Mar 31, 08 1:16pm
The newly formed Malaysian Indian United Party (MIUP) is rapidly heading towards oblivion, at least in Penang.
MIUP was formed by KS Nallakaruppan following his fallout with PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.
If talk on the ground is true, MIUP Penang, which was launched last month, is expected to close shop soon. This means the closure of 130 MIUP branches throughout the state and the defection of an estimated 4,000 members to other parties.
Majority of the defecting MIUP members are expected to join PKR while others will make a beeline for DAP.
This will deal a devastating blow to Nallakaruppan's political ambition.
It is learnt that MIUP Penang chairperson L Balasupramaniyam, 44, and his supporters are upset and disillusioned with Nallakaruppan's ‘diddling’ political style.
Personal blow
MIUP's disorientation would also be a personal blow to Balasupramaniyam who was hoping to make a major breakthrough in the state politics.
The former MIC branch leader in the Bukit Bendera division jumped at the chance to lead MIUP in Penang when he met Nallakaruppan a few months ago.
He set up about 100 branches and enrolled more than 3,000 members in double-quick time to exert his political position in the party.
He was eager to perform and demonstrate that ‘MIC’s loss is MIUP's gain’.
However, Balasupramaniyam lost his patience when Nallakaruppan remained equivocal on whether MIUP would join the Barisan Nasional (BN) or opposition coalition for political survival.
He has spoken to all the branch leaders in Penang recently to dissolve their MIUP identity and move their branches en bloc under PKR. Balasupramaniyam has held talks with the PKR state leadership to seal the move.
Although the majority of branch leaders have agreed to switch to PKR, several of them have decided to transform their branches into DAP entities.
When contacted, Balasupramaniyam declined to disclose his intention although he admitted that party members were upset with Nallakaruppan.
Wrong timing
The trouble in Penang MIUP did not brew overnight.
It is learnt that the party’s leaders and members in Penang were already in disagreement with Nallakaruppan's hasty decision to announce the infant party's intention to join BN on the day when the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) held its now famous rally in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25.
"The timing was wrong. He should have adopted a 'wait and see' approach. It was premature for MIUP to announce its alliance with BN," said several party insiders.
Nallakaruppan's speedy announcement was seen by several experienced politicians as an alleged attempt by the MIUP president to earn major political gains and concessions from BN.
"It was more of self-interest than a common one," alleged an insider.
Things got from bad to worse when Nallakaruppan announced during the election campaign that MIUP would back BN to win the swaying Indian votes.
The situation worsened when Nallakaruppan fired seething personal attacks against Anwar at the height of the campaign.
The members felt Nallakaruppan should have stayed away from electoral politics and make a calculated move now.
"He had compromised the interests of thousands of MIUP members for his selfish gains to enter into the good books of BN leaders," claimed the insider.
He said due to Nallakarupan's hasty moves, MIUP is now heading nowhere and the members are wondering what's next.
"BN got a severe beating and it jeopardise our position. So the best thing to do is to dissolve MIUP Penang and join PKR or DAP," he added.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Perak: DAP assemblyman quits
Mar 31, 08 12:46pm
breaking news In a major blow to DAP, newly-elected Buntong state assemblyperson A Sivasubramaniam has quit the party because only a single Indian was appointed to Perak's state cabinet.
In a letter to DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, Sivasubramaniam claimed that DAP Perak chief Ngeh Khoo Ham had reneged on his promise to appoint two Indian Malaysians in the state executive council.
"This is a major blow and a lie to the Perak Indian community," stated the disgruntled DAP leader in his letter, a copy of which was made available to Malaysiakini.
breaking news In a major blow to DAP, newly-elected Buntong state assemblyperson A Sivasubramaniam has quit the party because only a single Indian was appointed to Perak's state cabinet.
In a letter to DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, Sivasubramaniam claimed that DAP Perak chief Ngeh Khoo Ham had reneged on his promise to appoint two Indian Malaysians in the state executive council.
"This is a major blow and a lie to the Perak Indian community," stated the disgruntled DAP leader in his letter, a copy of which was made available to Malaysiakini.
Sultan Mirzan returns home to cheers from thousands
Mar 29, 08 5:14pm
Perhaps, this was the best way for the people of Terengganu to show their loyalty and love for their sultan.
Some 25,000 people gathered outside the Sultan Mahmod airport in Terengganu this morning and on the road leading to the airport to welcome the Yang-Di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin who is also the Sultan of Terengganu.
According to a Star report, the king arrived at the airport at about 10am. He was greeted with shouts of "Daulat Tuanku" (long live the king) and some among the crowd donned yellow attire and tied ribbons of the same colour on their vehicles in support of the King.
Tuanku Mizan waved to his subjects while making his way from the airport to Istana Maziah with the Regent of Terengganu.
The welcome for the sultan and king was the culmination of two weeks of stalemate in the appointment of the new Terengganu menteri besar. The prime minister’s choice of Idris Jusoh was rejected and the Royal Council appointed Ahmad Said instead.
The incident, finally resolved on Thursday, was seen as a constitutional crisis of sort as it was a clear case of the sultan rejecting the popular choice of the ruling party.
22 BN state reps turn up
Hence, the welcoming ceremony for Sultan Mirzan today is seen as a declaration of support to him in staying firm to his choice of menteri besar.
Among those who gathered to greet the king were the 22 assemblymen who were earlier embroiled in the Terengganu Mentri Besar crisis.
State Umno Liaison committee secretary Rosol Wahid told the Star that all 22 BN assemblypersons will be present at the swearing-in ceremony of the new exco at Istana Maziah, tomorrow.
"We respect our Ruler and will be at the palace tomorrow," he said.
Former Mentri Besar Idris Jusoh was not present at the airport and it is learnt that the Jertih assemblyman is still resting at his home.
Idris had said he would apologise to the sultan for any wrongdoing he may have done to incur the sultan’s displeasure.
Perhaps, this was the best way for the people of Terengganu to show their loyalty and love for their sultan.
Some 25,000 people gathered outside the Sultan Mahmod airport in Terengganu this morning and on the road leading to the airport to welcome the Yang-Di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin who is also the Sultan of Terengganu.
According to a Star report, the king arrived at the airport at about 10am. He was greeted with shouts of "Daulat Tuanku" (long live the king) and some among the crowd donned yellow attire and tied ribbons of the same colour on their vehicles in support of the King.
Tuanku Mizan waved to his subjects while making his way from the airport to Istana Maziah with the Regent of Terengganu.
The welcome for the sultan and king was the culmination of two weeks of stalemate in the appointment of the new Terengganu menteri besar. The prime minister’s choice of Idris Jusoh was rejected and the Royal Council appointed Ahmad Said instead.
The incident, finally resolved on Thursday, was seen as a constitutional crisis of sort as it was a clear case of the sultan rejecting the popular choice of the ruling party.
22 BN state reps turn up
Hence, the welcoming ceremony for Sultan Mirzan today is seen as a declaration of support to him in staying firm to his choice of menteri besar.
Among those who gathered to greet the king were the 22 assemblymen who were earlier embroiled in the Terengganu Mentri Besar crisis.
State Umno Liaison committee secretary Rosol Wahid told the Star that all 22 BN assemblypersons will be present at the swearing-in ceremony of the new exco at Istana Maziah, tomorrow.
"We respect our Ruler and will be at the palace tomorrow," he said.
Former Mentri Besar Idris Jusoh was not present at the airport and it is learnt that the Jertih assemblyman is still resting at his home.
Idris had said he would apologise to the sultan for any wrongdoing he may have done to incur the sultan’s displeasure.
Dr M explains letter on T'gganu MB
Mar 29, 08 3:30pm
Dr Mahathir Mohamad said his letter published in several newspapers on Friday was an explanation about the present political scenario particularly the appointment of Ahmad Said as Terengganu Menteri Besar.
According to a Bernama report, the explanation was based on his understanding about the country's constitution, said the former premier.
"I knew something about the consitution. So I thought there are a lot of confusion and a lot of worry regarding the role played by the Ruler. I feel I should explain based on what I knew.
"It is so that people who are suspicious of what was done by the Sultan will understand his action. His Majesty did not take action arbitrarily and there are reasons," he told reporters after a Perkim function in Kuala Lumpur Friday night.
If members want changes...
In the letter, Dr Mahathir said: "A concerned Malaysia has expressed his worry over the role being played by Sultans in the appointment of the menteri besar. His Royal Highnesses have clearly refused to take the advice of the chief minister i.e. the prime minister. Instead, they have chosen on their own a member of the state legislature to head the government."
Further down in the same letter, he said: "The prime minister, as prime minister has no role in the choice of the state menteri besar or chief minister. His naming of candidate who should be the menteri besar is purely a party matter."
Meanwhile, when asked on Umno elections in December, he said the posts of party president and deputy president could be contested if its members wanted some changes.
"The wishes of members should be attended. It is wrong to disregard them," said Dr Mahathir who is Perkim (Organisation of Islamic Welfare Malaysia) president.
Dr Mahathir Mohamad said his letter published in several newspapers on Friday was an explanation about the present political scenario particularly the appointment of Ahmad Said as Terengganu Menteri Besar.
According to a Bernama report, the explanation was based on his understanding about the country's constitution, said the former premier.
"I knew something about the consitution. So I thought there are a lot of confusion and a lot of worry regarding the role played by the Ruler. I feel I should explain based on what I knew.
"It is so that people who are suspicious of what was done by the Sultan will understand his action. His Majesty did not take action arbitrarily and there are reasons," he told reporters after a Perkim function in Kuala Lumpur Friday night.
If members want changes...
In the letter, Dr Mahathir said: "A concerned Malaysia has expressed his worry over the role being played by Sultans in the appointment of the menteri besar. His Royal Highnesses have clearly refused to take the advice of the chief minister i.e. the prime minister. Instead, they have chosen on their own a member of the state legislature to head the government."
Further down in the same letter, he said: "The prime minister, as prime minister has no role in the choice of the state menteri besar or chief minister. His naming of candidate who should be the menteri besar is purely a party matter."
Meanwhile, when asked on Umno elections in December, he said the posts of party president and deputy president could be contested if its members wanted some changes.
"The wishes of members should be attended. It is wrong to disregard them," said Dr Mahathir who is Perkim (Organisation of Islamic Welfare Malaysia) president.
Lim: PM didn't get the people's message
Mar 29, 08 5:30pm
The government’s refusal to release the five Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders detained under the Internal Security Act is proof that the administration has not heard the "message" of the people in the March 8 political tsunami.
This was the view of DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang who criticised Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar for denying the five - P Uthayakumar, V Ganabatirau, K Vasantha Kumar, R Kengadharan, and M Manoharan - their freedom.
"Hamid's explanation is completely unacceptable. (His refusal shows) that the second (Prime Minister) Abdullah (Ahmad Badawi) administration has not really heard the voice of the people in the March 8 political tsunami for change towards a more democratic, accountable, just and progressive Malaysian society," he said in a statement.
On Friday, Hamid said the government cannot simply react to political parties' call in releasing Manoharan who won the Kota Alam Shah state seat by a 7,184-vote majority over incumbent Ching Su Chen of Barisan Nasional.
"We have to react towards what is public safety and peace and will make due considerations if there is no threat to national security," he reportedly said.
No proof of links
Lim commented that Hamid’s reluctance to release the detainees is because the ISA detention of the Hindraf quintet last December, was the result of calls by Barisan Nasional component parties and had nothing whatsoever to do with national security.
After the Hindraf rally on Nov 25, the five were subjected to a slew of charges for sedition and illegal assembly. They were eventually detained for being linked to terrorist organisations.
However the police or the PM has yet to disclose any proof of these links.
"Having myself being detained twice for a total of 35 months under the ISA, I can vouch that ISA detentions had been used as political instruments to suppress dissent which have no relationship whatsoever with national security," the DAP stalwart asserted.
In 1969, Lim was detained under the ISA for 18 months. He was again victim to ISA during Operation Lalang in 1987 and was held without trial for 17 months.
Lim also said that releasing the Hindraf five will serve as a litmus test whether BN component parties will speak up against the arrogant, undemocratic and unjust policies and attitudes forced on them by Umno Ministers and leaders.
"Let the immediate and unconditional release of the Manoharan and the other four Hindraf leaders from ISA detention be the first test of MCA, MIC and Gerakan post-March 8 political tsunami.
"Firstly, whether the MCA, Gerakan and MIC ministers and deputy ministers are prepared to ask the Cabinet next Wednesday to end the ISA abuse and detention of the five Hindraf leaders.
"Secondly, whether MCA, Gerakan and MIC national leadership are prepared to submit a joint memorandum to the prime minister for the immediate and unconditional release of the Hindraf five from ISA," he challenged.
Cabinet stonewall
The Ipoh Timor parliamentarian also criticised the first Cabinet meeting last Wednesday for creating all-round national disappointment as there were no positive indications that the second Abdullah administration would be a reformist one.
"Proposals for far-reaching judicial reforms to address the two-decade long subversion of the independence, integrity and quality of the judiciary came up against a stonewall in the Cabinet," he said.
"Even the unsatisfactory and inadequate proposal by the de facto law minister Zaid Ibrahim that the government should apologise to the judges who were victims of the 1988 judicial crisis could find no acceptance," he added.
Last week, Zaid mooted the idea that the government needed to apologise to former Lord President Salleh Abas and other Supreme Court judges who were sacked in the fallout of the 1988 judicial crisis.
However, the minister and reformist lawyer said the cabinet was still considering it and it was speculated that his view had been rejected by the rest of his colleagues during the cabinet meeting.
The government’s refusal to release the five Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders detained under the Internal Security Act is proof that the administration has not heard the "message" of the people in the March 8 political tsunami.
This was the view of DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang who criticised Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar for denying the five - P Uthayakumar, V Ganabatirau, K Vasantha Kumar, R Kengadharan, and M Manoharan - their freedom.
"Hamid's explanation is completely unacceptable. (His refusal shows) that the second (Prime Minister) Abdullah (Ahmad Badawi) administration has not really heard the voice of the people in the March 8 political tsunami for change towards a more democratic, accountable, just and progressive Malaysian society," he said in a statement.
On Friday, Hamid said the government cannot simply react to political parties' call in releasing Manoharan who won the Kota Alam Shah state seat by a 7,184-vote majority over incumbent Ching Su Chen of Barisan Nasional.
"We have to react towards what is public safety and peace and will make due considerations if there is no threat to national security," he reportedly said.
No proof of links
Lim commented that Hamid’s reluctance to release the detainees is because the ISA detention of the Hindraf quintet last December, was the result of calls by Barisan Nasional component parties and had nothing whatsoever to do with national security.
After the Hindraf rally on Nov 25, the five were subjected to a slew of charges for sedition and illegal assembly. They were eventually detained for being linked to terrorist organisations.
However the police or the PM has yet to disclose any proof of these links.
"Having myself being detained twice for a total of 35 months under the ISA, I can vouch that ISA detentions had been used as political instruments to suppress dissent which have no relationship whatsoever with national security," the DAP stalwart asserted.
In 1969, Lim was detained under the ISA for 18 months. He was again victim to ISA during Operation Lalang in 1987 and was held without trial for 17 months.
Lim also said that releasing the Hindraf five will serve as a litmus test whether BN component parties will speak up against the arrogant, undemocratic and unjust policies and attitudes forced on them by Umno Ministers and leaders.
"Let the immediate and unconditional release of the Manoharan and the other four Hindraf leaders from ISA detention be the first test of MCA, MIC and Gerakan post-March 8 political tsunami.
"Firstly, whether the MCA, Gerakan and MIC ministers and deputy ministers are prepared to ask the Cabinet next Wednesday to end the ISA abuse and detention of the five Hindraf leaders.
"Secondly, whether MCA, Gerakan and MIC national leadership are prepared to submit a joint memorandum to the prime minister for the immediate and unconditional release of the Hindraf five from ISA," he challenged.
Cabinet stonewall
The Ipoh Timor parliamentarian also criticised the first Cabinet meeting last Wednesday for creating all-round national disappointment as there were no positive indications that the second Abdullah administration would be a reformist one.
"Proposals for far-reaching judicial reforms to address the two-decade long subversion of the independence, integrity and quality of the judiciary came up against a stonewall in the Cabinet," he said.
"Even the unsatisfactory and inadequate proposal by the de facto law minister Zaid Ibrahim that the government should apologise to the judges who were victims of the 1988 judicial crisis could find no acceptance," he added.
Last week, Zaid mooted the idea that the government needed to apologise to former Lord President Salleh Abas and other Supreme Court judges who were sacked in the fallout of the 1988 judicial crisis.
However, the minister and reformist lawyer said the cabinet was still considering it and it was speculated that his view had been rejected by the rest of his colleagues during the cabinet meeting.
Skeletons in the new cabinet
Skeletons are still ratting in Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s trimmed down, self-dubbed "reform cabinet", despite the departure of several scandal-ridden personalities.
Abdullah has said the police and Anti-Corruption Agency have vetted and cleared the current crop for appointment to ministerial portfolios.
Malaysiakini ran their names through the archives, to see how free of taint they really are - with unsurprising results for those who have been following our year-end X-files series. No, Christmas has not come early this year!
On the other side of the political fence, some in the ‘government-in-waiting’ and opposition state governments are being pursued by a few bogeys of their own.
BARISAN NASIONAL
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Allegedly bought ACJ 319 VIP jet from Airbus costing between US$55 million and US$60 million, but denied the claim in January last year, saying that the government had only leased the aircraft from national carrier Malaysia Airlines Bhd and that that the plane was not for his use alone.
Alleged by Turkish newspaper Hurriyet to have ordered a RM30 million super-luxury yacht in August 2006, alongside a claim that he had been in Bodrum to check on progress - Abdullah denied it and was mulling legal action against the newspaper
Initially linked to ownership of a RM60 million mansion in Perth, Australia, in April 2007 but subsequent reports quoting son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin said the house belongs to the PM’s son, Kamaludin.
Implicated in a UN agency independent report in the worldwide oil-for-food scandal involving Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, but denied doing anything more than signing papers endorsing people in business.The report traced payment of US$10 million by Mastek Sdn Bhd, originally registered as a sawn timber company and a dormant company revived by Abdullah’s sister-in-law Noor Asiah Mahmood, her ex-husband Faek Ahmad Shareef and businessperson Jaya Sudhir.
Awarded the RM25 billion Penang Global City Centre project to Abad Naluri - a 25 percent-owned associate firm of Taman Equine which is wholly owned by developer Equine Capital, whose executive chairman Patrick Lim has close ties to Abdullah
Awarded the RM3.4 billion Penang monorail project to Penang Port and Scomi Group, in which. Kamaludin holds the controlling stake; Scomi has also been refurbishing railway coaches for Malayan Railway, acting as contractors to Petronas and has reportedly made a bid for the Penang Second bridge project.
In February 2004, BBC reported that Scomi subsidiary, Scomi Precision Engineering Sdn Bhd was making centrifuge for export to Libya, for nuclear devices. Two years later, the CEO and four executives of Mitutoyo Corporation were arrested by the Tokyo police for the connection of sale of equipment to Scomi, for the production of these centrifuge. Scomi disclaimed knowledge of the intended use of the parts.
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak
In 2002, the Defence Ministry bought three submarines costing RM4.5 billion through a company controlled by close friend and political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda who was paid RM530 million in commission.
The ministry purchased Sukhoi 30-MKM fighter jets worth RM3.2 billion from Russia in 2003 and brokered the deal to send the first Malaysian into space last year at a cost of RM90 million.
Six offshore patrol vessels were delivered so late that contract value shot up from RM4.9 billion to RM6.75 billion - relevant documents were destroyed last September
Indirectly linked to the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu in 2006, for which two members of his security detail and Abdul Razak Baginda are currently on trial; Altantuya’s cousin testified that there is a photograph of Altantuya and Najib, taken in France
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Johari Baharum
Embroiled in an allegation that he allegedly received RM5.5 million to free three underworld members from detention, but the Attorney-General later cleared him
Second Finance Minister Nor Mohamed Yakcop
Involved in the currency speculation scandal in the early 1990s, when Bank Negara lost up to RM30 billion
Deputy Home Minister Chor Chee Heong
Caught in apparent conflict of interest in the RM4.6 billion Port Klang Free Zone project; he was Port Klang Authority chairperson and deputy chairperson of Wijaya International (parent company of project developer Kuala Dimensi)
Works Minister Mohd Zin Mohamad
Alleged to have been party to fraud, corruption and bribery - which he has denied - in relation to complaints that his air-cargo company, Silkways Cargo Services Ltd, had under-declared the weight of shipments ferried by Malaysia Airlines in 2001; business partner Sheikh Farid Ahmed in Bangladesh was charged for money laundering last year and reportedly admitted to having paid around RM4.2 million in monthly installments to Mohd Zin.
Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein
As Umno Youth chief, he brandished a keris at the party’s general assembly in 2005 and again last year; non-Malays did not buy his explanation that the gesture has cultural significance to Malays
Rural and Regional Development Minister Muhammad Muhd Taib
Charged in Australia - but was cleared - of making a false declaration on carrying in the equivalent of RM2.4 million equivalent in different currencies in December 1996 and knowingly ignoring conditions in a statutory declaration by declaring only assets worth RM10.82 million and AUD3.46 million. He admitted during the trial at the Brisbane District Court that he bought several properties worth more than RM17 million in Australia and New Zealand under the name of his wife Asbi Rohani Asnan. The ACA investigated and cleared him, but he resigned as Selangor menteri besar.
Tourism Minister Azalina Othman
As sports minister in the previous cabinet, was caught in the proposal floated last year to set up the RM70 million Sports High-Performance Training Centre in Brickendonbury near London; the East Hertforshire Council Development Control Committee rejected the proposal.
Led Umno's battle in cyberspace ahead of the general election that just ended by assembling a team of writers from every state to counter allegations about the party and its leadership on certain websites.
Has been rumoured as a lesbian in 2002 which she has denied and responded with police reports. She also allegedly bought her lover a RM300,000 Mercedes car that year, an allegation which she also denied.
Deputy Tourism Minister Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Abu Taib
Alleged involvement in assaulting former television personality Avaa Vanja Ramli in a Kuala Lumpur nightspot in April 2003. In her police report made after she was assaulted in a popular KL bistro, Avaa named Sulaiman as her boyfriend who had allegedly pushed and strangled her. Sulaiman, son of Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud, is married with four children.
OPPOSITION
Padang Serai parliamentarian N Gobalakrishnan
The PKR national integration chief has several outstanding criminal charges against him. This includes a charge for obstructing a police officer from discharging his duties in 2002 in Georgetown and partaking in an unlawful assembly at the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) rally at Batu Caves last year.
Selangor Mentri Besar and Bandar Tun Razak MP Abdul Khalid Ibrahim
The former chief executive of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) allegedly owed Bank Islam Malaysia RM175 million to purchase 6.5 per cent of shares from Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd in 1994 which became a non-performing loan (NPL) absorbed by Bank Islam as losses. He was also accused of buying those additional shares at a lower price at RM2.30 when PNB was selling it for RM2.98. Khalid has denied all claims. Khalid in 2005 sued PNB and Bank Islam Malaysia claiming he had been denied the right to buy the remaining 135 million Guthrie shares.
Batu MP Tian Chua
Charged for participating in illegal assemblies and injuring a police officer during the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) mass demonstration on Nov 10 and when the movement wanted to hand a memorandum to Parliament on Dec 11 last year. Chua has been arrested numerous times since 1998 and was detained under the Internal Security Act for two years in 2001 for threatening national security. He was also investigated for attempted murder of a police officer during a village demolition exercise in Kampung Berembang last year.
Bukit Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi
Ooi was sued last year by the News Straits Times Press (NSTP), its deputy chairperson Kalimullah Hassan, group editor-in-chief Hishamudin Aun and former group editor Brendan Pereira over alleged defamatory blog postings. The trial is still on-going in the Kuala Lumpur High Court.
Kelana Jaya MP Loh Gwo Burne
Recorded the scandalous VK Lingam video clip in 2002 which brought the country’s judiciary into the spotlight. During his testimony in the royal commission of inquiry, he said he had 'burned' a copy of the recording for another lawyer, the late Manjit Singh on the basis that the latter might find it "interesting to check out". The video was revealed on Sept 19 last year by PKR who has declined to reveal their whistleblowers.
Mahathir backs Ku Li to challenge PM
Mar 30, 08 1:42pm
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has backed a senior party leader in his bid to challenge the prime minister after the ruling coalition's recent surprise poll losses.
Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah had said he would challenge Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for the party leadership if he received enough support.
Umno leads the Barisan Nasional coalition that was humbled in the March 8 polls, and the party's leader traditionally takes the job of prime minister.
"Tengku Razaleigh may be one of them (to contest against Abdullah). A challenge (for the top post) is healthy," Mahathir said, adding: "I don't think Umno is so poor in talent."
Umno is scheduled to hold a party leadership election in December. Members of the party and former leaders including Mahathir have called on Abdullah to resign.
Dr M: Abolish 30% rule
But Mahathir said it would be difficult for anyone to challenge Abdullah because of a requirement to secure 30 percent, or 58 nominations, from the 191 Umno divisions.
"I think it should be abolished because of the tendency of the people in power to stifle any move to challenge them," he said of the requirement implemented when Mahathir was party leader.
Mahathir said Tengku Razaleigh failed to win sufficient nominations in 2004 for the top post because Umno divisions were warned against nominating him.
"He (Tengku Razaleigh) only got one nomination because other divisions were told not to nominate him," he said.
Abdullah has claimed a mandate to rule despite the unprecedented election losses, but observers say he is on borrowed time as calls for his resignation persist.
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has backed a senior party leader in his bid to challenge the prime minister after the ruling coalition's recent surprise poll losses.
Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah had said he would challenge Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for the party leadership if he received enough support.
Umno leads the Barisan Nasional coalition that was humbled in the March 8 polls, and the party's leader traditionally takes the job of prime minister.
"Tengku Razaleigh may be one of them (to contest against Abdullah). A challenge (for the top post) is healthy," Mahathir said, adding: "I don't think Umno is so poor in talent."
Umno is scheduled to hold a party leadership election in December. Members of the party and former leaders including Mahathir have called on Abdullah to resign.
Dr M: Abolish 30% rule
But Mahathir said it would be difficult for anyone to challenge Abdullah because of a requirement to secure 30 percent, or 58 nominations, from the 191 Umno divisions.
"I think it should be abolished because of the tendency of the people in power to stifle any move to challenge them," he said of the requirement implemented when Mahathir was party leader.
Mahathir said Tengku Razaleigh failed to win sufficient nominations in 2004 for the top post because Umno divisions were warned against nominating him.
"He (Tengku Razaleigh) only got one nomination because other divisions were told not to nominate him," he said.
Abdullah has claimed a mandate to rule despite the unprecedented election losses, but observers say he is on borrowed time as calls for his resignation persist.
Ahmad Said finally sworn in as T'gganu MB
Mar 30, 08 1:24pm
updated 1.53pm Kijal state assemblyman Ahmad Said was sworn today as Terengganu menteri besar after three weeks of uncertainty following Barisan Nasional's worst ever electoral setback early this month.
Those who attended the swearing-in included the 22 ruling BN assemblypersons who until three days ago had refused to support Ahmad's appointment.
Also there was former menteri besar Idris Jusoh - the man whom Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had named as menteri besar, which was rejected by the Terengganu sultan.
Ahmad was sworn in by regent Tengku Muhammad Ismail Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin at the Istana Maziah in Kuala Terengganu.
The 10-year-old crowd prince stood in on behalf of his father, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, who is currently serving as Malaysia's Agung.
Will Idris be in state cabinet?
Ahmad, 51, who was in black traditional Malay attire, lost his composure at the end of ceremony as he hugged the man who he is replacing, Idris (left).
He also shook hands with all the other assemblymen, including eight opposition members from PAS.
It is believed that Ahmad had already submitted his list of assemblypersons to be picked as executive council members to Abdullah on Friday for approval.
It is unsure if former menteri besar Idris, who is Terengganu’s Umno chief, would be part of the new exco lineup.
Another swearing-in ceremony will be held in the coming days for the state exco members after the line-up has been finalised by Ahmad.
Ahmad's appointment was initially objected by Abdullah and Idris, but on Thursday Umno decided to back down and support the palace-backed Ahmad.
Fears of fresh polls
Previously, the 22 BN state representatives have openly supported Idris - who assumed the post after wrestling the state from PAS in the 2004 general election - to be retained as menteri besar.
In the recently concluded election, the Idris-led BN won 24 out of 32 state seats, with PAS bagging the remaining eight.
Political observers say Umno's dramatic turn-around on the crisis was partly because most of the state representatives had been silently supporting Ahmad.
The ruling party also fears that should the impasse continue, there is a likelihood that fresh elections be held in Terengganu at a time when Umno is still reeling from the March 8 general elections setback.
updated 1.53pm Kijal state assemblyman Ahmad Said was sworn today as Terengganu menteri besar after three weeks of uncertainty following Barisan Nasional's worst ever electoral setback early this month.
Those who attended the swearing-in included the 22 ruling BN assemblypersons who until three days ago had refused to support Ahmad's appointment.
Also there was former menteri besar Idris Jusoh - the man whom Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had named as menteri besar, which was rejected by the Terengganu sultan.
Ahmad was sworn in by regent Tengku Muhammad Ismail Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin at the Istana Maziah in Kuala Terengganu.
The 10-year-old crowd prince stood in on behalf of his father, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, who is currently serving as Malaysia's Agung.
Will Idris be in state cabinet?
Ahmad, 51, who was in black traditional Malay attire, lost his composure at the end of ceremony as he hugged the man who he is replacing, Idris (left).
He also shook hands with all the other assemblymen, including eight opposition members from PAS.
It is believed that Ahmad had already submitted his list of assemblypersons to be picked as executive council members to Abdullah on Friday for approval.
It is unsure if former menteri besar Idris, who is Terengganu’s Umno chief, would be part of the new exco lineup.
Another swearing-in ceremony will be held in the coming days for the state exco members after the line-up has been finalised by Ahmad.
Ahmad's appointment was initially objected by Abdullah and Idris, but on Thursday Umno decided to back down and support the palace-backed Ahmad.
Fears of fresh polls
Previously, the 22 BN state representatives have openly supported Idris - who assumed the post after wrestling the state from PAS in the 2004 general election - to be retained as menteri besar.
In the recently concluded election, the Idris-led BN won 24 out of 32 state seats, with PAS bagging the remaining eight.
Political observers say Umno's dramatic turn-around on the crisis was partly because most of the state representatives had been silently supporting Ahmad.
The ruling party also fears that should the impasse continue, there is a likelihood that fresh elections be held in Terengganu at a time when Umno is still reeling from the March 8 general elections setback.
Samy calls for Hindraf 5's release
Mar 30, 08 12:14pm
In a dramatic about-turn, MIC president S Samy Vellu today called for the release of the five Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders held without trial under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
The veteran politician said he will meet Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi soon to discuss this matter.
He also urged Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorthy - who is currently in London on self-exile - to return to the country and be reunited with his family, saying that the latter should not be a political refugee.
Samy Vellu was speaking to reporters after opening the MIC divisional leaders workshop at the party's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
The Hindraf leaders detained under the security law are Waythamoorthy's brother, Uthayakumar, V Ganabatirau, M Manoharan, T Vasantha Kumar and R Kengadharan.
The five - four of whom are lawyers - were arrested shortly after organising a mammoth street rally in Kuala Lumpur which drew some 30,000 people on Nov 25 last year.
Approached by detainees' families
Samy Vellu revealed that the families of Manoharan and R Kengadharan had approached him for assistance.
"Because they made an approach, I will talk to the PM (about securing their freedom)," he said, adding, "We also don't want them to be kept inside.
"The government has to make a decision. Kenghadharan is very sick, Manoharan is an elected member. So I think it is quite reasonable. I am going to ask PM (to release them) and meet the Internal Security Minister (Syed Hamid Syed Albar).
"I made some moves on this earlier, but I didn't tell anybody. I will now make a very strong move to see what can be done," he added
Manoharan won the Kota Alam Shah state seat in Selangor under a DAP ticket in the March 8 elections.
In the past, Samy Vellu had been critical of Hindraf and the Nov 25 demonstration. The movement, in return, also accused MIC and its party boss of failing to uplift the status of the Indian community.
Not a publicity stunt
Responding to a question, Samy Vellu denied that the move to call for the five's release was a publicity stunt.
Describing it as being motivated by "fairness", he said: "At the same time, we feel that as Indians, we have to do something about this."
The MIC president also revealed how he had helped secure the release of four students detained with scores others in the wake of the Hindraf rally.
Thirty-one detainees were later charged with the attempted murder of a policeman, but this was subsequently dropped.
Samy Vellu said this happened because he spoke to the prime minister and attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail.
"But one of the detainees' fathers scolded me like hell... (the father said) 'Who the hell are you?', 'Where were you when my son was arrested?'
"He ashamed me, it was very unreasonable. But I didn't take it to mind, as long as the students were released and the (attempted murder) charge against the others was reduced," he added.
The MIC president said "many had argued for them because they want publicity." "We only want the truth," he said.
In a dramatic about-turn, MIC president S Samy Vellu today called for the release of the five Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders held without trial under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
The veteran politician said he will meet Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi soon to discuss this matter.
He also urged Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorthy - who is currently in London on self-exile - to return to the country and be reunited with his family, saying that the latter should not be a political refugee.
Samy Vellu was speaking to reporters after opening the MIC divisional leaders workshop at the party's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
The Hindraf leaders detained under the security law are Waythamoorthy's brother, Uthayakumar, V Ganabatirau, M Manoharan, T Vasantha Kumar and R Kengadharan.
The five - four of whom are lawyers - were arrested shortly after organising a mammoth street rally in Kuala Lumpur which drew some 30,000 people on Nov 25 last year.
Approached by detainees' families
Samy Vellu revealed that the families of Manoharan and R Kengadharan had approached him for assistance.
"Because they made an approach, I will talk to the PM (about securing their freedom)," he said, adding, "We also don't want them to be kept inside.
"The government has to make a decision. Kenghadharan is very sick, Manoharan is an elected member. So I think it is quite reasonable. I am going to ask PM (to release them) and meet the Internal Security Minister (Syed Hamid Syed Albar).
"I made some moves on this earlier, but I didn't tell anybody. I will now make a very strong move to see what can be done," he added
Manoharan won the Kota Alam Shah state seat in Selangor under a DAP ticket in the March 8 elections.
In the past, Samy Vellu had been critical of Hindraf and the Nov 25 demonstration. The movement, in return, also accused MIC and its party boss of failing to uplift the status of the Indian community.
Not a publicity stunt
Responding to a question, Samy Vellu denied that the move to call for the five's release was a publicity stunt.
Describing it as being motivated by "fairness", he said: "At the same time, we feel that as Indians, we have to do something about this."
The MIC president also revealed how he had helped secure the release of four students detained with scores others in the wake of the Hindraf rally.
Thirty-one detainees were later charged with the attempted murder of a policeman, but this was subsequently dropped.
Samy Vellu said this happened because he spoke to the prime minister and attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail.
"But one of the detainees' fathers scolded me like hell... (the father said) 'Who the hell are you?', 'Where were you when my son was arrested?'
"He ashamed me, it was very unreasonable. But I didn't take it to mind, as long as the students were released and the (attempted murder) charge against the others was reduced," he added.
The MIC president said "many had argued for them because they want publicity." "We only want the truth," he said.
Exco line-ups: Opposition rapped over 'lies'
Mar 30, 08 4:12pm
MIC president S Samy Vellu today took the opposition to task over the lack of Indians in their state executive councils.
Responding to a question on multiracial politics, the veteran politician said the newly formed state governments should have given the Indians two exco positions.
"Why only one? Why are they following just like Barisan Nasional (BN)? Is this what they promised before the elections, they have their own motives.
"The opposition tells lies to attract people, we tell the truth. In this last one month, I have learnt one thing, which is how to tell lies to attract voters.
"But I will not resort to this (telling lies) since sooner or later, the people will find out your true colours," he told reporters after opening the MIC divisional leaders workshop at the party's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
According to Samy Vellu, the sole Indian exco members in the four opposition-controlled states will not be able to provide effective representation for the community, especially with BN still controlling the federal government.
"We (MIC) are not into getting the same publicity like the opposition... we will continue to work for the community. The opposition is based on majority. For example, DAP, the Indians are the minority in the party, so don't expect DAP to give two exco seats (for the Indians)," he said.
What about Pahang?
On why the Indians were not given an exco position in the BN-controlled state of Pahang, the MIC president replied: "I will not beg anymore... enough of begging for that and this."
"If the Pahang state government feels it is better off without an Indian in the exco, fine. We have said what we want and it is up to the state government," he added.
Samy Vellu also dismissed the suggestion that MIC is being marginalised in BN.
Touching on his defeat in the March 8 polls, he said the people of Sungai Siput had voted against the ruling coalition and not him.
Describing his former parliamentary constituency as 'heaven', Samy Vellu said he lost despite providing the locals with all the necessary facilities and assistance.
"They (the voters) did not throw me out, they threw BN out. The people said they did not vote against me but against BN," he added.
In the elections, MIC's top echelon was wiped out. The party lost 18 of its 28 seats. Other BN component parties also suffered heavy losses.
Despite this, Samy Vellu is confident that he will be able to rebuild MIC to become stronger than before in a matter of two years.
Quizzed on how long he will remain in power, the 72-year-politician quipped: "Until I die. This is what people are saying, they want me to die earlier."
Samy Vellu said he has already stated when he will step down. "I am not a little boy to keep repeating this."
Prior to the elections, the MIC president of 28 years revealed that this could be his last term.
To a question on his decision to patch up with his former estranged deputy S Subramaniam which has met with objections from supporters on both sides, Samy Vellu said only a few are disgruntled.
"Only one or two people are against it... I will be going on the ground in the next month or so... we will see then after I explain to them the situation," he said.
Special fund
In his speech earlier, Samy Vellu urged the Prime Minister's Department to establish a special fund and mechanism for the economic growth and equity ownership of the Indian community.
"When I submitted a special request for the upliftment of Malaysian Indians to the prime minister, he advised us to work with the Economic Planning Unit and extract benefits from them.
"Therefore in the field of economic upliftment and equity enlargement, the federal government must assist the Indian community.
"This matter was greatly exploited by the opposition. Although MIC has been working on this matter for a number of years, nonetheless MIC was blamed for not delivering the expected equity and economic growth," he said.
The MIC president also stressed on the need to analyse the performance of the party's branches, divisions and state machineries.
"This is most critical for party effectiveness in the political arena. We must address the situation and make immediate changes. There may be a lack of communication between the branch leaders and the members of the branches.
"This is similar at other levels too. Meetings are not conducted according to rules. Directives from the party headquarters are never read or replied."
New political reality
The MIC president also revealed that an Implementation Coordination Committee (ICC), chaired by him, will be set up to strengthen the party's delivery mechanism.
"The main objective of the ICC is to review and analyse community needs and requests through divisional leaders' submissions," he said.
Samy Vellu also said that MIC is committed to enlarging its educational, social, economic and religious role in addressing the concerns of the Indian community, especially the disadvantaged and marginalised sections.
"MIC recognises that there are many unresolved community concerns. It is in addressing these concerns that MIC has launched an agenda for action to address the socio-economic disadvantages of Malaysian Indians.
"This is a well-thought-out agenda, which is comprehensive and will be implemented with the direct assistance of the federal government," he said.
Samy Vellu conceded that MIC is now facing a new political reality and challenge.
"We must work smart and develop intellectual responses to address the oncoming political attacks. In addition to service, we must develop critical political thinking and enter into public debates on Indian rights and concerns alongside other communities in Malaysia.
"I am confident that MIC can reinvent itself. We have the party machinery and the people. We have to reorient and fully dedicate ourselves to recapture the lost ground.
"May God give us the vision, the strength and the endurance to overcome contemporary political challenges," he said.
MIC president S Samy Vellu today took the opposition to task over the lack of Indians in their state executive councils.
Responding to a question on multiracial politics, the veteran politician said the newly formed state governments should have given the Indians two exco positions.
"Why only one? Why are they following just like Barisan Nasional (BN)? Is this what they promised before the elections, they have their own motives.
"The opposition tells lies to attract people, we tell the truth. In this last one month, I have learnt one thing, which is how to tell lies to attract voters.
"But I will not resort to this (telling lies) since sooner or later, the people will find out your true colours," he told reporters after opening the MIC divisional leaders workshop at the party's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
According to Samy Vellu, the sole Indian exco members in the four opposition-controlled states will not be able to provide effective representation for the community, especially with BN still controlling the federal government.
"We (MIC) are not into getting the same publicity like the opposition... we will continue to work for the community. The opposition is based on majority. For example, DAP, the Indians are the minority in the party, so don't expect DAP to give two exco seats (for the Indians)," he said.
What about Pahang?
On why the Indians were not given an exco position in the BN-controlled state of Pahang, the MIC president replied: "I will not beg anymore... enough of begging for that and this."
"If the Pahang state government feels it is better off without an Indian in the exco, fine. We have said what we want and it is up to the state government," he added.
Samy Vellu also dismissed the suggestion that MIC is being marginalised in BN.
Touching on his defeat in the March 8 polls, he said the people of Sungai Siput had voted against the ruling coalition and not him.
Describing his former parliamentary constituency as 'heaven', Samy Vellu said he lost despite providing the locals with all the necessary facilities and assistance.
"They (the voters) did not throw me out, they threw BN out. The people said they did not vote against me but against BN," he added.
In the elections, MIC's top echelon was wiped out. The party lost 18 of its 28 seats. Other BN component parties also suffered heavy losses.
Despite this, Samy Vellu is confident that he will be able to rebuild MIC to become stronger than before in a matter of two years.
Quizzed on how long he will remain in power, the 72-year-politician quipped: "Until I die. This is what people are saying, they want me to die earlier."
Samy Vellu said he has already stated when he will step down. "I am not a little boy to keep repeating this."
Prior to the elections, the MIC president of 28 years revealed that this could be his last term.
To a question on his decision to patch up with his former estranged deputy S Subramaniam which has met with objections from supporters on both sides, Samy Vellu said only a few are disgruntled.
"Only one or two people are against it... I will be going on the ground in the next month or so... we will see then after I explain to them the situation," he said.
Special fund
In his speech earlier, Samy Vellu urged the Prime Minister's Department to establish a special fund and mechanism for the economic growth and equity ownership of the Indian community.
"When I submitted a special request for the upliftment of Malaysian Indians to the prime minister, he advised us to work with the Economic Planning Unit and extract benefits from them.
"Therefore in the field of economic upliftment and equity enlargement, the federal government must assist the Indian community.
"This matter was greatly exploited by the opposition. Although MIC has been working on this matter for a number of years, nonetheless MIC was blamed for not delivering the expected equity and economic growth," he said.
The MIC president also stressed on the need to analyse the performance of the party's branches, divisions and state machineries.
"This is most critical for party effectiveness in the political arena. We must address the situation and make immediate changes. There may be a lack of communication between the branch leaders and the members of the branches.
"This is similar at other levels too. Meetings are not conducted according to rules. Directives from the party headquarters are never read or replied."
New political reality
The MIC president also revealed that an Implementation Coordination Committee (ICC), chaired by him, will be set up to strengthen the party's delivery mechanism.
"The main objective of the ICC is to review and analyse community needs and requests through divisional leaders' submissions," he said.
Samy Vellu also said that MIC is committed to enlarging its educational, social, economic and religious role in addressing the concerns of the Indian community, especially the disadvantaged and marginalised sections.
"MIC recognises that there are many unresolved community concerns. It is in addressing these concerns that MIC has launched an agenda for action to address the socio-economic disadvantages of Malaysian Indians.
"This is a well-thought-out agenda, which is comprehensive and will be implemented with the direct assistance of the federal government," he said.
Samy Vellu conceded that MIC is now facing a new political reality and challenge.
"We must work smart and develop intellectual responses to address the oncoming political attacks. In addition to service, we must develop critical political thinking and enter into public debates on Indian rights and concerns alongside other communities in Malaysia.
"I am confident that MIC can reinvent itself. We have the party machinery and the people. We have to reorient and fully dedicate ourselves to recapture the lost ground.
"May God give us the vision, the strength and the endurance to overcome contemporary political challenges," he said.
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