believed to have been thrown out of the bus.

The other victims were identified as Muhamad Ismail, 27, from Kampung Lubuk Batu, Jitra, Kedah; Mohamad Fauzi Awang, 44, from Kampung Kebangsaan Siam, Alor Star, Md Zaher Mohamad, 33, from Kampung Pulau Ketam, Jitra, and Mohd Yusril Zakaria, 27, from Kampung Sungai Deraka, Kota Kuala Muda, Kedah.
Also dead was the bus driver identified as Zulkhibri Md Saad from Kubang Ulu, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

At the time of the accident, Zulkhibri, 35, was asleep and the bus was driven by the co-driver.

The 33-year-old co-driver, who was injured, has been arrested and is under guard at the Sungai Buloh hospital.

Also injured were passengers Sulinda Mat Yassin, 31, who is seven months pregnant, and an unidentified woman.

The executive coach of AB Express was on its way to Kuala Lumpur from Kangar with 43 passengers.

Witnesses said less than two hours before the accident, the bus had stopped for a break in Simpang Pulai, Perak.

That was when the co-driver took over from Zulkhibri.

P. Ghhaneshh, 45, who was driving his boss from Ipoh to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, told police he saw the accident happen.

He said he was driving behind the bus from Tanjung Malim when he noticed it starting to swerve dangerously in front of him.

"It was moving to the left and to the right, not sticking to its lane.

"I suspected something was wrong and tried to get the attention of the driver by flashing my high beam and honking. But the bus still crashed into the divider," he said.

Federal traffic police chief Datuk Abd Aziz Yusof said initial investigations revealed that the co-driver had six summonses for speeding and five warrants of arrest while Zulkhibri had eight outstanding summonses for speeding.

Abd Aziz confirmed the co-driver had been arrested and was being investigated for causing death by driving recklessly.

He added it is the worse road accident this year.

Fire and Rescue Department chief operation Assistant Superintendent Zahinor Hamzah said the heads of two of the victims were severed.

The accident caused a 5km-long congestion from the Bukit Beruntung exit.

Embassy: M’sians in Thailand are safe

2009-04-13T18:36:00.001-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians in Thailand are safe and have no problem leaving the country as the airport is open, said a Malaysian Embassy official in Bangkok.

“We have not received reports of Malaysians being stranded or hurt as a result of the upheaval in these last few days,” the official added.

As for the recently set up hotline, the officer said most of the calls made to the 24-hour line came from Malaysia.

“Many of the callers had plan- ned their vacations or business trips and wanted to know whether they should continue with their journey,” he said.

The officer said the standard advice given was for Malaysians to stay away from Thailand and only travel to the country under very necessary circumstances.

The embassy’s hotline number is +66 2629 6808.

There has been no disruption to AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flights between Malaysia and Thailand.

The two airlines have also made provisions for customers wanting to change their flight dates to Bangkok.

MAS is offering its customers with confirmed flights into or out of Bangkok a flexibility to change the flight dates without incurring extra charges.

For further updates, customers may contact MAS offices in Bangkok and Phuket airports.

AirAsia, meanwhile, said on its website that it did not expect any interruptions or cancellations at the moment.

Passengers have been given the option to defer their flights to Bangkok with the airline offering a credit shell valid for three months for flights from April 13 to 19.

“If guests cancel their flights to and from Bangkok during the dates, the credit shell can be used to book flights to other destinations,” it said.

If customers decide not to travel to Bangkok and wanted to change their destinations, they could do so without penalty from April 13 to 19.

Samy Vellu: I didn't seek cabinet job

2009-04-13T18:35:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu yesterday denied the party had sought a senatorship or a cabinet appointment for him.

However, he said, there was grassroots dissatisfaction over MIC representation in the cabinet and this would be discussed at the party's central working committee meeting on Thursday.

Samy Vellu described an online news item which stated that the party wanted to pull out its representatives in the government because he had not been appointed a minister as "utter nonsense and very mischievous".

The news portal quoted unnamed sources as saying the MIC would discuss a move to withdraw the minister and two deputy ministers from the government as a protest over the lack of importance accorded to the Indian community in the cabinet. More

WET DAY

2009-04-13T18:33:00.000-07:00

WET DAY...Songkran new year revellers in Sungai Golok having great fun dousing each other with water yesterday. However, Thais are aware that tourism in Thailand will be hit badly as stroops and demonstrators swapped gunfire and firebombs this week. Around 80 per cent of tourists have checked out and more are expected to leave after Songkran -NST Pix by Fathil Asri

Embassy: Stay away from Bangkok

2009-04-12T18:06:00.001-07:00

BANGKOK: Malaysians have been advised to consider cancelling any plan to visit Bangkok, in view of the escalating tension between the government and supporters of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The Malaysian embassy here said Malaysians should stay away from the Thai capital and five other provinces, which are under a state of emergency, unless absolutely necessary.

The advice comes as Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban announced that police and soldiers, deployed to more than 50 areas, have been given the go-ahead to use force.

An embassy official advised Malaysian tourists in Bangkok to exercise caution and keep themselves abreast of the latest developments by following news updates on television and to contact the embassy, if necessary.

He said the embassy, at Sathorn Road, would set up a 24-hour operations room and hotline number to monitor the situation and provide advice to Malaysians in the country.
The hotline number is 00 662 629 6808.

Protesters clash with soldiers at Bangkok junction

2009-04-12T18:04:00.000-07:00

BANGKOK (AP) - Anti-government demonstrators had their first serious clash with security forces in Bangkok early Monday, as soldiers fired hundreds of rounds from automatic weapons to clear a major road junction of rock-throwing protesters. At least 49 people were hurt.

The pre-dawn fighting occurred after a day of chaos in which the country's ousted prime minister called for a revolution after the government declared a state of emergency.

Many streets in the capital were controlled Sunday night by the protesters, who had earlier commandeered public buses and swarmed triumphantly over military vehicles in unchecked defiance. More

ALTANTUYA MURDER TRIAL It's D-Day for Azilah and Sirul

2009-04-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: They were always in the background, the core of the security unit in charge of the safety of VVIPs.

Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri (top) are charged with the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu

But all that changed for Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar from the Special Action Squad three years ago.

They were thrust into the limelight, charged with the murder of Mongolian woman Altantuya Shaariibuu.

And even then, the two police commandos, were always in the background, this time with help from fellow officers who escorted them from the Sungai Buloh prison to the Shah Alam High Court.

No matter the verdict today, Azilah and Sirul will always be remembered for the Ninja-style cover to hide their faces from press photographers.

Today, they will no longer remain in the background.More story

Umno may give up four posts

2009-04-08T18:48:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno will lead the way by giving up three or four ministerial posts in the new slimmer Cabinet to be unveiled at 3pm today.

Party sources said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had spent the last five days juggling names and positions to take into consideration the requests and views from various Barisan Nasional component parties.

“However, his biggest headache has been the Umno list. Najib will be breaking with convention with this new line-up. More Story

PM: No arbitrary use of ISA

2009-04-07T18:41:00.000-07:00

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said his administration would not use the Internal Security Act (ISA) arbitrarily but would give importance to human rights and civil liberties.

He said the ISA was undergoing a review to ensure that it incorporates several provisions that upholds these principles.

“Several provisions (of the ISA) will reflect our (the Government’s) intention to uphold civil liberties and establish checks and balance so that the ISA is not used arbitrarily or according to the whims of the authorities without regard for the fundamental rights and civil liberties of the people of Malaysia,” he told a group of journalists from Indo nesia yesterday at his office here.

The journalists, who had arrived to attend the Malaysian Press Awards event of the Malaysian Press Institute in Kuala Lumpur on Monday night, were the first group of foreign journalists to interview Najib after his elevation as Prime Minister last Friday.

Najib said his decision to release 13 ISA detainees recently was a government gesture that gave importance to the fundamental rights and civil liberties in a modern, mature and civilised society.

At the interview, Najib was asked about his style of administration, Malaysia-Indo nesia bilateral relations, regional security, press freedom in Malaysia and the role of the two prime ministers before him, among other things.

Touching on the philosophy behind the “One Malaysia. People First. Performance Now” concept, which he announced soon after becoming the Prime Minister, Najib said it was “the overarching philosophy” behind the administration he helmed.

He explained that it emphasised what should be done from now to spur the nation towards realising the objectives and vision set by the two prime ministers before him, which were to enable the people achieve “excellence, glory and distinction” and realise Vision 2020 to become a developed nation.

Najib also said he wanted to be the prime minister for all of the people and he would be fair, that he would not want to be seen as favouring any ethnic group.

Touching on freedom in a democratic system, Najib said Malaysia was liberal and practised freedom with responsibility

Tri Elections

2009-04-07T18:37:00.000-07:00

Fair and Square. All parties win at difference place.

Trimmer Cabinet: 6 ministries to become 3

2009-04-07T18:35:00.000-07:00

PUTRAJAYA: At least three ministries will "disappear", while parliamentary secretaries will make a comeback when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak names his cabinet.

Najib is said to have received consent from the palace to announce his line-up.

He is expected to do so as soon as he finishes meeting leaders of Barisan Nasional component party leaders today or tomorrow.

It is understood that the merger of six ministries into three is to avoid overlapping of duties and jurisdictions, to make Najib's administration smaller but more effective.

The Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry is expected to be merged with the Tourism Ministry; Higher Education Ministry with the Education Ministry; and, Plantation, Industries and Commodities Ministry with the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry.
The fewer ministers will, however, be getting extra help, as parliamentary secretaries are set to be appointed. Former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi did away with the posts when he had a larger cabinet.

At least one minister who lost in his bid for a post in Umno recently is likely to be retained. Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim is likely to continue to lead Wisma Putra although he lost in his bid for a vice-president's post.

Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Shaziman Mansor is also likely to remain in his post.

The Finance Ministry, now headed by Najib, is likely to be strengthened with Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, an economist, moving from the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry. Both Najib and Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah are expected to remain in the ministry.

Several people are being lined up to be appointed senators, to become full ministers.

Najib is, however, keeping the list of names close to his chest.

"There is no way you will know it until he makes the official announcement. Until then, people can make all sorts of guesses and speculation," said an aide to the prime minister.

"But the line-up, on the whole, will reflect the prime minister's 1Malaysia concept, that is unity and progress in diversity."

The aide said, however, that despite the short time since his appointment as prime minister, Najib had sought the views and opinions of people from all levels of society, including leaders, academicians, businessmen and community leaders on who should be in his line-up.

This was to ensure that the people would be well represented and taken care of.

It is also said that ideas and input from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission were also being sought.

Over the past few days, several Barisan Nasional component party leaders met Najib over the cabinet appointments. Among them was MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat. Sabah and Sarawak BN leaders also made their representations.

Mukhriz: Dad will rejoin Umno

2009-04-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

SUNGAI PETANI: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will rejoin Umno in a day or two, his son Datuk Mukhriz said yesterday.

Mukhriz, the Jerlun member of parliament, said his father would campaign in the Bukit Selambau and Bukit Gantang by-elections..

"The most important thing for me is Dr Mahathir's return to Umno," he said after visiting the Taman Joget homestay here.

Dr Mahathir quit the party in May last year, citing as reason his lack of confidence in the party's leadership.-

Mukhriz said his defeat in the contest for the Umno Youth chief''s post had not dampened his spirit to contribute to the party.
He said that his "dare to change" slogan had been well-received by party members and this had contributed to the leadership change in the higher echelon of the party.

Mukhriz said that he was prepared to accept any responsibility given by Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is taking his oath of office as the new prime minister today, succeeding Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi

Najib sworn in as Malaysia's sixth Prime Minister

2009-04-02T20:36:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

09.55am: King arrives for swearing in ceremony.

09.45am: Abdullah and Najib arrive at Istana Negara.

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

SLIPPERY PASSENGER

2009-04-01T20:17:00.000-07:00

Fishing is common in Sabah, whether it is to make a living or for pleasure. Many small-time fishermen often cart their catch on their vehicles but this fishermen may be pressing his luck.

The more than a metre-long "passenger" is in danger of sliding off the motorcycle and this might be unfortunate for the fisherman and on-coming motorists

Abdullah: Support Najib

2009-04-01T20:15:00.000-07:00

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday chaired his last cabinet meeting.

His advice to his cabinet colleagues: pursue the national missions and policies put in place to ensure the country's strength in facing challenges of the future.

Ministers, as they were leaving the Prime Minister's Office compound where the weekly meeting took place, said Abdullah stressed that Barisan Nasional leaders must strive to meet the people's aspirations.

At the meeting, which they described as cheery and "at times sombre", Abdullah pledged he would refrain from interfering in the new administration and asked that they give Datuk Seri Najib Razak their undivided support.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Abdullah hoped his policies and initiatives would continue to be well executed.
This included the commissions that he had set up to ensure a more effective judiciary and to fight graft.

"The prime minister expressed hope that there would be continuity in the policies agreed upon in past cabinet meetings.

"We believe that the policies, decisions and changes made by Pak Lah in his five-year administration, must be implemented.

"He also touched on the economic corridor projects and the feasibility studies done on them.

"The cabinet noted that although there was a transition of power, we are still under the same ruling government. To us, the past policies should be continued, with coming changes being determined by the incoming prime minister," he said.

Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said Abdullah also asked that the new leadership put emphasis on sound human capital development.

"Abdullah shared with us his aspirations for the nation and called on us to be effective leaders under the leadership of Datuk Seri Najib," he said.

International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who by convention will become deputy prime minister in the next administration, said the cabinet expressed its appreciation to Abdullah for his contributions and sacrifices to the party and government.

"The cabinet also lauded him for facilitating a smooth transition."

Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said Abdullah also spoke on issues close to his heart, including unity among the people and empowering the people, especially the young, through quality education.

Abdullah, he added, urged the cabinet to give prominence to matters that form the strength of the country's development.

"I am rather disappointed that many do not really know what Pak Lah is all about, like we in the cabinet do.

"To us this man has a huge heart, a leader who is sincere and always puts the interests of the people and the nation before his.

"My hope is that the nation remembers him for these traits in his leadership," Hishammuddin, who is a newly-minted Umno vice-president, said.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin said Abdullah expressed confidence in Najib's leadership.

Najib to be sworn in as PM tomorrow

2009-04-01T20:14:00.000-07:00

PUTRAJAYA: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin has given his consent for Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to be sworn in as Prime Minister tomorrow, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan said.

In a statement issued here last night, Mohd Sidek said Tuanku Mizan had also consented to grant an audience to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Najib at 10am today for Abdullah to relinquish the post and seek consent to appoint Najib as the new Prime Minister.

Tuanku Mizan gave his consent after granting Abdullah an audience before the Cabinet meeting yesterday.

The King has given his consent for Najib to be presented his letter of appointment as Prime Minister and to take his oath of office, loyalty and confidentiality at Istana Negara at 10am tomorrow

Local docs to face foreign challenge

2009-03-29T18:08:00.001-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Local medical professionals have to compete with their foreign counterparts when the services sector under the Asean Free Trade Area (Afta) is opened up by end of the year.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said at least 70% of the equity will be opened to foreign participation by the period.

This would lead to an increase of foreign professionals, particularly from disciplines which were in demand, those not available locally or facing a shortage, he said.

“The locals will have a choice of seeking treatment locally instead of having to go overseas.

“This is also a boost for medical tourism as foreigners will be attracted by good services and affordable rates in Malaysa,” Liow said in an interview.

Liow however said that the foreign professionals must be registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC).

Malaysia has 23,738 doctors, 3,165 dentists and 4,571 pharmacists. They include 9,440 doctors, 1,625 dentists and 3,321 pharmacists in the private practice who may be directly affected by the move.

Admitting that local professionals were initially quite hesitant in accepting the move, Liow said his ministry, via several briefings with them, managed to convince them that the move was inevitable and that they (local professionals) should be ready and able to compete with their foreign counterparts.

“Like many other countries in the world, Malaysia is gearing up to make medical tourism more attractive to foreigners.

“There are also a lot of requests from foreigners, many whom are Japanese and Koreans and residing in Malaysia, for treatment by doctors or specialists from their country,” Liow said.

Crowded Selambau

2009-03-29T18:02:00.000-07:00

KEPALA BATAS: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took a swipe at the large number of independent contestants vying for the Bukit Selambau seat.

Abdullah said it looked like everyone wanted to become an elected representative these days.

"This may cause the winner to obtain a victory which is not reflective of the support of people in the constituency," he said.

When told that there were ex-opposition leaders who were contesting, Abdullah said this showed something was not right in the opposition.

"They may be facing problems.

"We, on the other hand, don't have any Umno people contesting. This shows our discipline is better."

Asked for his advice to voters, Abdullah smiled and said: "My advice is for them to vote for Barisan Nasional."

The prime minister was speaking after officiating at 28 projects which had been planned and implemented in the Kepala Batas constituency, where Abdullah is the member of parliament.

In Sungai Petani, newly elected Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the independent candidates could take away votes from the Parti Keadilan Rakyat candidate.

Pas Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub was also not happy about the crowded field.

"Something should be done by the Election Commission to stop this kind of contest."

Dr Mahathir to rejoin Umno

2009-03-28T02:57:00.000-07:00

ormer prime minister and Umno president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Saturday he will rejoin Umno.

He said he would announce the date of his return to the party at a suitable time “after (sorting out) several matters”.

“I have to fill up a form. It takes some time. I will let you know later. I am waiting for certain events,” he told reporters after attending the Umno General Assembly at PWTC on Saturday as an observer.

On May 19 last year, at a “ceramah” (talk) in Alor Setar, Kedah, Dr Mahathir announced his withdrawal from Umno, saying he had lost confidence in the party.Dr Mahathir, accompanied by his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, was seen entering the Dewan Merdeka at PWTC about 12.30pm, when Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was delivering his winding-up speech. Both of them were given a rousing welcome by the delegates, who stood up to show their appreciation.

Dr Mahathir was seen nodding, as though in agreement, when Muhyiddin expressed the hope of seeing the former prime minister rejoin Umno.

Muhyiddin said Dr Mahathir’s presence more or less reflected his recognition of the new Umno leadership line-up, to which the delegates responded with claps.

At the end of the assembly, Dr Mahathir went down to the main stage and exchanged greetings with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the Umno Supreme Council members and then he, Abdullah, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Muhyiddin together held up their hands.

Asked why he decided to attend the assembly after having decided against doing so earlier, Dr Mahathir said Muhyiddin’s election as the deputy president gave him the confidence that the anticipated changes in Umno would take place after all.

“I think there is hope for the future,” he said.

Dr Mahathir had stated earlier in his blog, CheDet.com, that he would not attend the assembly as he felt that Umno Youth had openly condoned money politics.

Dr Mahathir also said Umno should fight for the people and not for certain group of individuals if it wants regain the support of the people.

“Without the people, Umno cannot win. Umno’s consolidation process depends very much on where the party is heading, whether it truly fights for the people or for certain group of people,” he said.

Dr Mahathir also agreed to the suggestion that the party do away with the nomination quota which determines the eligibility of members to contest for party posts.

But the most important, he said, was for the party to eliminate money politics because “even if we change the system 10 times, if money politics is still being practised, then Umno will be destroyed,” he said. Asked on the power transition from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to Najib, Dr Mahathir said: “The succession is from the Umno president (to his deputy) and I hope another transition from the prime minister will happen.”

Denying that he would be appointed a Government adviser, he said: “If you ask for my advice, why not. Just like Pak Lah, he says he can give his advice, I also can give mine.”

On the Umno line-up, Dr Mahathir said: “There are still certain things which I am not happy with.”

Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein described Dr Mahathir’s presence at the general assembly as the openness in Umno, which did not exist in the Opposition.

“I am overwhelmed because his presence will hasten our effort to close ranks. This differentiates us and as vice-president, I will help shoulder the responsibility entrusted to us to rebuild the party,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir’s third son, Datuk Mukhriz, hoped that his father would return to Umno as soon as possible.

“This is what we have been waiting for. My father has actually promised that on the day Datuk Seri Najib takes over the party presidency, he will submit his membership application form.

“This (Najib’s presidency) has now become a reality and we are delighted at this new development. However, I’ve never influenced my father to make the decision,” Mukhriz told reporters.

Pak Lah Step Down On April 2

2009-03-28T02:55:00.000-07:00

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will seek an audience with the Yang di Pertuan Agong on Thursday (April 2) to express his intention to step down as Prime Minister. He told delegates attending the Umno General Assembly on Saturday that he hoped the official ceremony for the handing over of power to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak could be held the same day.
Other developments:
* Dr M to rejoin Umno.
* Najib: Judge me on my actions.
* Muhyiddin pledges to be a good and loyal No.2.
* Zahid rouses delegates with his oratory skills.
* Hishammuddin: Allow Grade A teachers to enter politics.
* Shafie: Listen to the younger generation.

PM to meet King on Thursday on power handover

2009-03-28T02:52:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Sat:

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced today that he will seek an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin this Thursday to convey his intention to relinquish his post as Prime Minister.

He said this in his winding up speech at the 59th Umno General Assembly, at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

PLUS likely to raise toll rates by five per cent

2009-02-12T17:59:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The country's biggest toll operator PLUS Expressways Bhd is likely to raise toll rates by five per cent -- half the scheduled rates -- from next month.

"The revenue shortfall is expected to be compensated by the government via cash or other forms of restitution, such as extension to the concession period," a source said.

An announcement is expected to be made by the end of this month.

PLUS's scheduled toll increase of 10 per cent was due last month.

The increase would see the average toll rate rise from the current 13.60 sen per km to 14.96 sen per km.
PLUS general manager of corporate communications Khalilah Mohd Talha said they were unable to confirm the increase as they had yet to receive any official word from the government.

HWANG-DBS Vickers Research Sdn Bhd analyst Chong Tjen San said he saw PLUS receiving only a partial increase in toll rates.

He expects highway users most affected by the increase to be those plying the North-South Expressway, the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) and the Federal Highway Route 2.

PLUS holds the concession to the North-South Expressway, the NKVE, the 16km stretch of Federal Highway Route 2 and the Seremban-Port Dickson Highway.

Its other newly acquired toll roads comprise Elite, Linkedua and the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway, which are not due for any increase in toll rates soon.

The government was supposed to decide last month whether to allow PLUS to raise toll rates by 10 per cent or to compensate the concessionaire.

PLUS last raised toll rates in 2005.

The next hike was supposed to be last year. However, high inflation prompted the authorities to delay the increase.

13 Feb 08.

Banks lower interest rates and penalty for late payment

2009-02-12T17:51:00.000-08:00

PETALING JAYA: Credit card interest rates and penalty fees are going down.

Cardholders who pay at least the minimum amount promptly over 12 consecutive months (Tier-1) will pay 13.5% in annual interest from March 31, from the present 15%.

For those who pay promptly for at least 10 consecutive months (Tier-II), the interest rate will be 16%, down from 17%.

For those who do not fall into both these categories (Tier-III), the interest rate will be 17.5%, a minimal 0.5% reduction from 18%.

The present minimum late payment fee of RM10, or 1% of the total outstanding balance will also be reduced to RM5, and the RM100 maximum fee cut to RM75.

ABM chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Hamidy Abdul Hafiz, who announced the changes in a statement yesterday, said banks “have listened” to encourage good repayment habits and instil financial discipline.

“Existing local credit card charges are already among the lowest in Asia, which range from 18% to 42% elsewhere in the region. “We hope the latest measures will motivate credit card holders to diligently make at least the monthly minimum payment of 5% of their total outstanding balance promptly,’’ he added.

Sunday Star front-paged consumers rallying for credit card interest rates to be reduced to help them get out of debt.

There are 10.3 million cardholders in the country with total debt standing at RM22.8bil as of December last year.

“The reductions in interest rates should give rise to savings for all credit cardholders to better enable them to make the minimum payment.

“It is also envisaged that more Tier-I cardholders can now afford to plan to settle their outstanding amount in full every month,” Abdul Hamidy added.

He said the different incremental reduction in interest rates of 1.5% between Tier-III and Tier-II and 2.5% between Tier-II and Tier-I would also encourage prudent repayment habits and instil strong personal finance management.

“The revisions not only demonstrate a reasonable, responsive and dynamic Malaysian financial system but are also in line with the underpinning principle of the tiered interest rate scheme introduced last year, that is to encourage good repayment habits and financial discipline,” he added.

Credit risk costs, he added, was expected to climb in a worsening economic environment, but banks would be closely monitoring the situation in the months ahead.

“The public must still exercise great caution and control over personal spending and live within one’s means,” he advised.

Fomca secretary-general Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah said although the reduced interest rates would help cardholders who had outstanding balances, “the numbers are still toosmall.”

“Muhammad Sha’ani suggested that banks allow cardholders to reschedule loans by converting their credit card balances to term loans with a 10% interest rate.

Sultan Azlan Shah’s statement

2009-02-05T18:13:00.001-08:00

THE following is the media statement issued by the office of Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, which was signed by the ruler’s private secretary, Col Datuk Abd Rahim Mohamad Nor:

Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin was granted an audience by Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan on Feb 4, to ask for his Royal Highness’s consent to dissolve the Perak State Assembly.

Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, also requested for an audience with his Royal Highness in his capacity as the Perak Barisan Nasional chairman and consent was granted to be present before his Royal Highness on Feb 5.

Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Mohd Najib informed that the Barisan Nasional and its supporters, now comprising 31 state assemblymen, had the majority in the State Assembly.

On the order of the Duli Yang Maha Mulia to ascertain that the information given was accurate, all the 31 state assemblyman were to present themselves before Paduka Seri Sultan.

After meeting all the 31 assemblymen, DYMM Paduka Seri Sultan of Perak was convinced that YAB Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin had ceased to command the confidence of the majority of the State Assembly members.

DYMM Paduka Seri Sultan of Perak had also considered thoroughly YAB Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin’s application on Feb 4, 2009 for his Royal Highness’s consent to dissolve the Perak State Assembly.

His Royal Highness had used his discretion under Article XVIII (2)(b) of the Perak Darul Ridzuan State Constitution and did not consent to the dissolution of the Perak State Assembly.

YAB Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin was summoned to an audience with the Sultan to be informed of his Royal Highness’s decision not to dissolve the State Assembly, and in accordance with the provisions of Article XVI (6) of the Perak Darul Ridzuan State Constitution, DYMM Paduka Seri Sultan of Perak ordered YAB Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin to resign from his post as Perak Mentri Besar together with the members of the state executive council with immediate effect.

If YAB Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin does not resign from his post as Perak Mentri Besar together with the state executive council members, then the posts of Mentri Besar and state executive councillors are regarded as vacant.

This statement is issued with the consent of Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan.

Zambry to be sworn in as new Perak MB

2009-02-05T18:09:00.000-08:00

PETALING JAYA: Pangkor assemblyman Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir will be the new Perak Mentri Besar, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

Abdullah, who is Barisan Nasional chairman, announced this after returning from his official visit to Istana Kinta in Ipoh yesterday evening, where he had an audience with the Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah.

“Sultan Azlan Shah has consented to Zambry being appointed the Mentri Besar. He will be sworn in at 3.30pm tomorrow (today) at the Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar,” he said.

Abdullah added that the new state executive council would be sworn in at 10am the day after.

Zambry, meanwhile, thanked the Sultan, the Prime Minister and his deputy for trusting him to carry out the responsibility.

Sultan, Raja Nazrin quiz assemblymen

2009-02-05T18:08:00.000-08:00

POH: All 31 assemblymen forming a majority for the Barisan Nasional in Perak were interviewed individually by Sultan Azlan Shah and Raja Muda Raja Dr Nazrin Shah yesterday.

Sources said it was a brief audience for 27 BN assemblymen but a longer one for the three independent assemblymen and Bota assemblyman Datuk Nasarudin Hashim, who is back with Umno.

"The sultan wanted to make sure that the independent assemblymen and Nasarudin fully supported BN and would help form a stable state government," a source said.

The three independents are Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (Behrang) and Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu (Changkat Jering), formerly of Parti Keadilan Rakyat, and Hee Yit Foong (Jelapang), formerly of DAP.

It is learnt that both an oral and written undertaking of support for the new state government and menteri besar was provided by the three assemblymen.
"The letters of undertaking were signed individually and submitted to the palace on Wednesday night," another source said.

"Obviously, the sultan is not taking any chances despite the apparently solid front. This will also be fair as the previous Pakatan Rakyat administration was also required to do the same."

Nizar's swearing-in as the 10th menteri besar in March last year was postponed twice due to the palace's doubts over whether the three parties -- the DAP, PKR and Pas -- could form a stable majority.

Schoolbus driver dies in river plunge

2009-02-02T16:35:00.000-08:00

GEORGE TOWN: A schoolbus headed for SJK(C) Chung Hwa Confucian plunged into a river near the State Mosque in Air Itam at 7.20am, killing the driver.

Some of the 23 primary school pupils onboard sustained minor injuries and received outpatient treatment at the Penang Hospital yesterday.

It was the first day of school after the one-week Chinese New Year break.

It is believed that the driver, identified as Koe Joon Huat, 48, lost control of the bus when trying to avoid a car in front of him.

The bus crashed through a railing and plunged into Sungai Air Itam, about 200m from the school. The impact shattered the windscreen.

The children were fortunate as the river was only knee-deep, and escaped by crawling out through the broken windscreen.

Koe suffered serious head injuries and is believed to have died while on the way to hospital.

Pupil Lee Tzu Jun, 12, said she noticed that the driver had not been feeling well during the journey.

“I was seated behind him. He was coughing and spitting and nearly collided into the cars in front of us twice,” the Year Six pupil said.

Brendon Tan Chee Yong, 10, who suffered a nose bleed, said the children were screaming before the bus plunged into the river.

His mother Poh Su Mooi, 45, who was at the hospital, said she was grateful that her son had not suffered any serious injury.

“I received a call from the school authorities about 7.40am and rushed to the hospital,” she said.

Amelia Cheah, 10, sobbed uncontrollably after learning of the driver’s death.

“He was a very nice and caring driver,” she said.

Passer-by P.H. Tan said he alighted from his car on seeing the crash and pulled the pupils out to safety.

“I saw many people jumping into the river to save the children.”

George Town OCPD Asst Comm Azam Abd Hamid said Koe is believed to have suffered from a fit when the crash occurred.

He said three pupils received stitches for injuries while the rest were discharged after receiving outpatient treatment.

Edited From The Star 3 Feb 09

Duo’s fate in EC’s hands

2009-02-02T16:33:00.000-08:00

IPOH: The fate of the two PKR assemblymen – Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi and Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu – is now in the hands of the Election Commission.

Perak State Assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar handed over the disputed letters of resignation purportedly from the two men to the state election director Adli Abdullah at 8am Monday to seek a by-election for the two constituencies.

However, Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Yusof said a meeting would be held to discuss the validity of the letters signed by Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman.

Describing the situation as “delicate and unique,” he said a meeting with legal advisers and experts from the Attorney-General’s Chambers must be held before any decision was made.

He said that only when the validity of the letters was determined could the commission decide whether a by-election needed to be held or not.

“I was informed by the Perak commission director that there are two letters in his hands; one from the Speaker and another from the two assemblymen.

“We have to study the contents of the letters, refer to the Perak Constitution and study other laws before we can announce or decide anything,” he said yesterday.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin had an audience with the Sultan of Perak but refused to speak to the press when he emerged about 30 minutes later.

This fuelled speculation that he might have sought the Ruler’s consent to dissolve the state assembly and have a state election but this was denied by other Pakatan Rakyat leaders.

Jamaluddin, when asked by The Star late yesterday about his earlier statement that he would quit PKR and become an independent, said: “Things are quite chaotic at the moment. It will settle down in a few days.”

Mohd Osman, through a representative, lodged a police report at the Shah Alam police headquarters to state that he did not tender his resignation as a state assemblyman last evening.

Leaders of component PR parties held closed-door meetings on their own.

After meeting DAP elected representatives here yesterday, state senior exco member Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham said that the Perak Legislative Assembly had accepted the two men’s resignation letters.

“We deem the letters as true and genuine until proven otherwise. We are ready for the by-elections,” he told reporters when responding to questions on the validity of the letters.

He refused to comment on whether all Perak DAP assemblymen had signed similar letters after the elections.

“We did sign some documents but I have to look at the contents first,” he said.

Meanwhile, the state was still rife with speculation that crossover talks had intensified.

Sources said that Barisan Nasional was wooing three more Pakatan elected representatives and in return Pakatan was targeting two Barisan assemblymen.

They said that PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in a meeting with state Pakatan leaders yesterday, said he was still in touch with two Barisan representatives.

Edited from The Star 3 Feb 09

State govt on shaky ground

2009-02-02T16:29:00.000-08:00

OPEN season for defections was declared in Perak when Bota assemblyman Datuk Nasarudin Hashim switched to the Parti Keadilan Rakyat on Jan 25. Far from bolstering the state government's hold on power, the move eventually left it tottering on the verge of collapse.

The Pakatan Rakyat majority in the state assembly was never stable in the first place, so that the euphoria of Nasarudin's move was quickly eclipsed by rumours of the impending counter-defections of PKR state exco members Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi and Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu.

For Pakatan leaders in Perak, it was a disastrous start to the Year of the Ox as they searched frantically for the duo, who could not be contacted since the second day of the lunar new year.

Sensing trouble, PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim issued a statement, carried by a Chinese daily, saying he would like to meet them at a party function in Bota last Friday.

Both did not turn up at the event, snubbing Anwar in the process.
Such was the level of anxiety that Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin was forced to call an emergency meeting of PR leaders at his residence on Sunday before openly pleading with the two to come out of hiding and declare their party allegiance.

Prior to this, he had been steadfast and even told the media that he had spoken to Jamaluddin and Osman over the phone on Friday, which he vehemently denied doing two days later.

With no word from the two by Sunday evening, Perak Speaker V. Sivakumar announced their resignations as state assemblymen.

After a fuming Jamaluddin denied submitting his resignation to Sivakumar and claiming that all seven PKR assemblymen had been forced to sign undated quit letters, senior exco member Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham came to the speaker's defence.

He said the decision by Sivakumar to declare the seats vacant was final and binding.

"The letters are deemed as true and genuine until proven otherwise. The two assemblymen have already admitted to having signed the letters regardless of whether they were undated," he said.

The denials issued by Jamaluddin and Osman that they have resigned shows the various letters of undertaking and pledges of loyalty signed by all 31 Pakatan Rakyat assemblymen in March last year to be unreliable.

Nizar's swearing-in as the 10th menteri besar was postponed twice as the palace had doubts over whether the three parties -- the DAP, PKR and Pas -- held a firm majority in the state assembly.

Swept up by their unexpected victory in the general election, the Pakatan parties were able to obtain in record time the signatures of their assemblymen in a written undertaking to work together.

As a lawyer, Ngeh insists that the pre-signed resignation letters by Jamaluddin and Osman could not be disputed.

"All documents signed in escrow are acceptable by law. When you sign something, you know what it is about and the law is all about putting into effect your intentions."

He agreed, nevertheless, the state government was far from stable.

As the biggest party in the tripartite governing alliance, the DAP should be first to walk the talk and ask for the assembly to be dissolved for failing to keep its end of the bargain with the palace.

Edited from NST

Government to decide next week on troops in Mindanao

2009-01-29T16:27:00.001-08:00

PUTRAJAYA: The government will consider at next week's cabinet meeting whether to keep peacekeepers in southern Mindanao

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said officials from the Philippine government met ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Rastam Mohamad Isa last week to request the continuation of Malaysia's aid in negotiations on ancestral land between Manila and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"A short report on the meeting with the Philippine government representatives will be submitted to the cabinet meeting before any decision is made," he said after launching the ministry's first strategic plan here yesterday.

Malaysia began withdrawing 40 ceasefire monitors from Mindanao last April due to a lack of progress in the peace process bet-ween the Philippine government and the MILF.

The talks were suspended last August after three guerilla commanders went on a rampage, killing dozens of people.
"Both sides must also show their interest and be committed to resolving this issue as soon as possible.

"Malaysia will remain supportive of the peace process."

On the strategic plan, Rais said it emphasised strengthening the ministry's institutional capabilities and human capital.

"Through the plan, our officers will be equipped with many skills. Training courses on foreign languages and negotiation skills will also be offered to them to improve their capabilities."

Edited from NST 30 Jan 09

Two face terror charge

2009-01-29T16:24:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Two men being detained at Guantanamo Bay are likely to become the first Malaysians to be charged with terrorist activities in a US court.

Mohd Farik Amin @ Zaid @ Zubair, 34, and Mohammed Nazir Lep @ Bashir Lep @ Lillie, 33, who have been regarded as “dangerous” by the international intelligence agencies, could also be relocated to other federal detention centres.

However, it is understood that there could be a third option — they could be deported here on the Malaysian Government’s request.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said he was informed by the US authorities during an informal meeting recently that the two would likely be charged in a civil court.

“We are waiting for further details from the US,” he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was reported as saying in Dubai that Malaysia would seek permission from the US government to allow Malaysian policemen to meet with the two detainees and then have them imprisoned in Malaysia.

The status of the 250 detainees at Guantanamo remains unclear following the order by President Barack Obama to shut down the centre within a year. The former naval camp located in Cuba was turned into a detention centre after the Sept 11 attacks in New York.

Mohd Farik and Mohammed Nazir are members of the outlawed radical Jemaah Islamiah, which wanted to set up a pan-Islamic region spanning Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei through violent means.

Both men, who had received arms training in Afghanistan, were arrested in 2003 in Bangkok in a special joint operation involving the Thai national police and the US Central Intelligence Agency.

Their arrests led to the capture of Hambali, a key man for Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaeda network in South-East Asia.

Hambali’s wife, Noralwiza Lee Abdullah, 39, a Malaysian from Sabah, was also detained under the Internal Security Act in 2003 but was released in 2007.

It is understood that she was allowed to exchange correspondence with her husband with the assistance of the International Red Cross Society.

Both Mohd Farik and Mohammed Nazir have been listed among 14 key terror suspects by the United States, and are being held in Camp Delta in Guantanamo Bay.

All three (Hambali, Mohd Farik and Mohammed Nazir) were implicated in the nightclub bombings in Bali in 2002, in which 202 people were killed, and also the 2003 bomb attack at the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta, which killed 12 people.

Sources said the Malaysians have also been implicated in a planned al-Qaeda plot to crash a hijacked plane into the 73-storey Library Tower/US Bank Tower in Los Angeles.

“No date was given for the mission but the plot, named Project California, would have been the biggest since the Sept 11, 2001 attacks in New York,” an official said.

Sources said Mohd Farik and Mohammed Nazir had accompanied three Malaysians — now under detention in Kamunting under the Internal Security Act – to pledge their allegiance to Osama.

“The other three Malaysians, fired up by Osama’s sermons, met Khaled Sheikh Mohamed, a top al-Qaeda leader now also imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay, to plan their plot.

Khaled is described by the United States as “one of history’s most infamous terrorists” and is regarded as the suspected mastermind behind the Sept 11 attacks. “Project California was supposed to be the second wave of attacks by the al-Qaeda, but it failed when intelligence forces got wind of it. Two of the Malaysians were arrested when they returned to Malaysia in 2002,” the sources revealed.

Edited from the star 30 Jan 09

Ding-dong battle on the cards as BN hints at crossovers

2009-01-28T18:02:00.000-08:00

AN intriguing battle is shaping up in Perak with the ruling Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional involved in an intense shadow power play.

After “pinching” Umno’s Bota assemblyman Datuk Nasarudin Hashim, Pakatan Rakyat is now said to be under attack, with Barisan claiming that two PKR assemblymen will quit to become Independents before joining Umno.

While the manoeuvring goes on, Pakatan has shot back at Barisan, claiming that three more Umno assemblymen will be crossing over to PKR.

It is going to be a delicate balancing act in Perak, with Pakatan currently holding 32 state seats against Barisan’s 27.

If the Barisan claim materialises, Pakatan could end up with a razor thin one-seat edge over Barisan.

If, on the other hand, the Pakatan claim turns out to be true, Pakatan will increase its representation in the State Assembly to 35 members.

Whatever the outcome, Perak Umno looks set to have a new leader, with former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali likely to step down this Sunday, with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak taking over.

6 in Kugan's funeral procession held

2009-01-28T18:00:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: A murder suspect was among six 'mourners' who were picked up by police during A. Kugan's funeral procession yesterday.

City police chief Datuk Muhammad Sabtu Osman said the murder suspect was wanted in a case in Johor, while another 'mourner' was wanted in connection with several cases of car theft.

The two were involved in a scuffle with the police who had earlier asked them to disperse from the grounds of the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC).

"The others were detained for obstructing police from carrying out their duties and for wearing T-shirts bearing the the name of Hindraf, a banned movement," said Sabtu, adding that among them was Hindraf coordinator R.S. Thanenthiran.

Five of the detainees were released after they had their statements recorded later in the evening.
The crowd started gathering at noon with some 100 people outside the UMMC mortuary.

A brief commotion occurred between Federal Reserve Unit personnel and the crowd when they were stopped from going into the mortuary.

About 150 police personnel, including FRU personnel, were on standby, with six FRU trucks and two water cannons stationed outside the hospital.

Police helicopters were also seen hovering above the hospital.

Among those who were allowed into the mortuary were Kugan's family members, Penang Deputy Chief Minister Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo, Kapar MP S. Manikavasagam, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, Kelana Jaya MP Loh Gwo-Burne and Kugan's family lawyer N. Surendran.

The family claimed the body at 2pm and the hearse, a gold-coloured Mercedes-Benz, accompanied by a 300-strong crowd, made its way to the USJ 8 police station, where Kugan died while in detention.

According to Manikavasagam, the "stop" was to carry out a brief prayer session to "appease Kugan's soul".

The gathering outside the police station, however, was nothing more than abuses being rained on the police. Several of them were also seen carrying placards.

The crowd dispersed to the Puchong Batu 14 burial ground 15 minutes later.

Kugan's body was finally laid to rest about 5.05pm.

Gobind later told reporters that charging the culprits alone was not good enough.

"The family should be given cash compensation for the suffering they had endured."

The crowd outside the hospital before the hearse left for the cemetery.

BN reps pledge loyalty

2009-01-27T16:06:00.000-08:00

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

KUGAN'S FUNERAL: Don't provoke or cause trouble, Deputy IGP warns

2009-01-27T16:03:00.000-08:00

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

CESSNA CRASH: Pilot cheats death

2009-01-26T15:20:00.001-08:00

KULAI: A Singaporean pilot miraculously survived when the Cessna 152 light aircraft he flew crashed at the foot of the Gunung Pulai range near here today.

Sanjay Purusottam, who is in his 30s, was reported to have suffered serious injuries after his two-seater aircaft crashed into the hilly forested area.

Initial effort to airlift him from the crash site was hampered due to thick fog.

A rescue team from the army air unit based in Kluang combed the area on helicopter and spotted Sanjay's aircraft at about 4pm.

It had crashed into a thick foliage and was hanging nose down from a big tree.
Sanjay was found pinned in his aircraft seat. The aircraft had caught fire when it crashed but the flame was doused by the rain then.

Once found by the rescue team, the badly injured Sanjay requested to borrow a handphone from one of his rescuers so that he could telephone his family.

Two other helicopters each from the Fire and Rescue Department and police also joined in the rescue operation.

Sanjay had taken off from the Sultan Ismail airport in Senai at 9.42am and was heading to the Batu Berendam airport in Malacca. He was expected to arrive in Malacca at 10.50am.

Sanjay decided to turn his two-seater Cessna aircraft back to Senai after experiencing problems due to strong winds.

Kulaijaya district police chief Superintendent Zulkefly Yahya said that Senai Airport's control tower had lost contact with Sanjay at 10.15am as he was flying over Benut, Pontian.

Personnel at the control tower in Batu Berendam airport notified their counterparts in Senai when Sanjay's aircraft did not arrive as scheduled.

Zulkefly said that Sanjay was a member of the Elite Flying Club, which was based here.

The police, air force and Fire and Rescue Department launched a joint search and rescue operation after being notified about the incident at 12.30pm.

An operation room was set up at the Dewan Raya in Kampung Sri Gunung Pulai at 12.45pm.

The search and rescue teams had combed areas around Gunung Pulai, Kelapa Sawit. Pontian police had also directed villagers in Benut to look for the aircraft's whereabouts.

Zulkefly said that the police had sought help from the Elite Flying Club members to locate Sanjay and the Cessna aircraft.

He said that none of Sanjay's friends or family members had so far approached the police.

Rescuers had decided to wait until morning to airlift him from the crash site.

An additional team of 30 personnel from the General Operation Force and 35 men from the Rescue and Fire Department was dispatched to the crash site for the night.

Edited from NST 26 Jan 09

CNY: High spirits despite fewer people

2009-01-26T15:16:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: This year’s Chinese New Year open house festivities were still celebrated in high spirits despite fewer people attending, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

“The festivities are still joyous, although the number of people celebrating this year are fewer.

“Maybe it’s because of the long holidays and people are also taking the opportunity of the long school break to go outstation.

“People can get a four-day holiday if they go back on Friday night,” he told reporters after attending the MCA and Gerakan open house here Monday.

Najib said the Chinese New Year festivity was where people of various races met together as part of the Malaysian tradition.

Among the dignitaries who also attended the MCA open house at Wisma MCA here were Najib’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, former president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting and his wife Wendy Ong, and MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu.

Archbishop of Catholic Church Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam said he wished for Malaysians to have the strength to endure the economic crisis.

“I wish for peace in their hearts and prosperity for everyone regardless of race or religion,” he added.

Enrique Diego, who is attached to the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, expressed his enjoyment of the traditional cultural performances.

“When it comes to celebrations here in Malaysia, I really think that the country has an extensive melting pot of diverse cultures,” he added.

Michael Chen, who came with his three year-old grand daughter, said he never misses the MCA open house every year.

“But this is the first year that my grand-daughter is coming with me. She is very excited,” he added.

edited from The Star 26 Jan 09

Najib: All must abide by law

2009-01-22T16:09:00.000-08:00

PUTRAJAYA: The arrest of 12 people for alleged involvement in money politics is testimony that no one escapes from the law, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“The law of the country is the law of the country. No one can escape from it,” he said when commenting on the arrests of the 12 individuals in Pahang, including a senior politician.

He said while Umno had its own mechanism to deal with the issue through its disciplinary board, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) was also free to conduct its own investigations.

“What is important is that both sides are working towards a common purpose,” he told a press conference after chairing the Drug Prevention Council meeting yesterday.

Newspapers yesterday reported that those arrested had allegedly accepted money from the senior politician, who is a former political secretary said to have engaged in money politics to ensure his election in the Umno polls in March.

On another matter, Najib said a more effective drug awareness campaign would be launched soon, with the focus on current trends and threats because users had shifted from the traditional “fix” of heroin or cannabis to syabu and ketamine.

“The Government is allocating RM5mil to the relevant non-governmental organisations and civil groups in our war against drug abuse.

“At the same time, we will beef up enforcement and security, particularly at entry points. Highly sophisticated scanning machines will be placed to be more effective in crippling drug smuggling attempts,” Najib said.

The Deputy Prime Minister also said that the Health Ministry had reported that the harm reduction programme on addicts using methadone was effective.

The Government would expand the programme to reduce the number of abusers sent to rehabilitation centres.

“For those who have been completely treated, we have various programmes in place to assist them,” he said.

Edited from The Star 23 Jan 09

Sugar trail to Thailand

2009-01-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

TUMPAT: There has been an increase in the smuggling of sugar to Thailand following the announcement of an impending price hike.

The marine police launched an operation against such activities yesterday.

Its commanding officer, Deputy Superintendent Tan Cheng San, said marine police officers had been told to step up checks, especially on passenger boats plying between here and Takbai.

"We will also conduct more checks at the Simpangan area as we believe smugglers are smuggling sugar across via the route," he said yesterday.

Tan said marine police had seized more than 80kg of sugar hoarded by local traders in raids here yesterday.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said on Tuesday that the price of sugar might be raised after Chinese New Year following the increase in the world price.

Edited From NST 23 Jan 09

Court fines former national shuttler for marketing poisonous herbal products

2009-01-22T16:05:00.000-08:00

Former national shuttler Ong Ewe Hock was fined RM1,300 by the Magistrate’s Court here today after he pleaded guilty to marketing two herbal products containing poison.

Ong, 36, who is Maxonherns Sdn Bhd director, admitted to have possessed the products for sale at the company’s premises, No. 8 Tg 3/42, Off Jalan Kuching, at 12.15pm on Jan 8, 2007.

The products contained “sildenafil” which was listed as poison under the Poisons Act 1952. Ong was charged under Section 13(a) of the Act and liable to a fine of up to RM3,000 or imprisonment not exceeding two years.

Magistrate Sazlinidayu Kamarul Baharin ordered Ong to pay RM800, in default four months’ jail, with regard to one product and RM500, in default two months’ jail, for the other.

Ong who was unrepresented stopped the sale of the products since Jan 8, 2007. He paid the fine.

Edited from NST 23 Jan 09

Obama may close Guantanamo in a year-draft order

2009-01-21T16:38:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama may set a one-year deadline to close the controversial U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, according to an unsigned draft executive order that may bolster the U.S. image abroad.

"The detention facilities at Guantanamo for individuals covered by this order shall be closed as soon as practicable, and no later than one year from the date of this order," the draft said.

RELEASE, PROSECUTE, TRANSFER

About 250 men are still held at the U.S.-run naval base in Cuba. Washington has cleared 50 for release but cannot return them to home countries because of the risk they would be tortured or persecuted there. Around 500 others have been freed or transferred to other governments since 2002.

Edited From The Star 22 Jan 09

Bank Negara cuts interest rate to lower borrowing costs

2009-01-21T16:36:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara cut its benchmark interest rate by a record 75 basis points yesterday and also reduced the statutory reserve requirement (SRR) in a move to lower borrowing costs.

The central bank said it had reduced the overnight policy rate (OPR) from 3.25% to 2.5% and reduced the SRR from 3.5% to 2% effective Feb 1.

“With the heightened downside risks to growth, the magnitude of the reductions in the OPR and the SRR are aimed to be pre-emptive in providing a more supportive monetary environment for the domestic economy,” it said in a statement. Other points in the statement included:

> Urgent implementation of policy measures crucial to ensure positive growth.

> Inflation continued to decelerate to 4.4% in December. Deceleration expected to continue with weaker demand and lower imported inflation.

> The Malaysian banking system remains fundamentally sound.

> Focus is to ensure access to credit to all sectors of the economy.

Meanwhile, the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) said the proposed second stimulus package must focus on the manufacturing and construction sectors to avert more retrenchments.

ACCCIM president Tan Sri William Cheng said the stimulus plan must be implemented quickly as the two sectors would be the most affected by the global financial crisis during the first-half of this year.

He also called for a reduction in prices of gas and electricity and a reduction in employers’ contribution to the Employees Provident Fund from 12% to 9%.

Edited from The Star 22 Jan 09

Selangor MB runs into a 'cow' problem

2009-01-21T16:34:00.000-08:00

SHAH ALAM: Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim is in trouble over the purchase of 46 cows.

Gerak Malaysia (Civil Movement Against Corruption) claimed that Khalid had bought the cows, worth RM110,400, with state government money. The cows, bought before Hari Raya Aidiladha, were distributed in Khalid's parliamentary seat, Bandar Tun Razak, which is not in Selangor.

The movement yesterday lodged a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

Gerak Malaysia chairman Mohd Nazree Mohd Yunus said the movement received evidence in the form of an official receipt and invoice from an officer who worked at a state government subsidiary involved in the purchase.

The official receipt and invoice were from Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS), which stated Selangor Industrial Corporation Sdn Bhd as the payer in the receipt and invoice, both dated Dec 16.
"The flow of state funds out of the state border for personal advantage is against the principle of accountability preached by the state government."

He said the transaction was also against state finance procedures.

Apart from lodging a report with the Selangor MACC, Gerak Malaysia plans to request an audience with the Sultan of Selangor to ask him to advise Khalid to step down from his position, or take a temporary break, until he is proven innocent.

Edited from NST 22 Jan 09

44 Presidents Of The United States

2009-01-21T06:33:00.000-08:00

44 Presidents of The United States Of America. Differences shape of face.
Any comments?

Limousine For Barack Obama

2009-01-20T19:30:00.000-08:00

General Motors has revealed the custom armored Cadillac presidential limousine that Barack Obama will use as a president. That limo called “The Beast” maybe they cant find a suitable name for that limo.

The vehicle includes heavy armor that is reportedly at least 5 inches thick bulletproof glass, run-flat tires, ultra high strength ceramic armor, system fire on board, and a completely sealed interior to ward off a chemical attack, the paper reported. It also has electronic communications equipment. One tech item they are talking about are the LED spotlights that’ll illuminate the fender-mounted flags at night.

So you can imagine how scare to become a Presidents Of The United States. Maybe not...

Obama becomes U.S. president, turns page on Bush years

2009-01-20T16:36:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Barack Obama took power as the first black U.S. president on Tuesday and quickly turned the page on the Bush years, urging Americans to rally to end the worst economic crisis in generations and repair the U.S. image abroad.

"Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America," Obama said, addressing an exuberant sea of people in an inaugural speech that was optimistic but realistic about the challenges ahead.

He pledged bold and swift action to bring new life to the U.S. economy and declared to millions watching abroad: "We are ready to lead once more."

Underscoring the tough road ahead, Wall Street ushered in the new presidency with a record Inauguration Day slide amid signs the global banking crisis was far from over.

Hundreds of thousands of people erupted in cheers on Washington's National Mall grounds as they watched Obama stand with one hand raised, one hand on a Bible used to swear in Abraham Lincoln in 1861, and repeat the brief oath to become the 44th U.S. president.

Beaming, the new president kissed his wife, Michelle, and his school-age daughters, Malia and Sasha. Then he turned to the crowds stretching into the distance on a cold, wintry day.

"Obama, Obama," the crowd cheered.

Obama, a Democrat, succeeded Republican George W. Bush, who served two terms and left office having plumbed record lows in approval ratings and leaving a legacy of two wars and an economy in recession.

Obama offered a sharp break from Bush, emphasizing the need for sacrifice and pledging to restore U.S. global standing, responsibly end the war in Iraq, and focus less on the size of government and more on whether it works.

WALKING SOME OF THE WAY

During a triumphant ride down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House in a heavily armored limousine, Obama and his wife thrilled wildly cheering crowds by getting out of the limo and walking a part of the way on foot.

Security personnel -- part of a contingent that numbered in the thousands -- kept close watch.

Obama has to hit the ground running given the state of the economy and the U.S. Senate confirmed several key Obama appointments, including Steven Chu as energy secretary and Tom Vilsack for agriculture.

The Senate Finance Committee is expected to vote on Timothy Geithner as treasury secretary on Thursday. Hillary Clinton, Obama's fierce rival for the Democratic presidential nomination and his choice as secretary of state, is expected to be approved by the full Senate on Wednesday.

The inauguration of Obama, 47, the son of a black Kenyan father and a white mother from Kansas, was steeped in symbolism for African-Americans, who for generations suffered slavery and then racial segregation that made them second-class citizens.

The jubilant mood was jolted by the collapse of Massachusetts Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy at an inaugural lunch honoring Obama on Capitol Hill. Kennedy, 76, who underwent surgery in June for a brain tumor, appeared to suffer convulsions, a congressional aide said.

Wheeled out on a stretcher, the brother of the late President John F. Kennedy was driven away by an ambulance to a hospital, where he was described as awake and answering questions.

BRACING FOR REALITY

Polls show widespread U.S. public support for Obama and optimism about the coming four years of his presidency. But Obama sought to temper soaring expectations with reality.

The new president cited the worst U.S. economic conditions in 70 years and the Iraq and Afghanistan wars as having put the country in crisis. "What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility," he said.

He said the "badly weakened" U.S. economy will be a top priority as he works with the Democratic-controlled U.S. Congress on an estimated $825 billion economic stimulus package.

The economy had fallen victim to "greed and irresponsibility" and an avoidance of hard choices, Obama said. The economic crisis showed that markets can spin out of control "without a watchful eye," he added, signaling he would put a priority on revamping financial regulations.

Obama will meet his senior economic advisers on Wednesday to discuss the stimulus plan.

Turning to foreign policy and the standing of the United States abroad, Obama vowed the United States would leave Iraq "responsibly" and help Afghanistan win a hard-earned peace.

He did not provide a specific timetable for a U.S. withdrawal from Iraq, but under a U.S.-Iraqi agreement, U.S. troops would depart by the end of 2011. Obama has pledged to increase U.S. troop strength in Afghanistan to turn back a resurgent Taliban.

He was due to meet military commanders on Wednesday to discuss the possibility of accelerating the U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq, and the need for more forces in Afghanistan.

In a clear reference to harsh U.S. interrogation practices of terrorism suspects that have been widely condemned abroad, Obama vowed a change, saying he rejected as false "the choice between our safety and our ideals."

There has been broad world disapproval of many Bush policies in the U.S. war on terrorism that Bush declared after the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001 that deeply shaped his eight years in office.

After years of tense relations with Muslims, Obama offered conciliatory words to the Islamic community, saying he would seek a "new way forward" based on mutual interest and mutual respect.

But on the issue of terrorism, he said: "You cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."

Bush, his public approval ratings in the basement as the cheers for Obama resounded around the city, left Washington for his home state of Texas after the inauguration.

11 MILLION UNEMPLOYED

The recession has saddled the country with a $1 trillion deficit and 11 million people unemployed and has become the top concern of the U.S. public. Economic woes helped Obama beat Republican John McCain in the November presidential election.

"I don't care what color he is," said Garrell Winstead, a 67-year-old real estate investor from Cincinnati, Ohio who was in Tuesday's crowd. "If the economy doesn't improve and if he doesn't create enough jobs, patience will evaporate."

Obama gave no specifics about his proposed stimulus package. But he said the plan that would pay for new roads, bridges, electrical grids and other projects would set the foundation for future growth.

He also repeated campaign promises to "restore science to its rightful place" -- the Bush administration was criticized for packing scientific advisory panels with industry representatives and ideologues. He also promised to put technology to work transforming healthcare, and action toward an alternative energy policy.

Edited From The Star 21 Jan 09

Board yet to submit 900 reports of graft

2009-01-20T16:30:00.000-08:00

PUTRAJAYA: The Umno disciplinary board has yet to submit 900 reports of alleged money politics during the recent Umno divisional and branch meetings to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

A member said the board had to be thorough in its probe into the allegations.

"We have our way of conducting investigations and they (the cases) may not need the MACC's attention," he said

Asked if this meant that none of the 900 cases would go before the commission, he declined comment saying that board chairman Tengku Tan Sri Ahmad Rithauddeen would be the right person to speak on the matter.

Tengku Rithauddeen, who is returning from abroad today, is expected to issue a statement on the matter.
The board member's statement comes in the wake of party leaders urging the party to address alleged cases of graft before elections in March so that those implicated could be stopped from contesting party positions.

Last month, Tengku Rithauddeen issued a six-page document to the media containing the dates of meetings of the investigation panel, tribunal and appeals panel.

He had added that the documentary evidence was proof that the board had not delayed investigations.

Tengku Rithauddeen had said that the investigations panel met 39 times to look into cases involving 39 divisions while the tribunal met 10 times to hear cases involving 25 divisions.

Edited From NST 21 Jan 09

Take me on, Muthu dares Samy Vellu

2009-01-19T18:05:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: A day before he is supposed to face MIC disciplinary proceedings, Datuk M. Muthu Palaniappan took a swipe at the MIC party president, accusing him of "hiding behind" the committee.

Muthu alleged that party supremo Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu was afraid to take him on for the party president's post and was using the disciplinary committee to oust him.

The 66-year-old, who faces the disciplinary committee today for allegedly making statements detrimental to the party said: "Samy Vellu had previously claimed he could take on 100 contenders for the presidency, so why isn't he taking up my challenge?"

The former MIC vice president said having been terrorised by the party leadership over the past 10 years, he was not power-crazy.

"I'm a genuine MIC man and I want to put a stop to Samy Vellu's leadership which has brought much disappointment to the community.
"I can't bear to see the community moving away from MIC to join other parties and the hundreds of branches being suspended and members expelled by Samy Vellu."

Edited From NST

FTA with Gulf region will boost bilateral trade

2009-01-19T17:59:00.000-08:00

MANAMA (Bahrain): Malaysia is hopeful that negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Malaysia can commence as soon as possible, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

“I strongly believe that an FTA will have a significant impact in improving the status of bilateral trade and investment between Malaysia and the Gulf region which unfortunately it still small,” he said.

He said the business communities of the Gulf region would also find the prospect of an FTA very enticing because Malaysia could be used as a platform to penetrate the Asean market and other lucrative markets of Malaysia’s FTA partners such as Japan, China and South Korea.

Edited from : The Star

Govt declares war on dengue

2009-01-18T23:24:00.001-08:00

PUTRAJAYA: The number of dengue cases and deaths has doubled and the Health Ministry is urging Malaysians to wage war against the disease immediately.

Its director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said that from Jan 4-17 this year, there were 3,211 cases with eight deaths, compared with 1,514 cases and four deaths during the period in 2008.

“That’s a 212% increase,” he said at a press conference here on Monday.

The states with the most cases were Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, followed by Penang, Johor, Sarawak and Kedah, he said.

According to the statistics provided by the Ministry, there were four deaths in Selangor, one in the Federal Territories (Kuala Lumpur/Putrajaya), one in Perak and two in Johor.

Dr Ismail said the Ministry was discovering atypical or unusual symptoms with the more severe cases.

“Patients used to suffer from bleeding and low platelet count, but now you can get dengue encephilitis that affects the brain and people can come in with epileptic attacks, jaundice with pain in the abdomen, hepatitis and kidney or liver failure,” he said.

As the result of the atypical presentation, some of the diagnoses were made late, he added.

“We have informed all our doctors to add dengue testing if a patient has fever and weird symptoms in high dengue cases states,” he said.

The Ministry spent RM1.7mil on campaigns to create greater awareness of dengue and issued a total of RM3.4mil in fines last year on those found with mosquito larvae in their premises.

Dr Ismail urged community leaders to organise gotong-royong (communal) clean-up efforts and to keep the public abreast of the outbreak,

Doctors should inform state health departments immediately whenever there is a suspected case so that fogging can be carried out immediately in the affected area.

“Those with symptoms such as fever, rashes, muscle aches, vomiting and bleeding must seek treatment immediately,” he said, adding that the most critical phase of the infection is between 24 and 48 hours of the onset of the infection.

In JOHOR BARU, the state Health Department said it would be enlisting the help of community groups and private clinics in its war against dengue. Two deaths have been reported in the state this year.

Its director Dr Mohd Khairi Yakub said that department personnel would go down to the ground more to spread awareness within the community.

“We will be having more awareness programmes as well as gotong-royong activities to get the message across to the public.

“We will be working closely with community groups to ensure the effectiveness of the programmes,” he said when contacted here on Monday.

The department would also urge private clinics to cooperate by informing the department more quickly of patients infected with dengue.

Dr Mohd Khairi said that last year, there were 16 deaths from more than 3,000 cases reported statewide -- 80% of these cases were in Johor Baru.

“We will also intensify fogging operations, but public awareness is more important as fogging alone cannot solve the problem permanently,” he said.

Sumber: NST

Next step, BN image change

2009-01-18T17:32:00.000-08:00

KUANTAN: Barisan Nasional must change its approach while continuing to serve the people after losing the Kuala Terengganu by-election, deputy Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said yesterday.

He said it was important for BN to improve its image and election machinery as its main task now is to win the next general election.

"This should be a good lesson for us and we must use it to win big in the next general election," he said after visiting the family of Zahari Baharom, who died of a heart attack last October.

Baharom, 34, was the Balok Pine Umno branch chief. He leaves a wife, Normala Fauzi, 27, and daugther, Puteri Izean Qistina, 4.

Khairy said it was wrong to point fingers after BN's defeat as various factors had contributed to this.
"If, as the people claim, the candidate is the main reason, then it will be quite easy to solve the problem.

"But the fact is there are various factors involved and we must shoulder the responsibility together and improve our performance," he said, adding that the lower voter turnout may have also contributed to the defeat.

Khairy said BN must also win the support of the younger generation as the coalition's future depended on it.

At the same time, he said Umno members must continue serving the people, especially the underprivileged.

"Our candidate (Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh) still secured more than 30,000 votes during this trying moment in Malaysian politics.

"It proves that we still have support at the grassroots level."

Khairy gave a cash donation to Normala and her father-in-law to help them start a small business.

Edited from NST.com.my/current