Mahathir Mohamad: People Are Laughing at Western Banks’ Collapse

RIYADH — Sitting a few time zones away from the Davos gathering, former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad spares a dry chuckle at the fall of the once mighty Western financial giants and masters of the universe.
“They were doing everything that [multilateral agencies] were counseling developing countries not to do to stay out of crisis,” he said about the parade of Western banks that have crumbled over the last six years due to heavy leveraging and bad assets. “They were greedy … and now people are having a big laugh.”
Malaysia’s elder statesman has delivered real zingers to the assembled luminaries at Davos conferences past, notably the view during the 2003 get together that the Bush administration was responsible for starting World War III.
This year, Mr. Mahathir isn’t attending Davos. But that hasn’t kept him from delivering a sermon from afar on one of his well-tread topics: cracks in the foundation of the Western-dominated international financial system need to be urgently fixed.
Mr. Mahathir has worked on for years lobbying to increase the weight of the developing world needs in international settings. And he had a stark message to the G-8 central banks and multilateral agencies, including the International Monetary Fund, which dictated terms of the economic bailout packages to Asian nations during the economic crisis there 10 years ago: those so-called financial wizards should have following their own prescription for economic health.
“They told us … there was a bubble [in asset and currency prices]. They told us not to increase borrowing. They told us to cut back government spending. Its advice they ignored in [their] own economies,” he said to an appreciative audience of Arab businessmen who have their own gripes about what they see as American and European hypocrisy, especially when it comes to foreign policy in the Middle East.
Mr. Mahathir counseled his listeners to heed Asian values over Western values as governments in the Middle East work to keep their growth rates positive.
“Our values are similar. Asia values the country over the individual. In the West, their capitalism is structured … so that there is always one winner and always one loser,” he said. “The system in the West has many holes. It is painfully obvious now.” - Meg cooker

Decision On New LCCT In Labu In Three Weeks' Time

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- The decision on AirAsia's proposal to build a new low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) costing RM1.6 billion in Labu, Negeri Sembilan will be known in two to three weeks' time, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.
"Actually, the government has not made a decision on the matter. What is important is that all the fact finding and details arising will be scrutinised," he told Bernama after attending a Chinese New Year dinner function organised by the MCA, here, Friday.
Ong said the government needed time to decide on the matter as it involved many parties.
"The Transport Ministry, Economic Planning Unit, Finance Ministry, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and AirAsia are meeting for the good of all parties concerned," he said.
Bernama on Friday reported that the government had rejected the proposal for a new LCCT in Labu, but the low-cost carrier was said to have several concessions, according to sources.
It was reported that MAHB would be given the responsibility to build a new LCCT near the existing terminal, which is next to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang.
The sources were also quoted as saying that the decision to cancel the proposed project was conveyed to AirAsia at a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and was attended by Finance Ministry, MAHB and AirAsia officials.

tunku : i hope the news by the sources to bernama should be the real news.the government or najib did not give any statement yet as najib will bring the meeting details to the cabinet next week.only then they will announce.WE DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANYMORE ABOUT LCCT LABU,it should be LCCT KLIA.we are depending on najib and hope that he will not let us down.

Muhyiddin for anti-hopping law

KOTA KINABALU: International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin supports the proposal for an “anti-hopping” law to ensure political stability in the country.
“It needs to be looked into again. It is not that we fear more will leave Barisan Nasional, but what is important is the question of principle,” he told reporters after attending a Chinese New Year open house at the residence of his deputy and Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Datuk V.K. Liew.
Muhyiddin, who is also Umno vice-president, said there was a need to look at it seriously taking into consideration the current political scenario.
“Personally, I do agree that we need to look again at the earlier provisions in the Federal Constitution.
“But, of course, it’s entirely up to Barisan leaders to see the rationale in amending the Constitution (to enable the enaction of the proposed anti-hopping law) and find out what the people think about it,” he said.
He was asked to comment on Parti Bersatu Sabah’s Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan’s remarks Thursday that the time was ripe to amend the Federal Constitution to allow the enaction of such a law.

tunku : i think the government should implement the anti-hopping law asap.we want the government to be there through election, not through jumping like frogs.we hope muhyiddin will bring this matter next week in the cabinet meeting.with the law, there will be less politicking and bribing. the politicians then will spend more time on the people and development of the nation.

Labu airport is as good as off

The proposed new airport in Labu by AirAsia Berhad is as good as off. The decision was conveyed to AirAsia executives when they met the Deputy Prime Minister this afternoon. A source said the Government felt that AirAsia would not be able to raise the funds to develop the new airport.
Instead, Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad will build a new terminal near the Kuala Lumpur International Airport where they will work closely with AirAsia, a source said. AirAsia’s inputs in the building of the new terminal will also be taken into consideration,” the source said.
The Cabinet is expected to formalize the decision in the next few weeks.
Earlier, AirAsia chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes briefed Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat on the proposed new airport to cater to low-cost carrier.
Fernandes presented a detailed report on KLIA-East and plans to make Kuala Lumpur the regional hub for low-cost carriers. Representatives of the Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad, Transport Ministry, Finance Ministry and Economic Planning Unit also attended the one-hour briefing.
In an immeidate reaction, Fernandes said: We were happy with the meeting. This is a big step for the development of AirAsia."

tunku : very good news to all malaysian except for few.thank you najib for listening to the rakyat.now we hope that MAB will expedite the construction of the new lcct terminal wihout any delays.

Turkish prime minister storms out of Gaza debate

DAVOS, Switzerland (AFP) – Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan stormed out of a heated debate on the Gaza war with Israel's President Shimon Peres at the World Economic Forum on Thursday.
In some of the most dramatic moments seen at the normally restrained Davos meetings, Erdogan marched off in front of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and other panel members complaining that his comments on the conflict were cut short.
"I do not think I will be coming back to Davos after this because you do not let me speak," the prime minister shouted as he left, though he said later he could reconsider.
Erdogan criticised the audience of international officials and corporate chiefs for applauding Peres's emotional defence of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, which left more than 1,300 Palestinians dead.
Erdogan, who leads one of the few Muslim countries to have diplomatic relations with Israel and who has sought a peacemaker's role in the Middle East conflict, said Israel had carried out "barbarian" actions in Gaza.
"I find it very sad that people applaud what you have said because many people have been killed," he shouted at Peres before being halted by the moderator, Washington Post journalist David Ignatius.
"We can't start the debate again we just don't have time," Ignatius pleaded as he remonstrated with the Turkish premier.
Peres, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 for his efforts to reconcile with Yasser Arafat's Palestine Liberation Organisation, had insisted that Israel had been forced into the offensive against Hamas by thousands of rockets and mortars fired into Israel.
"The tragedy of Gaza is not Israel, it is Hamas," said Peres. "They created a dictatorship. A very dangerous one."
Pointing a finger at Erdogan he said Turkey would have done the same if rockets had been fired at Istanbul.
Ban, Erdogan, Arab League secretary general Amr Mussa and Peres were sat alongside each other for the debate. All gave long impassioned statements on the conflict.
The UN secretary-general had called on Israel to end its blockade of Gaza, for Hamas to end its violence and for renewed Arab efforts to bring together divided Palestinian groups.
He had earlier launched an international appeal for more than 600 million dollars to buy emergency supplies for Gaza.
Erdogan and Peres spoke by telephone after the debate and the 85-year-old Israeli president apologised for the events, Turkey's Anatolia news agency reported.
Erdogan had led efforts to mediate between Israel and Syria just before the Gaza war, which he has repeatedly criticised.
"I am a leader in this world who says that anti-Semitism is a crime against humanity. I said this the very first day I became prime minister and before that as well," Erdogan said defending himself against criticism made by Jewish groups.
He complained after Peres was given 25 minutes to speak in the debate while he had only 12 minutes.
As politics overshadowed the Davos debate on the economic crisis, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband and finance minister Alistair Darling pulled out of the Davos meetings.
"It was decided that, as a number of people he (Darling) was due to meet had pulled out, his time would be better spent doing other things in the UK," a Treasury spokesman told AFP.
Several top bankers have pulled out of the meeting and no senior policymakers from the new US administration of President Barack Obama attended. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who is to host an international summit on the global economic crisis in April, will still attend the Davos meetings.
Obama's envoy, Valerie Jarrett, told the forum on Thursday that the new Democrat president believes the crisis was caused by "an era of profound irresponsibility by government and business, both in the United States and around the globe."
Jarrett said "financial regulatory reform" was one of the top priorities of the new administration and that Obama would take "aggressive and extraordinary action."

tunku : there is always favoritism in the west. muslim will never get equal share. the jews will get whatever they want. Turkey should break diplomatic relationship with israel.they rule this world thru their proxies. the main proxy is the usa. they have killed more than hundred of thousands palestinians since day one. the world is doing nothing about it. i hope in future, muslim leaders will boycott any dialogue attended by the israel leaders.

Azeez: Putera Umno never involved in politicking

KUALA LUMPUR: Putera Umno is a bureau under Umno Youth and is not a wing by itself, said Putera Umno chief Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim.
“Putera Umno is not a political wing but (it is) to approach (the younger generation) and instill good values, ideologies and an understanding of Umno,” he told reporters at his office here yesterday.
Abdul Azeez said there was no need to worry about corruption and money politics in Putera Umno as there were no contests or elections for its posts, as its leaders were picked by the national and state Umno Youth excos.
“Nevertheless, we will abide by whatever decision the Umno supreme council makes on Putera Umno,” he said expressing shock with Umno disciplinary board chairman Tengku Tan Sri Ahmad Rithauddeen’s radical views.
Abdul Azeez, who was defeated in the contest for the Baling parliamentary seat in the March 8 general election, said Umno performed poorly in the general election even with the combined strength of Putera and Puteri Umno.
“If we were abolished, it would further alienate the younger generation (from Umno),” he added.
In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Puteri Umno vice-chief Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said abolishing the wings would result in the party being shunned by the youth.
“In the last election, not many of our youths were supporting Umno. We need Putera and Puteri as a bridge between the party and the younger generation,” she said, adding that it made no sense to link money politics to just Putera and Puteri and not the main body.
Sabah Umno Youth chief Datuk Japlin Akim said dissolving the party’s wings would not end money politics.

tunku : we agree that by abolishing the wings will not stop money politics completely in umno as it happens more at the upper level. azeez is right that putera umno never involved in politicking but their boss is, all the time, trying to be hero and lost badly in the last general election.

Najib Appointed Perak Umno Liaison Head

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak has been appointed Chairman of the Perak Umno Liaison Body and Perak Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, succeeding Datuk Seri Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali who has resigned from both positions with immediate effect.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Perak Umno Liaison Body and Deputy Chairman of Perak BN.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Najib and Ahmad Zahid would hold the positions until the Umno general assembly in March and a new appointment would be made after the general assembly.
"Who will be appointed (the Perak Umno Liaison chairman later) is yet to be known," he said at a press conference after chairing the Umno Supreme Council meeting that lasted more than four hours, here tonight.
Abdullah, who is also Umno President, said he accepted Tajol Rosli's decision to resign to give an opportunity to a new leader to head the state Umno.
"We respect his wish and decision to retire. It is felt that it would be better that someone else leads the Perak Umno," he said.


tunku : Happy retirement to Tajol. you should have done that much earlier but better late than never.we hope perak will be lead by a good and capable leader after this.in mean time najib can try to unite back all the umno people there and choose the right candidate after march. for God sake do not make zahid hamidi as perak umno liaison head.there is still one more stubborn state liaison head who till today refused to retire although the people hates him, that is kedah umno chief,mahadzir khalid.

MACC lodges report against Umno leader

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has lodged a report to counter allegations that an Umno division leader was assaulted by MACC officers during detention.
Earlier, the 46-year-old division leader from Maran, Pahang, reported that he was punched in the head, shoulder and stomach during his four-day remand in Kuantan.
He also claimed that he was forced to strip naked, lie and roll on the floor besides being asked to do squats and sing the national anthem repeatedly.
In his report, he also claimed an officer pressed him against the wall and threatened to arrest his wife and ask her to strip if he refused to confess that he had handed money to Umno members.
He lodged his report at the Damansara police station Thursday.
MACC deputy commissioner Datuk Abu Kassim Mohammad said the MACC had lodged a report against the Umno leader for allegedly lodging a false report.
“Before being released, he told us that he will lodge a report and smear MACC’s image, so we waited for him to lodge a report before we ourselves lodged a report.
“We want the police to thoroughly investigate the man’s allegations against our officer and if there is any evidence that the MACC officers had abused or assaulted him, then the police must take action.
“However if there is no such thing, the police must take action against him for lodging a false report,” he said.
Abu Kassim also said that the MACC investigation into money politics involving the Umno leader would continue without fear or favour.

tunku : this is just to divert the attention to macc. the umno man from maran is trying to save his boss. they know that they are trapped and hard to escape. hope that the police to thoroughly investigate the man’s allegations. we want macc to continue their investigation of money politics and clean all the toxic waste in umno.

MRCS Needs RM300,000 For Gaza Aid

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) still needs RM300,000 for aid to be channelled to Palestinian victims of Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip.
MRCS chairman, Tunku Tan Sri Shahriman Tunku Sulaiman, said the money was needed to buy medicines, kitchen equipment, blankets, daily essential items, sleeping bags and food for about 1,000 victims.
"MRCS hopes that the public, non-governmental organisations and corporate bodies would contribute financial aid so we can provide aid quickly," he told reporters at the MRCS headquarters here today.
Tunku Shahriman said since Jan 7, the society had only collected RM25,000 through its 'MRCS International Relief Fund' and the amount was far from the RM350,000 needed.
MRCS had sent a medical team to the Gaza Strip to help Palestinians and the Palestine Red Crescent Society on Jan 10 and it succeeded in entering Rafah through the Egypt-Gaza border crossing on Jan 13.
The two-member team comprised medical officer, Dr Yahaya Abu Ahmad and a relief and logistics officer, Nasir Khan Abdul Rahman, and it entered the Gaza Strip on Jan 20 and returned to Malaysia on Jan 24.
Meanwhile, Nasir Khan said MRCS could send its second medical team anytime and it would comprise seven members made up of two doctors, three medical officers and two nurses.
"The date has not been set but MRCS targets two weeks from now, depending on public response," he said.
He said while in Gaza, the MRCS cooperates with the International Red Cross Society and the Egyptian Red Cross to treat victims at the Military Hospital in Al-Arish, 40km from Rafah.
"Our observation is humanitarian aid, including medicines and daily essential items, is very much needed.
"Many victims stay in camps. It is cold, clean water is limited and cost of food has gone up by three to four times," he said, adding that MRCS would concentrate on women and children who were homeless and some badly injured.
"We also plan to give artificial limbs to 350 victims, have adoption projects, provide physiotherapy, in the future all amounting to RM1.7 million.
"In all we need RM3.6 million," Nasir Khan.

People can send their contributions through Maybank account number 5144 2210 2657 or make out cheques to the "MRCS International Relief Fund" and written at the back should be 'GAZA CITY'.

Umno members protest MACC, disciplinary board actions

KUALA LUMPUR: A group of people turned up to protest against the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for arresting Umno members, and against the party’s disciplinary board.
Claiming to be Umno members, they turned up at about 8pm Thursday at the main entrance to Menara Datuk Onn, the building where party leaders were scheduled to hold a supreme council meeting.
They held up placards that read “The Disciplinary Board is senile,” “Don’t take away our rights” and “We reject the MACC, butt out!”
The group shouted out their demands at Umno leaders and supreme council members as they arrived at the building, and handed over a memorandum to party president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi when he arrived at about 8.35pm.
Zuraidi Abd Rahim, who said he was a delegate from Baling, claimed the group represented about 2,500 Umno Youth delegates nationwide.
The memorandum protested disciplinary board chairman Tengku Tan Sri Ahmad Rithaudeen’s suggestion to abolish the main wings in the party, and the alleged beating of Umno members during interrogation by MACC officers.
“Two or three of them have since lodged police reports” on the alleged beatings, he said.
The police reports were attached to the memorandum that was handed to Abdullah, who is also the Prime Minister.
Another protestor, Saiful Ismail Saaya, who claimed to be a delegate from Kuala Kangsar, said grassroot members did not want Tengku Ahmad as disciplinary board chairman.
The group dispersed after Abdullah and his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak entered the building.

tunku : from baling, may be datuk rempit send them to protect their bosses.i don't believe they represent 2500 umno youth delegates nationwide.it's a total lie.the represents their bosses who are under fire.umno must be glad that macc is cleaning up the mess in the party for them.only those who feels the threat are against it.

Pas Says Hopping To Opposition Party Not Wrong

KUALA TERENGGANU, Jan 29 (Bernama)-- Terengganu PAS Commissioner Datuk Mustafa Ali said that party hopping from Barisan Nasional (BN) to the Pakatan Rakyat, especially PAS, is not wrong.
He said, this is because getting out of something negative to something positive is a requirement in Islam.
However, according to Mustafa, PAS will not tolerate any of its members joining BN, saying the basis of the party's struggles was not right.
"We don't agree with this (PAS representatives joining BN) because it is not good for them ... this (PAS) struggle is right but they want to run to the wrong side. There is something wrong here.
"It is right for the others to want to join PAS. This is not a double standard but a principle in terms of humanity," he said at a news conference here today.
Also present was State PAS treasurer, Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut, who is also Terengganu MP and Wakaf Mempelam assemblyman.
He was commenting on Bota assemblyman, Datuk Nasaruddin Hashim's move to quit Umno and cross over to Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) on Sunday.
Musatafa said party hopping must be sincere and based on the struggle for common principles for the good of the people, but it is unethical to hop for money or position.
However, he conceded that someone contesting for a particular party in the general election should not cross over to another party unless the respresentative vacates the seat.
Speaking on the proposal to regulate an anti-party hopping law, amendments on the matter must be made in the Malaysian Constitution, which includes allowing representatives who vacated their seats to recontest in a shorter period of time, instead of five years as stated.

tunku : this is typical pas mentality. if umno works with non malays, they says umno works with infidels, devils etc but if they work with dap and pkr it is holy alliance.if pas member join bn, then he is infidel but if bn member joins opposition he is holy.if umno is against pas's hudud they says that umno is not islamic, but when karpal says no, they bow down.

'MACC officers punched and kicked me'

While the dust has yet to settle on the Kugan Ananthan case, another allegation of abuse under detention has emerged.
This time around, it is not the police but rather the newly formed Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). And the complainant is an Umno Maran division committee member.
In his police report filed at the Damansara police station yesterday, Halimi Kamaruzzaman, 46, claimed that he was assaulted during his four-day remand in Kuantan.
He alleged that three MACC officers, including the head of a unit, had punched him in the head, stomach and shoulder. He also claimed that he was kicked in the ribs and knee.
"I was also forced to strip naked, lie and roll on the floor. An officer choked me against the wall. They threatened me that my wife would also be arrested and be asked to strip if I did not agree to make a confession that I handed money to Umno members," he alleged.
"I had to do squats, sing Negaraku and the Umno song many times and the officer threatened to burn my private part with a cigarette," he said.
According to him, the MACC officers wanted him to confess that Umno supreme council member Norza Zakaria was involved in money politics.
Norza is a close associate of Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin, who is also Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's son-in-law.
'Just like Abu Gharib'
Halimi's ordeal started when he surrendered to the MACC Temerloh at about 6.30am on Jan 23.
There he was interrogated by five officers until 10am and was later taken to the MACC Pahang headquarters in Kuantan.
The Umno member claimed that throughout the alleged abuse, the closed circuit television camera placed in the room had been disconnected.
Describing his experience as similar to what Abu Gharib detainees faced in Iraq, Halimi claimed that he had informed a magistrate the next day about the alleged abuse.
He said the magistrate advised him to lodge a report with the Public Complaints Bureau upon his release.
Despite the alleged abuse, Halimi said he refused to confess and implicate Norza.
Contacted later, MACC director of investigations Mohd Shukri Abdull said the commission would allow the police to investigate the matter and declined to elaborate.
Norza, when contacted, said he was not aware of the police report and said he could not comment further as he was under investigation.
It has been widely reported that MACC is investigating the allegations of money politics involving an Umno man aspiring to be elected to the party's supreme council.
This led to the politician coming forward to have his statement recorded by the commission and scores of other arrested in Temerloh and Kuantan.
Only Utusan Malaysia had named the politician under investigation to be Norza.

tunku : it is abuse season i guess.once it starts, it will continue for few weeks. anyway this time is the MACC (formerly ACA). i don't believe that the MACC can resort to such thing. now the police should investigate this report thoroughly.we want to know the truth.thank God this time the victim is umno man, otherwise this will be another 'big' political issue. the opposition leaders will get together and start doing all the demonstration. i hope they will help this umno man too.

Two PKR reps may quit party

KUALA LUMPUR: The defection of Bota assemblyman Datuk Nasarudin Hashim to Pakatan Rakyat has sparked speculation that Barisan Nasional is trying to get at least two Pakatan assemblymen to quit in a tit-for-tat move.
Over the past 48 hours, there has been talk that two PKR assemblymen would quit the party to become independents.
It is not clear whether “negotiations” towards this have been finalised but on Tuesday, Perak Umno chief Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali gave a strong indication about what was coming when he said that the “game has just begun.”
Taking a shot at Pakatan, the former Perak Mentri Besar tried to level things when he raised the episode involving DAP Buntong assemblyman A. Sivasubramaniam, who quit the party but only for eight hours last year.
But this did not stop Pakatan from firing back, with Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin claiming that three more Umno assemblymen would be crossing over to Pakatan.
Two who were linked to such a move – Lintang assemblyman Datuk Ahamad Pakeh Adam and Pengkalan Baharu assemblyman Datuk Hamdi Abu Bakar – have openly stated their dissatisfaction with Perak Umno.
Hamdi, however, told The Star yesterday that he would remain with Barisan despite his frustrations.
A PKR insider said two PKR assemblymen would likely quit the party due to the “Ngeh-Nga” factor.
He was referring to the “dominating styles” of DAP state executive councillors Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham and Nga Kor Ming, who are cousins.
“This time, it is going to happen. I have been told many times that they were unhappy,’’ he added.
However, Ngeh and Nga denied having problems with the two PKR assemblymen but said in fact they were in good terms.
With Nasarudin’s defection, Pakatan now holds 32 of the 59 state seats, with Barisan holding 27.
If the PKR duo decide to join Umno, it would be a razor thin gap with Pakatan holding only a one seat edge over Barisan.
A senior Umno politician said the party’s discussions with the two PKR assemblymen began a month ago.
“The first step is for them to become Independents and later join Umno,” he revealed.
He, however, admitted that with Nasarudin’s defection, things could change.
“Their (the two PKR reps) spirits might be renewed. Besides, (PKR de factor leader Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim is also coming to Parit soon,” he added.
The situation in Perak is also said to have forced Tajol Rosli to bring forward his plan to quit as state Umno chief.
According to a Perak Umno assemblyman who attended a meeting chaired by Tajol Rosli yesterday, the ex-MB informed them that he was taking full responsibility for Nasarudin’s defection and would step down on Sunday, instead of his initial March deadline.

tunku : Umno and BN should not follow the footstep of pakatan.let them have frogs. we welcome if the 2 pkr's representatives to quit the party but let them remain as independent till next GE.we should not follow the cheap pakatan's way.hope the pakatan will understand that if BN wants, it can buy over their representative anytime but they are not doing so because it's an insult to the voters who have voted certain people because of the party he represents.It is believed that anwar the moron had approached YB Hamidah from Perak to join pakatan and will make her the first lady mb.anwar is playing dirty game and pas together with dap supporting it, but they failed to see the real scenario where anwar is putting his people everywhere(important position) so that they will be the supremo and the other two will just be a party that will lick pkr and obey whatever pkr says.

Mercy: Urgent need to rebuild ‘damaged’ Palestinian lives

KUALA LUMPUR: The Palestinians need psycho-social health and psychiatric care to help them recover from the horrors of war, says Mercy Malaysia president Datuk Dr Jemilah Mahmood.
According to Dr Jemilah, children who had been through a natural disaster recover better than children of war, hence the need for more psychiatrists and psychologists to be deployed in Gaza.
“I used to look at images of these kids on television, pelting stones at the Israeli forces, and thought to myself ‘What are they thinking? They must be out of their minds!
“What we must understand is that the children have not known any other life apart from war. They have been literally robbed of their childhood. They are ‘dying’ to be just normal children,” she said at the National Heart Institute (IJN).
Apart from psycho-social health, Mercy was also planning to re-establish a rehabilitation and prosthetics centre that was destroyed in the bombings.
“Children and adults had to undergo amputation because of the injuries they sustained in the war, and the centre will be able to help them with artificial limbs and therapy,” she said, adding that many also suffered spinal injuries.
Dr Jemilah was sharing her experiences after her recent visit to Gaza.
The IJN has pledged to donate RM50,000 in total for Mercy’s Palestinian relief fund by week’s end.
IJN paediatric cardiology department head Dr Mazeni Alwi said RM15,000 was raised from a day’s earnings donated by all senior staff and RM5,000 came from donation boxes placed in the hospital.
The remaining RM30,000 will be donated by IJN Holdings Sdn Bhd.
“We are looking at working with Mercy on a long-term basis. Apart from donations like this, we also encourage our own staff to volunteer for Mercy, not just for the Palestinian mission, but also for future missions,” he said.

THANKS TO IJN.
For CIMB customers, they can do so by sending cheques payable to Mercy Malaysia or through account no: 1424-000-6561053. Maybank customers may send cheques to Mercy Humantarian Fund and indicate 'Palestine Relief Fund' on the back of the cheque or to account no: 5621-7950-4126. For more information, contact the Mercy Malaysia's Communications and Fundraising Department at 03-2273 3399 or log on to www.mercy.org.my

Coward Waytha hits out at cops for arresting mourners

The police have been lambasted for arresting five people at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre before the start of Kugan Ananthan's funeral procession today.
Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorthy said the arrests revealed police suppression of the people's right to attend public gatherings.
"The actions of the police clearly show that they behave in a manner above the constitution," he said in a statement.
Petaling Jaya police chief Arjunaidi Mohamed said the five were arrested while people were gathering to take part in the funeral procession earlier today.
He added that three men - including Hindraf coordinator RS Thanendran - were arrested for wearing the Hindraf T-shirt. The government had banned the movement last October.
The other two were arrested for attempting to break a police cordon to enter the UMMC mortuary.
Responding to this, Waythamoorthy said that the police action in arresting the five was uncalled for.

tunku : police had issued warnings, so those 5 "cari penyakit". they deserved it.police had done a very good job as they had managed to control the crowd.as for waytha the coward who is leaving in london and flirting around, shut your stinking mouth.if you really cares, be brave enough to come back to malaysia.

Nasaruddin Should Be Asked To Quit, Says Rais

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- The Perak Barisan Nasional (BN) should organise a mass movement to demand that Bota assemblyman Datuk Nasaruddin Hashim gives up the seat to enable a by-election as he has chosen to cross over to Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), said Umno Supreme Council (MT) member Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.
Rais, who is also Foreign Minister, said Nasaruddin won the seat on the BN ticket in the general election and by deserting the coalition, he had betrayed the trust the people had placed in him.
"If I were a Perakian, I would start mobilising all the NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and village chiefs now to demand his resignation. The Perak BN should take this step.
"We (Umno) have thousands of branches in Perak. Umno branches, the Putera, Puteri, Youth and Wanita wings all must speak up. Just voicing in the media is not good enough," he told reporters after handing the letter of appointment to Malaysia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Datuk Othman Hashim, at his ministry here Wednesday.
He added that he was confident the BN would not have any problem winning the seat if a by-election was held.
On Sunday, Nasaruddin, who won the seat by a majority of 2,068 votes against PKR's Usaili Alias in the general election held last March, declared that he was quitting Umno to join PKR.
Following his move, the Pakatan Rakyat government of PAS, DAP and PKR in the state increased its seats to 31 in the State Assembly while the BN's was reduced to 28.
On the call by Umno's disciplinary board chairman Tan Sri Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen Tengku Ismail for the wings in the party to be abolished to check money politics, Dr Rais said each suggestion to improve Umno now would be given its due consideration.
"If the majority feel it would be good for Umno, the MT will definitely take it further," he said.

tunku : rais's suggestion should be implemented through out the country not only in bota.yes, in bota bn should start mobilizing teams to make sure that bota will be bn's once again.nasarudin had cheated the voters there and i am sure only his cronies will follow him, the rest will not join him as leaping frogs.

Malaysia Armed Forces To Deploy Medical Team To Gaza

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) will deploy a 30-member team, comprising doctors and medical officials, in a medical aid mission to Gaza, Palestine.
ATM Chief, Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal said the team would be deployed soon, together with other humanitarian aid delegations.
"This team is ready to go. They are just awaiting instructions from the government. It's our initiative with other agencies involved to lend a helping hand," he told a press conference, here, today.
He said the medical team would be stationed in Palestine between three and four months and will be replaced only if necessary.
"We will also bring along medical equipment including a mobile hospital which not only can offer out-patient treatment but also has facilities for surgery just like a normal hospital," he said.
Abdul Aziz added that ATM was in the midst of finding a suitable location for the team and that it would not have any problem entering Gaza.

For CIMB customers, they can do so by sending cheques payable to Mercy Malaysia or through account no: 1424-000-6561053. Maybank customers may send cheques to Mercy Humantarian Fund and indicate 'Palestine Relief Fund' on the back of the cheque or to account no: 5621-7950-4126. For more information, contact the Mercy Malaysia's Communications and Fundraising Department at 03-2273 3399 or log on to www.mercy.org.my

CIMB Account # 14209-0007389058 or send cheque to Peace Malaysia at B-13-D2,Plaza Mont Kiara,No 2,Jalan Kiara,50480 Kuala Lumpur.AMAN MALAYSIA

The public can send their donations for Gaza via Maybank account 5144 2210 2657 or by sending cheques in the name of 'MRCS International Aid Fund' by writing 'Gaza City' at the back.

Recontest Seats If Anti-Party Hopping Law Is Introduced - Guan Eng

BUTTERWORTH, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng wants the government to set a condition that provides for any elected representative who party hops to recontest the seat in a by-election if the proposed anti-party hopping law is implemented.
Lim, who is also Penang Chief Minister, said the condition was aimed at enabling the elected representative who defected to keep the post but on a new party ticket.
"If they (Barisan Nasional) dare to formulate an anti-party hopping law, they must set that condition. No need (for the elected representatives who defected) to wait for five years to stand for re-election.
"An elected representative who party hops must let go all his posts in his old party and a by-election held after that," he told reporters at a Chinese New Year open house at Dewan Datuk Ahmad Badawi, here, Wednesday.
He was commenting on the proposal by several Umno leaders for the introduction of an anti-party hopping law to ensure a more moral political practice in Malaysia.
Lim also criticised the stand of BN leaders in regarding its elected representatives who crossed over to Pakatan Rakyat (PR) as unprincipled individuals.
"To them, it's okay for PR elected reps to join BN but if it's the other way round, they are labelled unprincipled. If they (BN) are really principled, why don't they introduce an anti-party hopping law to prevent defections?" he said.

tunku : i agree with guan eng on this matter.i wonder why karpal did not responds to nasarudin hopping into pkr as he is very much against party hopping.may be it benefits them, that's why its ok.still the main thing here is nasaruddin had cheated the voters in bota.

My people support me: Nasarudin

IPOH: Bota assemblyman Datuk Nasarudin Hashim has claimed that his constituents were supportive of his decision to quit Umno and join PKR.
The former Parit MP however said that he would meet with his people to properly explain his move to them.
“Many of them agree with my decision (to defect to PKR). I will go down to Bota to give them an explanation,” he said after paying a courtesy visit to Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin at the latter’s office here on Wednesday.
Nizar said that the state government would soon host a function at the Bota stadium for this purpose.
On whether Nasarudin would resign as assemblyman and contest instead under the PKR ticket, Nizar said:
“He does not need to because the regulations do not require it. He will just remain as the Bota assemblyman.
“If he resigns, he faces the risk of not being able to contest for the next five years.”
Both Nizar and Nasarudin also claimed that the latter had not been promised any positions in the Perak state government.
“No, there was no such offer,” said Nasarudin.
Nizar said that Nasarudin’s decision was made based on his own honest desire to work with the Perak government.
“Anyway, if a person makes a decision to defect, he should not be disturbed or pressured by anyone -- his decision should be respected,” he said.

tunku : that is your people, not those who voted for BN in the last GE. We challenge nasarudin, if he rally has the people supports, just resign and contest again on pkr's ticket.

Corruption Main Obstacle To Development Says Tun Mahathir

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 27 (Bernama) -- Corruption is the single most important obstruction to a nation's development, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.
He said corruption was a social disease found all over the world and that no country was absolutely free from the menace and that in some nations, corruption had become institutionalised.
"And corruption is among the most difficult crimes to detect and even more difficult to gain conviction in courts of law. But corruption is the single most important obstruction to a country's development.
"Good decisions cannot be made and even bad decisions would face a lot of delays. In the end most of the investments for the development of the country just could not be made," he said his speech at the Global Competitive Forum at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The text of his speech, entitled "Sharing Malaysia's Experiance in Becoming A Competitive World Player", was made available to Bernama here.
The former prime minister pointed out that contractors for government projects were usually the principal victims of corruption and "just about anything which involves approvals by the authorities would be subjected to demands for illegal gratification."
"With corruption, cost must go up. How much it will go up cannot be ascertained. There is no rate for corruption and there is no certainty that after payments are made there will not be others who will demand for gratification.
"There is corruption in Malaysia, though it was still at the first stage during my time, that is, the corrupt officers still hid their acceptance because they feared being apprehended or they did not like doing wrong openly," said Dr Mahathir.
At this stage, he said it may still be possible to reduce corruption but when it reached the second stage, becoming part of the people's culture, and everyone, from the top to the bottom openly expect and accept bribes, little could be done to stop corruption.
However, he said corruption could be reduced although it cannot be prevented altogether.
"In Malaysia we insisted in shortening the process and the time for making decisions. This we did by introducing manuals of procedures for every type of work, by having work flow charts and desk files for every officer.
"If the time taken to approve or disapprove goes beyond that stipulated in the procedures we would be able to quickly know that something was wrong and we would know where the delay had taken place and the culprit involved," he added.
He said the result of this system was dramatic and suddenly the city of Kuala Lumpur grew, investments were approved, factories were built and all the infrastructure projects took off.
"Admittedly there was still some corruption but not to the extent that the development of the country could not take place or be grossly delayed," said Dr Mahathir.

photo courtesy of bro jinggo

We just want to see justice done: Kugan’s family

PUCHONG: The family of suspected car thief A. Kugan who died in police custody last Tuesday just wants to see justice done and the truth surrounding his death come to light.
His uncle, Ravi Roy, 42, said that the family was not blaming the police force for Kugan’s death, but was merely seeking the truth.
“We are not blaming the entire police force, all we want is for the people who are responsible to be brought to justice,” he said at the Bandar Kinrara home here of Kugan’s parents on Monday.
Kugan collapsed and died during questioning at the Taipan police station in Subang Jaya on Dec 20. An initial post-mortem wrote off his death as involving “no foul play,” saying he had died due to fluid in his lungs but not offering an explanation of how this happened.
However, after Kugan’s family entered the Serdang Hospital mortuary that same day and took photographs of his body, which showed severe bruising, the Attorney-General asked police to re-classify the case as murder.
A second post-mortem was conducted last Sunday, although the report is not out yet.
The 22-year-old is scheduled to be buried at the Puchong crematorium at 2pm on Wednesday. Ravi said the family has been waiting anxiously to lay him to rest as they felt uncomfortable keeping the body in a mortuary for so long.
“However, we had no choice as his body is the only evidence we have on what happened to him,” he said.
Although relieved at finally being able to bury Kugan’s body, Ravi said the family would not rest until those responsible are identified and brought to justice.

tunku : by all means we want JUSTICE for Kugan's death. It is very sad that we have some "bad cops" in our police force. They must be punished and charged under 302 without any doubt.I am very sure Kugan's family will see justice is done.Then again we hope that Kugan's family will not be easily used by some quarters/politicians/groups for their own political mileage.people like anwar,lim kit siang,gobind singh etc should not take this as a political thing.they should be responsible enough to control the situation as things can go bad and that is the last thing we want to see. The PDRM is doing their best, the ministers had gave the assurance.We hope that the procession today is according the the Hindu rituals and rites and not a demonstration.do not make thing worst.This case has nothing to do with race or politics. It is a pure murder case.I would want to thank T Murugiah and Devamany.They had done their best to control the situation earlier.Now let the law do it's part.We do not have to take the law in our own hands.The police too must take this matter as their top priorities and charge the culprits asap.everyone must exercise restraint and be calm. let us all wait for the investigation to be completed

Nasaruddin's Decision Not Surprising, Says Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today described Bota assemblyman Datuk Nasaruddin Hashim's decision to join Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) as not suprising.
"I am not surprised...but he might have his own reasons (to defect) and we should know the reasons," he said.
Ahmad Zahid who was met by reporters after the closing of the Islamic Economic Development Festival 2009 (I-Fest 09) here, said the Barisan Nasional needed to look not only into Nasaruddin's reasons for making the decision, but also that of other assembylmen and MPs who intended to do the same, especially in the opposition-ruled states.
"Perhaps the problem is about allocations, where we (federal government) can help. Maybe they find it difficult to fund activities which they often do as the people's representatives.
"So, assistance should be extended to them so that personal pressure does not become political pressure for these elected representatives," added Ahmad Zahid, who is an Umno Supreme Council member.
Yesterday, Nasaruddin announced his decision to join Parti Keadilan Rakyat which he said was made after due consideration.
Earlier, on the four-day I-Fest which drew about 850,000 visitors, Ahmad Zahid said it was filled with activities, including demonstrations by the Road Safety Department, handicraft demonstrations, cultural performances and a Muslim fashion show.
The festival also featured 243 display and information booths put up by various government agencies, corporate organisations and the private sector, including medium-and small-scale industries.

tunku : so it is all because of RM, not principles.the love for money is more than the love for the people and party.i think these type of creatures should join pakatan en bloc. umno will be better off without these creatures.

Anwar claims more BN reps to defect

KLANG: Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim claims his plans are still on track and more Barisan Nasional elected representatives would cross over to Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
Saying it would occur on a “bi-weekly basis from next month” onwards, the PKR adviser said people have made up their minds and “it’s only a matter of time.”
Anwar told a crowd at the a Chinese New Year celebration held at the Hokkien Association Hall here that “change was imminent and we will surprise you from time to time.”
“Now the ox has come in, just be patient ... we are working hard just like the ox,” he said at the event that was organised by Selangor information chief Datin Paduka Dr Tan Yee Kew, in reference to it being the Lunar Year of the Ox.
After the Opposition’s strong showing in the general election last march, Anwar had promised that he had more than 30 Barisan MPs ready to cross over to the Pakatan Rakyat alliance by Sept 16.
None did and since failing to meet his own deadline, the former deputy prime minister’s voice had been relatively muted on the crossover issue until the defection of Bota assemblyman Datuk Nasaruddin Hashim on Sunday, who quit Umno to join PKR.

tunku : this moron believe in ox.....anyway let see if this moron is walking the talk or just lying as usual.let see from February 09, whether there will be a bi weekly basis for BN Aduns or Mps jumping to pakatan.

Assemblyman's Party Hopping: Perak Umno To Meet Najib Tomorrow

IPOH, Jan 25 (Bernama) -- The Perak Umno Liaison Committee will meet party deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak tomorrow evening to discuss the issue of Bota assemblyman Datuk Nasaruddin Hashim having joined Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) today.
Its chairman Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said Najib was expected to issue a statement after the meeting scheduled to be held in the federal capital.
"I am also asking Datuk Nasaruddin to meet the Umno president (Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) as there is nothing that cannot be resolved. If he is free, he can also meet Najib tomorrow," he told reporters after chairing an emergency meeting of Perak Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblymen, here, Sunday night.
Tajol Rosli also hoped that Nasaruddin would think deeply over his action and return to Umno.
On rumours that a number of BN assemblymen would be joining Pakatan Rakyat, he refuted them, saying they were mere speculation.
Asked whether Nasaruddin had before this voiced out any problems to him, he said Nasaruddin had never done so.
"Perhaps problems could have cropped up since the divisional elections last October where Nasaruddin contested the Bota Umno division chief post against the incumbent Datuk Mohd Zaim Abu Hassan and lost," he said.
Tajol Rosli also said that Nasaruddin had so far not contacted him and his phone calls to him (Nasaruddin) went unanswered, although some Umno members were in contact with him.
"Perhaps he feels embarrassed to speak to me after what happened, but I hope he will reconsider the decision (of joining Pakatan Rakyat) he made today," he added.
Twenty of the 28 Perak BN assemblymen attended the emergency meeting which ended at 11pm, while the rest other than Nasaruddin, were out of the state at the time.

tunku : let him go tajol. there's no point for umno to keep people like him in the party.he had lost the divisional elections last october and he knows that by joining pakatan he will get "more income" and he's paid to do so by anwar.for me umno will be better off without him and people of his type.

Mercy Malaysia To Deploy Seventh Medical Team To Gaza

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 (Bernama) -- For the seventh time, Mercy Malaysia will deploy a team of medical experts to ensure a continuous shipment of medical aid to the Gaza strip.
The team comprising five medical experts, including a psychiatrist and a psychologist, will depart to Egypt tomorrow night before cossing into Gaza to join other medical teams.
The teams are expected to return to Kuala Lumpur on Feb 9.
"The psychiatrist and psychologist in the team will be looking at possibilities to start psychological intervention and mental health support programmes," said its acting president, Dr Ahmad Faizal Perdaus, in a statement here, Sunday.
He said the sixth medical team had found that most health infrastructure and facilities in Gaza were severely damaged.
To date -- since the conflict in Gaza began on Dec 27 and escalated for three weeks -- Mercy Malaysia had sent medical supplies and medicines worth USD400,000. (USD1 = RM3.62)
Dr Ahmad Faizal said Mercy Malaysia would consider procuring more sophisticated medical and surgical equipments to meet the demand for such equipments.
The public can continue to donate to the Palestine Relief Fund through Mercy Malaysia.

For CIMB customers, they can do so by sending cheques payable to Mercy Malaysia or through account no: 1424-000-6561053. Maybank customers may send cheques to Mercy Humantarian Fund and indicate 'Palestine Relief Fund' on the back of the cheque or to account no: 5621-7950-4126. For more information, contact the Mercy Malaysia's Communications and Fundraising Department at 03-2273 3399 or log on to www.mercy.org.my

BN In Challenging Times - Muhyiddin

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 24 (Bernama) -- The Barisan Nasional (BN) should take drastic action to arrest the decline in support.
And, the ruling coalition of 13 political parties should do this fast, Umno deputy president aspirant Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said today.
"We are not concerted in our efforts. Because we are late in instituting changes, many think that Umno will not change. If we take too long a time to change, the people will not wait for us.
"The pre-March 2008 (the last general election where the BN lost its two-thirds majority in Parliament) situation still has not changed.
"We must be more effective and do extraordinary things in extraordinary times," he said at the prize-giving ceremony of the Tan Sri Muhyiddin charity golf tournament at the MINES Golf and Beach Resort here.
Muhyiddin, who is also international trade and industry minister, said it was not only Umno -- the backbone of the BN -- that needed to change, but also all other component parties.
"The longer we wait to initiate changes, the longer we change, the situation gets worse. The people are not going to wait for us. We also have to look at the BN component parties, be it MCA, Gerakan, MIC or other component parties.
"We need drastic changes and Umno must take the lead in this. We are fearful of the situation. There are many programmes that must be implemented and grassroots leaders must work with the leaders at the top to institute these changes," he said.
On the economy, the minister said Malaysia was far better in facing the latest global economic crisis than many other nations.
Muhyiddin, who accompanied Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in his just-concluded visit to Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates said although the nation was not in economic recession, the global economic situation was not getting any better.
"There are some sub-sectors which have already reported a downturn in exports. Electronics and electrical industries have already been hit. The first economic stimulus package is just a start.
"Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is also finance minister, has announced that there is a possiblity of a second stimulus package. Malaysians must remain resilient. Although we are not in recession, we must take steps to cushion the impact of the crisis," he added.
Meanwhile the charity golf tournament today netted RM20,000, which was handed over to the Gaza Humanitarian Fund run by Berita Harian.

tunku : BN must change not only Umno or the other components in it. Now all the parties are moving separately.they are not moving as one. BN should move as ONE again and make the necessarily changes TOGETHER.they should organize things together and join hand in hand to get the support back, not blaming each other and trying to be hero infront of each supporters.

Mercy Malaysia Proposes Projects In Gaza

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 24 (Bernama) -- Mercy Malaysia, which now has eight of its medical volunteers working at the Shahid Annajar Hospital following the Israeli attack on Gaza, has proposed several projects that they can undertake.
Its acting President Dr Ahmad Faizal Perdaus said according to the eight medical volunteers, most of the health infrastructure and facilities had been severely damaged.
"We are considering several options at the Shahid Annajar Hospital, including building and equipping a rehabilitation unit. Another suggestion is for Mercy to support a camp for internally displaced persons in Rafah for six months," he said in a statement here Saturday.
Dr Ahmad Faizal said in times of emergencies, the situation was very fluid as changes happened almost every other minute, thus it was difficult to confirm exactly what Mercy wanted to do and where to work.
"Right now the team in Gaza is working very hard to identify where and how to help and the work is expected to be formalised soon.
"Mercy Malaysia is considering procuring ventilators, orthopaedic apparatus and ultrasound machines as the current demand is for more sophisticated surgical sets."
He said Mercy Malaysia had been able to work for the Gaza survivors because of the generous contributions from the Malaysian public.
The conflict in the Gaza Strip, which began on Dec 27 escalated over three weeks, killing over a thousand and injuring more than 5,000 Palestinians.

For more information and to forward donations to Mercy, call 03-22733399 or log on to www.mercy.org.my.

The Zionist admits using white phosporous in attacks on Gaza

After weeks of strenuous denial that it had used white phosphorous in the heavily populated Gaza Strip, Israel finally admitted today that the controversial weapon had been deployed in its offensive.
The army’s use of white phosphorous — with its distinctive shell burst of dozens of separate smoke trails — was revealed by The Times on January 5, and denied by the army. Now, in the face of mounting evidence and increasing international outcry, Israel has been forced to backtrack on that denial.

UN Calls for Accountability of Death and Destruction in Gaza

The U.N. Relief and Works Agency says a process of accountability must take place to achieve justice for all the death and destruction that occurred as a consequence of the Israeli military incursion into Gaza. UNRWA says the process must be credible and must address the legitimate allegations of both the Israelis and Palestinians.
UNWA director of operations in Gaza, John Ging, says the devastation inflicted upon the Gaza Strip and the hardship endured by the population after 18 months of blockade is overwhelming.
In a briefing to journalists in Geneva from Gaza, Ging says the United Nations is focused on helping the people cope with their grief and their loss.
They are still quite shell-shocked, but there is more and more anger growing. That is why we have been, all of us on the international side, been urgently focusing attention on the necessity for accountability, an incredible mechanism for accountability because we need to channel this emotion to confidence in the rule of law," Ging said.
Ging says there are more extremists now, at the end of the conflict, than there were at the start. He says the Palestinians do not believe they will get justice, they do not believe the rule of law applies to them. He says the international community must prove them wrong.
He says the United Nations wants justice for the Palestinians and justice for the Israelis, who also have suffered. That, he says, is why it is important to have an independent, objective, and credible investigation.
Ging says the ordinary people of Gaza are paying the price of the 18-month siege. He says there is no prospect of recovery unless all crossing points from Israel are opened. "The ordinary people here in Gaza need to be restored to a dignified existence and that cannot occur unless the crossing points are open, every single one of them for the free movement of goods. Not just a trickle of food and medicine and so-called humanitarian assistance, but a full restoration to a normal life here in terms of commercial trade and all the supplies that are needed for one-and-one half million people. And, also to restore the freedom of movement, so that they can come and go from the Gaza Strip as they need to do," he said.
On a related issue, Ging says as an Irishman, he is delighted at the appointment by the Obama administration of former senator George Mitchell as Middle East envoy. He says Mitchell contributed a lot to bringing peace to his country.
And, this, he says, not only gives him hope, but also a cause for optimism that real progress will be made toward peace.

GOD DAMN THE ZIONIST

Year 2009 Won't Be Easy, Says Najib

KUCHING, Jan 23 (Bernama) -- The year 2009 will be full of challenges for Malaysia following the global economic crisis besides the political situation which needs to be strengthened, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
He said the world economic recession created by the United States (US) was not only felt by Malaysia but the other countries in the world as well and it could not be ascertained when the problem would end.
"The year 2009 is not an easy year, I'm not certain what lies ahead. This year will certainly be challenging economically and politically for us," he said when speaking at a dinner with community leaders at the Banquet Hall at the State Legislative Assembly Complex, here Friday night.
He said, however, Malaysia was still fortunate as it could still take on the challenges although the national economic growth was lower in 2008 with an initial projection of 3.5 per cent.
Najib said Malaysians should not be ashamed because compared to other countries, the figure was still high as a neighbouring country which had projected a five-percent growth could only achieve a growth of two per cent last year.
Najib said the government would ensure that the RM7 billion economic stimulus package announced earlier could be utilised especially for housing projects, the hardcore poor development projects, rural and village roads, and other development projects.
"The RM7 billion package must be spent so that the gross domestic product (GDP) could reach 3.5 per cent this year," he said.
He pointed out that the economic factor also had an impact on political stability not only in Malaysia but also the other countries in the world.
He said that Malaysia, under the Barisan Nasional (BN) government, was still able to maintain its record as the strongest government because it had managed to uphold the country's administration for more than 50 years.
Najib said the BN had many agendas to bring changes and transformation to the country and these agendas could not be achieved by changing the existing government.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said although the global economic slowdown was expected to have an impact on Malaysia's economy, it would not affect the overall industrial sector.
He said the heavy industry needed for the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) could still attract the interest of foreign investors.

tunku : 2009 won't be easy for najib too.he must proof to malaysian that he is a capable leader in 2009 .malaysian are waiting and wanting to see the performance of najib.he will have a real hard time.if he make mistakes or all mistakes to happen, then it will be bn's last term as the government.we hope that najib will not let us down like pak lah did.

Najib: No Decision Yet On New LCCT In Labu

PETALING JAYA, Jan 23 (Bernama) -- The government has yet to decide on low-cost carrier AirAsia's proposal to shift KL International Airport's (KLIA) low- cost carrier terminal (LCCT) to Labu in Negeri Sembilan, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today.
"We are looking at it but have yet to make any decision. I cannot pre-empt the decision by making an announcement," he said.
He was speaking to reporters after witnessing the handing over of the Bombardier CL415 amphibious aircraft to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang today.
Najib said the government was studying the Labu LCCT proposal to see "if we can go ahead or we need to make a different arrangement."
To be called KLIA-East @ Labu, the proposed new low-cost carrier terminal is expected to sustain AirAsia's exponential growth as opposed to the LCCT at the KLIA from where it is operating now.
AirAsia chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes earlier this month said that the country's premier low-cost carrier would go bust if it sticks to the KLIA LCCT, as it would be unable to handle passenger growth a few years from now.
The new LCCT, to cost RM1.6 billion on a 2,800-hectare site, would be built under the private financing initiative by conglomerate Sime Darby Berhad and the budget airline.
If the government gives the green light for the project, the new LCCT is expected to be ready by March 2011.

tunku : we hope the government, especially najib will make wise decision. i am sure MAB can be given the task to complete the new LCCT at KLIA by 2011 and not 2014. We do not need another airport at Labu.

Aman Malaysia To Send Doctors To Gaza

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- Aman Malaysia is making preparations to send a team of doctors from this country to provide humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza within a week from today, said its coordinator, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.
He said that the team would try to enter Rafah, including the Gaza Strip to provide emergency aid and medical supplies to the people who were suffering from the bombing attacks by the Israeli regime there.
The team would face great risks when entering the border on the Gaza Strip as the safety was not guaranteed, he told reporters after launching the 'Palestine Fund Night' here, tonight.
He said Aman Malaysia was not launching any fund but had a role in receiving and handing over the funds launched throughout the country to the 'Humanitarian Fund for Palestinians' set up by the Foreign Ministry at Wisma Putra
Mukhriz, who is also chairman of the Umno Youth International Relations and Non-Governmental Organisations Bureau, said all donations received would be managed by the Foreign Ministry which would channel them to bodies entrusted to manage the aid.

The public can send their donations for Gaza via Maybank account 5144 2210 2657 or by sending cheques in the name of 'MRCS International Aid Fund' by writing 'Gaza City' at the back.

More information on the donation can be obtained from www.mercy.org.my or telephone number 03-22733999.

Tengku Abdullah Calls For Total Revamp In FAM

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- Former Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) deputy president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has called for a total revamp in the association's administrative structure.
This could bring back the country's glory in the world number one sport, he said.
He said that after his resignation following the national team's awful defeat in Asian Cup 2007, he found the quality of the squad's performance had worsened.
"It is better for FAM to carry out an in depth post mortem to know the main causes of defeats and improve as soon as possible," said Tengku Abdullah who is now Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) president.
Such a big loss and easily beaten by a lesser known team showed certain weaknesses still existed, he told reporters after the handover of three Hyundai vehicles by Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd to MHF here today.
Last night, United Arab Emirates beat Malaysia 5-0 in the Asian Cup qualifier at Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras.

tunku : the best is let the FAM run by professionals, not the royalties or the politicians. the professionals will have first hand experience about football than the non professionals.it is about time for malaysia's sport bodies to get rid of all the royalties and politicians unless the are professional in the particular fields.if not our sports level will be the same forever, too much politicking.

Bank Negara cuts OPR to 2.5% to boost growth

PETALING JAYA: Bank Negara has slashed its overnight policy rate (OPR) by 75 basis points to 2.5%, its single largest cut since the OPR was introduced in April 2004, outlining its growing concern on economic growth.
The ceiling and floor rates of the corridor for the OPR were correspondingly reduced to 2.75% and 2.25% respectively while the statutory reserve requirement (SRR) was also reduced from 3.5% to 2%, effective Feb 1, the central bank said.
“With the heightened downside risks to growth, the magnitude of the reductions in the OPR and the SRR is aimed to be pre-emptive in providing a more supportive monetary environment for the domestic economy,” Bank Negara said in a statement yesterday.
Bank Negara last reduced the OPR in November by 25 basis points to 3.25%, its first cut since May 2006.
The sharper deterioration of the global economy is expected to have a greater impact on the Malaysian economy with the large decline in external demand already seen.
“These developments have also affected labour market conditions. Under these circumstances, the urgent implementation of policy measures will be key towards ensuring the Malaysian economy continues to experience positive growth in 2009,” Bank Negara said.
Inflation continued to decelerate to 4.4% in December 2008, a seven-month low from 5.7% the month before, due largely to lower fuel prices.
The deceleration is expected to continue in line with the weaker demand conditions and lower imported inflation.
Lower inflation essentially allows policy-makers the flexibility to lower rates.
Aseambankers chief economist Suhaimi Illias said the pace of the deterioration on the global front was creating the urgency for the central bank to act aggressively and that he did not expect such large quantum of reductions in both borrowing cost and SRR, which is the amount of reserve capital that banking institutions place with the central bank.
A lower SRR translates into more loanable funds to consumers.
“Its drastic move also seems to suggest that the central bank is done with cutting rates at least for the first half of the year,” he said.
Citi Asia Pacific economics and market analysis vice-president Kit Wei Zheng described Bank Negara’s move as “very bold” and “probably a sign that recession may be hitting home.”
Exports and industrial production have been falling for the past months alongside layoffs and a fall in loan approvals.
The Government is targeting a 3.5% growth this year with certain quarters projecting 2.5%, the lowest growth rate in at least eight years.

tunku : a very good decision by bank negara indeed. not like a moron who increased the interest rate during economic crisis in 97/98. thank God he was sacked otherwise till today we are still owing to IMF big time.

Action against DAP councillor who called for lottery ban

Disciplinary action will be taken against a DAP councillor from Shah Alam over his call to ban all lottery sales in Selangor.
Party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said Ang Leng Kiat's proposal was not the party's policy. He, however, did not elaborate on the kind of action to be taken.
Early this week, Ang proposed that the Shah Alam City Council withdraw licenses already issued and to discontinue the issuance of new permits to lottery outlets. He had also stressed that his suggestion was not related to political or religious considerations, but was solely aimed at solving social problems linked to gambling.
Selangor DAP chairman Ean Yong Hian Wah had since distanced the party from the decision. Ean, the Seri Kembangan assemblyman and Selangor state executive councillor, said any such ban would not eradicate social problems.
The party had requested Ang to retract his suggestion, as banning the lottery industry would create controversy.
Last November, Lim had asked the government to consider reducing the number of lottery draws from 10 to six. He had said that he felt this was necessary as having 10 lottery draws a week was too many and that it would deplete the income of many families, especially in view of the current economic situation.
There are now three draws from Magnum, three from Damacai and four from Sports Toto in a week.

tunku : I just want to know pas and pkr's stands on this issue.