Bersih 2.0: Najib never specified Shah Alam in stadium offer

Bersih 2.0: Najib never specified Shah Alam in stadium offer
Election watchdog Bersih 2.0 disputed Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s claim yesterday that he had specifically offered “a stadium in Shah Alam” for its July 9 rally.

Steering committee member Maria Chin Abdullah reminded the prime minister today that he had never named a stadium when he made the offer to the coalition just days before the mammoth event.

“That offer only came from Selangor Mentri Besar (Tan Sri) Khalid Ibrahim, not from the PM. Najib never said which stadium... he only said a stadium. Perhaps we were expected to read his mind,” she told The Malaysian Insider when contacted this afternoon.

Maria Chin was commenting on Najib’s statement to the press yesterday that he had specifically offered Bersih 2.0 use of a stadium in Shah Alam to hold its rally and had never retracted the offer.

“We are regretful that the offer made by the government (to Bersih) to have its gathering in a stadium in Shah Alam was not accepted by the (rally) organisers.

“This offer was never denied or retracted by the government. We wanted to avoid any untoward incidences from happening,” he had said.

Maria Chin recalled that the stadium offer was made following the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin’s surprising decree on July 3, calling for all warring parties to reach a mutual agreement over Bersih 2.0’s electoral reform demands.

A check on media reports of the sequence of events in the run-up to the tumultuous July 9 rally revealed that Najib had not expressly named any stadium in Shah Alam when he made the offer.

In one media report on July 3, Najib was quoted as saying: “We are willing to provide a stadium for them to rally but why choose to protest in the streets. The government is not against them rallying in a stadium from morning until night. Just don’t hold street protest as it is very risky to the nation.”

Following the offer, Bersih 2.0 announced its request to meet with the King and upon emerging from Istana Negara on July 5 said it would proceed with the rally and accept the government’s stadium offer.

After Bersih’s audience with Tuanku Mizan, Najib said his administration was willing to meet with Bersih to decide on a venue but stressed that the offer would be conditional as it would depend on the group’s willingness to ensure the gathering would be peaceful.

The following day, Khalid offered Bersih 2.0 use of the Shah Alam stadium but urged for discipline, order and control should the event be hosted in Selangor.

But Bersih 2.0 declined and named the iconic Stadium Merdeka as its choice. Its suggestion was immediately rejected by Cabinet for two reasons — the group is not registered with the Registrar of Societies (RoS) and safety concerns.

“I myself have checked with all the media reports — like I said, Najib never told us which stadium when he first made the offer,” Maria Chin insisted today.

The July 9 rally was held despite Bersih’s tug-of-war with the authorities for Stadium Merdeka and chaos broke out in the capital when the police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse protestors.

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Now Najib says offered Bersih ‘stadium in Shah Alam’

Now Najib says offered Bersih ‘stadium in Shah Alam’ - Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today he had specifically offered election watchdog Bersih the option of having its rally in “a stadium in Shah Alam” before July 9.

“We are regretful that the offer made by the government (to Bersih) to have its gathering in a stadium in Shah Alam was not accepted by the (rally) organisers.

“This offer was never denied or retracted by the government. We wanted to avoid any untoward incidences from happening,” he told reporters today after a Barisan Nasional (BN) meeting.

The prime minister had previously disclosed that that he had considered Shah Alam stadium when he offered a venue to Bersih for the July 9 rally.

Najib, however, never specified which stadium Bersih could hold the July 9 rally in when he made the offer.

He praised the police today for ensuring peace and order on July 9, and said that the government’s action in outlawing Bersih was justified, saying the recent London riots proved how demonstrations could get out of control.

“It is the best move to avoid any incidents which can lead to riots, like burning shops or attacking people.

“In a street demonstration or assembly, there is no guarantee that everyone has a peaceful assembly in mind... There might be those with bad intentions; when there are big street demonstrations, riots can happen and we cannot say this is not possible,” he added.

Opposition leaders and human rights activists have accused the police of using excessive force to clamp down on the Bersih march for free and fair elections. They further claimed that police fired tear gas directly at demonstrators, which they termed “attempted murder.”

The electoral reform movement had initially accepted the Najib administration’s offer to move its street rally to a stadium but it was denied its choice of Stadium Merdeka.

The coalition of 62 NGOs still took to the streets to march to the historic venue, defying warnings of police action, which finally resulted in nearly 1,700 arrests, scores injured and one ex-soldier dead.
source : http://my.news.yahoo.com/now-najib-says-offered-bersih-stadium-in-shah-091143157.html

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‘Najib, The Last Prime Minister’

‘Najib, The Last Prime Minister’ - Umno man Shahbudin Husin said his book “Najib, The Last Prime Minister” constitutes advice to the prime minister and Umno president to fix his faults before it is too late.

Despite the highly critical nature of the book, the former Wangsa Maju deputy Umno Youth chief said he was merely putting on paper what he heard from grassroots members unhappy with Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s shortcomings.

“What I conveyed were only the views and voices of the grassroots and the people... I only did it for the good of the party,” Shahbudin (picture) said, pointing out that Najib has yet to be accepted by the people after two years in power.

“As prime minister and Umno president, Datuk Seri Najib has many weaknesses due to his leadership, problems caused by his wife... This is what people on the ground are saying.”

Shahbudin rejected claims that he was asked to write the book by certain factions within Umno and stressed that he wrote the book as a tax-paying Malaysian still hoping the country will transform for the better.

But he warned that if the prime minister failed to deliver on his promise of change, “the people will change (for themselves)” at the next general election, which appeared to be just around the corner.

The former Wangsa Maju Umno committee member denied he was criticising the party itself, pointing out that he only trained his sights on Najib in the 300-page book for the greater good of Umno.

He said he was ready to face disciplinary action for writing the book, which contains chapter headings like “1 Malaysia Makes Malays Second-Class Citizens?”, “Malays Losing Power Or Umno Losing Power” and “Najib Isn’t A Fighter”.

Shahbudin’s book follows reports that Penawar, a group comprising former Umno lawmakers, had called on Najib to step down during a meeting two weeks ago.

It fuelled speculation of an internal revolt within Umno by those aligned to Najib’s deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, but Penawar has since denied making the statement.
Source : http://my.news.yahoo.com/najib-the-last-prime-minister-author-says-it-060329972.html

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King of Malaysia is also Get Adiprana Star

King of Malaysia is also Get Adiprana Star - In addition to 30 national figure , the star of the award was also given to two foreign nationals. Chairman of the Board of degree, Djoko Suyanto, said they are Yang Pertuan Agong of Malaysia and former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, who got Adipradana Mahaputera star.

Fukuda gets the star along with six former ministers in the United Indonesia Cabinet volume II and wife of two former vice-President Jusuf Kalla and Asmaniah Mufida Hamzah Haz.

While the former minister who received, among others, former Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, a former health minister Siti Fadilah Supari, former Minister of Women's empowerment Muetia Hatta, former Interior Minister Muhammad Ma'ruf, and former Social Welfare Minister Bakrie.

Only two foreign nationals awards will be given star at different times. "It will be implemented in accordance penyematannya time is concerned," said Djoko Suyanto.

While the former finance minister, Sri Mulyani, could not attend the awards. "The question there is the task of the IMF," said Djoko.

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'Cloned voters' vanish in 24 hours - but questions remain

'Cloned voters' vanish in 24 hours - but questions remain - One day after the existence of ' cloned voters ' - voters who have more than one entry in the electoral roll - was discovered, the Election Commission (EC) has removed the 'clones' from the roll.

However, at least one 'clone' (left) remains in the electoral roll, and there are still questions yet to be answered by both the EC and National Registration Department (NRD).

Yesterday Malaysiakini reported that at least seven voters have been found to have a 'clone' each in the electoral roll, having been registered under the same name and old identity card (IC) number, but with different MyKad numbers for the clones.

At that time, the EC online verification system showed that those names appear twice in the electoral roll, raising the question of whether they could vote twice in an election.

However, a check on he EC site this morning revealed that their 'clones' have disappeared from the same online system.

When contacted today, EC chairperson Abdul Aziz Yusof said that his commission is ‘cleaning’ the electoral roll on a daily basis.

“Based on daily official information from NRD through Agency Link-up System (Alis), the EC will amend or delete content on the electoral roll,” he said in a text message.

“In the case of double registration, EC will delete the not active ones subject to NRD confirmation, and the process will continue.”

The latest status of the seven voters are:

1. Shodah binti Abdul Rahman

Old IC: 4802777

First entry: MyKad 550620055800 valid in NRD website, registered in Titiwangsa, still remains in electoral roll.

Second entry: MyKad 560620055412 has no record in NRD website, registered in Titiwangsa, deleted from electoral roll.

2. Mohamad bin Ismail

Old IC: 8370614

First entry: MyKad 540405025757 valid in NRD website, registered in Setiawangsa, still remains in electoral roll.

Second entry: MyKad 540405025095 has no record in NRD website, registered in Titiwangsa, deleted from electoral roll.

3. Anderson a/l P Arputhanathan

Old IC: A0831847

First entry: MyKad 671117106499 valid in NRD website, registered in Setiawangsa, still remains in electoral roll.

Second entry: MyKad 671117105963 has no record in NRD website, registered in Titiwangsa, deleted from electoral roll.

4. Chellamah a/p Murugesu

Old IC: 7877951

First entry: MyKad 491006045672 valid in NRD website, registered in Setiawangsa, still remains in electoral roll.

Second entry: MyKad 491006015094 has no record in NRD website, registered in Titiwangsa, deleted from electoral roll.

5. Sa'ad bin Samsudin

Old IC: 1479323

First entry: MyKad 380913105681 valid in NRD website, registered in Titiwangsa, still remains in electoral roll.

Second entry: MyKad 510913105553 has no record in NRD website, registered in Titiwangsa, deleted from electoral roll.

6. Mohd Rashid bin Ismail

Old IC: 6397062

First entry: MyKad 620108086991 valid in NRD website, registered in Taiping, still remains in electoral roll.

Second entry: MyKad 620108086713 valid in NRD website, registered in Bukit Gantang, deleted from electoral roll.

7. Sulong bin Jalil

Old IC: 6290844

First entry: MyKad 611110115371 valid in NRD website, registered in Hulu Terengganu, still remains in electoral roll.

Second entry: MyKad 611110015143 valid in NRD website, registered in Hulu Terengganu, deleted from electoral roll.

However, for Mohd Rashid and Sulong, although their 'clones' have been removed from the electoral roll, both of them still have two different MyKad numbers as shown in the NRD website , which allows the people to check the status of identification documents.

According to NRD website, both MyKad belong to Sulong have been collected while Mohd Rashid still has one of his MyKad waiting to be collected at the Kuala Lumpur NRD office.

Besides these two cases, a blogger also found another voter, named Isacc Yovan a/l K Pitchay, with two MyKad, numbered 630124035077 and 630124107421, in the NRD website.

The blogger claims that Isacc, who is registered in the Lembah Pantai parliamentary constituency, previously also had a double identity in the electoral roll, which was removed by the EC today after being exposed.

This reporter has been seeking explanations from the NRD on the double MyKad issue, but the department has yet to reply.

Malaysiakini also discovered that a 'cloned voter' exposed by Indera Mahkota MP Azan Ismail of the PKR last month still remains intact in the electoral roll.

The voter, named Tham Chow Hoong (old IC: 7124612) has two entries registered in the parliamentary seat of Tanjong and Bukit Gelugor respectively, but with different MyKad numbers - 630925075968 and 630925076968.

A check with NRD website showed that the first MyKad (630925075968) is
valid but there is no record for the second (630925076968).
Source : http://my.news.yahoo.com/cloned-voters-vanish-24-hours-questions-remain-033742907.html

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Bursa bloodbath gives Najib pause on polls

Bursa bloodbath gives Najib pause on polls - With some RM91 billion slashed from the stock market since last Monday (over eight days), Datuk Seri Najib Razak faces yet another global financial meltdown ahead of general elections — due in less than two years.

Although the prime minister was said to be mulling snap polls as early as the end of the year, politicians and analysts say that economic factors are now firmly out of his hands, with him hanging on to his Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) projects only for a rebound next year.

“These projects are his only defence against the storm clouds on the horizon,” said Jupiter Securities research head Pong Teng Siew, stating that Najib will only go to the ballot boxes after the ETP bites.

Among the projects that will kick off this year is the country’s most expensive infrastructure project, the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) while Bandar Malaysia, the massive development at the Sungei Besi air base will start once the Royal Malaysian Air Force move out after November 30.

Pong also said the forecast this year will remain at 4 per cent or lower unless these projects kick in, despite the economy rebounding with a 7.2 per cent growth last year after skidding to a recession when the economy dipped 1.1 per cent in 2009.

But DAP’s Tony Pua, one of the opposition’s top economic spokespersons, said that Najib is “hamstrung” as he heads into the pre-election period.

“In the last two years, he has been able to rely on high oil prices to bankroll public spending but that is not going to happen this time as the global slowdown will hit oil prices and our exports.

“This is Najib’s worst nightmare. The perfect storm is brewing and he can only hope to wait it out,” the Petaling Jaya Utara MP said.

Bursa Malaysia began bleeding on Friday after the United States debt rating was downgraded, causing stock exchanges to tumble globally as confidence faltered ahead of a potential double-dip recession.

Putrajaya is also tightening its belt after the country’s deficit hit a two-decade record of 7 per cent in 2009, forcing it to take a razor to fuel, electricity and sugar subsidies to prevent the subsidy bill from doubling to RM21 billion this year.

But inflation has continued to rise after hitting a two-year high of 3 per cent in March with the consumer price index sitting at 3.5 per cent in June.

Pulai MP Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said that his Umno president has to play the long game and hope for the current gloom to recede while readying Barisan Nasional’s (BN) election machinery.

“It was the same with the Sarawak election. Our intelligence told us we were assured of 60 seats, then down to 25. But after Najib committed the entire machinery, we recovered back to 55,” the Umno division leader said, referring to the April 16 state polls where BN retained its two-thirds majority in the 71-seat assembly.

Political analyst Khoo Kay Peng also said that BN chief Najib would be loath to call early poll as “his component parties are not ready and if his projects are to bear fruit, it will only be in 2012.”

Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong added that it was key to keep people employed and insulated from the rising cost of living.

With a new cost of living National Key Result Area joining Najib’s transformation package, MCA’s Labis MP said that “there is still room for improvement” that could be effected given time.”
source : http://my.news.yahoo.com/bursa-bloodbath-gives-najib-pause-polls-210627624.htm

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Faction within Umno wants Najib out as PM

Faction within Umno wants Najib out as PM - General Mustafa Ali claimed today the existence of a movement within Umno seeking the ouster of Najib Abdul Razak as prime minister.

The movement, he claimed, seeks to achieve their aim before the 13th general election takes place.

"There is a serious movement that wants Najib out as prime minister.

"Najib and (his wife) Rosmah (Mansor) are seen as a liability to the BN, as at this time, they are impacting negatively on (BN’s chances) in the coming polls," Mustafa (right) told a press conference at PAS headquarters this morning.

The “movement” to ouster Najib is a “strong” one, he added. Mustafa declined, however, to disclose details about the purported movement.

“Wait another week or two, things will become clearer.”

He alleged that senior leaders were involved in the said movement.

When asked whether Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin was involved, Mustafa said: "I don’t know. At this time, I do not want to say.”

His remarks come on the heels of allegations in mainstream media that implicated PAS leaders in alleged moves to promote Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah as Anwar Ibrahim's replacement as Pakatan Rakyat leader.

Mustafa said the claims are part of efforts to divert attention from the anti-Najib movement within Umno.

A recent report purported PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat as having secretly met Razaleigh over the matter.

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For the sake of image, Prime Minister of Malaysia Bribery TV Stations

For the sake of image, Prime Minister of Malaysia Bribery TV Stations - CNBC international TV stations cancel their main broadcast program World Business who allegedly accepted bribes from Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak for special interviews and imaging of the Malaysian government.

Themalaysianinsider.com site on Thursday evening (08/04/2011) released a report FBC Media a PR service company in the UK receives millions of Ringgit Malaysia to manipulate the news.

CNBC says it is investigating lunge FBC Media with Najib and the Sarawak government to international TV stations are believed to businesses affected by the fate of the world was not like tabloid News of the World, which closed after the scandal coverage in violation of the law.

"In answer to the question we recognize Malaysian Insider World Business've closed the program because the alleged sale of the news and began to investigate the FBC and their business practices," said Vice President of Communications and Marketing CNBC Charlotte Westgate in electronic mail.

World Business led CNBC Managing Editor, John Defterios tayangannya discontinued immediately after an internet coverage in the State of Sarawak launch news alleged bribery by Najib and the government of Sarawak to the most prestigious program, which also watched by millions of businesses in Indonesia. News online by Anil Neto in Sarawak wrote "Breaking the CNBC By FBC Media Relations".

A whistle-blower in London reveal how politicians stronghold of the ruler of Malaysia, the Barisan Nasional (BN) to pay millions of ringgit from the national budget to the FBC to regulate preaching the "good" at the TV station CNBC.

Report from Sarawak displays a list of names of politicians such as Prime Minister Najib Razak, former Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Taib Mahmud, using bribes to buy imaging in CNBC TV and other international media.

"Allow a program paid for by politicians is a practice deception of millions of viewers who thought they were watching an objective and impartial. This is a serious crime against the broadcasting law. Especially for global companies classmates CNBC and parent NBC's efforts in the United States, "said the report from Sarawak.

Charlotte Westgate, declined to give further details for now because it still continues to investigate the scandal. In addition to CNBC, FBC acknowledges it is also a professional touch with the BBC and CNN.

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Bersih: NRD's Mismah-gate clarification unacceptable

Bersih: NRD's Mismah-gate clarification unacceptable - The National Registration Department (NRD) 's declaration of "Mismah-gate" unacceptable, since they concern the citizens, are not treated, said chief Bersih 2.0 Ambiga Sreenevasan.

Pakatan Rakyat MPs why they supported a call for an emergency parliamentary session this month to provide answers to the many questions raised, the scandal is looking for.

"We do not really have any good answer ... it is the accountability in this matter", Ambiga (left) told Malaysiakini in an interview yesterday.

"The answer is that they have given us so far is really quite unacceptable."

In a statement Wednesday, Mohd Said Jariah NRD Director-General explained that Mismah, a name found in the latest draft supplementary electoral roll, permanent home on 17 Issued in July 1982, and later the 31st citizenship January 2011.

However, the statement failed to light the question of how the NRD online exam system could Mismah have permanent residence on Tuesday morning shed categorized, but "upgraded" their citizens four hours after a Malaysiakini report.

Jariah was also on the PAS claim assumes that 1597 is such cases closed nationwide.

Ambiga said Bersih had 2.0 before setting received similar complaints, but not proven, to the Malaysiakini report was published.

"What I would have expected of the Authority is to say to them" we think this is serious, we think it must be investigated and we will come back to the public on the problem, "but unfortunately, those who spoke have appeared to defend the indefensible. "

Concerns about biometric system

Ambiga described the problem as something that is urgently needed attention and transparency to the authority, otherwise the affair would largely undermine the introduction of the biometric system by the Election Commission (EC).

"It was one of the reasons why we have concerns, the biometric system, because if we do not even the NRD database on the right, and there are questions about his integrity, then I do not really know how it advances to a biometric system ".

The problem with the failure of authorities to give a satisfactory response coupled worsened, the crisis of confidence facing the government, warned Ambiga.

"Trust is something they have to build and how they can build trust is by honest with us, it's really quite simple, and absolutely transparent to the public."

She reiterated that the EC include the public in every phase of the implementation of the biometric system and keep it throughout the entire process has been updated.

"In today's Malaysia, there is not enough to say for the authority," just trust us', "said she.
Source : http://my.news.yahoo.com/bersih-nrds-mismah-gate-clarification-unacceptable-062337004.html

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Ex Army Man Involved in Manipulating Postal votes While in Service

Ex Army Man Involved in Manipulating Postal votes While in Service - A former army personnel stepped forward today and told a PAS-organised press conference that he was involved in manipulating postal votes while in service under orders of a superior officer.

Nasir Mohamad (left) , who identified himself only as having been "a clerk" at an army camp in Sandakan, Sabah, said the incident occurred during the general election of 1986.

"I, along with another clerk, was ordered to open the (postal) votes bag ... (We) were ordered by a higher officer to open the votes bag, and (we were) ordered to mark the ballots.

"There were about 900 ballot papers including those meant for the army (personnel) and their spouses.

"I was told to divide (the votes) into two, (the other batch was handled by) my friend, whose name is Ayub Mat. He took more than 400 (ballots), I took the remainder.

"I was asked to vote according to my inclination," he told the press conference held at a hotel in Ampang this morning.

Nasir's claims mirror earlier allegations made by another former army personnel, now a PAS member, Abu Kassim then-ranked 'sargent' who admitted to having voted for other army personnel in two general elections.
Source : http://my.news.yahoo.com/ex-army-man-ordered-vote-others-071917115.html

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10 arrested for 'greeting' PM in yellow at KL Sentral

10 arrested for 'greeting' PM in yellow at KL Sentral - Ten people, including a consultant Ampang MP and PKR Youth leader, were at the KL Sentral this afternoon arrested for wearing yellow and try to hand over a memorandum on the Bersih demands to Prime Minister Najib 2.0 Abdul Razak.

Mohd Kamal Fareez Intidzam, the adviser to the Zuraida Kamaruddin was arrested by a group of police officers before the arrival of Najib.

"Ironically, one of us was wearing a Malaysian jersey and I wore the 'Patriot' color red, and we were arrested," said Malaysiakini Fareez.

The 10 have taken the Travers police station.

Besides Fareez PKR Youth deputy chief information was Azem Rozan Mat Rasip also among those arrested.

Najib and several ministers were on the Express Rail Link, position, at the Putrajaya to KL Sentral by Jalur Gemilang flags in the run-up to the national celebrations of 31st August distribute.

"Unlawful inappropriate '

In direct response to the incident, a lawyer and vice president of PKR N Surendran, which condemned at the Travers police station with a client in another case, the arrests are happening.

"This is a completely inappropriate and unlawful arrest, which is nothing but harassment of political party members and activists.

"One would think that in a democracy the citizens wear yellow at KL Sentral."

Surendran (right), demanded that the police provide an immediate explanation.

"We demand the immediate release of all arrested 10 and an explanation of the Inspector General of Police Ismail Omar, and actions against the police that those arrests are ordered removed," he said.

Why Police didnt arrest football fans wearing YELLOW shirts when they watched the game at BUKIT JALIL with Msia vesses Spore?? LOL :D

Source : http://my.news.yahoo.com/10-arrested-greeting-pm-yellow-kl-sentral-081213724.html

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After Bersih, Umno Youth urges Pakatan co-operation for electoral reform

After Bersih, Umno Youth urges Pakatan co-operation for electoral reform - Two weeks after the Bersih rally UMNO Youth Pakatan Rakyat (PR) is called to urge cooperation in electoral reforms, says there are similarities in the changes in both coalitions want to see in the current electoral system.

Datuk Zaki Zahid, the Putrajaya UMNO Youth's chief, declared before an audience last night during a public dialogue with PKR's Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad that UMNO also wanted to make sure that electoral reforms are carried out properly, but stressed that it is through public dialogues could be done, and debate and not through "demonstrations.

"" UMNO Youth will also be deleted on the electoral roll ... We agree that the system within the Election Commission (EC) are to be relooked, but all this can be done without street protests.

"We have a lot in common ... Let us work together, we are actually in the same direction," he said yesterday evening.

Nik Nazmi, PKR responds Head of Communications and stresses that electoral reform group Bersih not intend to "overthrow" of the present administration Najib had, as they only wanted electoral reforms are implemented.

The Seri Setia assembler calculates that Bersih the government and the EC had approached "many times" before 9 July, but no pro-active efforts have been made to eliminate Bersih.

"I think that's why Bersih took to the streets to keep the political pressure for reform of the electoral system," he said.

Nik Nazmi added that the government's actions - with the police to Bersih Bersih supporters and media censorship-related stories arrest - does not give Barisan Nasional (BN) is a very inspiring image locally and internationally.

"A strong government is a government that is not afraid of democracy.

"I think that's the concern here, where you have two teams on the field, but there is no level playing field, and you doubt the referee (impartiality)," he said.

This led Zaki reacts in the same way, saying that UMNO is no fear of competition in a free and fair elections.

"UMNO has never been afraid of the elections and we can the results of the election with grace and an open heart to accept," he said.

Both Zaki Nik Nazmi and agreed that more public forums and dialogues were necessary to the social gap between votes and those that reduce support Bersih demands.

The ruling BN coalition has been put on the defensive about the Bersih rally for the past week, when the international community, from Singapore to Britain, criticized the government's handling of public dissent.

Bersih estimated that 50,000 people showed up on 9 July rally for free and fair elections despite efforts to prevent it from place, while the police have said there are only 6,000.

The protest turned chaotic when police used tear gas and water cannon on thousands of demonstrators in nearly 1,700 arrests, scores injured and the death of ex-soldier Baharuddin Ahmad, 59

The government has promised to investigate allegations of police brutality, while the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) will hold its own public inquiry into police conduct during the rally.

Source : http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/after-bersih-umno-youth-urges-pakatan-co-operation-for-electoral-reform

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Nazri agrees to debate with Kit Siang over Teoh RCI

Nazri agrees to debate with Kit Siang over Teoh RCI - Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz today declared his willingness to debate the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into Teoh Beng Hock’s death with Lim Kit Siang.

Through his media officer, the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, who is now in London, said he would accept Lim’s offer but suggested that the meeting with the DAP stalwart be held after the fasting month of Ramadan.

In a blog posting yesterday, Lim had slammed Nazri (picture) for saying that the Teoh RCI had absolved the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) of murder charges and called on the minister to justify his stand.

He invited Nazri to do so at a forum tonight entitled “Teoh Beng Hock Royal Commission Inquiry Report — Where is the promised truth?” scheduled for 7.30pm at the Kuala Lumpur-Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall here.

In a Twitter posting this afternoon, Nazri’s aide said: “Nazri Aziz accepted YB Lim Kit Siang’s challenge for a debate as posted on the latter’s fcbk @limkitsiang stil waitng 4 a response from YB.”

The aide added: “Nazri accepted the challenge n suggested the forum is 2 b held after Ramadhan” and explained later that the minister is now in London for the 57th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference which goes on until Thursday.

When contacted, Lim acknowledged the tweet and said he would respond at tonight’s forum.

“I did not use the word ‘debate’... I invited him to the forum tonight to explain his position. But, through his officer, he said he accepted the debate so I will respond tonight,” he said.

On Twitter again, Nazri’s aide wrote: “Nazri mahu forum mesti diadakan juga, tidak kisah dimana, berapa ramai dan siapa lagi ahli forum, dia tunggu dgn kesabaran.” (Nazri wants this forum to be held, regardless of where, how many people and whoever else takes part in it, he patiently waits.)

Lim’s challenge to Nazri came following the latter’s interview with Utusan Malaysia carried on Sunday where he declared that there was no need to form another RCI although Teoh’s family rejected the panel’s conclusion that Teoh had committed suicide.

In the interview, Nazri had also said that although the MACC needs to revamp itself, the RCI had absolved it of murder charges and this should not be questioned further.

But Lim refuted all charges, reiterating his stand that the MACC should be held responsible for the tragedy as the RCI had discovered that Teoh’s suicide had resulted from the “aggressive, relentless, oppressive and unscrupulous interrogation” by its officers.

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Ahead of polls, Najib’s last card is the budget

Ahead of polls, Najib’s last card is the budget
With less than two years is Barisan Nasional (BN) the mission left, hopes for an opportune time for Federal Najib Razak Datuk Seri polls slim as dissent grows and the economy remains sour.
Politicians on both sides of the trench told The Malaysian Insider, struggling with a cash-strapped treasury to keep subsidies in the face of rising inflation, the prime minister should be an election budget at the end of the year known and dissolve parliament soon after.

Analysts also believe that while increased racial rhetoric has recovered some Malay support for the ruling coalition, it is a zero-sum game, which is the provision of centrist voters Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

"We should have a good budget first. Not doing Abdullah Badawi on such a budget and called it a choice," said Minister in the Prime Ministers Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, based on the former prime minister who was forced to resign a year after BN recorded its worst ever election in 2008.

PKR deputy president Azmin Ali agreed, pointing to the economy was still behind Putrajaya six percent growth target, only the consumption 4.6 percent GDP growth in Q1 and is expected to remain below five percent by June 2011.

"In two years, things can not get much better. But the question with the government is already nearly out of cash, which can promise, in the next budget BN" the Gombak MP told The Malaysian Insider.

Khoo Kay Peng, the political analyst went further and said: "Things are worse for Najib."

"There is no point in waiting. The economy is getting tougher in 2012 and now there is no logical government to grow as people (Malay Rights Group) and Utusan Malaysia Perkasa. It shows that UMNO ultras are for a bigger slice of the pie to ask . Najib loses the middle, "he said.

Pulai MP Datuk Only Jazlan Mohamed said this was because of the ease of the questions could be politicized with Post-Election 2008th

"It does not matter what is the timing. Whenever there is the opposition to play only an issue for votes. Najib should just make the party machinery is ready, because from now will not change much until 2013," the UMNO division head said.

Najib, Abdullah succeeded in April of 2009, to require an improved performance in the next general elections, and everything just before recovery of the coalition government to the usual two-thirds of the Parliament, its influence will bring to the office of prime minister at risk.

But inflation has severely bags, was forced by the consumer price index reached a two-year high of three percent in March and continue to rise by 3.5 percent last month after Najib administration, made cut subsidies for fuel, electricity and sugar.

This was coupled with an economy that has recorded four consecutive quarters of slowing growth, to 4.6 percent in the first quarter of this year, up 10.1 percent over the same period in 2010.

Former MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said the prime minister still believes that its economic transformation and state packets to kick in until 2013 and again the economy.

"But it is true that the global uncertainty, there is no crystal ball. It could be better, but they could also get worse," said the Pandan MP.(themalaysianinsider.com)

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Umno manipulating Islam for politics !

Umno manipulating Islam for politics - PKR’s Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad accused the Najib administration today of politically persecuting Dr Mohamed Asri Zainul Abidin by dubbing him a “terrorist” due to his Wahabi ties.

The Selangor state lawmaker said by doing so, the federal government had exposed itself to be manipulating religion to suit its political needs.

“It’s a political manipulation of religion,” the PKR communications chief told a news conference today.

“Umno is never about religion. It’s about politics,” he added.

Nik Nazmi had first criticised the federal government’s move in a Twitter post last night.

Elaborating on the issue today, he said the true Islamic way was for Putrajaya to hold open dialogues and debates to counter Asri’s views.

“I’m not a big fan of Wahhabism. I disagree with it, but what do you do?” he asked, rhetorically.

“Why can’t you debate on that?” he replied to his own question.

Nik Nazmi recalled that his great-grandfather had managed to debate on such issues during his day in the 1930s in Kelantan and had not suffered for it, highlighting further the different reactions to the former Perlis mufti's vocal views.

He also suggested for the federal government to write books to present its views instead of resorting to drastic measures.

Asri was first linked to Wahhabism and the terrorists group Jemaah Islamiah (JI) early last year, along with PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, former Perlis mentri besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim dan Perlis Mufti Juanda Jaya.

The Malaysian Insider understands that Abdul Hadi and Shahidam Kassim have been omitted from the watchlist.

Two Umno lawmakers have come to the defence of Dr Mohamed Asri Zainul Abidin, insisting that the Najib administration has wrongly labelled the maverick former Perlis mufti as a potential terrorist threat.

Both Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said that the National Security Council (NSC) had overreacted over a difference of opinion by raising a terror alert over fears that Wahhabism was being revived.

The Malaysian Insider reported yesterday that the NSC met and ordered state muftis and religious agencies to monitor and take action against the traditionalist Islamic practice that has been linked to terrorism.

Source : http://my.news.yahoo.com/umno-manipulating-islam-for-politics-says-nik-nazmi-021624170.html

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Cops to charge Bersih attendees !

Cops to charge Bersih attendees - Police today vowed to charge individuals who made false reports against the force after the July 9 Bersih rally, just days after it unveiled video clips to back Bukit Aman’s assertion that it showed restraint in the face of provocation by demonstrators.

Deputy criminal investigation director for federal police Datuk Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said in a statement today that false police reports fell under Section 182 of the Penal Code.

“If investigations find that the matter that was reported is untrue, then police will not hesitate to act,” he said.

Acryl Sani added that police have received seven reports alleging police brutality so far, including those made by PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu and Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s bodyguard.

The latter claimed that his cheekbone was fractured after being hit by a tear gas canister while Mohamad said he was rammed by a police SUV.

However, police released video clips last Thursday to refute the PAS leader’s claims and further blamed marchers, including PKR vice president Chua Tian Chang, for charging at riot police during the rally for free and fair elections.

The Malaysian Insider reported last Wednesday that Bersih organisers and independent observers have yet to be called by police to record their statements or give evidence.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said today that they would be given their say before the inquiry into the July 9 march was completed.

“We cannot have results immediately but will have to take into account police reports and the various memorandums that have been submitted,” the Sembrong MP said.

“We are in the process of completing investigations and will present the investigation papers to the Attorney General soon,” Acryl Sani added today.

The ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition has been on the defensive over the rally as international media from Singapore to the UK criticised the government’s handling of public dissent.

Bersih claimed that 50,000 people showed up for its rally despite efforts to prevent the gathering from taking place. Police said there were 6,000.

The protest turned chaotic when police fired tear gas and water cannons at demonstrators, resulting in nearly 1,700 arrests, scores injured and the death of former military man Baharuddin Ahmad, 59.

The government has promised to investigate allegations of police brutality while the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) will hold a separate public inquiry into police conduct during the rally.

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Malaysia has deported a French lawyer representing a human rights

Malaysia has deported a French lawyer representing a human rights - Malaysia has deported a French lawyer of human rights group in an investigation into alleged corruption in connection with Prime Minister Najib Razak, according to one activist.
The Malaysian government has to buy the graft charges in connection with a $ 1.1-billion-U-boat in 2002, when Defense Minister Najib was released, saying it has supported an opposition attempt to smear his image.
"William Bourdon, was deported late on Friday evening in Paris on carrier Malaysia Airlines," E. Nalini, program manager of the human rights group Voice of the Malaysian People (Suaram), told news agency AFP.
Bourdon, Suaram lawyer in France, was arrested early Friday morning by immigration officials when his plane arrived in Kuala Lumpur International Airport on a domestic flight from the northern island of Penang.
At the request of French justice officials Suaram opened an investigation into the March 2010 sale of two Scorpene submarines, which were made by French shipbuilder DCNS huge.
Malaysian officials said Bourdon deported because he was his social visit visa, she had hurt by a speech at a dinner in Penang on Thursday organized by Suaram. The lawyer had previously visited Malaysia have.
Suaran authorities condemned the action, claiming that his arrest was unlawful.
"The arrest was unlawful and the government is unfair to deport over Bourdon," said Nalini.
Suaram DCNS claims paid a commission of € 114 million ($ 160 million) to a company called Perimekar that Abdul Razak Baginda, an associate of Najib is associated.
Abdul Razak has been accused of murder in aid in 2006 to his lover, Altantuya Shaariibuu Mongolian interpreter who was the opposition also tried to link Najib to be acquitted.
But Najib has denied any connection to this case. The Malaysian government has also claimed that the submarine deal, mediating Najib was defense minister, has been free of graft and non-profits that Perimekar wrong.

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Public sees Najib as guilty in Scorpene deal, says Pakatan

Public sees Najib as guilty in Scorpene deal, says Pakatan - Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders today warned Datuk Seri Najib Razak that the move to deport French lawyer William Bourdon last night has only confirmed his guilt in the eyes of the public.

They told the prime minister that chasing Bourdon out of Malaysia would not absolve him of blame but, instead, would resurrect the ghost of Mongolian model Altantuya Shaaribuu.

Altantuya, who was killed in 2006 and blown up with C4 explosives, has been linked to the government’s controversial RM7 billion Scorpene submarines purchase from French defence company DCNS which is now under probe in France. The purchase was made while Najib headed the Defence Ministry.

Bourdon, who is handling the case in France, was held by immigration officers yesterday morning upon landing at the KLIA in Sepang from Penang where he had briefed an audience on the progress of the probe.

“This strange move would only fuel public suspicion that something is terribly amiss in the Scorpene case... which, of course, is linked to Altantuya’s case.

“Instead of coming clean, he (Najib) is trying to cover up the matter. Everyone knows that Bourdon will be in the country to explain the progress of the case, that he is trying to prise open the layers of secrets surrounding the Scorpene deal, which is related to the murder case,” said DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang.

Lim pointed out that Malaysians were already aware of the RM540 million in commission for the submarine deal paid to Perimeker Sdn Bhd, a company run by Abdul Razak Baginda, and are now demanding answers if the sum was paid as “corruption money”.

Abdul Razak, who was tried for abetting in Altantuya’s murder but was later acquitted, was said to be Najib’s close aide when the deal was made in 2002.

“Najib has committed himself to fighting corruption so this RM540 million must be subject to a public audit. Was it justifiable? How was it spent? All these details must be scrutinised via an independent public inquiry so that Malaysians will know whether it was a genuine above-board deal,” said Lim.

He castigated the prime minister for failing to address the matter and said that the government should not wait to be exposed in a foreign country but should initiate its own proceedings.

“The French prosecution is trying to decide if there is a case to go to trial but why wait? Najib has the responsibility to answer to Malaysians. Establish a commission and give the full details of the procurement,” said Lim.

PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar agreed with Lim that Bourdon’s deportation last night would return soon to haunt the Najib administration.

She however warned that any information revealed in the French courts would eventually reach Malaysia and could not be swept under the carpet.

“They (Najib administration) prefer to sweet dirt under the carpet... deport possible whistleblowers and gag such exposes through their control over the mainstream media. The fact that information is globally obtainable stops them dead in their tracks,” she told The Malaysian Insider via SMS today.

The Lembah Pantai MP pointed out that if it were to be proven that DCNS had paid kickbacks to Malaysian officials for the Scorpene deal, they would be compelled to pay compensation.

“Sadly, Malaysia under Najib rejects this clear mechanism to hold the government accountable to transparent procurement practices,” she said.
Source : http://my.news.yahoo.com/public-sees-najib-as-guilty-in-scorpene-deal-064958234.html

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Malaysia needs free and fair elections, says former Umno minister

Malaysia needs free and fair elections, says former Umno minister - A former minister and UMNO lawmakers Najib reminded the administration of its "responsibility" to ensure that free and fair elections be conducted in Malaysia to maintain.

Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir, Minister of Tourism during the Mahathir administration had urged the government to engage Bersih with election reform group, and reminded Barisan Nasional (BN) that one of the main reasons why they lost their two-thirds majority in 2008 was its failure to Bersih demands to hear at that time.

Abdul Kadir said that Pakatan Rakyat (PR) was able to win 48 percent of the national popular vote with support Bersih.

"A free and fair elections is very basic," he said in a speech at the launch of Amanah Angkatan Merdeka (Amanah) here. "Why can not we engage them (Bersih 2.0)?"

Abdul Kadir is Deputy Chairman of Amanah, the finance minister Tengku Razaleigh led by former Hamzah.

Amanah aims for racial unity to push good governance and respect for the Constitution.

"The government will know whether the elections are clean or not," Abdul Kadir said. "Clean up the election system so that people can choose the government they want."

He suggested that the Election Commission (EC) PR legislators under the Commission's monitoring of the elections are transparent to allow the body.

Abdul Kadir said, "The Year 2011" and that Malaysians were better trained and called for a fair and just government administration.

. 'You have a good and clean government right now money is being spent anywhere, it should be accounted for I can not sleep at night thinking about it?.

"I'm glad the government is against corruption, but you do it right. Jangan cakap tak bikin serupa (do not say what you mean but do not)," he added.

Bersih estimates that 50,000 people showed up on 9 July rally for free and fair elections despite efforts to prevent it from place, while the police have said there are only 6,000.

The protest turned chaotic when police used tear gas and water cannon on thousands of demonstrators in nearly 1,700 arrests, scores injured and the death of former military Baharuddin Ahmad, 59

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has said it will be a public inquiry into police conduct during the rally following reports that they used excessive force in order to keep protesters apart.

Police yesterday cleared of misconduct to provoke after an internal probe into alleged police brutality, and instead placed the blame on Bersih demonstrators the police.

Prime Minister Najib Razak Datuk Seri Bersih group has tried to seize power through mass demonstrations, while the rejection of the election reform group accused of poll fraud allegations.

Source : http://my.news.yahoo.com/malaysia-needs-free-and-fair-elections-says-former-035130018.html

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Wikileaks: US envoy says Umno abused security laws, institutions

Wikileaks: US envoy says Umno abused security laws, institutions
The United States ambassador here, told Washington in 2008 that Malaysia was facing a "political crisis" of UMNO's control and abuse of security institutions and national security laws to remain in power caused.
U.S. Ambassador James R. Keith said in a leaked cable, released by the whistleblower site Wikileaks by Malaysia Today news portal, that "in good times UMNO can control the distribution of power and money to get what they (but) in bad times, he wants to talk using the stick, and now is called intimidation. "

The document, which is calculated by the U.S. ambassador to the signing, that UMNO "controlled" security institutions like the military and the police through the appointment of "party stalwarts" to head these institutions. The cable said that while the army would remain "loyal" to legitimate leadership, the police, on the other side took direct orders from UMNO.

"UMNO leaders have joined forces behind, but in a sense, with Prime Minister (Tun) Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, made it clear that they are willing to blacken Malaysia chair at the end of opposition leader (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim political challenge to ensure ", the cable said, referring to the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leader ongoing sodomy trial, where he worked with sodomy, an ex-consultant on 26 Was collected June 2008.

"The ruling elite retains control stalwarts of the security apparatus by party, the security institutions, especially the police, but also the military running. We believe that to remain the military loyal to legitimate leadership is not likely, tool, a elected, and royally-approved tilt Malay-led government from either the ruling or opposition side. The police, on the other side, follow orders from the ruling party.

"The 'command-style" arrest of Anwar last week, the roadblocks and security checkpoints throughout the city of Kuala Lumpur, the recent arrest of blogger Raja Petra (Kamaruddin), intimidation of Sabah politicians and the authorities of shrill rhetoric, part of a broad message the Malaysian people that they better not in UMNO today was available. In today's Malaysia can do it by along (and of course you can go further than Malay instead of a Chinese or Indian), but it is also true that one can be operated, "said the U.S. cable.
The cable added that the UMNO national security as a means to the party's "superiority" to protect and ensure that the opposition can not take over the reins of power defines the federal government.

"Now the criminal is exposed as a political tool as useful, if the ruling party as the national security law.

"UMNO leaders can not grasp the consequences of upping the ante, to hear what we say but do not understand well enough how difficult will it be for them the shadows they cast are in the country to overcome. You no doubt were thinking they would choose the more palatable way of dealing with criminal law and thus the sodomy charge, rather than arrest Anwar as a matter of national security under the Internal Security Act. But contrary to their intent, many into the international community to take this as an escalation, "said the cable.

The document states that have at this time, the Barisan Nasional (BN) government "failed", the majority of Malaysians and the international community that Anwar's sodomy trial was not politically motivated to convince.

"The authorities tell yourself, the fiction on a daily basis in the pages of the local press, and barely one in 10 Malaysians in buying the party line tells us of a survey," said the cable.

The report recommends that the U.S. "exploit" every opportunity for "significant bilateral exchanges," the BN government to ensure understanding of the costs for the "efforts to reduce the rule of law."
Source : http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/wikileaks-us-envoy-says-umno-abused-security-laws-institutions/

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