Debate: Hadi Wants To Meet Nik Aziz

KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 (Bernama) -- PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said today that he was not informed by the party's spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat on his wanting to debate with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on PAS-Umno issues.
Met by reporters at the Parliament lobby today, Abdul Hadi who is also Marang MP, said he would meet Nik Aziz for more information on the matter.
Nik Aziz recently issued a challenge for an open debate with Najib following a police report lodged by Kelantan Umno Youth over the Menteri Besar's defamatory statement against Umno at a ceramah (public talk) in Manik Urai, Kuala Krai, Kelantan.
PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub even suggested that the debate be carried live on television to show the democratic practice of the country's leaders.
However, Kulim Bandar Baharu MP Zulkifli Noordin from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) disagreed with the idea of an open debate and suggested that the two sides find a more suitable platform to discuss the issues towards forging Malay and Muslim solidarity.
"I prefer a closed-door dialogue or group discussion. Then we will be able to identify the problems that have contributed to the current uneasy situation. It'll be more effective while an open debate will not benefit anyone," he said at the Parliament lobby.
"The dialogue must also have a moderator who is well-versed in Islam and issues involving the community so that it will be a smooth dialogue," added Zulkifli.

Islam prefers discussions to debates

tunku : nik aziz has never discuss things with others.he just says anything comes to his mouth without thinking.that is why he can say bad words to others though people regards him as ulama.if only he is true ulama.....only evils likes to fight all the time.

Nik Aziz's Debate Call A Waste Of Time - Rais

KUALA KLAWANG, June 28 (Bernama) -- Pas general adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat's call for a public debate with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to end the political stir between his party and Umno is a waste of time.
Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim who said this today, explained that the proposal would not bring any meaning in resolving any issue including Pas' unity government idea.
"Instead, to reach a consensus is better than having a debate because Pas and Umno members are of the same race and religion," he told reporters after opening the Kampung Gagu Umno meeting near here.
Rais who is Umno supreme council member and Jelebu Umno chief, said there was no reason for debate and if there were issues, it would be better to achieve common grounds.
"Out of a sudden -- there's no storm, no rain -- we're going to have a debate. What are the issues?
"The debate will not bring anything. In fact, I believe now is not the time for the government or the prime minister to spend time debating," he said.

tunku : what type of ulama is this? no unity talks but wants a debate. he is always in full gear to fight umno,he is full of hatred.instead of championing unity among the ummah,he is encouraging fights and hatred. what happened to nik aziz? please act like an ulama.

DPM Wants To Discuss Cooperation With BN Leaders

MUAR, June 27 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has asked Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders to discuss cooperation on issues affecting the various races in the country.
He said this was important so that the people did not regard the party as weak and divided on all issues.
"Different views aired by BN component leaders will make them look inconsistent. We don't want them to sacrifice BN's principles just to become a party hero," he said after opening the Pagoh MCA annual general meeting at Tanjung Selabu, Jorak near here Saturday.
Muhyiddin who is also Umno deputy president said efforts should be made to strengthen the party and prevent the Opposition from capitalising on the different views of BN leaders.
The Education Minister also said the government has an open mind and was prepared to listen to views aimed at reforming the national education policy.
However, the views should be aimed at improving the policy and not against the policy as enshrined in the federal constitution.
Muhyiddin regretted that certain newspapers had twisted his meeting with National Type Chinese School Associations although it went on smoothly.

tunku : this approach is far better than discussing with the opposition. the bn should sit down more often together to discuss cooperation and unity among them.a united bn will make life miserable for pakatan.forget about the talk with pas,do it among bn members.

King of Pop Michael Jackson is dead

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Michael Jackson, the child star turned King of Pop who set the world dancing but whose musical genius was overshadowed by a bizarre lifestyle and sex scandals, died on Thursday. He was 50.
Jackson was pronounced dead at about 2:26 p.m. PDT (2126 GMT) after arriving at a Los Angeles hospital in full cardiac arrest, said Fred Corral of the Los Angeles County Coroner's office. The cause of death was not known and an autopsy would likely take place on Friday, he said.
Jackson's sudden death had been reported earlier by U.S. media, which said he was taken ill at his home and rushed to the hospital by paramedics who found him not breathing when they arrived.
Known as the "King of Pop," for hits that included "Thriller" and "Billie Jean," Jackson's dramatic, one-gloved stage presence and innovative dance moves were imitated by legions of fans around the world.
He transformed music videos and his lifetime record sales tally is believed to be around 750 million, which, added to the 13 Grammy Awards he received, made him one of the most successful entertainers of all time.
But Jackson's belief that "I am Peter Pan in my heart", his preference for the company of children, his friendship with a chimp, his high-pitched voice and numerous plastic surgeries also earned him critics and the nickname "Wacko Jacko."
Jackson, who had lived as a virtual recluse since his acquittal in 2005 on charges of child molestation, had been scheduled to launch a comeback tour from London next month.
Quincy Jones, who helped arrange the music on the album "Thriller" and produced the "Off the Wall" album, told MSNBC: "I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news."
"For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words. I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."

SOLD-OUT SHOWS

Jackson had been due to start a series of concerts in London on July 13 running until March 2010. The singer had been rehearsing in the Los Angeles area for the past two months. The shows for the 50 London concerts sold out within minutes of going on sale in March.
"Rarely has the world received a gift with the magnitude of artistry, talent, and vision as Michael Jackson," said Neil Portnow, president and CEO of The Recording Academy in a statement.
"He was a true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility, and sheer star power carried him from childhood to worldwide acclaim."
There were concerns about Jackson's health in recent years but the promoters of the London shows, AEG Live, said in March that Jackson had passed a 4-1/2 hour physical examination with independent doctors.
Outside the hospital in Los Angeles about 200 fans and reporters gathered on Thursday, waiting for confirmation of Jackson's death or condition.
Some fans were crying and hugging each other, and others were climbing atop fences to get a better look at a microphone stand where a news conference was supposed to take place.
"I hope he's gone to God, and I hope that he's free of all the troubles he's been plagued with," Tonya Blazer, 50, who said she had been a fan going back more than four decades to his days as a child star.
"I just feel like I'm paying tribute to him," said Dawn Burgess, 42, a fan who said she had posters of Michael pinned to her bedroom wall when she was a child.

CHILD STAR TO MEGASTAR

Jackson was born on Aug. 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, the seventh of nine children. Five Jackson boys -- Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael -- first performed together at a talent show when Michael was 6. They walked off with first prize and went on to become a best-selling band, The Jackson Five, and then The Jackson 5.
Jackson made his first solo album in 1972, and released "Thriller" in 1982, which became a smash hit that yielded seven top-10 singles. The album sold 21 million copies in the United States and at least 27 million worldwide.
The next year, he unveiled his signature "moonwalk" dance move while performing "Billie Jean" during an NBC special.
In 1994, Jackson married Elvis Presley's only child, Lisa Marie, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1996. Jackson married Debbie Rowe the same year and had two children, before splitting in 1999. The couple never lived together.
Jackson has three children named Prince Michael I, Paris Michael and Prince Michael II, known for his brief public appearance when his father held him over the railing of a hotel balcony, causing widespread criticism.
New Yorkers and tourists in the city's Times Square were shocked at the news of Jackson's death.
"I don't know what to say. It's sad, it's really, really sad," said Nicole Smith, an 18-year-old student from Brooklyn, New York, in Times Square. "My mother was a fan. I listened to his music."
"I'm shocked. I thought someone was lying to me when I first heard it. I was a fan from when he was a little boy and then he got weird," said Sue Sheider, 51, a teacher from Long Island.

MAY HE REST IN PEACE

Mega Sale Carnival To Have Middle Eastern Flavour: Yen Yen

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- This year's Malaysian Mega Sale Carnival (MMSC) with the theme "Malaysia Your Shopping Oasis" from July 4 to August 31, will have Middle Eastern flavour.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said Tourism Malaysia would be introducing various events based on the Middle-East concept.
A showcase of Middle Eastern music and performances, called the Samrah Festival, would be held at Bukit Bintang every Friday and Saturday from July 10, she told a press conference here Thursday.
She also said awards would be given to shopping malls and retailers who decorated their premises according to the theme.
"Categories for the Best Window Display Contest include departmental stores, specialty stores and food and beverages outlets while categories for the MMSC 2009 July Shopping Centres award include Central Bussiness District shopping centres and Suburban shopping centres," she added.
She said Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, would launch MMSC 2009 on July 5 at Pavilion KL in Bukit Bintang.
Forty-four foreign journalists and television crews who were invited to Malaysia under the Mega Familiarisation programme in conjuction with the event would also be there. They were from Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, China, India, Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.
Asked about the low occupancy rate for the homestay programme, Ng said the ministry was reviewing it with a view to revitalising the programme.
"Homestay is a rural tourism economy and many foreign tourists prefer to stay at a homestay as they want to experience life in the village," she said.
Unfortunately, the homestay operators had not really understood the concept, she added.

tunku : if i am a tourist i would want to see something different from my country when i travel abroad.what's the point seeing the things that is in your own backyard unless it is meant for domestic tourist. malaysia should create to different scenario/environment where the tourist can only find it here and have new experiences.

Indonesia to stop sending maids to Malaysia

JAKARTA: Indonesia ordered employment agencies to stop sending its citizens to Malaysia to work as maids following a flood of complaints from domestic workers that their employers abused them, a government minister said Thursday.
The measure will take effect Friday and remain in place until safeguards are implemented in Malaysia, Indonesian Manpower Minister Erman Suparno said after meeting officials from three other Indonesian ministries in the capital here.
High-level talks will be held July 15 with Malaysian counterparts to seek a resolution, he said.
More than 300,000 Indonesian women work as maids in Malaysia. Around 3,000 new maids head for Malaysia every month, most of them placed through specialised employment agencies, the Manpower Ministry said.
Maids file up to 150 complaints every month with authorities in Indonesia, alleging ill treatment, overwork, unpaid salaries and physical abuse in Malaysia.
Malaysian Home Minister Hishamuddin Hussein said Wednesday that his country may have to look elsewhere “to fill the country’s needs.”
“If their maids were not allowed to work here, then in the spirit of neighborliness, we will respect their decision,” The Star quoted him as saying.
The latest case to gain media attention involved a 33-year-old Indonesian maid who escaped this month, claiming she was scalded with hot water and beaten.
Police detained her Malaysian employer, who faces up to 20 years in jail and a fine or whipping is convicted in court of causing grievous hurt.
“We want to protect our migrant workers from contract violations and physical abuse,” Suparno told reporters after the meetings.

tunku : malaysia must respect indonesia decision and help them to send back all the illegal indonesian in malaysia. they should start doing it on a bigger scale of operation.malaysia should explore new countries for our maids demand.we do not have to get 3rd class maids from indonesia.get from myanmar,thailand,india ,sri lanka etc.

Unity govt: PM denies ‘splitting PAS’ accusations

KUALA LUMPUR: The Prime Minister brushed off suggestions by certain quarters in PAS that the unity government proposal was an Umno ploy to split PAS.
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak asked how Umno could be blamed when the idea for the unity talks came from PAS.
“I think even in PAS there are differences in views. It may not necessarily be the view of the leadership. Some agree to it while others don’t. We can’t say that the view is that of PAS leaders or the PAS stance,” he told reporters after officiating the National Baitulmal convention 2009 at the Federal Territory Mosque here Wednesday.
Najib was asked to respond to a briefing on the unity government proposal by PAS recently, which suggested that the move was Umno’s agenda whose real motive was to split PAS and divide Pakatan Rakyat.
The briefing was held to defuse tension following Pakatan’s rejection of a unity government with Umno or Barisan Nasional,
Asked to comment about several Malay non-governmental organisations expressing regret over the rejection of the unity government idea, he said: “Most Muslims have similar views on this matter because unity and efforts to protect interests of the community are something that must go on.
“It is something that is deemed as compulsory by religion. Politics should not go beyond what was demanded by religion.”
He said the unity government idea should go beyond politics because it was a national issue in the interest of the people.
On whether the unity government would go against the 1Malaysia concept he was promoting, Najib said: “It does not mean that we are rejecting the non-Muslims. The non-Muslims still have their role to play. Their interest will always be protected by the Government.”

Earlier, Najib proposed that a national-level Baitulmal entity be established to coordinate assets belonging to Muslims in Malaysia.
Sometimes translated as “house of currency”, Baitulmal in the Malaysian context functions as a collection and distribution centre for zakat (Muslim property tax) and fitrah (alms).
He wants a thorough and detailed study on the Federal Constitution and legal issues related to Baitulmal, including those under the relevant state governments be conducted.
“For instance, the role of Federal Baitulmal that is proposed should not compete with that of the state Baitulmal. In other words, the role should be clear, creative and innovative for the welfare of the Muslims.”
These are among five proposals he outlined to update the role of Baitulmal, which is currently managed by the state religious council.
Other proposals are:
* Baitulmal should be corporatised and professionals be appointed to to lead the institution so that it would have locus standi to carry operations more effectively.
* New sources of growth be explored as Baitulmal funds. Islamic scholars should contribute knowledge and expertise to find new and contemporary sources of growth to strengthen its funds.
* Baitulmal operators should play a more effective role in community development activities.
* Existing Baitulmal products should go through a rebranding process to suit the globalisation climate.
When asked to elaborate on the matter, Najib said : “The proposal was related to power and provisions under the Federal Constitution. The Sultan has the power over religious matter. I brought it up so that it will be studied. It is not a resolution.
“The convention has to debate it. We cannot say whether it is good or bad because there are many aspects to it especially relating to power. There has to be an indepth study because such matters are very sensitive.”

tunku : majority regrets that pas rejected their own proposal just because they were under pressure from the erdogan's group in their party and of course from their superior partners that is pkr and dap. pas is no longer the party it used to be.they are under full control of anwar ibrahim.

Mahathir: Political Leaders Need To Be Disciplined

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- A political leader needs to be disciplined and willing to set aside his personal interest in his bid to develop his country, said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
"In thinking, you need to be quite disciplined because disciplined thinking is likely to produce the desired results."
He said this in his keynote address titled "Asian Political Leadership: Disciplined Thinking For Change" at the 14th International Conference on Thinking (ICOT) 2009 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, here, Tuesday.
The five-day conference, which began on Monday, is attended by about 500 participants from 42 countries, including Malaysia.
Dr Mahathir also said that the ability of Malaysia to face the economic crisis in 1997 was due to the disciplined thinking process conducted by the government then.
It was able to produce a device to save the country from the economic crisis, unlike those who accepted the alternative solution offered by the world monetary fund body, he said.
Dr Mahathir said it was good "to be a little bit suspicious with the solution offered by others".
He said the decisions of political leaders also played an important role, especially in determining whether the country progressed or regressed.
"A good example can be seen in the modern and very developed Japan after its political leaders decided to emulate the European countries. This also goes for China, how under Deng Xiao Ping the country had moved towards modernisation.
"Now China is the world's major manufacturing country and they can even produce almost everything. Although some say the products are of low quality, I believe they can be improved eventually," he said.
However, Dr Mahathir cautioned that once a person was in power, it would be difficult to remove him even though he was not a good leader and had brought damage to his country.
"Under the democratic system, one has to wait until the next election to remove or change the bad leader, and in the meantime, the people in the country will suffer," he said.
Dr Mahathir opined that the leadership quality required in Asian countries differed from that in Europe due to the difference in culture.
"In Europe, their ideas are almost identical and their situations allow them to copy each other, but it is different with Asian countries where their value systems and culture differ. As a result, the development in Asia has not been uniform," he said.
To a question from the floor on the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics in English, Dr Mahathir said Malaysians had to learn the language of knowledge in order to have access to the latest discoveries or theories in Science and Technology which used English as its main language.
"Although we learn best in our native languages, we cannot expect other people to continue or always be there to translate the information or findings in other languages solely for our benefit," he said.

photo courtesy of bro jinggo

tunku : Malaysia was blessed to have 2 previous good leaders, they were Tun Razak and Tun Mahathir.

PAS 'No' To Unity Talks Shows Insincerity

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 (Bernama) -- PAS' decision to reject the unity government talks proposed by president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang is proof of its insincerity.
Leaders of Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) said today the decision made by PAS was expected.
Umno information chief Ahmad Maslan said PAS could start unity talks with Umno and BN as it has 23 seats in parliament and ruled Kedah and Kelantan.
"I had expected DAP and PKR to reject the PAS proposal on the unity government talks," he said in a statement here Monday.
PAS, DAP and PKR today rejected the proposed unity government talks mooted by Abdul Hadi.
Ahmad said unity would not only benefit the Malays and Bumiputeras but also Malaysians in general.
"I hope that unity talks between PAS, Umno and BN can start as it will benefit the people," said the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department.
Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat was more keen on talks with DAP than Umno.
"What is wrong in talking about it? PAS should be sincere by rejecting the proposal outright," said the Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Minister.
Gerakan president Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon described the PAS decision as "wayang kulit" (shadow play).
"It is expected as the Opposition are at odds with each other. BN will not stand in the way of unity for the people's sake," said the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department.
Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin said he was disappointed with the PAS decision.
"It is disappointing for the Malays. We can't even talk what more form a government," said the Deputy Finance Minister.
However, Umno Youth deputy chief Datuk Razali Ibrahim said he was not disappointed with the PAS decision,"It is up to them as they were the ones who proposed the unity talks. We are only concerned for the future of the country," said the Deputy Youth and Sports Minister.
Pasir Mas member of parliament Datuk Ibrahim Ali said PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had influenced the PAS decision.
"PAS' support for the proposal will deprive Anwar of the chance to become Prime Minister. He is only using PAS as a tool. I am not shocked by the decision," he said.

tunku : the whole thing was mooted and proposed by hadi awang and now he says NO. can we call him a munafik? pas had shown their true colours.they are not interested in unity,they are only there for themselves. umno and bn should move forward without these type of munafiks. they can bring harm to umno and bn, better to stay away from them.today it has proven that pas is under the full control of pkr and dap.they have no say and no power in pakatan.now we understand, the malays disunity created by pas.

Malay Unity Crucial To 1Malaysia: Mukhriz

JITRA, June 21 (Bernama) -- Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Tun Mahathir said it would be difficult to realise the "1Malaysia" concept if the Malays are not united.
He said the Malays played an important role in ensuring the country's progress as they are the majority in the country.
"If they are not united, how are we going to realise the 1Malaysia concept? This will not only be detrimental to the Malays but also to other races," he told reporters after opening the A-II Area Farmers' Organisation's general meeting in Kodiang, near here, Sunday.
He said that the Malays, as the pillar in making 1Malaysia a reality, should lead the way and be an example to others.
"When we talk about Malay unity, we are not talking from the racism point of view. We have accepted the fact that there cannot be a government which is led 100 per cent by Malay leaders... we have been practising power sharing for so long," he said.
Meanwhile, in KLANG, Selangor, MCA vice-president Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the Chinese had been reacting positively to the 1Malaysia concept mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
He said the Chinese community appreciated the changes introduced by the prime minister especially in spurring economic growth through stimulus packages and economic liberalisation.
"The Chinese believe the 1Malaysia concept will bring the country to greater heights and they are working hard towards making it a reality," he told reporters after opening the Kapar MCA meeting.
Liow, who is the Health Minister, said the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and various other Chinese organisations would hold a dinner at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre on Saturday as a sign of support to the prime minister.

tunku : mukhriz is right.if the malays are united, it will benefits all not only them.there will be less politicking and more action.if the malays are divided and fighting each other the country will not progress thus other races too will not enjoy progress.the malays can't rule malaysia by themselves,the other races should not worry on their unity.malaysia will still be governed like it has been for more than 50 years by sharing.BN has been successful in doing it.though there are hiccups but there are more success to it.With the Vision 2020 and 1Malaysia concept,Malaysia will achieve brighter future,Insyaallah.

Happy Fathers Day

" Happy Father's Day "


A Dad is a person
who is loving and kind,
And often he knows
what you have on your mind.
He's someone who listens,
suggests, and defends.
A dad can be one
of your very best friends!
He's proud of your triumphs,
but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient
and helpful and strong
In all that you do,
a dad's love plays a part.
There's always a place for him
deep in your heart.
And each year that passes,
you're even more glad,
More grateful and proud
just to call him your dad!
Thank you, Dad...
for listening and caring,
for giving and sharing,
but, especially, for just being you!
Happy Father's Day

I LOVE YOU DAD

Tun Dr Mahathir Unsure Petronas Chairman To Be Replaced

IPOH, June 20 (Bernama) -- Petronas advisor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today he had heard that another person would be appointed chairman of the national oil corporation to take over from Tan Sri Hassan Merican but he did not know how far this was true.
The former prime minister said he was only an advisor without executive powers and, as Petronas came under the jurisdiction of the prime minister, appointments to any post in the corporation would depend on the decision of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
"Perhaps, this other person is more efficient than Hassan Merican. Perhaps, he can bring in more profits. How do we know?" he said when asked whether it would be the right move to replace Hassan as the chairman. Hassan is also the Petronas president and CEO.
There has been talk over the last several months that Omar Mustapha Ong, the special officer to Najib when he was the deputy prime minister, would be appointed a director of Petronas while former home minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar would be appointed chairman.
Dr Mahathir spoke at a news conference after the general meeting to set up the Gagasan Melayu Perak, here.
Asked whether he was satisfied with Najib's leadership, Dr Mahathir said: "I did not say that I am satisfied; I did not say that I am not satisfied. I commented on the election of people involved in corruption to the party leadership. That is what I am not agreeable with," he said.
Meanwhile, asked to comment on an article in his blog, www.chedet.cc, where he had likened Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew to a little emperor, Dr Mahathir said Lee was an arrogant leader who tried to teach the leaders of neighbouring countries.
"He gives priority to his country and tells us that we are the hinterland. Even from before, I have not been that compatible with him," he said.
On Lee's recent eight-day visit to Malaysia, Dr Mahathir said he would not know whether former leaders of Malaysia would be accorded similar treatment in the republic as was given to Lee during the trip to Malaysia.
Earlier, in his speech at the function, Dr Mahathir said the future of the Malays would be bleak if Umno leaders continued to place their own interests above that of race, religion and country.
"Umno no longer champions the interests of the Malays but has become a platform for people to seek status and titles. That was why the Malays did not vote for Umno in the 12th general election because they were disappointed with such a situation," he said.

tunku : if najib replaces hassan merican with cartoons like mustapha ong and syed hamid then it will be his biggest mistake.petronas will be "sdn bhd" for certain people.we hope najib will not make such foolish action.hassan merican has being doing very well, LET HIM STAY THERE.

Chua Says Pas-Umno Unity Talks Good For The People

PASIR PUTEH, June 20 (Bernama) -- MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek said today the proposed unity government between PAS and Umno would help stabilise the country's political situation.
He said any party could discuss the issue of unity as it would benefit the people on the whole.
"We are confident that the talks would not affect unity among the races," he told reporters here.
The idea for a unity government between PAS and Umno was mooted by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang but was opposed by PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.
Chua said that the unity government was in line with the "1Malaysia" concept mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
He refuted claims that the talks would only benefit the Malays, saying he was confident that the Barisan Nasional under the leadership of Najib would continue to practice power-sharing.
"We have been a partner in the BN since the past 52 years and we are confident that Umno is aware of its responsibility to the people of Malaysia," he said.

tunku : see, bn component parties do not have any problem with umno and pas unity talks but nik aziz and co has a very big problem with it.of course dap and pkr too has big problem with it.hopefully nik aziz will be given "hidayah".

Indonesia threat to cut maid supply

KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesia has threatened to temporarily stop providing domestic help to Malaysia.
Indonesian ministers, its national police chief, and the Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia are expected to hold a meeting with Malaysian representatives on Monday for a preliminary evaluation.
The threat comes after the report two weeks ago of Siti Hajar, the Indonesian maid who was allegedly scalded with hot water by her employer, for whom she had been working since 2006.
“There are proposals to consider to stop sending maids to Malaysia for a few months, to review and improve the system and discuss problems faced by maids such as abuse and unpaid salary,” said Indonesian Embassy labour attache Teguh Hendro Cahyono.
“We understand that Malaysia is not the only country (with maid abuse cases). There are also a lot of cases in Saudi Arabia. In Singapore, there have been instances of maids jumping off buildings.”
Teguh said Malaysia was considered the last option for Indonesian domestic helpers due to the low pay and abuse cases.
While Hong Kong and Taiwan pay a maid between RM1,300 and RM1,600 per month, and Saudi Arabia and Singapore offer between RM800 and RM900, Indonesian maids who work here are paid a minimum monthly wage of RM600, he said.
Asked about the general view that Indonesian maids were the most problematic — with a high number of runaway cases — compared to maids from other countries, Teguh said that was a stigma on their domestic help.
“This is a prejudice towards them, which jeopardises the relationship between employers and maids. The employers generally perceive the maids as untrustworthy — that they would run away whenever they have the chance to.
“Hence, they would try to restrict their freedom such as by keeping their passport.”
Likewise, he said the maids felt that the employers were mean.
“Most of the maids who run away do so because they are not paid or because they suffer abuse at the hands of their employer, or that they don’t get any rest at all,” he said.
Malaysian Association of Foreign Maid Agencies (Papa) president Datuk Raja Zulkepley Dahalan estimated that 7,000 employers would be affected if Indonesia stops sending maids to Malaysia.
In Malacca, Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr. S. Subramaniam said the opposition towards the Government’s proposal to make it compulsory for employers to give their foreign maids a day-off from work each week was not surprising.
“Although they know that they should give the day-off, they have their own view that there would be negative effects following the decision,” he told reporters after attending a meet-the-client session at Wisma Perkeso in Ayer Keroh yesterday.
He was asked to comment on the result of a SMS poll carried out by The Star on the proposal where 76.1% of the 769 respondents indicated their disapproval with only 23.9% agreeing to the idea.

tunku : the government should allow maids to come from other poor countries.we should not rely on indonesia.if indonesia threat us to stop sending the maid, we too should stop taking indonesian labour.see who suffers more.indonesia should behave, they can't threat us all the time, we need to threat them back.by right this thing should be discuss in proper manner not by threating.there are more bad maids than good maids from indonesia but we are not complaining.

Muhyiddin urges PAS to let bygones be bygones

KUALA KRAI: Deputy UMNO president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin urged PAS to let bygones be bygones, forget conflict and revenge, and get down to unity talks for the betterment of Muslims.
The Deputy Prime Minister said Umno wanted talks on a unity government to be speeded up.
He said that he wanted the talks to materialise because he feared that if the matter was allowed to prolong it would create disunity among the Muslims.
"We will not impose any conditions and we accept whatever terms set by PAS. As far as I'm concerned, we have to be open," Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, told reporters after a special meeting with educationists at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Sok here.
He urged PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat to forget about the conflicts between PAS and Umno in the 70s when both parties cooperated to form the Kelantan state government. But PAS later pulled out because of internal problems.
"As Muslims we are encouraged to forgive. That was in the past," he said.
Muhyiddin said PAS leaders who were disagreeable should see that the past conflicts had occurred under the old administration and PAS was now helmed by new leaders with a new direction and objective.
Nik Abdul Aziz, who strongly opposed the unity government proposal, told Nasharuddin Mat Isa on Wednesday to quit as PAS deputy president and Member of Parliament for Bachok and join Umno if he persisted in discussing the matter with Umno.
Muhyiddin said Nik Abdul Aziz's rejection of the proposal was an internal matter which PAS had to resolve.
To him, the important thing was PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang's aspiration to make the unity government a success, he said, adding that PAS must make the first move to initiate the effort.
" We hope (that the meeting takes place) in the next few days, anytime, no problem," he added.
He said that initially the meeting should be between PAS and Umno only before the matter was discussed in a comprehensive manner with component parties of Barisan Nasional and the opposition alliance.
On claims by the opposition that Umno was weak for wanting to work with PAS, Muhyiddin said the Barisan was still strong in the government as was evident from the fact that it had more MPs than the opposition in the Dewan Rakyat.
Earlier, in his speech, he said it was Umno's aspiration to see Muslims in the country united and of one mind despite having different political ideologies.
It saddened him to see the Muslims disunited now, all because of political differences which caused unity and integration among the Muslims to be sidelined, he said.

tunku : till there is nik aziz, pas will not able to let the bygones be bygones. there will always be hatred, revenge etc. i wonder which kitab this tok guru is reading?

Umno Has No Ulterior Motive, Says Mukhriz

KOTA BAHARU, June 18 (Bernama) -- Umno has no ulterior motive in reacting positively to the proposed unity government mooted by PAS, Jerlun Member of Parliament Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said.
He said the idea of a unity government between Umno and PAS, if realised, would be able to unite the Malays, who were now split.
"We have no other intentions. What we do is solely to achieve the best for all. We are now facing stiff challenges as a result of the world economic recession.
"We don't have time for a lengthy political polemic, which in the end does not bring any benefit to the people, when we should be looking for economic solutions," he told reporters at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital's (HUSM) World Blood Donors Day celebration in Kubang Kerian here Thursday.
Mukhriz, who is Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister, said all parties should be more rational since the proposal for the unity government was still at an early stage.
"What is important is for us to be rational, don't be emotional, and be sincere about it for the sake of religion, race and the country. I hope none of us will over-react to it," he added.

tunku : we can clearly see those opposing to this idea is from the opposition.the ruling coalition is not reacting on this issue but the pakatan is over reacting and hitting at each other but then again i agree with what Dr M has to say about this issue,read here.

No Decision On Third Bridge Yet - Najib

SAMARAHAN, June 18 (Bernama) -- The government has not decided whether to go ahead with the proposed building of the third bridge linking Malaysia and Singapore.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the matter was still at the proposal stage, and an indepth study must be carried out before implementing it to determine whether it would benefit both countries.
"There is no final decision on the matter yet as we have to see whether the third bridge project is viable or not," he told reporters after attending a leader-meet-people function in Kampung Pichin, Serian, here, Thursday.
Najib was asked to comment on the Sultan of Johor's stand that he disagreed with the building of the proposed third bridge in east Johor, which was conveyed by the Tunku Mahkota of Johor when the latter spoke at the opening of the Johor State Legislative Assembly sitting in Johor Baharu today.
The prime minister said there was still a lot of time to discuss the matter with the Sultan and the Johor government to find the best solution if the proposed project were to proceed.
Najib said also, no party had been appointed to do a feasibility study on the bridge project as the project must first be agreed upon by Singapore.
The prime minister recently announced Singapore's interest in building the third bridge with Malaysia and this was conveyed to him by its Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew when Lee met Najib in Putrajaya.

tunku : just don't think about the third bridge,it is not viable and will not bring any benefit to us.just continue with the crooked bridge and we need not concern from singapore to build it on our side as what was planned earlier.

Sultan of Johor rejects third bridge proposal

The Sultan of Johor, in his state assembly opening speech, has rejected the proposed third bridge linking Malaysia and Singapore.
The message was delivered by the Regent of Johor Tengku Ibrahim Ismail during his royal address to officiate the state assembly sitting this morning.
"I was told by the sultan to convey his disagreement to the proposal," he was quoted as saying in a news report.
The third-bridge was mooted by Najib who claimed that Singapore was equally receptive to the idea.

tunku : i strongly agrees with sultan of Johor. we don't need the third bridge. we need a bridge to replace the causeway not an additional bridge. the problem is with the causeway.it should be demolished.singapore does not want that and they had proposed for the third bridge. the crooked bridge is still the best solution. the Sultan too want the crooked bridge to be built. if singapore want a straight bridge, then demolish the causeway and build a straight bridge there. it is waste of money to build a third bridge which is located very far away from JB town.

Maids Can Use Off Day To Settle Personal Matters - Indonesian Embassy

KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 (Bernama) -- The compulsory one off day every week proposed for foreign maids will give about 300,000 Indonesian maids working in Malaysia an opportunity to settle their personal matters.
Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia, Tan Sri Prof Drs Da'i Bachtiar SH said a day off every week would also enable the maids to share their problems with the embassy or their fellow countrymen.
"Problems will crop up if employers don't give their maids a break. If the maids were given a day off, they will be able to meet other people.
"In the case of the abused Indonesian maid, Siti Hajar, for example, she was badly treated by her abusive employer for almost three years because she did not have any contact whatsoever with the outside world," he told Bernama at the Indonesian Embassy here Wednesday.
He was commenting on the Malaysian government's proposal to make it compulsory for employers by year end, to give a day off every week for their maids, as announced by the Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam yesterday.
Drs Da'i Bachtiar, however, asked that the matter be further clarified before being implemented.
Meanwhile, he also commended the employers who treated their maids as their own family members because it had created a harmonious environment for the maids to work, even for 24 hours a day.
"If the maids' performance are not up to the employers' expectations, they can always tell the agency or the embassy. Don't just punish or abuse them," he said.
He also applauded Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun's suggestion that a law be drafted to compel maid agencies to meet up with their clients at least twice a year.
"If there was such a meeting, any problems can be detected earlier," he said.
The ambassador also thanked the Malaysian government for willing to cooperate at any time, especially, on issues involving the two countries.

tunku : i think this one day off every week proposed for foreign maids is not a good idea but a very bad idea.we know that they need break too, may be it is best to just give them rest in the house rather than letting them to go out by themselves.they can always go out with their employer to buy something etc. sorry to say but these maids will find boyfriends and will create more problems.it is also bad for security reason, they will give all the info to strangers about their employers belongings etc.they maid can be easily taken away by strangers or any other person to work with them.can the government gives guarantee to the employers that their maid will return to them safely?can the government gives compensation to the employers if they do not return home? if they can't then do not impose this nonsense condition.
the indonesian embassy can send their people to randomly check on these maids or the maid's agency.

Nik Aziz tells Nasha, go join Umno

PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat has asked party deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa to quit the party and join Umno over his continued stand in forging alliance with the rival party.
"The issue of forming a unity government is not something which came from PAS as a whole. It was a personal idea of someone.
"This matter was never discussed in PAS or within Pakatan Rakyat," he said.
"If it is true that Nasharuddin supports the formation of a unity government, it is best that he joins Umno by quitting his PAS post (as deputy president) and as an MP for Bachok," he said.
"Don't cause problems in the party," added the Kelantan menteri besar. He spoke to reporters after chairing state exco meeting in Kota Bahru.
This remark made by the most senior party leader today indicated that the party was clearly heading towards an open rift over the issue of holding unity talks with Umno.
Nik Aziz has been a vocal critic of having any links with Umno, constantly reminding the party members and leaders of the party's bad experience in forming alliance with Umno in the 1970s.
He had previously labelled those who backed the unity talks as ‘Umno puppets' and called such talks as "ridiculous".
The main backer to hold such talks is party president Abdul Hadi Awang. His deputy Nasharuddin is also a vocal supporter of the talks.

tunku : nik aziz is showing his frustration because his pet, husam lost in the recent deputy president contest.he got this opportunity to bash nasha.to nik aziz it is HARAM to have relationship with Umno but with others and even the jews from across the straits it is a MUST.pas can be dap or pkr puppets but not allowed even to discuss with Umno. it is so sad that people call this type of person an ulama.

Husam taunts Umno: Don't contest Manek Urai

If Umno is so keen on pursing ‘unity talks’ with PAS, it should not contest in the upcoming Manek Urai by-election, said former PAS vice-president Husam Musa.
“What is the point of having ‘unity talks’ and yet wanting to fight against us?” Husam told Malaysiakini in a telephone interview today.
“If Umno is sincere, the first thing they have to do is not contest against PAS (in Manek Urai). But I don’t believe Umno is ever sincere.
“If they are serious about ‘unity talks’, the onus is for the top leaders of both parties to work out a no-contest situation. If that cannot be done, how can the ‘unity talks’ resolve bigger issues?”
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and his deputy Nasharuddin Mat Isa caused a storm at the recent PAS muktamar by aggressively floating the idea of forging closer ties with Umno.
Husam and party spiritual adviser Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, however, are against this.

tunku : it was pas who brought up this unity thing not umno.why don't husam tell his president not to contest in Manek Urai? people like husam and nik aziz are the virus that poisons people's mind.they are not fit to be leaders.they are only leaders with personal agenda.what to expect from a leader which was rejected by his own party for being a puppet to the queen of melodrama(the moron).

Lee Kuan Yew misled into believing Penang had little progress

Singapore Mentor Minister Lee Kuan Yew could have been misled into believing that there was little progress in Penang over the past two decades.
Penang Gerakan secretary Ong Thean Lye said several major infrastructure projects in Penang were completed between 1990 and 2008.
These included the Bayan Lepas coastal highway, Jelutong Expressway, the elevated bridges from Sungai Nibong to Sungai Tiram, the Jalan Aziz Ibrahim by-pass, the island’s central sewage treatment plant in Jelutong and the extension of the Penang International Airport and Teluk Bahang Dam.
“The Butterworth Outer Ring Road and the North Butterworth Container Terminal have also been completed and these were certainly not done in the past 15 months.
“The Penang Outer Ring Road project was delayed because of objections from some quarters including the DAP, which was in the Opposition then,” he said.
Ong added that flood mitigation projects here and the Yeap Chor Ee-Bukit Jambul parallel road have also beem completed.
As for basic infrastructure, almost 99 per cent of Penang households had been given water supply while about 98 per cent households had electric supply.
“The entire laying of fibre optic cables for the state was completed, making Penang island the first in the entire country to be fully wired for a new wave of telecommunication advancement.
“That was the reason Telekom set up its national call centre in Komtar,” he said.
Ong said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng could not be blamed for Lee’s remarks which was made after the Singaporean attended a state briefing in Komtar last Saturday.
“Lim just moved to Penang after taking over as chief minister in March 2008 and we do not blame him for having failed to give a true and honest account on the state’s infrastructure progress to Lee.”

tunku : why so much news on this old man lee kuan yew? who is he to us? for me this man is responsible for looting away singapore from malaysia. i don't know why everyone so excited to see him and listen to his advice. are we that stupid? don't we have the brain? the best part is nik aziz said that singapore is very islamic.the old man getting crazier day by day.guess what Dr M said is right after all,read here.

Seven Pakatan MPs ordered to leave Dewan Rakyat

KUALA LUMPUR : Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin (PAS) was kicked out of the Dewan Rakyat minutes after he took his oath as the new MP for Bukit Gantang.
Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia ordered him out as he was the person who started putting on black headgear bearing the words " bubar DUN" (Dissolve state assembly).
Several other opposition Pakatan Rakyats MPs followed suit by donning the headgear. Visitors at the public gallery, believed to be Nizar's supporters, also put on the headgear amidst shouts of "Bubar, bubar” while the Backbenchers shouted "Keluar, keluar ......"
Nizar, after his oath taking, put on the black headgear and shouted "Hidup rakyat, bubar dewan!" raising his left arm.
Pandikar ordered Nizar to remove his headgear. Nizar obliged but Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham (DAP - Beruas) and Nga Kor Ming (DAP - Taiping) who stood up and refused to remove their headgear, were ordered out by Pandikar. When both Ngeh and Nga left the House, Pandikar also ordered Nizar out as he had started it.
This was followed by Datuk Mahfuz Omar (PAS - Pokok Sena), N. Gobalakrishnan (PKR - Padang Serai) and Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (PAS - Kuala Selangor ) leaving the dewan as well.
Shouts of “samseng, keluar” were heard amidst shouts of “bubar.”
“This is not a market place Please sit down, don't join him,” said Pandikar.
"This is how children argue in the streets. We have many issues to discuss for the rakyats' interests,'' he said.
The fracas took up 25 minutes before Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak could stand up to answer Question 1 on 1Malaysia.

tunku : this is what happens when you elect monkeys. what does dewan rakyat had to do with perak's DUN ?

Anwar’s stand on Chin Peng regrettable, says Hisham

KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was not considering the people’s sensitivities and feelings when he said that Chin Peng – the former secretary-general of the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) – be allowed to return to the country.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said Anwar’s statement on the matter was regrettable because it was as though he wanted to forget both the history and the suffering and sacrifices of those who had died at the hands of the communist insurgents.
“The issue has been debated in the media and various quarters have given their views on the matter, while rejecting any effort to bring back Chin Peng,” he said in a press statement here yesterday.
Hishammuddin said allowing Chin Peng to return would only deepen the hurt of the people, especially the children and grandchildren of those who had fought to defeat the communist insurgency.
“Anwar should realise that his stance on the issue does not only cause uneasiness but also anger to various quarters,” he added.
On Saturday, Anwar said Chin Peng should be allowed to return to Malaysia to spend the rest of his twilight years, adding that this was also because the Malaysian and Chinese governments had long made peace with one another. — Bernama

tunku : there's nothing to be surprised by anwar's statement as this moron will do anything just to get some popularity. he will even invites the zionist regime to come to malaysia if he has the power to do so. for him , he comes first, the people and nation comes later.