The Malaysian Insider :: Malaysia

Penang BN says will battle Pakatan ‘policy to policy’

Sat, 26 May 2012 23:12:49 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — Penang Barisan Nasional’s (BN) new chief Teng Chang Yeow has pledged his focus on reclaiming the state in the next polls by fighting Pakatan Rakyat (PR) “policy to policy” instead of harping on the pact’s failures. The Gerakan leader has drawn up a comprehensive alternative development plan for Penang that promises to boost ...

Bersih to tour nationwide, focus on voting awareness

Sat, 26 May 2012 14:27:15 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Bersih will embark on a nationwide campaign to spread voting awareness among Malaysians, a month after its highly publicised rally which critics say affected the group's credibility. The nationwide tour will focus on educating Malaysians on the need to vote ahead of an expected general election. The campaign, titled "Come ...

Nazri Aziz: Anwar has the right to hire former S-G

Sat, 26 May 2012 14:15:25 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has every right to hire Datuk Yusof Zainal Abiden as his lawyer as the latter resigned from his Solicitor-General II position in February, de facto law minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said today. "...I understand that Anwar called him (Yusof) to supposedly strengthen (Anwar's) case and ...

PM will launch FGVH prospectus on Thursday

Sat, 26 May 2012 13:34:43 GMT

DUNGUN, May 26 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will launch the prospectus of Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGVH) in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. Felda chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad said the launching would enable FGVH to be subsequently listed on Bursa Malaysia. "Only several days are left for Datuk Seri Najib to launch the ...

KL lost RM20 million investment due to Bersih ruckus

Sat, 26 May 2012 13:08:38 GMT

PUTRAJAYA, May 26 — Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin says the Bersih rally on April 28 cost Kuala Lumpur a RM20 million investment from South Korea. "After Bersih, I contacted the South Korean businessman and asked about the investment but the answer was 'Not For Now' after seeing the ruckus ...

Trader denies profiting from ‘Bersih 4.0’, claims Lamborghini gesture of thanks

Sat, 26 May 2012 13:00:55 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 - Restaurant owner Datuk Jamal Md Yunos today dismissed claims he would profit from the coming 'Bersih 4.0' gathering, insisting instead that the luxury cars offered as lucky draw giveaways were merely his way of "thanking" the public for supporting his "peace-loving" cause.Earlier today, DAP leaders had claimed the trader ...

Vote BN to guarantee Malaysia’s future, Najib tells youths

Sat, 26 May 2012 10:57:27 GMT

PUTRAJAYA, May 26 — Only the Barisan Nasional (BN) government can guarantee a stable and better future for all Malaysians, the prime minister told youths today ahead of an expected general election. A jovial Datuk Seri Najib Razak told the tens of thousands youths gathered at the Himpunan Sejuta Belia (Millions of Youth Gathering) in Putrajaya ...

Kit Siang: Dr M ‘desperate’ to keep BN in power

Sat, 26 May 2012 09:05:21 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Lim Kit Siang today denied Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s warning that violence would rule the streets should Pakatan Rakyat (PR) lose in the coming polls, adding that such allegations reflected the former prime minister’s “desperation” to keep Barisan Nasional (BN) in power. Yesterday, Dr Mahathir warned in a blog posting that ...

Court final arrbiter on suit against Ambiga, nine others, says Nazri

Sat, 26 May 2012 09:02:46 GMT

KUALA KANGSAR, May 26 — Only the court can decide if the suit filed by the Malaysian Government against Bersih 3.0 chairman Datuk S. Ambiga and her nine committee members, has legal basis or not, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz. He said this when asked to comment on the statement by the ...

Lembah Pantai Umno Youth denies starting ruckus at PKR rally

Sat, 26 May 2012 08:14:03 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Lembah Pantai Umno Youth has denied allegations that it started a ruckus at a Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) rally in Pantai Dalam on Thursday. Its Umno Youth chief Datuk Mohamad Sazali Kamilan said the ruckus occurred after PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim gave a provocative speech against Umno Youth. "Anybody can make ...

Hisham: Umno, BN still open to ‘muzakarah’

Sat, 26 May 2012 07:00:41 GMT

PUTRAJAYA, June 26 — Umno and its partners in the Barisan Nasional have always adopted an open-door policy on “muzakarah” (dialogues) on matters of national interest, said Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein. Commenting on PAS’s reported reversal on holding such talks with Umno, Hishammuddin, who is also home minister, said it came ...

BN not sidelining minorities, says Adnan Yaakob

Sat, 26 May 2012 06:55:25 GMT

BENTONG, May 26 — Minority groups in the country will not be deprived of aid because the government does not practise discrimination in providing assistance to the people, said Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob. He said this was proven recently when the government approved RM200 million in economic and education support for the Indian ...

Nurul Izzah says video will show Umno behind rally violence

Sat, 26 May 2012 06:29:00 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — PKR vice president Nurul Izzah Anwar today said her party has evidence that Umno members were behind the violence during an opposition rally in Lembah Pantai on Thursday. Earlier today, Umno leaders accused PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of provoking Thursday night’s violence at the PKR rally, and denied ...

Trader profiting from ‘Bersih 4.0’?

Sat, 26 May 2012 05:28:19 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Datuk Jamal Md Yunos could rake in millions of ringgit through the lucky draw he will hold during the “Bersih 4.0” gathering next month, a DAP official said today, suggesting the anti-Bersih trader was exploiting the group for his own gains. Jamal, who leads the group calling itself “Bersih 4.0”, told reporters on Wednesday ...

Umno leaders point finger at Anwar for rally ruckus

Sat, 26 May 2012 04:53:38 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Umno leaders have accused Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of provoking Thursday night’s violence during a PKR rally in Lembah Pantai, and said it should not be held responsible for the incident. Yesterday, PKR accused Umno of “escalating political violence” after the said function was pelted with stones, eggs and water bottles, ...

Bar submits Bersih 3.0 report to Cabinet ministers

Sat, 26 May 2012 03:35:56 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Despite recent criticism, the Malaysian Bar has pressed on with its recent resolution condemning the alleged acts of police violence during Bersih 3.0, and presented its views to two Cabinet ministers this week. The Malaysian Insider understands that the Bar Council met with the two leaders to explain the resolution and ...

One dead, 43 hurt after bus crashes into gorge

Sat, 26 May 2012 01:58:45 GMT

BALIK PULAU, May 26 — A Myanmar national was killed, while 43 other passengers were injured when the express bus they were travelling in skidded and plunged into a ravine in Jalan Tun Sardon here last night. Barat Daya police chief, Supt Hatta Md Zin said the bus was believed to have crashed into an electricity pole before plunging into a ...

Pua: Voter survey shows failure of PM’s reforms

Sat, 26 May 2012 01:35:03 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — The latest Merdeka Center survey result is clear indication of Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s failure in executing his political reforms pledge, DAP MP Tony Pua has said. The research house found that more than nine in 10 voters in peninsular Malaysia want the electoral roll cleaned up before the general election that must be ...

Early nod for 31 firms in race for MRT systems

Sat, 26 May 2012 00:40:26 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, 26 May — MRT Corporation (MRT Corp) has pre-qualified 31 companies bidding for RM791 million worth of projects in the 51km Sungai Buloh–Kajang Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line. The tenders, which opened this week and will close in July and August, are for five systems work packages for the country’s most expensive infrastructure project ...

Under attack, Bersih finds solace in supportive Malaysian public

Fri, 25 May 2012 23:00:52 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — In the face of growing criticisms and intimidation by its detractors, Bersih has been drawing its strength from ordinary Malaysians determined to keep the group’s cause and leaders safe. According to Bersih co-chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, the groundswell was triggered when key government leaders failed to condemn the ...

Lajim blasts quit rumours, cries sabotage

Fri, 25 May 2012 15:24:43 GMT

SANDAKAN, May 25 — Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Lajim Ukin today hit out at those who spread rumours that he was quitting Umno. The Beaufort member of parliament, who is also an Umno Supreme Council member, said the rumour was spread with the aim of sidelining him from Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno mainstream politics. “I’m ...

Zahid pushes PAS for view on non-Malay PM

Fri, 25 May 2012 14:40:23 GMT

BAGAN DATOH, May 25 — PAS should state its stand on the issue of appointing a non-Malay as prime minister as championed by DAP national chairman Karpal Singh, said Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. “PAS cannot be vacillating on this issue like they do over the PAS-Umno muzakarah (discussion) issue. “Is what has been officially put ...

Najib, Rosmah back from trips abroad

Fri, 25 May 2012 13:04:54 GMT

SEPANG, May 25 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak arrived home today after working visits to the United Kingdom and United States. The plane carrying Najib and wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, touched down at the KL International Airport here at 7.45pm tonight. Najib had left for a two-day working visit to London, at the invitation of The ...

Pakatan to use joint manifesto, says Azmin

Fri, 25 May 2012 12:30:29 GMT

ALOR SETAR, May 25 — Pakatan Rakyat (PR) has agreed to use only one manifesto with emphasis on major economic and educational issues for the 13th general election. Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali said there would be only one manifesto for the pact at the national level, while the ruling parties at the state-level ...

Perak radioactive waste site ‘safe’, says Ongkili

Fri, 25 May 2012 12:22:42 GMT

BATU GAJAH, May 25 — The natural radioactive waste disposal project currently being carried out at the Long Term Storage Facility (LTSF) in Bukit Kledang, Perak is safe and complied with the scientific methods as well as the standard operating procedures set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Science, Technology and Innovation ...

Irshad Manji says book ban ‘insult’ to Malaysians, publisher to appeal

Fri, 25 May 2012 12:10:26 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Irshad Manji called the ban on her book “Allah, Liberty & Love” in Malaysia “an insult to a new generation of Malaysians”, while her publisher said today it will appeal the decision as it is unclear if the translated version, “Allah, Kebebasan & Cinta”, is affected. ZI Publications also said its distributors have begun the ...

Hisham: ISA detainees’ hunger strike a diversion

Fri, 25 May 2012 11:20:08 GMT

PUTRAJAYA, May 25 — A hunger strike threat by a group of Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees is seen as another attempt to hijack or distract the transformation programme brought by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein. He said the people should look at the bigger picture and see what was ...

Zahid: Mandatory NS costly, needs detailed look

Fri, 25 May 2012 10:54:13 GMT

BAGAN DATOH, May 25 — The suggestion to make the National Service (NS) training programme compulsory for all secondary school leavers needs to be carefully studied as it will involve high expenditure up to RM1 billion a year, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Currently, Ahmad Zahid said the government spends around RM260 ...

PM’s help needed to safeguard hajj spots, says Jamil Khir

Fri, 25 May 2012 10:47:19 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Proactive measures have been taken by the government to ensure the opposition-backed Bersih demonstrations held in Mecca and Medina on April 26 will not affect the hajj quota for Malaysia, said Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom today. The minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said many potential pilgrims had raised ...

Jamil Khir says can seize any book that threatens Islam

Fri, 25 May 2012 10:06:31 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — The Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) today said it does not need any court order to seize the book “Allah Liberty & Love – Courage To Reconcile Faith & Freedom” by controversial writer Irshad Manji, as its contents infringed Islamic laws. According to Jawi senior enforcement assistant principal director ...

‘Nearly all’ peninsula voters want roll vetted before polls, survey shows

Fri, 25 May 2012 09:48:41 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — More than nine in 10 voters in peninsular Malaysia want the electoral roll cleaned up before the general election that must be called within the year, according to a survey conducted just days before tens of thousands joined the April 28 Bersih rally for free and fair polls. Independent pollsters Merdeka Center found that ...

‘Traders’ say will also sue Bersih over ‘losses’

Fri, 25 May 2012 09:17:42 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Anti-Bersih traders said today they will sue the organisers of last month’s Bersih 3.0 rally, claiming it caused them “extensive” financial losses. A group of over 60 traders calling themselves “Bersih 4.0” told reporters today that over 100 lawyers have indicated their willingness to represent the traders in a suit against ...

ISA detainees demand release, say would die from hunger strike

Fri, 25 May 2012 08:44:09 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — A group of prisoners still held under the now-repealed Internal Security Act (ISA) are threatening to go on a hunger strike if Putrajaya does not release them within a week or charge them in court. Two detainees — Mustawan Ahbad and Anthony Sackarayas Natkunam, both foreigners — even said today they were prepared to die from ...

NUBE lauds DPM’s advice on worker-employer cooperation

Fri, 25 May 2012 07:53:18 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — The National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) today welcomed the advice of Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for workers and employers to enhance their relationship for the good of the country’s future. NUBE general secretary, J. Solomon in a statement described the advice as “very wise and timely” because the ...

MCA Youth condemns anti-Bersih protesters for Ambiga ‘harassment’

Fri, 25 May 2012 07:46:27 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — MCA Youth has come out to publicly condemn the anti-Bersih protests outside Datuk Ambiga Sreenavasan’s home yesterday, saying such “tit-for-tat” moves would only turn Malaysia into an international laughingstock. MCA Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong pointed out in a statement here that the counter protests were tantamount ...

HIV patient gets 2 months’ jail, caning for theft

Fri, 25 May 2012 07:29:11 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — A man with HIV, who claimed he was forced to steal due to financial difficulty, was today sentenced to two months’ jail and one stroke of the cane after pleading guilty to theft. Magistrate Parvin Hameedah Natchiar also ordered Zainal Alam Osman, who worked as a security guard, to serve the sentence from his date of ...

Expect ‘unceasing violence’ if Pakatan loses elections, says Dr M

Fri, 25 May 2012 07:18:20 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad warned today that violence from protestors at the April 28 Bersih rally is only the beginning of “unceasing violent demonstrations” should Pakatan Rakyat (PR) lose an election that must be held within the year. The former prime minister said in a blog posting that the opposition will continue with ...

MRT Corp to implement traffic management plan

Fri, 25 May 2012 06:44:42 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp) has devised a traffic management plan to ensure minimal traffic disruption at the worksites of the My Rapid Transit (MRT) project under construction. MRT Corp Strategic Communication and Public Relations director Amir Mahmood Razak said today the plan, managed by traffic experts ...

7 men acquitted of raping 16-year-old girl

Fri, 25 May 2012 06:34:05 GMT

JOHOR BARU, May 25 — The Sessions Court today acquitted and discharged seven men charged with raping a 16-year-old girl at a hotel here last year. Judge Zamri Bakar ordered the release of Mohammad Rafiuddin Zainuddin, 22, Khairussani Ahmad, 26, Norazam Hamdan, 29, Mohammad Alif Ali Hashim, 23, Muhammad Saifuddin Abdul Rahman, 26, Mohamed Razif ...

PKR holds Umno responsible for ‘night of bloodshed’ in Lembah Pantai

Fri, 25 May 2012 05:24:16 GMT

PETALING JAYA, May 25 — PKR accused Umno today of “escalating political violence” after an opposition ceramah in Lembah Pantai last night was pelted with stones, eggs and water bottles, resulting in a “night of bloodshed” which saw at least two seriously injured. PKR leaders told a press conference that Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak, youth ...

Nurul Izzah claims office pelted with eggs

Fri, 25 May 2012 04:48:50 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — This morning just hours after opposition supporters and leaders were pelted with stones and eggs during last night’s PKR ceramah, Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar found her office premises littered with broken eggshells. Angered, the PKR vice-president alleged today that the “thuggery” was likely “done under instruction” ...

NWCC to look into timber-, plantation-related issues

Fri, 25 May 2012 04:00:15 GMT

KUCHING, May 25 — The government will let the National Wages Consultative Council (NWCC) look into specific issues raised by the timber and plantation sectors in Sarawak, including the proposal for a progressive implementation of the minimum wage policy, said Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam. Responding to Sarawak Timber ...

Assembly law more ‘restrictive’, say lawyers

Fri, 25 May 2012 03:23:08 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Calling it “restrictive” and “financially oppressive”, lawyers have questioned Putrajaya’s unprecedented move to initiate a civil suit against Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan and nine other Bersih leaders for damages sustained during the April 28 rally less than a month under a newly-enforced law allowing public gatherings. The ...

Plead guilty to civil disobedience, WSJ urges Anwar

Fri, 25 May 2012 01:52:38 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should plead guilty to the charge of taking part in an unlawful street protest if the opposition leader believes his archrival Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s reforms are inadequate, says the Wall Street Journal. The international financial daily wrote in an opinion piece last night that “if Mr. Anwar wants ...

In Lembah Pantai, violence erupts during PKR ceramah

Thu, 24 May 2012 23:25:14 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — A PKR ceramah featuring Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and daughter Nurul Izzah Anwar turned ugly when the crowd as well as opposition leaders were pelted with stones and eggs. Tensions were already running high before the event began last night, as the scheduled PKR function was located a mere 100 metres away from another ceramah ...

Putrajaya defends Bersih 3.0 suit, says ‘obvious’ group broke the law

Thu, 24 May 2012 23:10:11 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Putrajaya has defended its decision to sue Bersih 3.0 for damages resulting from its April 28 rally, saying it was “obvious” that the polls watchdog had violated provisions in the Peaceful Assembly Act 2011. De facto law minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz brushed aside critics of the move, pointing out that the Act was ...

Sarawak not ready for minimum wage, says Ta Ann CEO

Thu, 24 May 2012 14:53:16 GMT

SIBU, May 24 – Sarawak’s oil palm and timber sectors are going to be affected by the implementation of the minimum wage policy largely because the two sectors are still very labour intensive, Ta Ann Holdings Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Wong Kuo Hea said today. Speaking at the company’s 15th annual general meeting here, he said the situation ...

50 teachers apply to participate in politics: Puad Zakarshi

Thu, 24 May 2012 14:48:26 GMT

SHAH ALAM, May 24 – A total of 50 applications have so far, been received from teachers intending to participate in politics, said Education Deputy Minister Dr Mohd Puad Zakarshi. This follows a relaxation in the ruling in 2010, allowing government officers to be active and contest for positions in political parties. “Of the applications, 24 were ...

Home Ministry bans Irshad Manji’s book titled ‘Allah, Liberty and Love’

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:45:38 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 – The Home Ministry has banned Irshad Manji’s book and publication titled ‘Allah, Liberty and Love’, as it contravened teachings of the Al-Quran and Hadith. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman said the ministry had decided to ban the book under Section 7 Subsection 1 of the Printing Presses and Publications Act ...

Those unhappy with police investigations can complain to police media centre

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:44:24 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 – Police are advising parties who are dissatisfied with investigation reports against the force to submit their complaints to the Federal Police’s (Bukit Aman) Police Public Relations Centre. Inspector-General of Police Secretariat (Public Relations) assistant head ACP Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said whether they were political ...