Friday 31 December 2010

Hello 2011 !

How time flies! It seems like only yesterday that we bade farewell to 2009 and are now doing the same… saying adios to 2010.

And, as we bid farewell to 2010, let us look forward to a Happy and Prosperous 2011!

Have a safe and happy new year, everyone!

Saturday 25 December 2010

Merry Christmas


Here's wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May God's Blessings be on each of you.
And please keep safe!

Thursday 25 November 2010

Former Penang Chief Minister Chong Eu dies

Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, 91, who served as Penang Chief Minister for 21 years, died on Wednesday.

He was admitted to Penang Hospital on Oct 26 after he suffered a stroke but, when his condition worsened Wednesday, he was allowed to go to his home in Hillside, Taman Bungah, where he passed away at about 9pm, according to the Star.

He leaves behind his wife, two sons and two daughters.

Born in Penang, Dr Lim attended Penang Free School. In 1937, he was a King’s scholar at the Edinburgh University in Scotland and graduated in 1944 with a medical degree.

Formerly a medical officer with the Chinese Armed Forces, he founded the Radical Party in 1951 that won the first municipal council elections in George Town.

In 1954, he joined the MCA and was a member of the Razak Commission for Education.

He defeated the late Tun Tan Cheng Lock for the MCA presidency in 1958 but quit the party a year later following differences with Umno over the allocation of parliamentary seats in the 1959 general election.

He formed the United Democratic Party in 1962 and co-founded Gerakan in 1968.

The party swept the Alliance ruling coalition out of Penang in the 1969 general election and Dr Lim was appointed chief minister.

However, in 1973, Gerakan joined the Alliance Party to form a coalition called Barisan Nasional.

In 1980, Dr Lim stepped down as party president saying there were “many young and promising leaders in the party who are just as capable of holding the post”.

He was succeeded by (Tun) Dr Lim Keng Yaik in 1980.

He continued as chief minister but lost the Padang Kota state seat in the 1990 general election and then retired.

After retiring from politics, he stayed away from Gerakan affairs and kept mum, even when the party went through trials and tribulations.

He retired a humble man without a whiff of corruption.

After retiring, he became a passionate horse breeder and turned his attention to business, as chairman and adviser to several large corporations.

He also refused to publicly comment on the country’s political development when approached by newsmen.

In 2007, he was named founding chancellor of Wawasan Open University in Penang.

Penangites will not forget Dr Lim’s legacy. - The Star



Read also: Lim Chong Eu - Penang's father of industrialisation here

Wednesday 17 November 2010

Salam Aidil Adha






Wishing all Muslims Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Adha.

And a happy holiday to all!

Tuesday 28 September 2010

Another little girl has gone missing




I picked up this news from Nuraina who posted it in her blog:

NURIN ALERT: Have You seen Little Xin Ru?

In June 4 this year, 2 year-old Nisha Chandramohan went missing in Mentakab, Pahang after a mentally-ill aunt took her out for a walk. She was never found.

Last Tuesday (Sept 21) in Raub, Pahang, 2 year-old Lee Xin Ru, went missing. We hope and pray that she will be found soon -- safe....

If you have any information on her, please contact Inspector Haroza Pandi at 019-8793776 or the Raub district police headquarters: 09-355 2222.

(Image taken from a full-page ad by RHB on page 11 of today's NST)

Thursday 16 September 2010

Selamat Hari Jadi, Malaysia!


Let's look forward to a more cohesive Malaysia under better, more transparent and accountable governance - a Malaysia, who will make all of us proud to be Malaysians!





"
Now finally the peoples of Malaysia are celebrating the establishment of Malaysia. This is the time to think earnestly and hopefully on the future of Malaysia as the whole country resounds with joy.

"So I pray that God may bless the nation of Malaysia with eternal peace and happiness for our people." - Speech by the late Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj, on the occasion of Malaysia Day on September 16, 1963 to commemorate Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore forming Malaysia.


HAPPY MALAYSIA DAY!

Main suspect in murder NOT a "Datuk" after all...

The “Datuk” lawyer who is the prime suspect in the murder of Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya is believed to have spent RM180,000 to buy the title. (Read here)

Police investigations found no record of a datukship being awarded to the lawyer.

In other developments:

> INSPECTOR-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar has promised that all reports about missing persons will now be scrutinised carefully;

> A TASK force has been formed to probe all missing persons cases linked to the lawyer and his brother; and

> THE Sosilawati’s case is now considered solved by the police.

Related Stories:

Probe all missing persons cases thoroughly, says IGP
Two who disappeared linked to murder suspect
Missing man adds to twist Indian media now taking up story
Henchmen have ‘underworld’ links

Wednesday 15 September 2010

Personal wealth of Datuk Lawyer...

Datuk lawyer's 'killer fortune'


Wednesday, September 15th, 2010 12:12:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The Datuk lawyer in the centre of the hideous quadruple slaughters in Banting has a personal wealth of more than RM100 million, it emerged today.

His younger brother who is also a suspect in the kill and burn atrocity could have amassed up to RM20 million, sources said.

The estimated fortunes of the brothers were based on their bank accounts that the authorities know of and the properties they owned.

The police’s anti-money laundering division have got an order from the Attorney-General’s Chambers to freeze the assets, including bank accounts, of the two lawyers.

Millions are reportedly in single accounts, said the source. Checks are underway to ascertain if they had parked money in offshore banks.

While it is known that they own several parcels of land in and around Banting, including the 1.6ha farm where the killings are thought to have occurred, the authorities believe there are more.

The brothers own several shophouses and a medical clinic in Banting besides lavish homes, notably their mansion where both of them live. They also have a fleet of high-end luxury cars.

The gained their wealth allegedly through money-laundering, obtaining properties illegally and land scams.

It is believed the brothers secured dozens of land grants as collateral in illegal money-lending deals. Caveats on properties were also their way of extorting money, said a source.

The source said the lawyers often asked for jewellery as security when giving loans.

Police yesterday seized files from his law firm in Banting town believed to contain vital information on dubious land deals and money-lending activities.

The seized files are also thought to contain land grants that have now put the owners in a fix as these documents would be crucial in investigations and perhaps later as court exhibits.

Financial institutions have extended full co-operation in the declaration of transactions undertaken by the brothers.

Investigations into their financial transactions could be time-consuming as it is believed there were numerous movements of money in and out of the country.

The brothers are among six suspects held in connection with the murders of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya, 47, 44, her financial adviser and CIMB bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad, 38, lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim, 32 and her driver Kamarudin Shamsuddin who were reported missing on Aug 30.

The killings were believed to have occurred after Sosilawati had gone with the others to confront the lawyer regarding the transfer of a land title in a deal believed to be worth RM25mil.

Police have yet to establish if Sosilawati had actually brought RM4mil for their meeting with the Datuk as speculated. - The Malay Mail

Tuesday 14 September 2010

More may have died at hands of Sosilawati killers

As police dug deeper into the shocking murder of Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya, they have come up with the chilling possibility that several others – as many as nine people – could also have been killed and disposed of in the same manner, according to the Star.

These individuals were all reported missing and were linked to the two lawyer brothers who have been identified as the chief suspects in the murder of Sosilawati and three men who were with her.

Other developments:

> The wife of one of the missing men, an Indian national, said her husband had come to Malaysia after being invited by the brothers;

> The wife of bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad is still holding out hope that her husband is alive;

> A police scuba team dived into Sungai Kanchong looking for the murder weapon although nothing was found at press time;

> Sosilawati’s eldest daughter is most likely to inherit the estate of the cosmetics millionairess;

> The Penang police are reopening several unresolved cases in which lawyers were killed.

Related Stories:
Police probe link to several missing persons reports
Penang cops to reopen unsolved murder cases
Cops have not confirmed his death, banker’s wife says
Wife: My hubby missing after visiting brothers
Both lawyer brothers were disbarred in November

Monday 13 September 2010

Shady duo who put up a generous front

KUALA LANGAT: The mastermind said to be behind the murder of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and three others is an infamous figure being investigated by police for land fraud and cheating.

Both the man and his brother are from humble beginnings. After graduating with law degrees, they opened a practice, where one of the brothers soon became an active member of the community.

They are known for their show of philanthropy with frequent donations of food and clothing to the poor.

The brothers, who specialise in land deals, had also developed a reputation for “unsavoury tactics” during their negotiations.

“Their methods were frowned upon and most lawyers kept their distance from them,” said a source.

The two, who were suspended from practising law for a year for alleged involvement in land scams, are known to have expensive tastes, being seen driving luxury cars.

Crime scene: The farm where the murders might have been committed.

It is understood that the elder brother, who received a Datukship a year ago, is being investigated by the Commercial Crimes Investigations Department (CCID) in Penang and Bukit Aman for land fraud and cheating cases involving millions of ringgit.

Sources familiar with the case said he had attempted to cheat a businessman of more than a million ringgit over three parcels of land.

“The businessman was shown a power of attorney letter by the lawyer, who collected a RM1mil deposit pending transfer of the land title.

A forensics police officer collecting bone fragments near Banting Sunday.

“When the businessman later did a search, he was shocked to find that the land had already been sold,” they said.

The sources said police were checking if Sosilawati had engaged one of the brothers in a land deal and if she could have wanted her money back after learning about the alleged fraud because there was talk that she had gone to see him in Banting on the same matter.

Federal CCID deputy director Deputy Comm Datuk Noryah Md Anvar confirmed that the brothers were under investigation.

An estate worker said he had sometimes seen luxury cars entering and leaving the farm near where the ashes of the victims were supposedly found.

“However, no one really knows what goes on there as the gates are always closed,” he said.

Another resident, who only wanted to be known as Rajes, 30, said one the brothers was the man “you go to see if you need help with something outside the boundaries of the law.”

“Everyone knows that he is connected with certain types of people,” he said, adding that it was rumoured among locals that people who crossed the brothers would mysteriously disappear. - the Star

Sunday 12 September 2010

Datuk Lawyer, Brother And Six Others Arrested For Sosilawati's Murder...

BANTING, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Police arrested a "Datuk" lawyer, his younger brother, also a lawyer, and six workers of an oil palm plantation here where cosmetic millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and three others were murdered.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department Director Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Zinin said the suspects admitted that they took the victims to the four-hectare plantation, bludgeoned them to death and burned their bodies.

They later scattered the ashes at a river near the Ladang Gadong, Tanjong Sepat, here, Mohd Bakri told a news conference at the Kuala Langat district police headquarters.

Mohd Bakri said police picked up five of the suspects on Friday.

Yesterday, police arrested the Datuk and his brother, attached with a law firm here, while the eighth suspect was arrested on Sunday.

Apart from Sosilawati, the others murdered were her driver Kamaruddin Shamsudin, 44, CIMB Kampung Baru bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad, 38, and her personal lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim, 32.

They were reported missing since Aug 30 after going here purportedly for a dealing related to a land purchase.

Mohd Bakri, however, could not confirm the date the murder took place but said that it could be anytime between the day they were reported missing and yesterday.

On the motive of the incident, Mohd Bakri said it pointed towards business rivalry between the two lawyers and Sosilawati. -- BERNAMA


Read also: ‘Datuk’, seven others arrested in Sosilawati murder probe

Friday 10 September 2010

Salam Aidil Fitri....




Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Maaf Zahir dan Batin. Be safe and drive safe and have a good celebrations and holiday!

Monday 30 August 2010

MERDEKA!





Selamat menyambut Hari Kemerdekaan yang ke 53!

Tuesday 10 August 2010

Ramadhan Al Mubarak...

...to all my Muslims brothers & sisters. Here's wishing you "Selamat menyambut Bulan Ramadhan".

May the month bring endless blessings to all. Ameen.


Monday 19 July 2010

Farewell, Dalilah...

I am saddened by the passing of a dear friend, Dalilah Tamrin.

Dalilah Tamrin, who runs a blog onebreastbouncing under the name 0f Raden Galoh lost her fight against cancer. She died at 8.50am and was buried before the Asar prayers.

We were told by her husband early yesterday morning that her condition had worsened.

Am glad that Elviza, my sister, Nuraina and I managed to see her for the last time yesterday at the KLGH although she wasn't able to recognise us. Sempat cium her forehead and her cheeks.

We went to her funeral this afternoon at her mom's place in Banting. It was packed with relatives and friends .

She leaves behind husband Saiful and sons Adam,15, and Idris.11.


May Allah SWT Bless her soul.

Al fatihah


Below is a song“Kembaliku Padamu Ilahi, the lyrics of which she penned herself.


Thursday 1 July 2010

Tun Omar Ong Yoke Lin dies of old age

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA founding member, Tun Omar Ong Yoke Lin, 93, passed away due to old age Thursday morning.

He was buried at the Warrior's Mausoleum, next to the National Mosque here, at 6.05pm.

According to an aide to his wife Toh Puan Dr Aishah, Ong died at his home in No. 44, Persiaran Duta, at 8.15am.

Born July 23, 1917 in Kuala Lumpur, Ong was one of the key figures involved in the formation of the Umno-MCA alliance and was part of a delegation headed by Tunku Abdul Rahman to negotiate the country's independence in London in 1957.

He was Malaya’s first Post and Telecoms Minister and was one of the signatories when the Malaysia agreement was signed in London in 1963.

He also held various ministerial posts, including Labour and Social Welfare, Health and Social Welfare, acting Minister of Defence, Commerce and Industry, and Agriculture before he retired from politics.

In 1973, he was elected President of the Dewan Negara and served until 1980.

Even after he retired from active politics, Ong continued to be active in social works, said Aishah. - The Star

Tuesday 8 June 2010

Veteran Amerian journalist Helen Thomas quits over remarks on Israel

Reporter quits over Israel remark- Aljazeera

Thomas, centre, has covered every US president
since John F Kennedy [AP]

Veteran White House journalist Helen Thomas, who has covered every US president since John F Kennedy, has abruptly retired amid a storm of criticism over her controversial remarks about Israel.

Her retirement on Monday as a Hearst Newspapers columnist came after she was captured on video saying Israelis should "get the hell out of Palestine" and that they should go "home" to Germany, Poland or the United States.

The comments drew widespread condemnation with Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, describing her comments as “offencive and reprehensible”.

Thomas, 89, long considered the dean of the White House press correspondents, apologised for the statements she made on May 27.

In a statement issued over the weekend she said: "I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians. They do not reflect my heart-felt belief that peace will come to the Middle East only when all parties recognise the need for mutual respect and tolerance. May that day come soon."

Fallout

In depth
A tough questioner and pioneer female journalist

The controversy prompted Thomas to be dropped by her public speaking agency and also led to the cancellation of her plans to deliver a high school commencement address in suburban Washington.

"Helen Thomas announced Monday that she is retiring, effective immediately," Hearst News Service reported. "Her decision came after her controversial comments about Israel and the Palestinians were captured on videotape and widely disseminated on the Internet."

Thomas was absent from Monday's White House briefing, where she has a reserved seat in the centre of the front row.

The White House Correspondents Association called her remarks "indefensible" and, before the announcement of her retirement, scheduled a meeting on whether an opinion columnist should have a front-row seat in the West Wing briefing room.

"Many in our profession who have known Helen for years were saddened by the comments, which were especially unfortunate in light of her role as a trail blazer on the White House beat," the association's board said in a statement.

Thomas became a columnist for the Hearst newspaper chain in recent years after working for decades as a White House correspondent for United Press International.


Read here: Helen Tells Jews to go back.


Sunday 6 June 2010

Rachel Corrie: Israel to deport aid ship activists

Israel to deport aid ship activists


Jacky Rowland reports from Israel on
the boarding of the MV Rachel Corrie

Passengers on board an aid ship seized by the Israeli military as it tried to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip are awaiting deportation in Tel Aviv.

Eleven activists and eight crew were arrested after the Malaysia-funded Irish ship ignored warnings to divert to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

The activists' expulsion from Israel has been delayed by their refusal to sign documents presented to them by Israeli authorities.

"We are trying to convince all of the passengers and members of the crew to sign the document. Otherwise, in accordance with the law, they risk having to wait up to 72 hours for a judge to decide their fate," an Israeli immigration spokeswoman said.

Meanwhile, Jacky Rowland, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Ashdod, said the vessel Rachel Corrie is being held at the port while its cargo is inspected.

"The aid will be taken off and inspected," she said. "It is not clear how much of it will be taken to Gaza."

The seizure of the Rachel Corrie came five days after Israeli troops killed nine activists while raiding a flotilla of aid ships carrying humanitarian supplies for the beseiged Palestinian territory.

Israeli statement

Israeli naval vessels trailed the ship for several hours before boarding it, jamming its radar and cutting off all radio communication.

IN DEPTH

Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said naval forces involved in Saturday's operation had followed exactly the same procedures as they had done earlier in the week, but the difference lay in the attitude of the activists on board the vessel.

"We saw today the difference between a ship of peace activists, with whom we don't agree but respect their right to a different opinion from ours, and between a ship of hate organised by violent Turkish terror extremists ... waiting for our soldiers on the deck with axes and knives," Netanyahu's office cited him as saying.

Raising awareness

Mukhriz Mahathir, head of the Perdana Global Peace Organisation, a Malaysian non-governmental organisation that sponsored the Rachel Corrie, said people would be willing to contribute to further aid ships.


Al Jazeera reports from London on protests against the Israeli raid and embargo on Gaza

"These actions have finally succeeded in raising lots of awareness," he said.

"But for the moment, we are upset that these aid goods have not reached their destination."

The Rachel Corrie is named after an American womanwho was killed by an Israeli military bulldozer in the Gaza Strip in 2003, while protesting against a house demolition.

Pro-Palestinian activists on board the ship had earlier said they were determined to press ahead towards the Gaza coast, despite the Israeli warnings.

"We are not afraid and we are all advocating non-violence… and we will just sit here and go if they insist on commandeering our boat and forcing us into Ashdod," Mairead Maguire, an activist and Nobel Peace laureate aboard Rachel Corrie, said before radio contact with the ship was lost.

The Israeli military had cautioned that troops would consider storming the ship, if it continued its journey towards Gaza.

Al Jazeera's Nicole Johnston, reporting from Gaza, said the Rachel Corrie had hundreds of tonnes of aid, including medical supplies, wheelchairs, cement, building materials and even note pads for children.

UNRWA appeal

Speaking to Al Jazeera on Saturday, Chris Gunness, a spokesman for UNWRA, the United Nations Palestine refugee agency, underscored the need for Gaza's land and sea blockades to be lifted.


Israel's raid has led to protests in many nations including in the French capital Paris

"The World Health Organisation needs $20m worth of aid to enter Gaza, there is 44 per cent unemployment and education is in crisis," he said.

"We are turning thousands of five and six year olds away from our schools [and] 39,000 children in Gaza are not receiving United Nations education because we cannot get our building materials in.

"We also want to see exports coming out of Gaza. It is already 80 per cent aid dependent. What we don't want is to make it more aid dependent."

The developments surrounding the Rachel Corrie came as the UN human-rights chief said that Israel could face prosecution for Monday's flotilla raid, and that she was following requests for a referral to the International Criminal Court [ICC] in The Hague.

"I am following very closely the very many calls that come particularly from civil society and from all the people who are suffering in Palestine for that kind of action to be taken," Navi Pillay said on Saturday in Kampala, Uganda, where she was attending the ICC's ongoing review conference.

She said she believed Israel's blockade of Gaza violates international law.

"International humanitarian law prohibits starvation of civilians as a method of warfare ... It is also prohibited to impose collective punishment on the civilian population, so it is [for those reasons] that I have consistently reported to member states that the blockade is illegal and must be lifted," Pillay said.

"Even if it is demonstrated that the blockade is legal under international law, Israel's current military operations against the flotilla must be analysed from the perspective of its obligation to allow humanitarian aid to be brought into the Gaza Strip."

Friday 4 June 2010

Rachel Corrie makes its way to Gaza

From Amman by SHAHANAAZ HABIB
AMMAN: Volunteers on the MV Rachel Corrie are not trained soldiers, and they are fearful of being attacked by the Israeli army – but they are determined to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“Of course there is worry, but this is an amanah (trust bestowed upon us) to deliver the aid to Gaza,” said Perdana Global Peace Organisation representative Shamsul Akmar in an interview.

He is on board the sole ship making its way to Gaza.

Israel’s attack on the six aid ships in international waters on Monday resulting in nine deaths only made those on Rachel Corrie more determined to carry out their amanah.

Rachel Corrie was supposed to be part of the flotilla but she got left behind due to delays and some “suspicious stringent checks” by port authorities at several places, said Shamsul.

If all goes well, the 1,200 tonne Rachel Corrie, carrying medical aid, construction material, toys, educational and writing material is expected to reach Gaza on Saturday.

There are 19 people on board and they have been travelling for 20 days.

Other than Shamsul, who is the head of the delegation, there are five other Malaysians – Matthias Chang, Parit MP Nizar Zakaria, activist Ahmad Faizal Azumu and TV3 crew members Halim Mohamed and Jufri Junid.

Also on board is a strong Irish delegation with Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Corrigan Maguire.

There are six crew members, a captain and a chief engineer.

The ship is funded by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Perdana Global Peace Orga­nisation.

Shamsul said there are a number of possible scenarios:

> Israel may let Rachel Corrie through

> Israel may become aggressive and board the ship; and

> those on board the ship may be shot by Israeli forces

Shamsul said that if Israel stopped the ship in international waters, but the ship was forced away, “we collectively feel we should stay there for a few days to try and deliver the aid.”

The tiny Gaza strip has been put under a strangling blockade after Hamas took over control of it in 2007, causing hardship to the 1.5 million living in what is called the “world’s biggest prison on earth.”

In December 2008, Israel launched a three week massive military strike on Gaza, killing at least 1,400 people and destroying many homes, buildings, factories and infrastructure.

But because of the siege, Gaza has not been able to bring the materials needed to rebuild including construction material like cement, glass and bricks. The Star


Muslims Pray, Protest Against Israeli Violence




KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 (Bernama) -- Muslims on Friday offered special prayers for Palestinians and protested against the Israeli raid on the Gaza humanitarian flotilla killing nine people.

Non-governmental organisations (NGO) including Aman Malaysia and Umno Youth gathered in the compound of Masjid Negara after Friday and special (hajat) prayers for the safety of the activists.

Aman Malaysia adviser and Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said the rally was to support Palestinians and condemn the inhuman act of the Israeli regime.

Chairman Datuk Ahmad Zaki Zahid said Malaysians had been angry with Israel for a long time for oppressing the Palestinians.

"Israel's act of violence and utter disregard for international law has inflamed anger among Malaysians," he said.

Khairy launched a "SMS For Gaza" campaign to collect funds for Gaza. Donors only have to send SMS by typing "GAZA" and send to 32928.

Earlier, Masjid Negara imam besar Tan Sri Syaikh Ismail Muhammad used the sermon to condemn Israel for the inhuman act against activists taking humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Another rally took place at Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru led by opposition leader and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The anti-Israel rally attended by about 10,000 people then proceed to the United States embassy in Jalan Ampang and ended at 4pm after a memorandum was delivered.

In JOHOR BAHARU, over 100 NGO and Pakatan Rakyat party members held a rally in the compound of Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar after Friday prayers.

The anti-Israel rally in heavy rain lasted 30 minutes and ended with burning of the flags of Israel and United States.

In KOTA BHARU, some 5,000 Muslims gathered near Sultan Mohammed Stadium for special prayers for Palestinians led by Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

He said the Kelantan government spent RM25,000 monthly under the Palestinian Education Aid Fund to finance Palestinian students at several institutions of higher learning.

In Penang, over 500 people participated in an rally organised by Penang Federation of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) at Masjid Kapitan Keling.

The 30-minute anti-Israel protest after Fridays prayers was filled with fiery speeches by NGO representatives.

In TAWAU, about 100 Muslims held a peaceful rally at Masjid Al-Kauthar after Friday prayers to protest Israeli violence.

Special prayers were also held for the safety of Palestinians and the humanitarian vessel heading for Gaza.

In IPOH, the family of Dr Selamat Aliman, one of 12 Malaysian activists on board "Mavi Marmara" raided by Israeli commandos, would be holding a feast to mark his return.

Dr Selamat, 54, a member of Jemaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) was expected to arrive at KL International Airport (KLIA) early Sunday with nine others, including two staff of Astro Awani.

His wife Faezah Hassan, 52, said no date had been set as it would depend on Dr Selamat's work schedule. -- BERNAMA

Thursday 3 June 2010

12 Malaysians among 124 Gaza-aid activists released by Israel

Published: Wednesday June 2, 2010 MYT 10:40:00 AM
Updated: Wednesday June 2, 2010 MYT 9:17:51 PM

PETALING JAYA: The 12 Malaysians who were on board aid ship Mavi Marmara, which was attacked and detained by Israeli forces Monday morning, have been released and are now in Jordan.

They include Astro Awani journalist Ashwad Ismail and cameraman Samsulkamal Abdul Latip.

Malaysian Ambassador to Jordan Datuk Abdul Malek Abdul Aziz said the 12 arrived at 6.30am local time Wednesday.

They are currently staying at the Crown Plaza Hotel while waiting for their travel documents to be processed, he said when contacted.

"We are doing what we can to bring them home. Some of them lost their passports and documents. The news crew's cameras were also confisicated," he added.

"We are doing what we can to bring them home. Some of them lost their passports and documents. The news crew's cameras were also confisicated," he added.

The Malaysians who were on board the Mavi Marmara after their release. With them are Malaysian ambassador to Jordan Datuk Abd Malek Abd Aziz (front, fourth from left)and First Secretary Wong Chia Chiann (front, right). -BERNAMA

Abdul Malek also said he had not heard from six other Malaysians on the Rachel Corrie, which was expected to reach Gaza later Wednesday.

However, according to a TV channel, journalist Shamsul Akmar, who is on the ship, said they would continue towards their destination despite the threat of being boarded by the Israeli navy.

"We are prepared for the possibility. If they do board us, we will not resist," he said.

Meanwhile, Malaysian delegation leader Noorazman Mohd Samsuddin said Israeli forces treated the detainees like criminals.

"We were not even allowed to go to the toilet,” he said.

According to Astro Awani, the Malaysians were among 124 Gaza flotilla aid activists aboard five buses, who arrived in Amman, Jordan, Wednesday morning via Allenby Bridge, after being detained and ill-treated by Israeli forces.

Ashwad, 26, said all media equipment was confiscated, including notebooks and pens.

Relating his experience live from Jordan earlier Wednesday, he said they were exhausted and dehydrated after 28 hours in detention at Beersheba prison.

He said Israeli naval forces, comprising 19 naval boats, eight naval ships and three Apache helicopters attacked the ship at 4.40am on Monday.

"We were fully prepared as we had received reports that Israeli forces had expanded their claim on territorial waters from 64km to 108km (off the coast of Gaza).

"They started to circle us at 11pm. They began advancing at 2am and attacked us from all angles at 4.30am. They attacked us incessantly. Alhamdullillah, our cameraman, Shamsul and I were safe from the assault," he said, adding that the Israelis had used live ammunition.

Contrary to Israeli defence forces claims in the international media that aid activists had used sharp weapons, Ashwad said they had merely sprayed water from fire hoses to ward off their attackers. (read here: "It was pure hell." , here and here)

"I did not see any sharp weapons in the form of knives, parang, sword and so on being used. Volunteers merely used water to stop the commandos from boarding the ship.

"Two Turkish nationals, one of my right and the other on my left, were shot on the arm and hand. I managed to escape and crawled to safety on the deck, which was filld with blood. It was indeed a painful experience. It was an eye-opener to the world. I did not expect Israel to act in such a way. We were civilians onboard but subjected to military action.

"It was a war against humanity. During the 28-hour ordeal, I could fathom the six decades of Israeli-Palestine conflict and the oppression against Palestinians. I hope our audience, including my parents, will get the message."

Ashwad said he was handcuffed, taken to Ashdod and later detained in Beersheba prison. He was separated from Shamsul then but they were reunited at the Jordan-Israel border following their release.

He thanked the Government and the Malaysian Embassy in Jordan as well as the international community for efforts to secure their release.

Astro Awani general manager Rozina Aziz said the TV station was unable to contact Ashwad directly as his handphone had been confiscated.

He was contacted through the ambassador’s number.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman left for Jordan on Wednesday to help expedite their return to Malaysia.

Meanwhile, a statement from the Prime Minister's office said a motion would be tabled in Parliament on Monday to strongly condemn the attack by Israeli military on the aid ship Mavi Marmara, which was carrying humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

Earlier, Kuwaiti ambassador Sheik Faisal Al Sabah had said that in addition to the 16 Kuwaitis aboard the buses, the other activists came from Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Yemen, Oman and Bahrain.

Dozens of other activists remain in Israeli detention, but most are expected to be deported in the coming days.

The bridge across the Jordan River is under Israeli control. It links Jordan with the West Bank.

Jordanian government spokesman Nabil Al-Sharif said there were 30 Jordanians in the group. Jordan is one of two Arab nations with a signed peace treaty with Israel.

The bridge's Jordanian chief, Brig. Mahmoud Abu Jumaa, said Jordan will help repatriate the activists - who include lawmakers and journalists - to their respective countries in coordination with their governments.

Worldwide condemnation has poured on Israel since its naval commandos halted the aid flotilla in international waters overnight Monday, setting off a melee that left nine activists dead and dozens wounded.

Eighteen Malaysians were involved in the humanitarian mission, with six on board another ship, the Rachel Corrie.

Mavi Marmara was leading a convoy of six vessels bound for Gaza to deliver aid to 100,000 Palestinians when it was attacked by Israeli commandoes in international waters at 10.30am Malaysian time on Monday. - The Star

Read here "Gaza Aid convoy" and here "Lying About the Gaza Flotilla Disaster"

Tuesday 1 June 2010

Worldwide condemnation of Israel...

...after its troops stormed aid ship, Flotilla, trying to break Gaza blockade, killing 10 activists on board. (Read here and here. ).

While the majority of world leaders have condemned the attack, Israeli's strongest ally, Barrack Obama, the president of United States, has been conspicuously silent, except for a brief statement from the White house expressing "regrets over the loss of life and injuries sustained..." avoiding any hint of criticism of Israeli action in its public statement.

Across the world, Muslims have held numerous protests against the dawn raid. But there is not much information on the aftermath of the raid - because of a news blackout by the Israeli. As a result, the main international media organisations have relied on Israeli spokespeople to step in unchallenged through its own version of the incident by its great propaganist, Mark Regev, who has been monopolising the airwaves.

Israel claimed the aid activists were terrorists armed with guns and in cahoot with al-Qaeda and Hamas. And, of course, the Israeli soldiers had acted reasonably. They faced a lynch, says Israel.

No names of the dead have been released but reports say that most of them are Turkish.

Human Rights groups have condemned the occupation of Gaza and in the latest incident say that Israel has flouted International laws and has no right to control Gaza’s sea as its own territorial waters and to stop aid convoys.

The flotilla, is among six fleet of ships, carrying 5,000 tonnes of reconstruction materials, school supplies and medical equipment to the 1.5 million inhabitants of Gaza.



Deadly Israeli raid on aid fleet - Aljazeera


Al Jazeera's Ayman Mohyeldin reports from Jerusalem on the storming of the flotilla and its aftermath

Israeli soldiers have attacked a flotilla of aid-carrying ships off the coast of the Gaza Strip, killing as many as 10 people on board.

Dozens more were believed to be injured when troops raided the convoy of six ships, dubbed the Freedom Flotilla, early on Monday.

But those figures were hard to confirm as the flotilla was being held in the Israeli port of Ashdod on Tuesday, with 700 passengers from 30 countries either being detained or in hospital.

Israel said activists on board attacked its commandos as they boarded the ships, while the flotilla's organisers said the Israeli forces opened fire first, as soon as they stormed the convoy.

Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, gave his "full backing" to the military forces after the raid, which he said "was to prevent the infiltration of thousands of rockets, missiles and other arms that could hit our cities, communities or people".

"I give my complete backing to the army, the soldiers and commanders who acted to defend the state and to protect their lives." He also said Israel regretted the loss of life in the raid.

Protests worldwide

Israeli media reported that many of the dead were Turkish nationals.

Hamas, the Palestinian group which governs the Gaza Strip, said the assault was a "massacre" and called on the international community to intervene.... continue here



Read here "A Prayer for the Safety of our Gaza-bound friends" ; here "Malaysia Condemns Israeli Raid on Gaza Aid Flotilla."Malaysia Condemns Israeli Raid On Gaza Aid FlotillaMalaysia Condemns Israeli Raid On Gaza Aid Flotilla

Sunday 16 May 2010

DAP takes Sibu

SIBU, May 16 — The DAP pulled off a surprise win in the Sibu by-election today, when its candidate, Wong Ho Leng,(pic left) won the three-cornered-fight with a 398 majority.

The official result was announced by the Election Commission at about 10.58 pm.

The two-hour delay in the announcement of the result was due to a dispute in the postal ballots where 208 votes were rejected. This however did not change the final result.

According to the EC, the dispute was over the validity of witnesses' signature for postal votes.

Wong, who is also Bukit Assek state assemblyman, garnered 18,845 votes against Barisan National's Robert Lau Hui Yew, who polled 18,447 votes while independent Narawi Haron only received 232 votes.

BN had earlier been expected to retain its Sarawak stronghold but lost despite the best efforts of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Pakatan Rakyat has managed to reverse its series of losses (Bagan Pinang and Hulu Selangor) with this win in Sibu.

Of the 11 by-elections since March 2008, Pakatan has won eight while BN three. Sibu is also Pakatan's first victory in East Malaysia. PKR lost in Batang Ai in April last year.

For DAP, this is the first by-election which the party has won in 13 years. Sibu will be the party's second parliamentary seat in Sarawak to its existing Bandar Kuching.

The Sibu by-election was called following the death of five-time MP and Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew on April 9. - reports from the Star and Malaysian Insider.

Saturday 8 May 2010

Sibu by-election: It's a three-way fight

SIBU: It will be a three-cornered contest between Barisan Nasional's Robert Lau Hui Yew (centre), DAP's Wong Ho Leng (right) and independent Narawi Haron for the Sibu parliamentary seat.

Returning officer Wong See Meng announced this at 11.30am Saturday, after the three candidates filed their nominations. There were no objections filed.

Supporters from both sides broke out in chants and songs after objection time was announced, following the filing of nominations. There was good-natured jeering between Barisan and DAP supporters, according to the Star online report.

As early as 7am, party leaders and supporters, bearing banners and flags, had gathered a short distance from the Sibu Civic Centre, where the nominations were to be filed.

Polling for the seat is on May 16. The by-election was triggered by the death of Deputy Transport Minister and five-term Sibu MP Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew on April 9.

Sibu has 54,695 voters, comprising 52,158 ordinary voters and 2,537 postal voters made up of 1,910 military and 627 police personnel.

According to the electoral roll, updated as of April 9 this year, Chinese voters make up almost 67% of the total number of voters, followed by Malay/Melanau (10.5%) and Sarawak bumiputeras (22%). - The Star

Sunday 25 April 2010

BN wins by 2,000 majority

Latest:

BN wins by 1,725 votes - The NST
2010/04/26

KUALA KUBU BARU: Barisan Nasional gained a parliamentary seat last night when P.Kamalanathan defeated Datuk Zaid Ibrahim of Parti Keadilan Rakyat with a 1,725-vote majority in the Hulu Selangor by-election.

This is the first parliamentary by-election win for BN since the March 2008 nationwide polls, following defeats in Permatang Pauh (August 2008), Kuala Terengganu (January last year) and Bukit Gantang (April last year).

The Hulu Selangor contest, the focal point of national politics over the past twoweeks, coincides with Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s first full year in office asprime minister.

This marks a back-to-back by-election win for BN following the success in BaganPinang in October last year, which followed a near-victory in the July 2009 by-election for Manek Urai, retained by Pas with a majority of 65.

Bagan Pinang and Manek Urai are state constituencies in Negri Sembilan and Kelantan, respectively. ...continue here

Earlier report:

BN wins by 2,000 majoritiy. Malaysiakini

7.49pm: Unofficial results

According to BN sources, P Kamalanathan (MIC) is leading Zaid Ibrahim (PKR) by about 2,000 votes.

PKR leaders have unofficially conceded defeat.

BN - 21,354
PKR - 19,917
Majority - 1,437

D-Day for Hulu Selangor - update

Unofficial: Both sides claim early lead

Apr 25, 10 6:08pm

LIVE REPORTS Read: here

and LIVE FROM KKB: here

7.36pm: BN sources are claiming that they are leading by 3,000 to 4,000 votes. According to Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, the unofficial tally so far is:

BN - 19,067
PKR - 17,554
Majority - 1,513

Election Commission's official results

BN - 4,080
PKr - 4,547
Majority - 467

7.21pm: Election Commission's official results

PKR - 2,722
BN - 2,468
Majority - 258

7.15pm: On-the-spot analysis

Early results show PKR winning two-thirds of the votes in Chinese-majority areas, below the 85 percent which DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang has wanted. According to Lim, PKR will need to win that much to win.

It is expected PKR will lose much of the votes in the Malay-majority Felda areas.

Election Commission's official results

PKR - 2,173
BN - 1,934
Majority - 239

7.12pm: Unofficial results

PKR - 9,133
BN - 7,261
Majority - 1,872

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After seven days of intense campaigning, it is D-Day for both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat in Hulu Selangor.

The 64,500 voters will decide today whether they want to retain a Pakatan representative in Parliament, or return the seat to Barisan, which held it before the 2008 general election.

Both sides are confident of victory but observers are expecting a close finish.

The contest is a straight fight between Barisan’s P. Kamalanathan of MIC (left) and Pakatan’s Datuk Zaid Ibrahim (PKR)(pic right).

Results are expected about 8pm.

The by-election is being held following the death of PKR’s Datuk Dr Zainal Abidin Ahmad on March 25. Zainal Abidin, 71, had won the seat with a slim majority of 198 in the 2008 general election.


For Hulu Selangor by-election update read here .

Sunday 14 February 2010

Gong Xi Fa Chai


Wishing everyone a good year ahead and those who are travelling a safe journey.



Friday 5 February 2010

Rais: Be ethical when blogging on Anwar's trial

Bloggers should be responsible and ethical in reporting the sodomy trial of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to avoid sub judice, Information Communication and Culture Minister Rais Yatim said.

Bloggers had the responsibility to the society and should abide by the country's law, he said.


"I believe bloggers have their own sense of responsibility to the society and will not go around writing with wild abandon, because in the end the law will catch up with them; and like it or not, the law will come down hard on them.

"So before that happens, they should exercise caution,"

Rais said the Attorney-General's Chambers was constantly monitoring reports published in certain blogs to see if they were made in general or had the elements of contempt or against the rule of sub judice.

Howver, he s said the ministry would not stop Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) from reporting the case.

RTM would also be allowed to use certain terms which were mentioned in court, he added.


"We can report on the case based on what transpired in court and in the interest of public knowledge but we should not make comments which are sub judice," he said.


The
PKR advisor and Permatang Pauh MP, is charged with sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan at Unit 11-5-1 Desa Damansara Condominium, Jalan Setiakasih, Bukit Damansara, between 3.01pm and 4.30pm on Jan 26, 2008.

Full report of today's trial - Sailful: Anwar was my idol

Thursday 4 February 2010

Anwar's trial closed to the public

The Kuala Lumpur high court closed the second day of the trial of Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to the media and public today, a day after explicit details of the alleged act emerged from his accuser, Mohamad Saiful Azlan, 25.

Saiful, a former aide of Datuk Seri Anwar, has accused his former boss of sodomising him on June 26, 2008, at a private condominium - Unit 11-5-1 of the Desa Damansara Condominium in Jalan Setiakasih, Bukit Damansara - between 3.01pm and 4.30pm on June 26, 2008.

Saiful reported the matter to the police two days later.

Datuk Seri Anwar is charged under Section 377B of the Penal Code and can be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in jail and whipping upon conviction.

Later in the day, the trial adjourned for a visit to the apartment.

Datuk Seri Anwar has pleaded not guilty saying the charges are part of a government conspiracy to end his political career.

Read here and here for full report.

Wednesday 3 February 2010

Anwar pleads not guilty to sodomy charges

Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pleaded not guilty to sodomy charges brought against him, saying they are part of a "political conspiracy".

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told a High Court hearing in Kuala Lumpur today that the allegations he had sodomised a former aide were "malicious" fabrications... trumped up by political masters using the prosecution for that purpose".

The prosecution, lead by Solicitor-General II Datuk Mohd Yusof Zainal Abide, promised to produce semen samples that they said were found in medical tests on Mohamad Saiful Bukhari Azlan, 24, the aide who made the allegations.

Datuk Seri Anwar, who is the Permatang Pauh MP, is accused of sodomising Mohamad Saiful at Unit 11-5-1 of the Desa Damansara Condominium in Jalan Setiakasih, Bukit Damansara, between 3.01pm and 4.30pm on June 26, 2008.

He is charged under Section 377B of the Penal Code which carries a maximum jail term of 20 years and whipping upon conviction.

The case is being heard before Justice Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah.

Anwar's defence team is led by Karpal, Sankara Nair, Datuk Param Cumaraswamy and Prabakaran.

For full report of the hearing read here and here .

Al Fatihah: Former deputy Labour and Manpower Minister Abdullah Majid dies...

Datuk Abdullah Majid, a former deputy Labour and Manpower Minister and an ex ISA detainee, passed away at his Taman Desa home early this morning aged 85.

His remains were taken to the Tun Abdul Aziz Mosque in Petaling Jaya for the funeral prayer before being taken to his village, Kampung Durian Sebatang in Dong, Raub, Pahang for burial.

Datuk Abdullah was detained together with Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad (the former MP for Kok Lanas) and Pak Samad (Tan Sri Samad Ismail) under the Internal Security Act in 1976 for four years. (Read here ). He was given a conditional release in May 1977, and the conditions were lifted on Nov 2, 1981.

Datuk Abdullah leaves behind his wife Datin Hamidah Hussein, son Rozhan Anuar, 43, and daughter Rozana Meili, 44.


Semoga rohnya dirahmati Allah SWT. Amin.

Tuesday 2 February 2010

Anwar sodomy charge starts tomorrow

The sodomy trial of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will finally begin in the Kuala Lumpur High Court tomorrow - 18 months after he was charged.

Justice Datuk Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah has fixed proceedings at 2.30pm after rejecting a bid by Datuk Seri Anwar for a stay of the trial.

The PKR adviser had applied to the High Court to stay the trial until the disposal of his appeal at the Court of Appeal over his failure to strike out his sodomy charge.

Datuk Anwar, 63, claimed trial to sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, 25, at Desa Damansara Condominium in Jalan Setiakasih, Bukit Damansara, between 3.01pm and 4.30pm on June 26, 2008.

On Dec 1, last year, Justice Mohamad Zabidin ruled that the findings of a medical report, which suggested that there was no penetration, could not be the basis for the court to quash the sodomy charge and that it should hear the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses first.

Sunday 24 January 2010

'King' Ghaz dies...Al fatiha

Former Home Minister Tun Ghazali Shafie, popularly known as 'King' Ghaz, passed away at his residence in Subang Jaya, about 7.45pm Sunday, Bernama reports.

He was 88.

Tun Ghazali, who was born in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, leaves behind two sons, Bachtiaer and Sheriffudin.

His wife, Toh Puan Khatijah Abdul Majid, passed away in April 2008.

Semoga Allah SWT mengampuni Allahyarham. Amin.

Friday 22 January 2010

DYMM Sultan Johor mangkat


Berita rasmi dari Bernama: Sat, January 23, 2010 01:51 AM


The Sultan of Johor is Dead


JOHOR BAHARU, Jan 23 (Bernama) -- The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Iskandar Sultan Ismail, 77, died at the Puteri Specialist Hospital at 7.15pm after being admitted Friday night following an illness.

Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman in announcing the Sultan's demise said that his remains would be buried at the Bukit Mahmoodiah Royal Mausoleum at 2pm on Saturday.

"The Sultan of Johor was very much respected and loved," he said when reading the statement to announce the death of the Sultan at Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim, here Friday night.

He said the proclamation of the new Sultan of Johor would be made Saturday at Istana Besar before the funeral.

Earlier on Friday, Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ibrahim Ismail Sultan Iskandar was appointed the Regent of Johor in a ceremony at the Istana Besar.

-- BERNAMA

Earlier report:

DYMM Sultan Johor Tuanku Sultan Iskandar Al Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail Al Khalidi mangkat jam 7.08 malam hari ini (7.08pm today according to unofficial report). Baginda berusia 77 tahun. (Read here)

Baginda, telah dimasukkan ke Hospital Pakar Puteri Johor Bahru hari ini dan ekoran itu Jemaah Majlis Diraja Johor telah bersetuju melantik Duli Yang Amat Mulia, Tunku Ibrahim Ismail Ibni Sultan Iskandar, Tengku Mahkota Johor sebagai Pemangku Raja. (read here )

Semoga Allah SWT. mencucuri rahmat ke atas roh Baginda.

Al fatiha.

Sunday 10 January 2010

Al Fatiha... Tun Fatimah Hashim

Malaysia's first woman minister, Tun Dr Fatimah Hashim, 85, died of old age at her residence at 11.35 Saturday night.

Her son, Abdul Karim Abdul Kadir, said she would be buried after the Zohor prayers today (Sunday) at the National Mosque beside the grave of her husband, Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Yusoff, a former Attorney-General and former Minister of Law and National Development.

"Her remains will be buried at the National Mosque after receiving permission from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak," Abdul Karim told Bernama.

Fatimah, who is survived by six children, was born in Kampung Parit Kurma, Muar, Johor on Dec 25, 1924 and received her early education at the Sekolah Melayu Perempuan Mersing, Johor before becoming a teacher.

She was appointed Welfare Minister on May 20, 1969 until March 1, 1973.

Fatimah joined politics in 1947 and had held the post of Head of the Umno Kaum Ibu movement, which is now known as Wanita Umno, from September 1956 until June 1972.

On Aug 19 last year, she was chosen as one of the four outstanding Malaysians to receive the Merdeka Award for the Education and Community category.

Saturday 9 January 2010

The King: Remain Calm and Respect House of Worshps.

King Reminds People To Remain Calm, Respect Houses Of Worship

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin wants all Malaysians to remain calm in the wake of the High Court decision on the use of the word "Allah" and respect houses of worship irrespective of religion.

In a statement issued by Istana Negara today, Tuanku Mizan said he very much hoped that the spirit of unity and mutual respect which formed the backbone of the nation's strength would at all times be safeguarded.

His Majesty said he was expressing this hope in view of the government taking the necessary follow-up steps following the court decision and all quarters respecting the sanctity and position of Islam as the official religion of the federation.

"To ensure peace and harmony among the followers of different religions, the meaning and reference to "Allah" in the general context should conform to the description fixed by Islam because this practice has all this while been accepted by Malaysians of other faiths," said Tuanku Mizan.

On Dec 31, the High Court had ruled that the Roman Catholic Church in Malaysia could use the word "Allah" in its weekly publication, Herald.

On Wednesday, the same High Court allowed a stay of execution on the use of the word following and agreement between the Home Ministry and the church in the national interest.

Three churches around Kuala Lumpur, the Metro Tabernacle Church in Desa Melawati; the Assumption Church and the Life Chapel in Petaling Jaya were subjected to attacks last night and early today. -
-- BERNAMA

Friday 8 January 2010

Najib condems arson attack on churches

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has condemned the attack made on three churches.

But he wants the public not to point fingers as who may have been responsible for the attack.

He viewed the matter seriously, hesaid, as these actions could jeopardise harmony, adding that the Government would take all possible action to prevent such incident from recurring and has already instructed the IGP to beef up secrity and surveilance at places of worship.
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak slammed the action of some irresponsible people who attacked a church and directed the police to beef up security at all places of worship.

The Prime Minister said he viewed the incident very seriously, especially the two incidents - first an attempt to burn down a church and the second, sending out a threat to another.

Najib said such action can destroy the existing harmony of the country.

"I condemn such action by the irresponsible people because it can harm the cordial relationship and harmony that has been in existence. As a multi-racial community we must practice respect for one another...it cannot come under threat from anybody," he told reporters after witnessing an exchange of memorandum for Human Resource Development in the Northern Corridor Economic Region, here on Friday.

Najib added that the government would take whatever action needed to curb such incidents.

He added that he had directed Federal Police Chief Tan Sri Musa Hassan to beef up security at all places of worship.

Early this morning, two church arson incidents had taken place in Desa Melawati and Jalan Templer, Petaling Jaya while another received a threat.

Najib said whatever problem or issue in the country must be resolved through the proper procedures or through the law.

"There should be no overzealous action that can harm the harmony of the country," he said.

The Prime Minister said fingers should not be pointed at Umno for such action.

"The matter must be handed to the authorities for proper investigation and action in accordance with the law," he said.

Asked of the planned protest rallies after the Friday prayers, Najib said he had already informed the police to monitor the situation.

"That's why they must nip it in the bud, hope with this statement and action by the police, people will not take the law into their hands," Najib said.

Najib added that he would receive information on such incidents from Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and the Federal Police Chief.

"When he gets the evidence, he will report to me," Najib said.

The Prime Minister also refuted a claim by a journalist from an online portal that Umno members were the ones responsible for starting the flames after the High Court had ruled that the word "Allah" can be used by Catholic Weekly-Herald.

"Don't point the finger at Umno or anybody. We have always been very responsible. Don't say that these attacks were motivated by Umno. That is a very scurrilous statement that you have just made. You are alluding to it. Please stop that," Najib told the journalist.

-- BERNAMA

Wednesday 6 January 2010

Home Ministry gets stay order on use of "Allah"

The Kuala Lumpur High Court today granted a stay in favour of the Home Ministry to stop Catholic weekly magazine Herald, from using the word 'Allah' pending an appeal.

Lawyers acting for the magazine did not object to the application, citing the ground of national interest.

The application was heard in chambers by High Court judge Lau Bee Lan. Attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail appeared for the ministry, while Derek Fernandez and Benjamin Dawson appeared for Herald.


Court Allows Stay of Earlier Order On Use of "Allah"

By M. Santhiran


KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 6 (Bernama) -- The High Court on Wednesday allowed a stay of an earlier order to allow the use of "Allah" by Catholic weekly, Herald, following consent by the Home Ministry and Roman Catholic Archbishop of Malaysia on the grounds of national interest.

Justice Datuk Lau Bee Lan, who had issued the earlier order on Dec 31 last year, made the ruling in chambers after meeting Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail and counsel Derek J. Fernandez for Archbishop Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam for 30 minutes.

Fernandez told reporters that Lau agreed to record the stay by consent.

Abdul Gani was grateful that there was agreement for a stay.

"As far as I am concerned, it involves national interest, there is no necessity to get involved in an argument for a stay," he said.

"I am very grateful to my learned friend who has agreed for a stay and we will try to have this matter be heard as soon as possible in the Court of Appeal. I believe it can be very, very soon," said the attorney-general.

On Tuesday, the ministry filed an application for a stay of the earlier court ruling after lodging an appeal with the Court of Appeal, a day earlier.

Abdul Gani said the speediness of the process should not be misconstrued because the issue should be resolved as soon as possible.

"I should say this again, there should be no kind of perception on this matter since it is better this matter is being heard so fast. It doesn't mean that something is wrong, let's not have such perception.

"The important thing is that the matter should be settled as soon as possible. All of us should respect the court decision," he said.

Asked if there was pressure on this case, he replied: "You can't say there is pressure in this case since there is a pressure in all cases. I don't want to give any kind of perception now, let the matter settle."

Fernandez said his side had agreed to the attorney-general's request for a stay due to national interest, pending the next course at the Court of Appeal.

"We are concerned of the breach of subjudice rule by many parties who are showing disrespect to the court. Tan Sri assured us he would look into those matters," he said.

On Dec 31, Lau ruled that pursuant to Articles 11 and 12 of the Federal Constitution, the Herald had the constitutional right to use the word, in respect of instruction and education of the congregation in the Christian religion.

She also said that pursuant to Article 11(4) of the Federal Constitution, it was an offence for non-Muslims to use the word "Allah" to Muslims to propagate the religion but it was not an offence for non-Muslims to use the word to non-Muslims for the purpose of religion.

On Feb 16, the archbishop filed for a judicial review on the use of the word "Allah" in the church's publications for the period Jan 1 to Dec 31, last year, naming the ministry and the government as respondents and claiming that the word "Allah" was not exclusive to the religion of Islam.

The Herald, which is printed in four languages, has been using the word "Allah" as a translation for 'God' in its Malay-language section.

The word "Allah" is widely used among the indigenous Christian groups in Sabah and Sarawak, most of whom speak Bahasa Malaysia.

The minister had justified the ban on the grounds of national security and to avert misunderstanding and confusion among Muslims. -- BERNAMA