Tag: Political and National News

Issue of the word ‘Allah’, PR to Discuss Next Week

1

PETALING JAYA, 3 Jan: Pakatan Rakyat (PR) has decided to deliberate on usage of the word ‘Allah’ through the PR Council Meeting on January 8.

This was revealed by PKR Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when he was asked to comment on the issue during a press conference at the PKR headquarters today.

Anwar said that the issue could resurface although PR has already came to a decision that no verdict has been made to amend the resolution previously made.

“We will be holding the Pakatan meeting on January 8 and I believe the matter will be raised even if decision on the matter has yet been made to amend the old verdict.

“In 2010, we had already decided. However, if certain quarters raise it (the issue) and if there is any new insight, we certainly can discuss it,” he said.

Previously, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, in his Christmas address urged the Federal Government to allow Christians to use the word “Allah” in Malay language Bibles.

His action however, drew criticism from several parties, asking Guan Eng to retract the statement which was considered to be intentionally insulting the Muslims in the country.

Deepak Has Spent RM13 Million Before to Buy Rosmah’s Jewelry

8.1

PETALING JAYA: Today PKR Strategy Director, Rafizi Ramili revealed invoices of jewelry purchases worth RM13 million for the Prime Minister’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, by carpet dealer Deepak Jaikishan.

He claimed that the invoices from two companies in Hong Kong proves that Deepak paid as much as RM13 million as a reward in a land transaction.

He produced the document which he claims to have obtained, through a middleman, from Deepak.

Rafizi said that the purchase of 19 types of jewelries including rings, necklaces and diamond earrings, were made within a time frame of three months starting from March to May 2009, after Datuk Seri Najib became Prime Minister.

Even Rosmah’s name appears in an e-mail document that was sent by the employee of the diamond company involved.

Among the documents revealed by Rafizi were invoice e-mails of diamond purchases from Dehres Limited and Firestone Co. Ltd and the payment slips through two banks.

All the jewelry was paid by Deepak’s two companies, Carpet Raya Sdn Bhd and Carpet Plus Sdn Bhd, within the three months.

“In fact, after checking, the company engaged in the jewelry business does exist and has been operational since 2000.

“Rarely, purchased jewelry exists in the collection of the company,” he said in a press conference at the PKR headquarters.

In relation to that, the people on his side asks Deepak to reveal the original documents and Rosmah will be called to come forward to give an explanation.

“We want this matter to be investigated and we will make reports to the police and to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) next week,” he said.

8.2

8.3

Zuraida Disappointed That SYABAD Failed To Maintain Water Pump

5

PETALING JAYA, 2 Jan: Selangor Water Supply Company (SYABAS) has been urged to respond immediately regarding the problems of water outage in several areas in Selangor.

Ampang Member of Parliament, Zuraida Kamaruddin said that the problem of water outages happened in Ampang, Gombak and Pandan.

She said that many complaints have been received by residents asking SYABAS to provide a detailed explanation regarding the problem that has, until now, lasted for a week.

“Water supply has been cut off since last week, starting on the 28 December and it recovered on December 31. however, on January 1 till today, the water supply has been cut again.

“When contacted, SYABAS informed that five water pumps in Wangsa Maju have incurred damage and cannot be used,” she said in a media statement at the PKR headquarters.

Zuraida questioned SYABAS’ action of not performing periodic maintenance and inspection of the pump houses that it has broken down simultaneously.

She explained that this proves that SYABAS does not really take into account long term planning in the aspects of maintenance, system upgrades, periodic monitoring, a more effective support system and competent management.

“If this is how SYABAS manages water supply, it would better if water management returns to the Selangor State Government. SYABAS should have allocated a portion of the company’s income for upgrades and maintenance,” she said.

PR Is Already A Good Opposition, Now It’s Time To Be A Good Government + Video

3.1

KUALA LUMPUR, 2 Jan: Pakatan Rakyat (PR) has already demonstrated the ability to be a good opposition party all this while and now it is prepared to become a good government, replacing BN after the upcoming 13th General Elections (GE-13).

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said that the ability of the coalition in governing Putrajaya has already been proven by administering four states better, after GE-12, than in the BN administration era.

3.2

Guan Eng said that the people are now in the third class following the BN leaders failure in managing the national economy efficiently while only giving priority to projects that profits their political cronies.

He said that through total political change, the people will be able to be in the first class.

“The people should also reject racial politics which is brought about by BN for the sake of stronger unity,” he said.

He said this at the launch of the UBAH Rocket Style Music Video ceremony which was held at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.

3.3

At the event, DAP launched the “UBAH Rocket Style’ video which can be viewed on youtube at www.youtube.com/videodap.

The song that uses the ‘Gangnam Style’ rhythm also comes in different language versions that is hoped to deliver the message of change directly to all citizens of this country.

Also present at the launch was DAP adviser, Lim Kit Siang, National Laureate A. Samad Said, Selangor Exco, Ronnie Liu, and Selangor and Federal DAP leaders. It was attended by more than 500 people.

Meanwhile, PKR Vice-President Nurul Izzah Anwar, in her speech, invited the people in accordance with the new year, to strengthen our resolve to end the Umno-BN administration for over 50 years, that has committed a lot of fraudulent activities, in the GE-13

“The country’s wealth cannot just surround certain leaders that are wasteful and not ashamed that they are using public funds the way they would use their father’s money,” said Nurul Izzah.

In order to watch the English Version of UBAH Rocket Style video (Gangnam Parody), visit youtube:

140,000 Throng Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam to Celebrate the New Year

1.1

SHAH ALAM, 1 Jan: More than 140,000 people from all walks of life, thronged Dataran Kemerdekaan, Shah Alam to enliven the ‘Jom Santai Bersama GeMS’ Programme organised by the State Government in conjunction with the 2013 threshold here, last night.

GeMS Programme – Generasi Idaman Selangor (Selangor Ideal Generation Programme), was held to celebrate the approach of the new year with a religious theme and a relaxed nature.

It clearly received overwhelming response and it gave new impetus to the organisation of the ceremony.

1.2

Firstly, the programme lasted for three days starting from 29 to 31 December with a variety of exciting programmes including the Selangor Education Carnival – EduSEL Fair 2012.

Apart from that, a leisurely talk entitled ‘SPIES to shape a harmonious society’ was held, featuring Dr Ruziah Ghazali, Ustaz Shukri Yunus and Ustaz Fauzi Mustafa.

The ‘Jom Bercinta’ (Let’s Love) forum was panelled by Ustazah Fatimah Syarha and actor Shasul Ghau-Ghau and there was an academic talk with Ustaz Datuk Ismail Kamus.

Meanwhile, at the peak of the celebrations, a 2013 Threshold celebration programme was held with poetry performances from actress Diana Amir and a Relaxed Chat was held with Ustaz Azhar Idrus, Ustaz Haslin ‘Bollywood’, Datuk Malek Noor, Kamal Adli, Pierre Andre and Aziz M. Osman.

1.3

The gathering of religious groups from the old generation and the new, as well as popular artists, managed to draw the attention of visitors to follow the ceremony from the beginning to the end.

In fact, when the new year celebrations that ended at 1am with Nasyid singing of ‘Asma UI Husna’ by all invited and the State Excutive Councillor, Halimah Ali, Dr Yakoob Sapari and Rodziah Ismail, Dr Yunus Hairi and State AMK Chied, Azmizam Zaman Huri.

This was followed by a closing prayer by Ustaz Azhar Idrus.

Education, Higher Education and Human Capital Development Exco, Dr Halimah Ali, when met after the ceremony, said that she was satisfied with the response given by the people of the state.

She said that this approach used by the State Government is clearly accepted by the people.

“By using artists and infusing elements of religion to reach the young people, it was clearly successful.

1.4

“Alhamdulillah, the response this time is more than last year. Not only the young people, but even the elderly came to enliven the occasion.

“This is part of the anti-adultery programme, so if the State Government does not manage needs, interests, tastes, characteristics of young people towards programmes that are positive in nature, they will be attracted to negative programmes and subsequently be drawn to social problems,” she said.

She added that the State Government that is administered by Pakatan Rakyat will continue to ensure that the people of the state benefits from what is being carried out.

“If we maintain our leadership of Selangor, the people need not worry because Pakatan Rakyat will ensure that cultural heritage, art and religion will continue to be fought for.

Mohd Lazim Mustafa, 52, a visitor, said that the 2013 threshold celebrations which was held this year was more lively than the previous year.

1.5

“Alhamdulilah, this year there are more people. What is more important is that I see that there are many activities and beneficial programmes implemented in this year’s organisation,” he said.

Apart from that, for Rosmawati Kamaruddin, 33, she said that she saw that the programmes that are more scholarly benefits people from all walks of life.

“From what I see, the programmes this time benefits not only the young but also the elderly as well as children. People from all walks of life can benefit from the activities carried out by the State Government,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ikhwan Mojhtar, 23, hopes that scholarly programmes like this will continue to be held in the future.

“Even as a youngster, I chose to attend this programme organised by the State Government compared to entertainment programmes organised by other parties.

1.6

“For me it is because I felt calmer. This is the second year that I am attending this Selangor new year’s celebrations. Alhamdulilah, I see more youngsters attend (the celebrations),” he said.

2013: Efforts Doubled to Meet The People’s Ideals + CM Video

4.1

SHAH ALAM, 31 Dec: For four years since March 2008, the Pakatan Rakyat Selangor Government has successfully governed the state well and with satisfaction.

As noted in the National Audit Department Report, particularly on the state’s finances which have been managed efficiently and prudently.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the Selangor government has successfully managed to increase government cash reserves from RM400 million in 2008 to RM2.5 billion as of October 2012.

4.2

“Around RM800 million has been given back to the people through more than 20 welfare programmes in the ‘Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor’ (MES or Localising the Selangor Economy) policy,” said Abdul Khalid in his 2013 New Year’s address.

He explained that the State Government is working hard to improve the standard of living of every citizen without practising discrimination.

“It is fair that my thanks go out to the people of Selangor for giving their support to the Pakatan Rakyat-led State Government since March, 2008.

“The Selangor State Government prioritises the people’s welfare of all races, all religion, every culture and regardless of their political affiliation,” said Abdul Khalid.

He added that the people and Selangor is fortunate to be ruled by a Sultan who is caring and concerned about the welfare and problems of the people.

For the Muslim people, His Royal Highness the Sultan, as the Head of Islam, always reminds Muslims to implement Islamic teachings.

For non-Muslims, from 2009, the State Government has allocated an amount of RM3 million and since 2010, a total of RM4 million (has been allocated) each year to assist non-Muslim places of worship.

4.3

“The Selangor Government administration is now showing a good level of administrative reform and with the reform, various achievements can be seen.

“In maintaining this success, I wish to convey a message to all people that this state belongs to all of us and the ‘Selangorku’ logo which we use, symbolises; “Selangor is always at the heart of the people”,” said Abdul Khalid.

He explained that Selangor is now trying to fulfil the needs of the people according to priority and ability.

This will be revealed in 2013, the State Government is preparing to start the construction of the third bridge in Klang which is over 2 kilometres with six lanes which before this, has been failed to be fulfilled by BN.

“By absorbing the cost of RM300 million, which will be fully using the State Government’s provisions,” he said

Abdul Khalid said that to meet the demands of various groups in owning their own homes, 6,470 low-cost housing units have been provided.

It was built with RM42 thousand and below per unit and has been successfully completed in the Petaling district, Hulu Langat, Gombak, Sepang and Kuala Selangor.

This amount does not include the 12,481 units that are currently under construction and are being planned.

For medium-cost houses, from RM100,000 and below, a total of 3,925 units have been completed in districts in Petaling, Klang, Hulu Langat, Gombak, Sepang, Kuala Selangor and Kuala Langat.

4.4

“The Selangor Government extends our heartfelt gratitude to the people, of all walks of life for cooperating, allowing for Pakatan to bring about improvements for the welfare of the general public.

“I hope that the people’s support will continue up to five years, which is after the 13th General Elections.

“This is so that the current State Government will be able to double its efforts to meet the aspirations of the people through other programmes for the collective prosperity and well-being,” said Abdul Khalid.

Petekma Protest Claimed to Forfeit Taxi Drivers’ Dignity

3.1

SHAH ALAM, 31 Dec: Actions of Petekma Vice President, Shahrin Abdul Aziz along with several of his members held a demonstration, with claims that the participants of the were paid RM100, can be seen as forfeiting the dignity of taxi drivers.

3.2

Malaysian Taxi, Limousine and Rental Car Operators and Drivers Association (Petekma) held the protest during the mass gathering of taxi drivers with Pakatan Rakyat leaders on December 27.

It was held at the front entrance of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Civic Hall.

Chairman of the Metered Taxi Drivers Task Force (BBPTB), Amran Jan said that the Mass Gathering of Taxi Drivers that was held is in the form of a forum which was attended by approximately 2,000 drivers from all over the nation.

The aim was to bring-up problems faced by taxi drivers that has been ongoing for decades without solution.

“If the information is true, it will be very embarrassing how Petekma has traded the dignity of taxi drivers from all over the country with such an action,” said Amran in his media statement.

3.3

Amran said that during the forum, BBPTB presented problems faced by taxi drivers regarding the coupon system, rental company permits, special permits for budget taxis in the Tourism Ambassador programme, Driver’s Card renewal restraints and ‘Arab Touts’ Taxis.

Also highlighted was the issue of TR1MA Tyre Vouchers that were not received by 18,840 drivers, the issue of third party insurance for taxis as well as the Socso Protection Scheme for the welfare of 79,571 taxi drivers.

“At the gathering, we submitted a memorandum to the Selangor Government in efforts to make it a ‘Taxi Service Friendly State’.

“One of the eight recommendations was to gazette Taxi Stand areas, which is something that has not even been thought of by Petekma themselves,” he said.

3.4

Police Reputation in Shambles If They Fail to Take Action


SHAH ALAM, 5th DEC : Pakatan Rakyat leaders urge the police to be fair and take immediate action against the individuals responsible for attacking the PR talk at Batu 8, Gombak yesterday leaving five people injured.

PAS and PKR leaders commented on the failure of the police to act immediately and seriously against the suspect and feel that this behaviour will impact the reputation of the police.

To make matters worse, their failure to take action gives of an impression that the police is somehow involved with the suspects.

Gombak Setia State Assembly Coordinator, Salehuddin Nasir said that the police will only take action once the attacks become rampant, frequent and cause injury to the masses even though they were aware well aware about the talk days before the attack.

He accuses the attack of being led by Pemuda UMNO Gombak and that it involves members of the Gombak divisions of UMNO, Wanita UMNO and NGOs.

According to him, following the incident, it is estimated that more than five individuals experienced injury to the head, shoulders and arms due to contact with a hard object. The tent that was to provide shelter also suffered heavy damage.

“We had informed the police a day before the talk took place. There was even one district polis officer who came by to visit that night, indicating that they (the police) were aware of the event.”

“I, myself submitted the letter via email to the District Head of Police to provide information regarding the talk,” Salehuddin added when contacted by TV Selangor.

The environment at Dataran Sharuddin, Batu 8 where the talk took place became chaotic after a scuffle between a group of UMNO members and PR supporters.

Salehuddin claimed that one PR supporter was stabbed with a Kerambit (a small curved blade) while small rocks were thrown towards the participants of a talk that is part of a series of political talks titled ‘Jelajah Merdeka Rakyat’.

The talk was to feature Selangor Economic Advisor, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Bukit Antarabangsa State Assemblyman, Azmin Ali, former Ayer Molek State Assemblyman of Melaka, Datuk Tamrin Ghafar and Batu Caves State Assemblyman, Amirudin Shari.

Selangor PKR Explanations Chief, Shuhaimi Shafie said that should the police fail to take action, it could provoke others to resort to similar measures.

“It is not impossible that their courage stems from the attitude of the police that treats them as if they are immune to legal action.”

“This act of provocation and violence also seem to signal that there is more to come and that it may be even violent beyond reason,” Shuhaimi adds.

This attack at a PR talk is not the first of its kind. Before, stones were thrown randomly during a talk by Anwar at Pantain Valley, causing one lay-man injury to the head.

Bas Jelajah Merdeka Rakyat yang membawa pemimpin PR berceramah ke seluruh negara juga telah diserang beberapa kali di Kota Baru dan Melaka dengan disimbah dengan cat dan dibaling batu.

The bus carrying PR leaders for talks all over the country in line with their ‘Jelajah Merdeka Rakyat’ theme, has also been attacked several times at Kota Bharu and Melaka. Most times, the attackers throw stones although there was one time when an attacker threw paint at the bus.

ABU: 13th May Will Not Repeat

SHAH ALAM, 5th DEC: UMNO-BN’s efforts in resorting to incitement such as a repeat of the bloody tragedy of 13th May should they fail to recapture Putrajaya reflects their desperation to re-garner the faith of the people.

Founder of the As Long As It Isn’t UMNO (ABU) movement, Haris Ibrahim says that the 13th May tragedy will not repeat as pictured by UMNO-BN because the people of the country are gaining political maturity and do not depend on merely one channel for information.

He says that UMNO-BN will not step away from their tradition of giving speeches based on racial sentiments to promote fear among the people to that they will choose to support the parti in the upcoming GE-13.

“In 2009, it was the ‘cow’s head’ issue… they (UMNO-BN) wanted to pit Malay against Hindu, Islam against non-Islam,” he stated in a special interview with TV Selangor.

He made the above remark while commenting on Wanita UMNO Chief, Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil’s statement that the 13th May incident will repeat itself should UMNO fail to recapture Putrajaya during the UMNO Annual General Meeting recently.

According to him, the people do not rely on a single media channel that is completely controlled by the UMNO-BN regime but rather prefer to use alternative media such as the internet, blogs and social websites like Facebook and Twitter.

“UMNO’s media such as TV3 and Utusan play these issues everyday in the hopes of scarring the public, especially those living in remote areas because city-dwellers do not fall for such ruse anymore.”

“Just look, the other day the issue was the use of the name ‘Allah’ by Christians, and later a court order was issued… The incident of church fires… There were some who asked for a demo at a mosque but it failed because the Malay people have realised that all of it is a political agenda by UMNO to ensure its long life,” explained Haris, who is also a social activist.

UMNO’s AGM a Sport to ‘Bodek’ Leaders

SHAH ALAM, 5th DEC: The UMNO Annual General Meeting 2012 swayed off course its original aim to protect and act as advocate for the Malays when it turned into an party to “bodek” or flatter its primary leaders.

It is obvious that UMNO has no direction and is in shambles from constantly picking on the opposition coalition, Pakatan Rakyat (PR), and has forgotten to discuss the real issues facing the country’s people, especially the Malays.

Social activist, Haris Ibrahim says that the representation and leadership of UMNO is only in assembling to offer praises to the highest leadership of UMNO, led by Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak and UMNO’s former President, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“The assembly this time seemed without direction when we should be seeing commitment from every point of leadership in UMNO to defend the fate of people, but here it is the opposite,” he mentioned in an interview.

According to him, on the whole, the representatives and leaders including Pemuda and Wanita UMNO gave speeches that were unclear and did not propose ideas to improve welfare conditions but rather to cause disharmony amongst the people of the country.

“Khairy Jamaluddin and Rezal Naina Merican gave speeches that fell far from the point such as the ‘Churchill’ theory and another speech by the President (Najib)… Some swayed too much to the left and others veered too much to the right in a seemingly chaotic manner,” he added. Haris Ibrahim is also the Chairman of the As Long As It Isn’t Umno (ABU) movement.

Also, Wanita UMNO Chief, Datuk Seri Sharizat Abdul Jalil warned that a repeat of the black incident of 13th May could happen again if the people did not return the mandate to the UMNO-BN reign at Putrajaya in the upcoming GE-13.

Shahrizat was also involved in a scandal involving the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) gave the speech allegedly containing elements of violence, and threats during an assembly last week.

Haris says that the UMNO assembly this time gave a clear message that UMNO’s leadership is growing wary and fearful of a loss in the upcoming GE-13.

“UMNO’s leadership are loud and proud when it comes to giving speeches but they panic because it seems that PR’s chances of a victory in the upcoming general elections seem increasingly clear.”