No free WiFi for non-Pakatan areas in Penang

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state government will continue to exclude three parliamentary constituencies held by non-Pakatan Rakyat MPs in its free WiFi initiative.
Citing limited funds, Penang Telecommunications Task Force chairman Jeff Ooi said the state resources were too limited to extend the service to Kepala Batas, Tasek Gelugor and Nibong Tebal.
Former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is the MP of Kepala Batas while the MP for Tasek Gelugor is Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.
Nibong Tebal MP Tan Tee Beng quit PKR last year and has joined Parti Kesejahteraan Insan Tanah Air (Kita).
“There is no point investing money in Kepala Batas, Tasik Gelugor and Nibong Tebal for now.
“If we have the resources, we will, but our resources are limited so we are focusing on the Pakatan-held constituencies,” Ooi, who is Jelutong MP, told reporters yesterday.
If the local people in the constituencies want WiFi, then they should vote for Pakatan, Ooi added.
He said the first phase of 750 hotspots had already been achieved and phase two of the project (to add another 750 hot spots) was expected to start by the end of the month.
Of the 750, already set up in the state, Ooi said Tanjung boosted of the best coverage with 321 hotspots, followed by Batu Kawan (110) and Bayan Baru (98).
Permatang Pauh has the fewest hot spots at a mere 10 while Balik Pulau and Bukit Gelugor have 13 and 20 respectively.
Ooi said phase two of the project was aimed at increasing the number of hotspots in the state by another 750 by the end of the year.

tunku : how if BN does that? they will bark day and night about it. this is total discrimination by pakatan state government.it's shows their true colours.we must reject this donkey type of government.

Sarawak Assembly to dissolve today?

Taib to make announcement on Sarawak polls on Saturday

KUCHING: Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said Friday that he will make an announcement on the state election Saturday.
"Wait one more day," Taib told reporters when asked to comment on speculation that the state legislative assembly would be dissolved on Monday for the election to be held next month.
He quashed rumours that he would leave for Mecca on Sunday to perform his Umrah before the election, but otherwise declined to answer any question related to the polls after opening the Youth Assembly 2011 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here.
Speculation on the dissolution of the state assembly, whose term expires on July 23, went into high gear after Taib called on the Yang Dipertua Negri Tun, Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng early Saturday.
Political observers said that making the announcement Saturday made sense because both the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, and his deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, will be in Sarawak for the start of a meet-the-people tour of all states over several months.
Barisan Nasional holds 62 of the 71 seats in the assembly. The DAP has six, PKR and SNAP have one each while an Independent holds the remaining seat. - Bernama

tunku : lets the "war" begin. we are ready.

Dr Mahathir: Better not to have nuclear plant

CYBERJAYA: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad Wednesday reiterated his view on not having a nuclear power plant in this country.
"You know my view about it. We do not know enough about the reaction of this material," he told reporters here when asked on his views on building the plant.
Dr Mahathir said the radiation leaking from the stricken Japanese nuclear power plant due to the tsunami after the 9.0-magnitude earthquake seemed to lend support for his concern.
"Once it is activated, it becomes radioactive. People do not know how to get rid of the waste," he said.
He noted that during his premiership, the Government had decided on four fuel strategies, namely oil, gas, coal and hydro, and nuclear was not included.
"We have bad experience already with nuclear. I don't know whether people are aware about it or not," he said.
Asked whether he would advise Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak not to have nuclear power plant, Dr Mahathir said, "I'm not an advisor. That is why I use my blog."
Malaysia plans to build two nuclear power plants that will generate 1,000 megawatts each, with the first plant ready for operation in 2021 and the second plant, a year later.
It is part of the overall long-term plan to balance energy supply. - Bernama

tunku : i wonder what was the bad experience with nuclear malaysia had experienced? anyway i guess the country will be much better off without nuclear power.just imagine if we experience anything like explosion of nuke plant.....what will happen? may be the government should put nuke energy as the last resort.for now we should do without it or the authority must make sure and give assurance that the plant is SAFE for us.

Backbencher Hits Out At PAS Over Criticism

KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 (Bernama) -- A government backbencher today hit out at the PAS leadership for often criticising the Barisan Nasional for being in power too long.
Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak) asked whether PAS Spiritual Leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat was not long in power as the Kelantan menteri besar for 21 years.
Speaking during the debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address, he said PAS liked to point out alleged faults and politicised religion in the matter of efforts taken by the government for the benefit of the people.
He said PAS often said that people who voted for PAS would go to heaven but there was nothing about this in Islam.
Earlier, PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang (PAS-Marang), in his speech, alleged that BN government leaders wanted to administer the country forever.
The house will sit again tomorrow.

tunku : bn to rule forever or not is up to the people to decide but for leaders to stay on forever is for them to decide. leaders like lim kit siang,karpal,nik aziz etc are the type that will never give up their post,hence they should look at themselves first before opening their stinking mouth.

The end is near for Anwar

Anwar goes on the defence

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is at his lowest ebb since March 2008 and he is turning to the ceramah circuit to defend himself against multi-pronged attacks.
ONE of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s oldest and most loyal friends ended his days as a widower on Thursday night.
Tumpat MP Datuk Kamaruddin Jaffar, better known as Datuk KJ, remarried a year after his first wife died of cancer and the guests of honour were Anwar and Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.
But the honour of making the speech was given to PAS politician Dr Syed Azman Syed Ahmad of Terengganu. Dr Syed Azman was the matchmaker for Kamaruddin and his Malacca-born wife and he almost brought the house down when he teased the newly-weds: “Last week, we failed to capture the Merlimau seat but, never mind, Datuk Kamaruddin has successfully conquered Malacca.”
It was a relaxing affair for many of the Pakatan Rakyat politicians that evening, and particularly for Anwar who has been increasingly under siege.
The PKR de facto leader is at his lowest point since his post-2008 political comeback. For a couple of years after the March 8 “tsunami”, it seemed like Anwar could walk on water. But very little has gone right for him in recent months, be it his party affairs or the sodomy trial.
PKR people still insist he is Pakatan’s Prime Minister-in-waiting. But most PAS and DAP leaders have stopped talking about the road to Putrajaya. They are more concerned about whether they can hold on to their seats now it is clear they are unable to hold on to the Malay vote.
Anwar has just climbed back from the precipice in the sodomy trial. The trial had been inching towards revealing the identity of Lelaki Y (Male Y), the term investigators used for the mystery man whose DNA was allegedly found in Saiful.
On Tuesday, the courts ruled that several items with the DNA of Lelaki Y could not be tendered as evidence. It was a big win for Anwar’s legal team because the evidence would have tied him to Lelaki Y.
He must have felt great relief because his detractors had begun taunting him as Lelaki Y when he campaigned in Kerdau. He was greeted with banners that said, “Mr Y, selamat datang ke Kerdau” - and that was one of the more polite banners.
On top of that, he had to endure a “joint ceramah” with his female nemesis Ummi Hafilda Ali who was speaking just a stone’s throw away from him. People on his side of the ceramah could hear quite clearly what she was saying about him, and it was not pleasant stuff.
PKR secretary-general and Machang MP Saifuddin Nasution denied that Ummi rattled his boss that night.
“Anwar has been through a lot. It takes more than that to upset him,” said Saifuddin.
But PKR politicians are rather wary of her given the crowds she pulled in Kerdau and Merlimau. Besides, who else apart from Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has spoken so explicitly and daringly about Anwar?
Anwar’s detractors would like to think that his downward slide began after he failed to deliver on his Sept 16 claim.
But the real slide started after PKR’s trouble-ridden elections last year and the defections from his party. It gave the impression that he could not control PKR and that his priorities were too wrapped up in his court case.
Some think that Anwar is in the midst of one of those perfect storms.
Apart from the trial, the publication of Dr Mahathir’s memoirs has sort of switched things up. It could not have been worse timing for Anwar. Dr Mahathir has repeated his accusations about Anwar’s sexual exploits, this time in print.
At the book launch, a mischievous Dr Mahathir said he was “trembling” at the thought of being sued. Of course, he was telling Anwar to “bring it on, man, bring it on”.
The people around Anwar are furious about the book.
“I’m not buying the book. It’s a story we have heard before,” said Muaz Omar, an aide of Azmin’s.
At the PKR political bureau meeting two nights after the book launch, several party leaders felt that Anwar should not let Dr Mahathir get away with what he has written.
“Anwar’s stand is that he had long ago decided to move on where Dr Mahathir was concerned. He said he’s not interested in challenging an old script and he doesn’t want to be stuck in another court case,” said Saifuddin.
Anwar prefers the court of public opinion rather than the court of law. He has been on a ceramah blitz ostensibly to promote the Pakatan manifesto, the Buku Jingga, but also to counter the renewed attacks against him.
Dr Mahathir has become a central target of his attacks the last few days. He does not rebut what Dr Mahathir is saying about his sexuality but he has hit out at the former premier’s cronies and his children’s businesses and wealth. He seems to be steering clear of Ummi, though.
Anwar also suffered a setback when a hoped-for meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton did not materialise. Shortly before Clinton’s visit, a news portal reported that a meeting was being lined up. It was a rather strange report because the meeting was apparently never on the cards.
There has been a cooling on the part of the US administration towards Anwar’s cause and Clinton’s stance during her recent visit was in sharp contrast to that of Vice-President Al Gore at the height of Sodomy 1.
Moreover, Clinton’s visit follows improved ties between the United States and Malaysia. The Obama administration sees Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as a Muslim leader with whom they can sit down and have a dialogue.
In that sense, Anwar’s crusade against Apco may have more to do with Apco’s role in presenting Anwar’s sodomy case to US lawmakers than Apco’s so-called Jewish connections.
The lobby group has explained the trial in a way that Americans can relate to, that it is an alleged sexual harassment involving an employer and a subordinate and the trial is a result of a report lodged by a complainant, unlike the first trial where the Government was the main initiator.
But the most damaging strike has been the Wikileaks report quoting Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew as saying that Anwar knowingly walked into a trap. Singapore has played down the report but has not denied its contents.
The success of Najib’s visit to Turkey was another blow to Anwar who counts Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a friend and supporter.
Erdogan had welcomed Najib in Ankara, saying, “this is my brother Najib and I am happy to have him here.”
Their scheduled 10-minute four-eyed meeting over-ran into 45 minutes and Erdogan insisted on a joint press conference. The Turkish Premier also eschewed protocol and insisted that Najib ride in the same car as him. It was a political coup of sorts for Najib.
All these events add up to a challenging time ahead for Anwar and his party.
“I can’t blame Anwar if he feels he is all alone. He has been consumed by successive crises and there are now less people whom he can count on to defend him and do the attacking. To him, the trial is to stop his political ambitions and his goal of power, and it is taking a lot out of him,” said Merdeka Centre director Ibrahim Suffian.
Reporters covering his trial said he seems to be holding up well and is still able to see the lighter side of things. For instance, when a witness was asked to identify him, Anwar, who was sitting in the dock, playfully dodged as though trying to hide.
He is reportedly upset that PKR members have not been turning up in court to show him their support.
Recently, party members received the following SMS from PKR Tanjung Karang chief Yahaya Sahri: “Salam, sokongan DSAI di mahkamah amat merosot hampir tiada. Saya ingin mencadangkan agar kita atur kawan-kawan kita drp cabang turun beri sokongan moral, klu kita bergilir pun ok, satu cabang klu hantar 20 org pun dah ok. Jadual mahkamah akan saya sms.”
Yahaya was urging PKR divisions to send members whether in rotation or groups of 20 to show moral support for Anwar because the number of supporters in court had dwindled to almost nil.
Anwar is the ultimate political animal. A lesser person would have cracked under the pressure. He told Saifuddin that when he goes on the ground and sees a big crowd, he feels motivated.
The crowds at his ceramah have indeed been growing and a lot of it has to do with his trial approaching a critical stage and the sensational evidence coming out.
Anwar, said academic Prof James Chin, is in “distraction mode”.
“He cannot devote his full time to Pakatan or PKR. The trial is taking away his attention and focus. But everything hinges on the next general election. If Najib does not get his two-thirds majority, he is in trouble. If Pakatan does badly then they are in trouble,” said Chin of Monash University Sunway Campus.
The attacks by Dr Mahathir, said Chin, has impact among rural Malays but less so among the urban crowd.
Anwar’s supporters also bristle at the suggestion that he has become a liability for Pakatan. But privately, PAS and DAP leaders are frustrated that Anwar has overwhelmed their political agenda.
Anwar, said blogger Syed Azizi Syed Aziz who is better known as Kickdafella, has image problems in the rural Malays areas and that becomes a problem for PAS. Outwardly, DAP and PAS still stand by him but, privately, they are riddled with doubts about the trial and his ability to hold things together.
Moreover, Generation Y, the youth cohort born between the mid 1970s and 2000, is not rallying around Anwar the way Generation X took to the streets to support him during his first trial. Generation Y is neither loyal to Anwar’s politics nor affiliated with the ruling coalition. They are as critical of Pakatan politicians as they are of those in Barisan.
As such, Pakatan’s claim that young voters are with them is not exactly true. The young voters are still out there and their vote will go to the party that can offer them a better future - and that means education, jobs, homes and a lifestyle of their choice.
Anwar is in a difficult political situation and he will be fighting many fronts in the months ahead.

tunku : if you can have supporters willingly to come to support you, then you days are numbered mr y. pas and dap too are fed up with mr y. the end is near for mr y.

Ku Li slams Dr M’s book

PETALING JAYA: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s controversial best-selling autobiography, A Doctor in the House, has been slammed as full of “comedianship” and “political lying” by Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.
Tengku Razaleigh, or Ku Li as he is popularly known, refuted the allegations against him in the book, which accused him of leading the Team B faction in a dirty campaign which involved money politics during the 1987 Umno elections.
“As Allah is my witness, I have not done those things. I never steal. I never cheat,” he said in his speech before launching the book “Wang Gungwu, Junzi Scholar-Gentleman” on Friday night.
He said he did not have the kind of money to spend on the campaign, referring to Mahathir’s allegations that about RM20mil was spent on the campaign, with most of the money provided by Tengku Razaleigh himself.
“I do not have that sort of money. I have no cronies. In fact, I am against money politics,” he said.
He also said political lying was pervasive in Malaysia’s political atmosphere today.
“Unfortunately, I do not have remedies in this country to challenge fabrication and political lying,” he said, adding that the lack of a legal remedy to this problem spoke volumes about the country’s political reality.
Tengku Razaleigh is the second person to have refuted claims made in Dr Mahathir’s memoirs after Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim accused the former prime minister of suffering from “selective amnesia.”
In his speech, he also described Wang Gungwu’s book as that reflecting a “scholar with intellectual honesty.”
"A rare commodity these days, particularly in the political atmosphere that we face today in Malaysia where political lying has become pervasive.
“Political lying comes through the media and sometimes, by writing so-called books of memories,” he said in obvious reference to Dr Mahathir’s memoirs.
He said the memoirs - launched under the “pseudo title” of “Doctor In The House” - was a copycat title of a famous British comedy film of the 1950 based on another novel.
“Perhaps it was deliberate, as it does reflect some comedianship, apart from political lying,” he said, addding that the allegations made by Dr Mahathir were “not new”.
tunku : of course anyone who is exposed will react to such situation.which man will say, yes i did it.if ku li thinks that it is baseless allegation or lies by Tun Mahathir, bring it to the court or just keep quiet.we hope ku li will consider to bring it to the court to clear his name.

Sodomy II: Prosecution seeks Anwar’s DNA sample

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court ordered the prosecution and defense in the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim sodomy trial to make submissions on Monday on two prosecution applications, one of which is to order Anwar to provide a DNA sample.
Justice Datuk Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah gave the order on Friday after the head of the prosecution, Solicitor-General Datuk Mohamed Yusof Zainal Abiden, made the applications at the end of the prosecution's case.
One of the applications was for the court to use its powers under the Evidence Act 1950 to compel Anwar to provide a DNA sample for analysis.
The other was to review the decision of the court not to allow three items to be tendered as exhibits following a trial-within-a-trial.
Anwar's lawyer Karpal Singh objected to the prosecution's applications.
Anwar, 63, Parti Keadilan Rakyat advisor and Permatang Pauh MP, has claimed trial to performing carnal intercourse against the order of nature on his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan at a condominium unit in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, on June 26, 2008.
Mohamed Yusof said the application for the DNA sample was in accordance with sections 73 and 165 of the Evidence Act, and arose following the testimony of witnesses, particularly chemist Dr Seah Lay Hong, who confirmed the presence of several DNA profiles in the anus of Mohd Saiful.
"The application is made to seek the truth and justice for all quarters," he said.
He also applied for the court to review the decision of Justice Mohamad Zabidin at the end of a trial-within-a-trial pertaining to the admissibility of three items as exhibits.
The judge had ruled that a toothbrush, towel and mineral water bottle taken from the lockup where Anwar was kept overnight were obtained by unfair means and, therefore, should be excluded from the trial.
Mohamed Yusof argued that the warrant for the arrest of Anwar had been admitted as an exhibit after the trial-within-a-trial.
Earlier, Karpal Singh recalled Mohd Saiful, saying that Dr Seah had testified that three DNA profiles were found in Mohd Saiful's anus.
Karpal Singh: Did you use the toilet between 26 and 28 June 2008?
Mohd Saiful: I did.
Karpal Singh: You did?
Mohd Saiful: Yes, but only to urinate.
Karpal Singh: Not to defecate?
Mohd Saiful: No.
Karpal Singh: Where?
Mohd Saiful: At several places.
Karpal Singh: Dr Seah had testified that he found the DNA profiles of three individuals, meaning two or three partners had engaged in sex with you?
Mohd Saiful: I do not agree.
Replying to Mohamed Yusof during re-examination, Mohd Saiful said he did not bathe but only wiped himself between 26 and 28 June 2008, once at the condominium where the alleged sodomy took place and at his house the following day.
Mohd Saiful also said that he did not stay overnight anywhere else but his house during that period.
Under cross-examination by Karpal Singh earlier, investigating officer Supt Judy Blacious Pereira told the court that Mohd Saiful, in the course of having his statement recorded, had said that he had met Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak before 24 June 2008 to complain about sodomy incidents.
Supt Judy said the complainant had also met his friend, one Rahimi Osman, his uncle named Tuah and a former political secretary of Anwar, Mohamed Exam Mohd Noor, after the alleged incident.
Replying to a question from Karpal Singh, the police officer said he had recorded the statements of Najib and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, in relation to the complaint by Mohd Saiful.

tunku : come on anwar, you claim to be innocent.now is your chance to clear your name.just give the court your dna sample. why worry? only a guilty person will try his best not to produce evidence in court and it seems like anwar is guilty , he is afraid of giving his dna sample.that explain all.

Major tsunami damage in N Japan after 8.9 quake

TOKYO (AP) — Japan was struck by a magnitude 8.9 earthquake off its northeastern coast Friday, unleashing a 13-foot (4-meter) tsunami that washed away cars and tore away buildings along the coast near the epicenter. There were reports of injuries in Tokyo.
In various locations along Japan's coast, TV footage showed massive damage from the tsunami, with dozens of cars, boats and even buildings being carried along by waters. A large ship swept away by the tsunami rammed directly into a breakwater in Kesennuma city in Miyagi prefecture, according to footage on public broadcaster NHK.
Officials were trying to assess damage, injuries and deaths from the quake but had no immediate details.
The quake that struck at 2:46 p.m. was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks, including a 7.4-magnitude one about 30 minutes later. The U.S. Geological Survey upgraded the strength of the first quake to a magnitude 8.9, while Japan's meteorological agency measured it at 7.9.
The meteorological agency issued a tsunami warning for the entire Pacific coast of Japan. NHK was warning those near the coast to get to safer ground.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii said a tsunami warning was in effect for Japan, Russia, Marcus Island and the Northern Marianas. A tsunami watch has been issued for Guam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia and the U.S. state of Hawaii.
The quake struck at a depth of six miles (10 kilometers), about 80 miles (125 kilometers) off the eastern coast, the agency said. The area is 240 miles (380 kilometers) northeast of Tokyo.
In downtown Tokyo, large buildings shook violently and workers poured into the street for safety. TV footage showed a large building on fire and bellowing smoke in the Odaiba district of Tokyo.
In central Tokyo, trains were stopped and passengers walked along the tracks to platforms.
The ceiling in Kudan Kaikan, a large hall in Tokyo, collapsed, injuring an unknown number of people, NHK said.
Footage on NHK from their Sendai office showed employees stumbling around and books and papers crashing from desks. It also showed a glass shelter at a bus stop in Tokyo completely smashed by the quake and a weeping woman nearby being comforted by another woman.
Several quakes had hit the same region in recent days, including a 7.3 magnitude one on Wednesday.
Thirty minutes after the quake, tall buildings were still swaying in Tokyo and mobile phone networks were not working. Japan's Coast Guard has set up task force and officials are standing by for emergency contingencies, Coast Guard official Yosuke Oi said.
"I'm afraid we'll soon find out about damages, since the quake was so strong," he said

Perkasa Suggests Loan Scheme For Bumiputeras To Buy Shophouses

KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 (Bernama) -- The Malay right wing group Perkasa today suggested that a scheme be established similar to the My First Home Scheme to help bumiputeras buy shophouses in urban areas.
Perkasa President Datuk Ibrahim Ali said the bumiputeras should be given 100 per cent loans as they would be unable to even come up with the 20 per cent advance payment on the shophouses which could cost up to RM1 million per unit.
Speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby, he said the government should also consider raising the ceiling of loans for houses in the Klang Valley under the My First Home Scheme.
He said he agreed with the Real Estate and Housing Developers Association (REDHA) that the ceiling should be raised from RM220,000 to RM350,000.
The My First Home Scheme is a government initiative with the collaboration of Cagamas Bhd and financial institutions to enable young people who have just got employed and earning less than RM3,000 a month to own a house.
Under the scheme, these individuals can obtain a 100 per cent loan from selected financial institutions to buy a house which costs between RM100,000 and RM220,000, with the repayment period extending up to 30 years.

tunku : this is a very good suggestion.i hope the government will look into it.please consider this suggestion.as for the "my first home scheme", i think the ceiling price of rm220000 is reasonable when you compare with the salary of rm3000. normally your monthly installment should not be more than 1/3 of your salary.if it is exceeding it than your loan will not be approved.for a person to buy a house at rm220000, he needs to pay a monthly installment of rm1200.

Increase Ron97 price

Extra RM4bil subsidy if no petrol price adjustments

KUALA LUMPUR: The fuel subsidy is estimated to rise by an additional RM4bil this year if no adjustments are made to petrol prices, which stand at RM1.90 per litre for RON 95 and RM2.50 per litre for RON 97.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said at a press conference Wednesday, after a briefing by Bank Negara Governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, that subsidy costs for fuel would rise by this amount if no adjustments were made in the face of higher crude oil prices.
This would mean that the allocation for fuel subsidy under Budget 2011, which was set at RM10bil based on oil prices hovering around US$85 (RM259) to US$90 (RM274) per barrel, would rise to RM14bil this year.
Besides this, the Government has also allocated RM4bil for other subsidies. For 2010, the fuel subsidy came up to RM10bil.
Economists have also estimated that should oil prices remained above US$100 (RM305), the Government might need to fork out an additional RM3.5bil to RM4bil for the fuel subsidy.
Najib added that the deficit would depend on how much revenue the Government would get against the increase in subsidy costs.
The Government has targeted a budget deficit at 5.4% of gross domestic product for this year compared with 5.6% last year while the target was to lower the deficit to 2.8% by 2015.
Last month, Najib said there could be a review of the fuel subsidy should unrest in the Middle East continued although, so far, there were no plans to do so.
The price of RON 97 petrol was last raised on Feb 1, up from an initial 10 sen hike on Jan 4. In December, RON 95 petrol and diesel rose 5 sen per litre to RM1.90 and RM1.85 per litre respectively.

tunku : we understand the government position on this issue. if the government increases the petrol prices than the people would not be happy and might go against the government but the people should think about the country too sometimes.4 billion is not a small sum.lot of rural development projects can be done with that amount.my suggestion to the government is that they should increase Ron97 even to RM3 but hold on to Ron95 and diesel as long as they can.we know all the Ron97 users are rich people so they can afford to pay for it.

Dr Mahathir does not fear suit over memoirs

PETALING JAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is not losing any sleep over the possibility of certain quarters filing lawsuits against him for putting them in a negative light in his memoirs.
The former Prime Minister said he was driven to tell the truth in his autobiography, A Doctor in the House: The Memoirs of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, which was launched Tuesday.
"There will be those who will not be satisfied.
"If they want to sue, sue lah," he quipped after launching his book at MidValley Megamall.
Dr Mahathir said he had kept the publication of his memoirs a secret until the launching date to avoid possible court injunctions to stop its publication.
"It took me eight years to complete the book.
"I want people to read it. Whatever they think of it is their prerogative," he said.
Dr Mahathir said during his tenure as Prime Minister, he was described as a dictator.
"(In the autobiography) I tried to prove that I am not a dictator. But some people will still feel otherwise," he said, adding that he was expecting brickbats for exposing so much.
To a question from a foreigner, Dr Mahathir said through his book, he wanted to deliver the message that it was not impossible to achieve anything if one was willing to learn.
"I was a commoner, I was not trained in the field of administration, economy or finance.
"But you can learn if you want to learn. The best reward is not the monetary gain but the result of your effort," he said.
"Several chapters were difficult to write because it is all about myself," he said, adding that he was not comfortable promoting himself.
The 809-page book, which retails at RM100 a copy, is available at MPH bookstores nationwide.

tunku : a must read book.it is well written.it took Tun Mahathir 8 years to complete the book.
as for anwar, i am sure he got no guts to sue Tun once again as the first case he has to pay all the cost.he will have to bear the cost again if he sues Tun again.definitely male "Y" will buy this book as he is part of the book too.

Sodomy II: Items cannot be tendered as evidence, court rules

KUALA LUMPUR: A High Court has allowed Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's application to exclude three items - a toothbrush, a Good Morning towel and a Cactus mineral water bottle - from being tendered as exhibits in his sodomy trial.
High Court judge Justice Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah ruled here in a trial-within-a-trial Tuesday that the items could not be used as evidence in court.
"I find that the DNA sample from the items were obtained by unfair means and (therefore they) are excluded from being part of the evidence," he said. The items, along with a strand of hair, were retrieved from Anwar's lock-up following his arrest and detention in July 2008.
The decision effectively means the testimony from chemist Nor Aidora Saedon from the Chemistry Department is inadmissible.
The chemist had previously testified that the DNA profile taken from the white toothbrush, towel and bottle matched the DNA profile of an unknown person known as 'Male Y', whose semen was found inside the anus of complainant Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan.
However, Anwar's lawyer objected the inclusion of the items as evidence, on grounds that his arrest and the means by which these items were obtained by the police, were illegal, hence the trial-within-a-trial.
Anwar, 63, has claimed trial to performing carnal intercourse against the order of nature on Mohd Saiful at a condominium unit in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, between 3.15pm and 4pm on June 26, 2008.
The trial continues Wednesday.

tunku : i wonder how the court that has been labelled as a kangaroo court by anwar can favour him this time.every time they accuses the law system in malaysia but when it favours them, they will shut their mouth.well if the court has decided those items cannot be tendered as evidence then everyone has to accept it.now we hope that the moron anwar will give his dna sample so the court can decide whether the male "Y" is him or not. it's a clear and simple but the question now is will anwar give his dna sample? the court must order him to do so.

Nik Aziz gone bonkers

Nik Aziz Finds It Hard To Accept BN Victory In By-Elections

KOTA BAHARU, March 7 (Bernama) -- PAS Spiritual Leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said today he could not bring himself to accept the Barisan Nasional victory in the two by-elections yesterday because the government machinery was allegedly biased.
PAS lost in the by-elections, in Kerdau, Pahang, and Merlimau, Melaka, because the entire government machinery and the mainstream media were allegedly biased towards the BN, he told reporters here.
Both the BN candidates, Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad and Roslan Ahmad, won with bigger majorities in Kerdau and Merlimau, respectively, in the by-elections yesterday.
Asked about DAP's call for the PAS government of Kelantan to revoke the ban on gambling in the state, Nik Aziz, who is Kelantan menteri besar, said the state government was prepared to provide an explanation for DAP Chairman Karpal Singh to understand the move behind the ban.
"The matter can be discussed, as Karpal Singh has mentioned," he said.
Karpal Singh had called on the state government to revoke its ban on gambling, saying that federal law allowed gambling for non-Muslims, after the local authority in Kota Baharu raided three business premises where lottery tickets were sold.

tunku : nik aziz is old senile man that have no other excuses for pas defeats in merlimau and kerdau. in galas, nik aziz forgot that the state government used all the the state government machinery too. the senile old man must learn to accept defeat.the voters made the decision and everyone have to accept it.
again when comes to dap, the old man becomes a chicken.he can compromise anything with the dap.he can even sell Islam for dap.he had prostituted Islam so badly.

BN must work extra hard from now on as things getting tougher.

BN's Victory Is Like An Endorsement Of Government Policies

JASIN, March 6 (Bernama) -- The Barisan Nasional's (BN) impressive victory in the by-elections for the state constituencies of Merlimau, here and Kerdau, in Pahang is like an endorsement of the economic and social programmes initiated by the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that at the same time, the voters clearly rejected the PAS struggles through the orange book and Islamic country.
"This is an indication that the PAS struggles are not accepted by the Malays. This is not the first time because they had been defeated in Galas, Batu Sapi and today in Merlimau and Kerdau," he told reporters after attending the announcement on the victory of the BN candidate at the vote tallying centre for the Merlimau by-election at the Politeknik Merlimau, here Sunday night.
Muhyiddin, who is also the BN deputy chairman, said several issues that were highlighted could be explained to the voters, including issues on the economy, price hikes and education which were well received.
BN retained the Merlimau state seat when its candidate, Roslan Ahmad, defeated PAS candidate Yuhaizad Abdullah with a majority of 3,643 votes. Roslan received 5,962 votes while Yuhaizad had 2,319.
BN also retained the Kerdau state seat when its candidate, Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad beat PAS candidate Hassanuddin Salim with a 2,724-vote majority. Syed Ibrahim polled 5,060 votes while Hassanuddin had 2,336.
Muhyiddin said the BN victories tonight, which were most significant and encouraging, were also a manifestation of the feel good factor which repeated the momentum of the previous by-elections.
"This is a good momentum where the development and economic policies adopted by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam in Melaka and Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob were accepted," he said.
Asked whether the victories would lead to the 13th general election, Muhyiddin said: "Although the win in the by-election was an excellent result, it does not reflect the national scenario in general."
"The general election will be faced when the party machineries work harder and are focused and there are no party problems at the divisional levels so that we can achieve an outcome that we can be proud of," he said.
Muhyiddin said the BN victories tonight reflected the support of the Malay community which was very good as well as that of the Indian community which was also very good.
"I thank the component parties MIC, PPP and Makkal Sakthi because of the percentage (of voter turnout) and support to the BN," he said.
He said the support of the Chinese community showed an increase too but not as good as the votes from the Malays and Indians.
"I hope that in future, the votes from the Chinese community will be bigger when they understand our policies," he said.
On the general election, he said only the Prime Minister knew better and it was all up to him.
Asked whether the victory was also based on the factor of the young candidate fielded by the BN, Muhyiddin said it was also a factor but what was obvious was that the candidate must have integrity besides being clean and a 'winnable' candidate.
Also present were Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, PPP president Datuk M.Kayveas and other BN leaders.

tunku : BN must not get carried away by these wins in by-elections as it does not reflects the exact scenario.though the supoorts are increasing for BN , they still need extra hard work to win the next GE. we believe BN is going in right direction now and we hope everyone in BN will work harder and as a solid unit they will be able to defeat pr and get back the 2/3 majority.the key word now is work harder as things getting tougher from now on.

BN WINS DOUBLE WITH BIGGER MAJORITY

8.18pm: Kerdau

BN - 5,060

PAS - 2,336

Majority - 2,724

The EC declares that Umno's Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad the winner of the Kerdau by-election.

8.14pm: Merlimau

Official EC results

BN - 5,962
PAS - 2,339
Majority - 3,623

The EC announces that Umno's Roslan Ahmad is the new state representative for Merlimau. He will be sworn in at Malacca state assembly tomorrow.


tunku : THANK YOU VOTERS. you made wise choice.

Muhyiddin Hopes Voters Will Translate Support Into Votes For BN

JASIN, March 5 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has expressed gratitude to the people of Merlimau, here, and Kerdau in Pahang for showing good response to the Barisan Nasional (BN) campaign for the two by-elections tomorrow.
He said the strong support by the people showed that the voters were receptive of the BN's campaign.
Come tomorrow, it would be time for them to translate that support and vote for the BN, he said.
"We can feel a new sense of confidence. The response is good and they are ready to cast their votes; this is certainly good for the BN," he told reporters after attending a get-together with Jasin farmers and fishermen here.
Muhyiddin, who is Umno deputy president, also hoped that the voters would turn up in huge number tomorrow.
The BN is locked in straight fights with PAS in both by-elections.
In Merlimau, BN's Roslan Ahmad is up against PAS' Yuhaizad Abdullah while in Kerdau, the contest is between BN's Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad and PAS' Hassanuddin Salim.
Muhyiddin also said that the government would take actions, if necessary, against those who resorted to instigating the people into revolting against the government.
"We will take stern actions to prevent this from threatening the country's security," he said.
He added that the people should not let themselves be instigated by opposition leaders, whom he said, did not care about the country's stability as long as they were able to achieve their political objectives.
"These are things we should not view lightly," he said.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday warned the opposition not to play with fire by instigating the people to topple the government, similar to the uprising taking place in some Middle Eastern countries.

tunku : hope the merlimau and kerdau voters will cast their votes wisely.wisely means to vote for your future and the future will be with BN not pas.pas will never be able to help the voters there except of collecting money from the people at their 'ceramahs'.they only talks and do nothing.

Anwar says he endured ‘degrading’ medical examination

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told the High Court he went through a "very degrading" physical examination at the Hospital Kuala Lumpur during his detention in July 2008.
The Opposition leader, who testified in the trial-within-a-trial Thursday, said that he was taken to HKL where he was made to undergo a physical examination by consultant surgeon Ee Boon Leong, and consultant physician Jayaindran Sinnadorai.
"The doctors told me to take off my pants, jacket and shirt, and I was wearing only my singlet and underwear.
"After they checked the upper part (of my body), they asked me to take off my underwear and they measured my private parts, measured my pubic hair, and they checked my penis and anus.
“It was very degrading," he told a courtroom packed with local and international media.
He added that he refused to give any samples for DNA profiling, after consulting with his lawyers.
Describing the circumstances of his arrest at about 1pm on July 16, 2008, Anwar told the court that he was on his way home to freshen up and pray, before heading to the police headquarters to meet DSP Jude Blacious Pereira at 2pm.
However, on his way home, his route was blocked by "about 10 to 15 Special Task Force officers, police patrol cars, and commandos wearing balaclavas and armed with sub machine guns".
He said his lawyer Sankara Nair then spoke to an officer in uniform, and asked him the reason for arresting Anwar when he already had a 2pm appointment.
"He wasn't rude, but his reply was just 'My orders were to arrest Datuk Seri Anwar and bring him to IPK KL in my vehicle," he said.
He was then brought to the police station in the back seat of the police vehicle, seated between two commandos.
At the police headquarters, he said he was assured that they only wanted his statement and that he was free to leave after that.
He was then taken to a small room where he gave his statement to DSP Jude from 2.30pm to 5.40pm.
"After that, Jude said 'Percakapan selesai' (Statement done).
"I asked him, 'Are you sure?', and he said, 'Yes, sure.'," he said.
However, instead of being released, he was taken to the hospital for the medical examination, and also detained overnight.
He described his lock-up cell as "extremely cold, deplorable and atrocious", with grills on all sides, with an "extremely dirty" toilet.
"The lock-up had steel bars on all four sides, so I couldn't lean on the wall. I had to sleep on the cement floor.
"I don't expect VIP treatment, but this was not a normal lock-up," he said.
He said was released at about noon the next day, after having his statement taken again.
"I had to go seek medical treatment immediately after that because I was in excruciating pain," he said, referring to his bad back.
Anwar also said he was never told of the grounds of his arrest, during the entire time he was arrested and detained.
Anwar and Sankara were two of the witnesses called by the defence in the trial-within-a-trial in his ongoing sodomy case.
Anwar, 63, has claimed trial to performing carnal intercourse against the order of nature on Mohd Saiful at a condominium unit in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, between 3.15pm and 4pm on June 26, 2008.
On Wednesday, Justice Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah allowed the trial-within-a-trial after Anwar objected to having several items - a toothbrush, a Good Morning towel, a Cactus mineral water bottle and a strand of hair - marked as exhibits in his case.
His lawyers objected on grounds that his arrest and the means by which these items were obtained by the police, were illegal, hence the trial-within-a-trial.
Hearing continues Friday, with the defence calling lawyer R. Sivarasa to the stand.

tunku : anwar should think about all these before sodomizing someone.this is nothing.he should be punished more extremely as he did it many many times.if you have not sodomize saiful why refuse to give your dna? that shows that he is scared because if he gives his dna sample than the "Male Y" will be identified . he must been thinking that they will give him special cell with 5 star treatments and a male partner in the cell.

Rafidah Aziz to be AirAsia X’s chairman

PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz is expected to be appointed as AirAsia X Sdn Bhd’s new non-executive independent chairman this week.
The former International Trade and Industry Minister, will take over the reins from current chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun.
“It is an honour and privilege for me to hand over and make way for someone of Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz’s stature, and we are confident that under her chairmanship, AirAsia X will continue to grow into a Malaysian global champion in aviation,” said Kamarudin, who is AirAsia Bhd deputy group chief executive officer.
The Board of Directors will convene on Mar 3 to formalise the appointment for the post, which had been earlier accepted by Rafidah.
The current Board of Directors of AirAsia X Sdn Bhd comprises seven directors representing the shareholders of the companies, namely AeroVentures Sdn Bhd (52%), AirAsia Bhd (16%), Corvina Holdings (10%), Orix Corp (11%), and Manara Consortium Ltd (11%).

tunku : congratulation to rafidah aziz.she deserve to be airasia chairman or any other organization as she is multi talented and has vast experiences and knowledge.the only thing is that we hope tony will not use her to bargain with the government.do not use rafidah to build more lcct in the country.we have enough airports in the country.the money spend on building such airports will be better utilise on other important developments.use rafidah to get more discounts from malaysia airport berhad but not to build more airports.it will be good to have a single airport as it is much much more convenience to the passengers.

Participants of illegal gathering face prosecution: IGP

KLANG: Police have warned that legal action will be taken against anyone attending an unlawful gathering sponsored by Hindraf that is expected to be held at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) Sunday.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said Saturday that no permit had been issued for the gathering, and anyone attending it would be breaking the law.
Police had rejected an application to hold the gathering on the grounds that it would jeopardise public order.
However, the organisers who are connected to Hindraf, the banned Hindu Rights Action Force, were expected to go ahead with the gathering.
Ismail said such a gathering would adversely affect security and disrupt public order, especially if it were held at a place like the KLCC, where many people converged during weekends.
"To those involved in organising the gathering, I give the reminder not to hold it. It will not only be against the law, but will inconvenience people and traders and cause traffic congestion," he told reporters after a ground-breaking ceremony for a surau here.
Earlier, in his speech, Ismail said incitement and extremist demands could cause rifts among communities and arouse hatred for one another.
He said there should be early education on the need for tolerance and mutual respect in building a nation.
Meanwhile, in Temerloh, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said he had directed Ismail to personally monitor the situation and take firm action if Hindraf created trouble.
"He will be responsible for ensuring that the illegal organisation does not jeopardise the (security) situation," he told reporters after nominations for the March 6 Kerdau by-election.
Hishammuddin said he believed the organisers were trying to create an atmosphere that was being witnessed in the Middle East, but Malaysia was a different situation altogether, and they were not getting the response they wanted.
"We know their intentions, we know that certain quarters are trying to bring about sentiments of the kind we see in the Middle East.
"But the situation here is different and it is not heading in that direction," he said. - Bernama

tunku : show no mercy to the illegal gathering. malaysia is not like some countries where there is no platform for anyone to voice their demand.here we have political parties, ngo and above all we have election every five years. do not create trouble and chaos in the country just because of personal gain.i am sure that hindraf is not acting by its own in this illegal gathering.pakatan rakyat has its hand in it.we hope the police will take stern action on those who stage illegal gatherings.the people are fed up with this.it is bad for the businesses and also for all.

DPM Wants Firm Action Against Hindraf

CHANGLUN, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin wants firm police action against a group calling itself Hindraf which is reported to be trying to hold a mass rally this Sunday.
He said that Hindraf, the Hindu Rights Action Force, had been banned and using or championing its name was in itself an offence.
"They (planners) know that they would need permission from the police (for such a rally)," he told reporters here.
Muhyiddin said it was up to police to "shape" the action to be taken, but they have to be firm against such activity as a rally by a banned organisation.
"If they act outside the law and disregard regulations, holding rallies and the like ... stern action should be taken," Muhyiddin said.
He added that any attempt to revive a banned organisation must be viewed seriously.
In KUALA LUMPUR, Police said the planned gathering did not have a permit.
Kuala Lumpur police in statement said an application for the permit filed at the Dang Wangi police station was turned down on security grounds.
The gathering could affect public order and cause traffic congestion, the statement said, adding that the organisers had been notified the the planned assembly was not approved.

tunku : we want the police to take action base on its law.do not give face to these group as they are a threat to national security.take serious action against them.we do not want these people to create tense in the country.

KPI: PKR Should Start With Anwar, Says Wee Choo Keong

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- Former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) member of parliament (MP) Wee Choo Keong said the party should scrutinise its top leaders, especially advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's performance, before subjecting other MPs to the internal Key Performance Index (KPI) test.
Describing the KPI as not transparent as the reports were kept exclusively for the top leader, the Wangsa Maju MP who quit to become Independent, also claimed that Anwar's performance was not up to mark.
"If PKR feels there is a need for KPI, then it should start with KPI on politicking by their top leader...YB Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been appointed Economic Advisor to Selangor and he has announced he will bring in RM4 billion worth of investments into Selangor.
"Where are the investments?," he asked in his latest blog posting weechookeong.wordpress.com.
Wee was commenting on an online news report that the party's special committee headed by its supreme council member, Nik Mahmood Nik Hassan, had classified seven PKR MPs, including deputy president and Gombak MP Azmin Ali, as 'non-performing elected representative".
The six other MPs were Azan Ismail (Indera Mahkota), Datuk Kamarul Baharin Abbas (Teluk Kemang), Abdullah Sani (Kuala Langat), Lee Hoy Sian (PJ Selantan), Yusmadi Yusoff (Balik Pulau) and Loh Gwo Burne (Kelana Jaya).
The KPI test also found former PKR MPs Wee Choo Keong (Wangsa Maju), Tan Tee Beng (Nibong Tebal), Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohamed Hashim (Bayan Baru), Zulkifli Nordin (Kulim Baharu), Mohsin Fazli Samsuri (Bagan Serai) and N. Gobalakrishnan (Padang Serai) as non-performers.
"As far as I know, under severe political constraints, the six PKR MPs did perform as best as they could, especially Teluk Kemang MP, Datuk Kamarul, who has done a good job in the Public Accounts Committee.
"As for the Konsensus Bebas MPs, there was no need for PKR to do the KPI as we have resigned from PKR because we could no longer subscribe to their constant politicking, politics of "Cakap Tak Serupa Bikin" (Not Walking the Talk)," he said.
Wee also criticised PKR for trying to emulate the test, which was the brainchild of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
"PKR was trying so hard to emulate it but with no transparency and good governance... The KPI is a clear example that the PKR leader is bankrupt of ideas," he said.

tunku : anwar the moron is emulating the bn style, that means bn is good.after all this so called economic advisor who promised rm4 billion worth of investments in selangor actually is a big liar who had lied to the people of selangor.whatever investments coming in the pr states are thru the federal government hard works. i guess anwar's kpi is the best in lying, talking craps and sodomizing.he is the best for all that.

Its free ticket to all students returning to Egypt.

MAIWP Sponsored Students Get RM500, Flight Ticket To Egypt

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 Feb (Bernama) -- More than 400 students sponsored by the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (MAIWP), who were evacuated from Egypt following the turmoil in the country, will be given RM500 assistance and flight tickets to Cairo to resume their studies.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, who is also MAIWP chairman, said this was decided by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who chaired a meeting of menteris besar and chief ministers in Putrajaya Tuesday.
At the meeting, Muhyiddin also instructed all states administered by the Barisan Nasional (BN) to cover the flight costs for students returning to Egypt to continue their studies, he told reporters here today.
Earlier, he had attended a function hosted for the students by the Prime Minister's Department at the Federal Territory Mosque here.
Also present were Federal Territories and Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin, Malaysian Islamic Development Development (Jakim) director-general Datuk Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abdul Aziz and MAIWP chief executive officer Dr Muhammad Yamin Ismail.
Jamil Khir also said students in non-BN administered states wishing to return to Egypt to continue their studies and are in need of assistance could register with Jakim's portal www.Islam.gov.my but aid would depend on availability of funds.
"I find the states of Selangor and Penang have announced aid for students planning to return to Egypt," he said.
Asked when the students would be returning to Egypt, he said this would depend on the advice of the Higher Education Ministry.

tunku : thanks to the government.this will definitely helps the students especially from the poor families.hope the will return and continue their studies there when the situation is safe in egypt.

Kerdau by-election: Syed Ibrahim is BN's candidate

KUALA KRAU: A special assistant to the Pahang Mentri Besar and Umno Kuala Krau vice chairman Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad has been picked as the Barisan Nasional candidate to contest the Kerdau by-election on March 6.
Deputy Umno president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin made the announcement in front of some 4,000 supporters who gathered at Dataran Seri Ketumbit, Kerdau here on Tuesday.
The by-election follows the death of the incumbent assemblyman, Barisan’s Datuk Zaharuddin Abu Kassim on Feb 12.
The Election Commission has set Feb 26 for nomination and March 6 for polling for Kerdau as well as Merlimau.
The name of the candidate for Merlimau will be announced Wednesday.
Syed Ahmad, 44, is a graduate of the Al-Azhar University with a major in Arabic and has served as Pahang Foundation assistant officer in Cairo, Egypt (1993-1996), an Arabic and religious teacher at SMK Agama Darul Naim, Kuala Krau (1997-2000), Jerantut district mosque supervisory officer (Nov-Dec 2000) and has been with the Mentri Besar's office since 2001.
Syed Ahmad, a local boy, is married to Sharifah Farunai Syed Ahmad and has three children.

tunku : VOTE FOR BN

Poser Over Nik Aziz's Inaction Against Son-in-law

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- A non-governmental organisation today questioned why Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat did not take any action against his son-in-law, Abdul Ariffahmi Abdul Rahman for alleged mismanagement of a government-linked company.
Pertubuhan Jaringan Melayu Malaysia national secretary Tengku Amalluddin Sani Raja Ahmad Sufian said until today no action had been taken against Abdul Ariffahmi after he relinquished his post as chief executive officer of Kelantan Menteri Besar Incorporated early last year.
Tengku Amalluddin Sani said Nik Aziz should have taken action against Abdul Ariffahmi instead of passing the buck to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Nik Aziz should not wait for the MACC to conclude its probe, he told Bernama here Monday.
The MACC started investigating Ariffahmi, who was appointed CEO of the corporation on Sept 20, 2009, on issues pertaining to financial misappropriation and on a sponsored haj trip at the end of 2009.
Tengku Amalluddin said as a responsible leader, Nik Aziz should take appropriate action against Abdul Ariffahmi, whom he had promoted as the CEO.
"Instead, Nik Aziz continues to defend his son-in-law," he said.
Abdul Ariffahmi's services was terminated by Nik Aziz following the advice of national PAS leaders and public outcry.

tunku : what make this ngo think that nik aziz would take action against his son in-law? he will never take any action against his family members or even his party members as they are all saint in his eyes.even though they do all sort of things, nik aziz will defend them no matter what.