Malaysians from all walks of life pay their last respects to Sultan Azlan Shah

People from all walks of life are converging at Istana Iskandariah here to pay their last respects to the much-loved Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86. 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor were the first to offer condolences to the Perak royal family, led by the Regent of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah. 

Najib and wife, who were accompanied by Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, arrived at the palace around 8.45am on Thursday. 

The Prime Minister, who is on an official visit to China, returned to Malaysia on Wednesday night and would be flying back to Beijing to resume his trip to mark Malaysia-China 40 years in diplomatic ties.

Among those earliest to arrive at Istana Iskandariah to pay their respects were SPAD chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar, Sapura Kencana president and group chief executive officer Tan Sri Shahril Shamsuddin and state executive councillors.

Gerakan president Datuk Mah Siew Keong took time off from his campaign for the Teluk Intan polls to offer condolences to the royal family.

Sultan Azlan Shah Of Perak Dies

AL FATIHAH

The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, passed away at 1.30 pm WEdnesday. His Royal Highness was 86.

The death was announced by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir over Radio Television Malaysia (RTM).

Zambry said the late sultan would be laid to rest at the royal mausoleum in Kuala Kangsar tomorrow after the 'Asar' prayers in the late afternoon.

The lying-in-state of the remains of Sultan Azlan Shah, who had reigned Perak for three decades from Feb 3, 1984, would be held at the Balairong Seri (Throne Room) of the Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar.

State dignitaries and VIPs would pay their last respects from 9 am tomorrow while the public would be allowed to do so between 11 am and 2 pm.

The rulers and national leaders would pay their last respects between 2 pm and 3 pm.

Zambry said the Perak flag would be flown at half mast during the 100 days of mourning beginning today while the Malaysian flag would be flown at half mast for seven days.

"During the first seven days of the mourning period, all forms of entertainment, festivity and celebration are cancelled," he announced.

Teluk Intan by-election: Dyana ‘remote-controlled’ by party leaders

DAP's Teluk Intan parliamentary by-election Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud would not have her say in Parliament if she is voted as MP.

Penang Gerakan chairman Teng Chang Yeow (pic) said Dyana Sofya would only be remote-controlled by party leadership.

"As evidently during her press conferences, she was coached by party leaders.

"They guided her throughout the press conferences," Teng told journalists here on Wednesday.

"They must have confidence in her if she is chosen as their candidate," he said.

"When asked on (Dyana Sofya's mother) link with Perkasa, Tony Pua and Lim Kit Siang both answered on her behalf," he added.

BN Needs To Refresh Its Strategy In Teluk Intan

Her appealing looks and witty approach is something difficult to ignore.

In fact, right in the midst of the election heat, it seems Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud, 27, the DAP candidate in the Teluk Intan by-election on May 31, is seen as a darling by many.

Nonetheless, her opponent, Barisan Nasional's (BN) Datuk Mah Siew Keong, 53, is local born and has a proven track record in politics and in serving the people.

Dyana Sofya is no match to this seasoned politician of BN, at least in experience and service record.

In fact, she had admitted that Mah's vast experience and disposition posed a serious challenge to her in the straight fight.

"Being a youngster and taking on a more experienced and highly respected opponent in Teluk Intan, is something that I have to face," she said recently.

DAP's adviser Lim Kit Siang too admitted that it was no easy road in maintaining the seat especially after the party took a bold step of nominating a young Malay lass, Dyana Sofya.

Dyana Sofya is also Lim's political secretary, and the Chinese based party's move to field a Malay candidate had created some furor at both sides of the divide.

MAH IS NOT A SPENT FORCE

Mah, the Gerakan party president, who represented the constituency for two terms after winning the 1999 and 2004 General Election (GE), lost the seat in the subsequent two general elections.

In spite of Mah's proven track record and better understanding of the local issues as he was born and bred in Teluk Intan, the new political landscape has made the race an uphill task for Mah.

A lecturer from the Communication and Media Studies Faculty at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in Shah Alam Associate Professor Dr Ismail Sualman said with Mah's impeccable background, one should not be surprised if BN makes a comeback.

As for the locals, Mah is considered the 'old timer' or 'otai' in the Malay slang who can still call the shots to attract the voters towards BN.

"I see his chances of winning is there only that he has to campaign the right way from now... the chances of BN winning is there and event if doesn't it could still reduce DAP's majority.

"Though Diyana Sofya has the looks and the aura to win over the voters but voters are fully aware that she is a newbie... Mah could win based on his vast experience and his capabilities," he said to Bernama.

A REFRESHED CAMPAIGN APPROACH IS NEEDED

Ismail noted that to succeed, BN has to let go its conservative campaign approach and seen as more people friendly.

In this sense BN has to diversify and refresh its outdated campaign approaches that would not translate into votes.

"As for example in the Teluk Intan by-election, there is a need for a trademark campaign move that is 'catchy' and conducted in a relaxing manner, where it highlights Mah's strengths... among others like the use of the slogans 'the old timer who one can still deliver'.

"I see that the approach used by BN in delivering its aspirations remain conservative and in fact the campaign material like the posters remain outdated and unappealing," he said.

A more stronger and effective strategy has to be employed by highlighting the candidate's strength and BN's successful track record and the party's genuine concern for the people.

ACTIVE IN SOCIAL MEDIA

The campaigns should not be restricted to the candidates alone, instead BN could tag along prominent persons, celebrities, NGO representatives or successful locals, to help step up the campaign fervour or act as spokesperson especially to reach out to the younger voters.

"The BN candidate's strength too has to be supported by prominent parties or individuals, ensuring people to people contact."

Apart from going to the ground to meet the people and join the campaign, BN has to actively use the numerous conduit available today including the social media to get into the hearts of the people.

"The 'ceramah' should be carried live through social networks or by uploading it immediately like in YouTube so that the people could access the content more easily," he said.

THE RIGHT CHOICE

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin recently when announcing Mah as the candidate said, Mah was the best choice due to his long involvement in politics and knows the electorate there.

"Though he may have lost in the last election, I feel this is the place we are to see the resurrection of Gerakan," he said.

UMNO Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin noted that Mah's vast experience as the former two-term representative of the constituency and also as the former deputy minister could help BN win back support in the constituency.

The Teluk Intan Parliamentary seat fell vacant after its incumbent Seah Leong Peng, 48, from DAP died of cancer on May 1.

The Teluk Intan Parliamentary Constituency has a total of 60,349 registered voters and in the 13th GE, the late Seah obtained 27,399 votes to defeat Mah who received 20,086 votes and independent Moralingam Kannan (279 votes). Seah won with a 7,313 majority.

Teluk Intan by-election: Dyana helped to recruit Perkasa members.

I wonder how the Chinese in Teluk Intan feel about being asked by DAP to vote for a candidate who helped her mum to recruit Perkasa members? I wonder how they will vote for candidate has good associates with Perkasa leaders ? 

The Chinese in Teluk Intan should reject Dyana who is two headed snake. She changes her skin in front of different audience. Typical hypocrite.

Teluk Intan by-election: I'm still the underdog, says Mah

After a week of campaigning in the Teluk Intan parliamentary by-election, Barisan Nasional's Datuk Mah Siew Keong feels he's still the underdog but stresses that he is the better choice.

The Gerakan president said there would be many sympathy votes for his opponent, DAP's Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud, due to the death of the constituency's incumbent MP Seah Leong Peng.

Mah added that Seah was a local boy who was hardworking and his death would result in many casting their votes for DAP.

"Just like the Bukit Gelugor by-election, (where) there were many sympathy votes.

"I don't know how it will reflect in Teluk Intan," he told journalists after unveiling his by-election manifesto on Monday.

"However, I feel that I have the dedication to do more for Teluk Intan," he added.

The by-election, triggered by Seah's death earlier this month due to cancer, will be held on May 31.
Mah said there was also a campaign going on to discredit him.

"There have been a lot of whispering, SMS-es and Facebook campaigning and dirty politics that are not true (against me).

"There are also many heavyweights having ceramah every night," he said, adding however that he hoped to achieve 51% support before polling day.

"I lost by about 7,600 votes in the last general election. It is not easy to overturn the majority," he added.
On the promises made to the people by several Barisan Nasional leaders to entice them to vote for him, Mah said it was no different from Pakatan Rakyat's call to lower the petrol if it had won the last general election.
"I still believe that we have to work hard to achieve some of the promises made to the people.

"There are 222 parliamentary constituencies and every one (of the MPs) needs to work hard to get things down in their areas," he said.

Mah stressed that he was still the best candidate, being the local boy who knew what was needed for the constituency.

"I believe I can play that role. We at Teluk Intan are a big family. I've fought for Teluk Intan for many years and I will continue to do so," he said.

"If I'm voted, I promise I will work hard to bring in more infra-structural development and welfare to the people," he added.

Teluk Intan by-election: BN's Mah targets Unesco status for 'Leaning Tower' to boost tourism.

Gerakan president and Barisan Nasional's Teluk Intan by-election candidate Datuk Mah Siew Keong is hoping to get the century-year-old "Leaning Tower" listed as a Unesco heritage site.

Mah said the status would benefit the folk here by bringing in more tourists to boost the economy.
"I will try my best to get the leaning tower listed if I am voted as the MP.

"It will be a challenge and will take a long time," he said during the launching of his manifesto here Monday for the May 31 parliamentary by-election.

"We (Gerakan) have the experience to do it as we have done it for Penang," he added.

The tower, built in the late 19th century, has been likened to the famed Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The Teluk Intan by-election was called following the death of the incumbent MP Seah Leong Peng (DAP), 48, from cancer on May 1.

In the last general election, Seah defeated Mah and Independent candidate Moralingam Kannan by a majority of 7,313 votes.

Dyana Sofya ‘incurs wrath’ of former UiTM students

The DAP candidate for Teluk Intan parliamentary constituency Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud has been ticked off for undermining Universiti Teknologi Mara's (UiTM) role in providing educational privileges to the Malays and other bumiputras.

Persatuan Belia Bersatu Klang president Muhammad Akmal Ridzuan Abd Rahim said as a law graduate from UiTM, Dyana Sofya should realise that the varsity was set up to help the Malays and bumiputras under Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.

"She should not drag UiTM into politics to garner non-Malay votes and I do not see any need for UiTM to open its doors to non-Malays as they are accepted by 20 other public universities, apart from private universities and colleges.

"Former UiTM students are deeply saddened over her remarks," said Muhammad Akmal Ridzuan, who holds a Diploma in Business Management from Segamat UiTM, Johor.

A Diploma in Banking holder from Malacca UiTM, Zaitul Hazrul Zulkifli said Dyana Sofya had committed three errors, namely objecting the implementation of PAS’ hudud in Kelantan, becoming a DAP member, and undermining the role of UiTM.

A Diploma in Science holder from UiTM in Kuala Pilah, Norshahirah Shaharuddin refuted Dyana Sofia's claim that UiTM catered only for Umno members' children. Instead she said it enrolled many poor students irrespective of their families’ political beliefs at low fees.

Malaysian Indians Welfare Association president A. Prakash said Dyana Sofya was not mature enough to represent Teluk Intan in the Dewan Rakyat and if she were elected, it could be detrimental to the constituency that still needed development.

He labelled Dyana Sofia a DAP puppet as she was fielded to garner sympathy votes from the Malays as the party thrived along racial lines.

"Being Teluk Intan-born, I feel that the constituency needs an experience campaigner to chart its development," he told a news conference here on Sunday.

Dyana Sofia, 27, faces Barisan Nasional's Datuk Mah Siew Keong, 52, in the by-election set for May 31.

Thomas Cup: Malaysians wish team "All The Best" LIVE RTM1 5.30PM

Messages of support for the Thomas Cup team flooded the internet Sunday with people posting pictures along with the messages via Twitter and Fecebook.

Malaysia last won the prestigious tournament 22 years ago. The team will play Japan in the final in New Delhi starting at 5.30pm.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who was in Kazakhstan, tweeted his wishes and said that the 12-year wait to qualify for the final has ended. (Malaysia last entered the final in 2002 in Guangzhou, China)

“Congratulations from me and Malaysian delegation in Kazakhstan. Let’s create a new history for this Thomas Cup,” tweeted Najib.

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who went to New Delhi today, posted a picture of him with the team on Twitter.

Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir posted a picture on his Twitter page with a message saying “Kedah heroes also share in their hopes for the nation, Because of MH370, the Thomas Cup will come back to Malaysia.”

Amira Chan @AmiraRamizan tweeted that fans should spread positive and energetic vibes to Lee Chong Wei and Malaysian team.

“All the best to Malaysia for ThomasCup2014 final. Its been 22-years and we need the cup,” said MJ Logaa S @mjlogaas.

Mohd Rinzal Yusof @RinzalYusof wished the Malaysian team all the best and he tweeted, “Once again, sport unites us. In u we trust, our support for u is infinite,”

Many fans are hoping that Malaysia’s victory would lead to a public holiday but we gonna win but Raja Rajan @Raja_Rajan had different thoughts when he tweeted, “We will win but leave tomorrow as working day,”

“Dear Team, please do not fall in the final hurdle like Arsenal did for the past five years in the Barclays Premier League,” joked Azrul Abu Hassan @Jeghui.

Will the 22-year wait end today?

Teluk Intan by-election: Stop blaming BN for your troubles, Muhyiddin tells Pakatan

Pakatan Rakyat should stop blaming Barisan Nasional for everything negative that has happened during its campaign for the Teluk Intan parliamentary seat by-election.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Sunday that Pakatan needed proof before making allegations against Barisan.

“Do they have proof? Can they establish any link that it has anything to do with us,” he said during the ground breaking ceremony of the RM5bil West Coast Expessway project here.
Muhyiddin added that even if the opposition coalition had made police reports, they must have facts and data to back their allegations.

The Deputy Prime Minister was asked to comment on allegations by DAP that Barisan supporters had disseminated the alleged “bikini” pictures of its candidate Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud.
DAP lodged a report with regard the matter on Saturday.

The picture in question was actually of Filipina actress Pauleen Luna.

Teluk Intan By-Election: Imported Or Local Candidate?

If the results in the four previous general elections for the Teluk Intan parliamentary constituency were to be an indicator, the voting trend would lean towards a homegrown representative.

DAP seems to be ignoring Teluk Intan residents' preference for a local to represent them by fielding a candidate who is not only an outsider but a young Malay woman.

Is the DAP so confident that their supporters would not mind changing their preference even for the party?

Many residents when met by Bernama, were unsure about saying yes because to them, voters in Teluk Intan had always been insistent about having a local representative.

Self-employed Eric Tan said voters would be happier with a local representative, whom they could easily meet and communicate, compared to an 'imported' representative.

"We did have that problem in the past and the representative was always not around," he said.

In the 1999 general election, voters chose local Datuk Mah Siew Keong from the Gerakan, who served for two terms until 2008 and local Seah Leong Peng from the DAP, who also served for two terms, from 2008 until his death on May 1 this year.

Tan said the DAP's choice of Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud, 27, as their candidate was outside the norm and likened it to the DAP's decision in the 80s to field Fadzlan Yahya in the 1986 general election.

In the three-corner contest among Fadzlan, BN (Gerakan) candidate Ong Tim Kim and PAS candidate Nadzri Baharuddin, Ong won by a majority of 1,443 votes.

However Fadzlan won the Pasir Bedamar state seat, a DAP stronghold with 10,845 votes, defeating BN candidate Gan Loot Heng who obtained 7,667 votes.

The DAP former vice president held the seat for three terms.

Meanwhile, Teluk Intan MIC Youth Chief Sri Murugan said an imported representative would have difficulty looking after the interest and welfare of the constituents and would not understand the needs and expectations of the residents.

He said, should the DAP candidate win, she would not only fail to fulfil the pledges made during the campaign but would not be able to resolve problems faced by the residents.

"The situation is different with BN's candidate Datuk Mah Siew Keong as he is a local. Even when he lost in the election, he would still assist us, regardless of whether we were Malay, Chinese or Indian. If we had a problem, we could always meet him," he said.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (Social Science Studies) political analyst, Associate prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian opined that DAP's hardcore supporters might undertake a protest vote or refrain from voting to demonstrate against the party's decision to field an outsider and non-Chinese.

"Many factors can contribute to the protest. It can be the factions from within the party in Teluk Intan, the hudud issue and factions at state level," he said.

Sivamurugan said if the protest votes were substantial it might move the parties within the opposition to review their alliance.

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) independent political analyst Datin Paduka Prof Dr Ramlah Adam said DAP appeared to belittle Teluk Intan voters by fielding an outsider and political freshie.

"Can residents trust her as their representative? Can she talk about the hudud...even though she is a lawyer but not syariah," she said, adding that a protest vote campaign against DAP could possibly happen.

Universiti Putra Malaysia, Economy and Management senior lecturer M. Neelamehan advised Teluk Intan voters to vote wisely and choose a representative who could bring change and benefit to them.

The Teluk Intan by-election will see a straight fight between Mah and Dyana. The seat fell vacant when Seah, 48, succumbed to cancer at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre recently.

Cadbury recalls two products following report porcine DNA detected in chocolates

MUSLIM SHOULD BOYCOTT ALL CADBURY PRODUCT UNTILL WE ARE SATISFIED THAT THEIR PRODUCT IS HALAL. THE BEST IS DON'T BUT ANYMORE CADBURY'S PRODUCT. THIS MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE TAUGHT LESSON THAT THEY DON'T SIMPLY TAKE FOR GRANTED MATTERS RELATED TO HALAL.

Cadbury Confectionery Malaysia Sdn Bhd has recalled two batches of its chocolate products which have tested positive for porcine DNA by the Health Ministry.
In a statement posted at its official Facebook page on Saturday, Cadbury said it is undertaking a full review of the supply chain of its products to ensure all quality standards are met.
“We would like to reassure our consumers that all Cadbury chocolates manufactured in Malaysia are halal-certified by Jakim, which includes the locations and raw materials used in the production of these products.
“We employ stringent quality procedures to ensure that our products are of the highest standard of safety and quality,” it said.

Earlier Saturday, the Health Ministry had confirmed that non-halal elements were found in Cadbury Dairy Hazelnut and Cadbury Dairy Milk Roast Almond.
In a statement on Saturday, ministry director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said that the tests had been conducted following speculation on social media on May 23 alleging that the chocolates contained porcine DNA.
He said samples from two types of chocolate out of three analysed tested positive for porcine DNA. They were Cadbury Dairy Milk Hazelnut, with batch number 200813M01H I2 that expires on Nov 13, 2014, and Cadbury Dairy Milk Roast Almond, with batch number 221013N01R I1 that expires on Jan 15, 2015.
However, the third sample of Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate did not contain any non-halal element.
Noor Hisham added that the production company, Cadbury Confectionary Malaysia Sdn Bhd has assured that it will recall these products from the market immediately.
“The Health Ministry advises the public to read the batch number on the product’s label before buying and consuming it,” he said.
Malaysia Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) is expected to release a statement on this matter soon.

Najib condemns 'Umno celaka' remark, urges party members not to overreact

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has condemned the "Umno celaka" remark made by a DAP assemblyman, but urged Umno members not to overreact over the issue.

"I strictly condemn the derogatory remarks made by a DAP member, totally unbecoming. We may differ in our political opinion but being abusive is uncalled for.

"This type of action incites disharmony as after all, we are all Malaysians," he said in a statement published on his official Facebook page early Saturday.

Najib is currently away on a three-day official visit to Kazakhstan.

However, Najib, who is also Umno president, urged party members to avoid tarnishing the party's good name.

"At the same time, I call upon all Umno members not to overreact by doing things against the law or deemed to be irresponsible.

"Any reaction should be within the bounds of the law and we must strive to continue the good image of our party. Jaga nama baik parti kita (please honour our party's good name)," he said.

The "Umno celaka" remark uttered by Penang DAP's Seri Delima representative R.S.N. Rayer in the state assembly earlier in the week has sparked anger among Umno members, who have staged a series of protests in Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Kuantan over Rayer's refusal to apologise.

DAP and PAS confusing public with different stands on hudud, says Muhyiddin

DAP and PAS are confusing the public with the party's different stands on PAS’ hudud plan for Kelantan, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“They (DAP and PAS) need to explain to the people their stand and not blindside voters,” he told journalists after a working visit to the Erong orang asli village, near here on Friday.

When asked to comment on Pakatan Rakyat’s blacking out of PAS’ hudud issue during campaigning for the Teluk Intan parliamentary by-election, Muhyiddin stressed that it was Pakatan’s problem and up to the opposition coalition to explain its stand to constituents.

Teluk Intan by-election: Nga slammed for ‘exploiting’ Dyana Sofya’s appearance to gain support

Perak DAP chairman Nga Kor Ming should stop making sexist remarks to gain cheap publicity.

Perak MCA chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said Nga had "exploited" the appearance of DAP's Teluk Intan parliamentary seat candidate Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud to win support from the people.

"Nga had claimed that if Dyana Sofya wins, Teluk Intan would have the prettiest MP ever.

"This is not the first time for Nga to make discriminatory and sexist remarks against women. During the Kajang by-election, he had poked fun of Barisan Nasional candidate Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun by describing her as a maid and was later condemned for his own action," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

It was reported in the Chinese daily that Nga had during a DAP ceramah noted that Dyana Sofya would be the prettiest MP if she wins the by-election.

Mah said Teluk Intan needed a candidate with calibre and candidates should compete on ideology and political views rather than their appearances.

"I find it a great insult to the female candidate if she can only rely on her appearance to win the by-election," he said.

Mah urged Nga to respect women and discuss about the candidate's political ideology and manifesto since DAP had yet to showcase its manifesto even at this stage.

Gerakan president Datuk Mah Siew Keong will square off against DAP's Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud in the by-election following the passing of incumbent Seah Leong Peng earlier this month due to cancer.

Kedah Council of Regency chairman passes away

The Kedah Council of Regency chairman Tan Sri Tunku Annuar Sultan Badlishah  passed away following a heart attack at the Ipoh Pantai Hospital at 12.20am Wednesday.
He was 75-years-old.

Tunku Annuar was appointed as Kedah Chairman of the Council of Regency on December 12, 2011 after the Sultan of Kedah, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah was appointed as the 14th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.

An official statement by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir said that Tunku Annuar will be buried at the Royal Mausoleum in Langgar after the Asar prayers on Wednesday.

The public can pay their last respects at the Istana Anak Bukit from 1pm to 3pm.

“Tunku Annuar’s body will be taken to the Royal Mausoleum through Jalan Sultanah, Jalan Titi Gajah, Jalan Hutan Kampung and Jalan Langgar,” said Mukhriz in a statement.

“The national, state and other flags will be flown at half-mast for three days from today (May 21),” he said.
Mukhriz added that the state will observe a seven-day mourning period from Wednesday till May 27.
The Mentri Besar also declared Wednesday a public holiday for the state.

Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah is expected to arrive in the state at 11.45am to pay his last respects.

Tunku Annuar was appointed as the Kedah Chairman of the Council of Regency on December 12, 2011 after the Sultan of Kedah, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah was appointed as the 14th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.

Dyana Sofia: We Don’t Need You To Be Grateful to UMNO, We Just Need You To Be A Little Smarter

Dyana Sofia, a DAP candidate in Teluk Intan by-election could have gained a little more respect if she used a different approach in her campaign. Dyana could have shown some credibility and sensibility by tackling real issues regarding the locals but in fact, she chose to utilize all her energy to prove her anti-Malay-nationalism stance.

Teluk Intan has become a battleground between Dyana and her own roots.

Instead of fighting for all races, Dyana choose to not fight for the Malays and Bumiputeras and condemn all those who do.

Dyana questioned UiTM for giving priority to Bumis, but not UTAR for giving priority to Chinese.
Dyana expressed that she is against race-based education, but somehow the existence of ‘Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina’ doesn’t bother her.

Dyana asked, ‘when did joining UiTM makes one an UMNO member?’ Well, it doesn’t. It only makes you a lucky enough bumiputera to have the opportunity for higher education in a country where the minorities have the most economic advantage.

In her defense, Dyana claimed that she had proposed a similar institution like UiTM which provides affordable, quality education for all races, thus, equal opportunity and total equality.

Dyana is obviously being idealistic and failed to see that total equality doesn’t lead to justice and fairness to everybody. Not, when we see job ads that say ‘Mandarin is an advantage’ and not when the private sectors’ top managements are being conquered by one race – the Chinese.

Talking about equal opportunity, Dyana should know better that hardworking, qualified, brilliant person may not always get the opportunity they deserved, or else, why would a young, in-experienced girl who obtained her education through ‘bumi special privilege’ be given the opportunity to contest in a by-election?

In fact, how did she become a political secretary to the ‘emperor’ of DAP? There are many others who have served DAP longer and who have proven records in politics. So, why Dyana? Certainly, she did not get there by merit or hardwork.

Dyana used her privilege as a Malay to get into UiTM and then used the same privilege to bypass all deserving personalities in DAP to become the political secretary to Kit Siang and eventually, a candidate in a by-election.

So, what rights does this Dyana have to talk about merit or equal opportunities or total equality?

Protesters gather outside PKR HQ

PKR members have congregated outside the party's headquarters here on Tuesday night, protesting the internal polls.

The protesters seem to be part of the pro-Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim faction, and are holding placards with anti-Azmin Ali sentiment.

Signs put up also call for disciplinary action to be taken against the deputy president Azmin, Secretary General Datuk Saifuddin Nasution, and Datuk Dr Tan Kee Keong.

PKR’s incumbent vice-president Tian Chua met with the protesters telling them that the party would listen to their grievances and that there was no need for a public outcry.

Protesters also urged the party's election committee to take responsibility for alleged wrongdoings, saying it was performing "worse than the Election Commission".

Teach your children about Umno, Dr M tells parents

DAP's action of fielding a Malay candidate in the Teluk Intan by-election is merely window dressing to deceive the Malays, said Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said it was not impossible, however, for many Malays to support the DAP candidate as history had proven that the Malays were easily duped by such a move by DAP.

"The action is mere window-dressing and no high hopes (placed on the candidate). If she wins, it's victory for them (DAP)," he said at the 'Chancellor's Talk' programme here.

Dr Mahathir was referring to candidate Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud, 27, who was nominated by the DAP to challenge Gerakan president Datuk Mah Siew Keong in the May 31 poll.

Dr Mahathir also expressed his disappointment that Dyana Sofya was the daughter of long-time Umno supporters.

"It's not a bother if the candidate comes from a pro-opposition family as from small, she would have been taught to hate Umno.

"As parents, Umno members should tell their children about Umno, its history and what it has done (for country and people), otherwise when they grow up, they will do as they please," he said.

Razali Challenges Dyana To Tick Off DAP Leaders Who Question Malay Rights

Umno supreme council member Datuk Razali Ibrahim has challenged Teluk Intan by-election candidate from DAP, Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud, to admonish DAP leaders who often question Malay special rights which had been agreed upon in the social contract and enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

If not, he said, Dyana's willingness to contest in the by-election for DAP was only to seek a position which could create tension in the community.

"If she is willing to question the policy of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) which gives priority to the intake of Malay students, why doesn't she ask for Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, which is monopolised by one race, to be closed down?"

Razali said this to reporters after officiating at the Muar Umno division's 68th Umno celebration and Family Day at the Sungai Balang multi-purpose hall, here, Sunday.

He said Dyana, a UiTM law graduate, had even said before that the word "Malay" in the birth registration should be removed but at the same time, asked for the number of teachers at national-type Chinese schools to be increased.

"This is definitely unfair," Razali said and stressed that Umno had never asked the Malays to rise against the Chinese and had no desire to take away their rights.

He said all parties should not question what had been agreed upon by the various races in the social contract as contained in the Federal Constitution.

Earlier, Razai expressed regret over some highly educated Malays who were prepared to condemn their own country when abroad, which was not done by people from developed countries against their respective countries.

He feared that if this misdeed continued, the Malay community would become weak and others would not help them

Hold back support for PAS until it drops hudud plan, says DAP man

A DAP member has asked non-Muslims, particularly the Chinese, to hold back their support for PAS until the party withdraws unconditionally its plans of tabling any Private Members Bill to implement its brand of hudud.

Norman Fernandez urged the Chinese to send a loud and clear message to PAS that the Chinese would not vote for the party as long as it did not subscribe to the Common Manifesto Platform, which makes no mention of hudud.

PAS, he said, must realise that there was real danger that it could lose all of its four state seats in Johor.

“Already, Puteri Wangsa is almost a certainty to be lost but that is because the electorate is still upset with the PAS assemblyman for proposing the change to the weekend in Johor. The voters in the area are now biding time to get rid of PAS there,” the former Johor DAP deputy chief said in a statement.

He said PAS was “nailing its own coffin” if it continued to persist on the implementation of hudud.
Fernandez said in Johor, all the four seats that PAS won – Parit Yaani, Maharani, Sg Abong and Puteri Wangsa – had a considerable number of Chinese voters.

“There is no denying that PAS won these seats on the strength and support of the Chinese,” he added.
Fernandez made headlines just before GE13 last year when he dropped a bombshell in his article on a blog by dramatically urging voters to reject PAS in the general election, saying the state could not risk its future with the Islamist party.

In his latest statement, he said it had only taken a mere five days for PAS to do another U-turn in announcing that the party would postpone its plans to table the Bill on hudud in Kelantan.

Fernandez said as far as PAS was concerned, despite the opposition of its partners in Pakatan Rakyat and particularly DAP and the objection by the Chinese community, the party still remained on course with its plans to table the Bill.

Najib to attend Ahmad Said’s daughter’s wedding reception

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will be attending the wedding reception of the daughter of Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said at his residence in Kemaman on May 17.

Najib said he did not realise that there would be a reception after the wedding which took place last Saturday.

“This was the source of the misunderstanding, but we have cleared that quickly,” the Umno president told reporters at the launch of Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad (PUNB) Auto Forum 2014 here on Thursday.

Najib also thanked Ahmad and the two other Umno assemblymen for the party spirit shown by returning to the fold.

“I hope this will be a lesson for us to strengthen our position in Terengganu, as we press on with our struggle and ensure the continuous support of the rakyat for Barisan Nasional,” he added.

Ahmad’s daughter’s wedding took place on May 10 in Kuala Terengganu to accommodate the Terengganu Sultan, but the reception on the bride’s side will be held on May 17 in Kijal. The groom’s family will hold their reception on May 31 in Kuala Lumpur.

The Kijal assemblyman had caused a stir in the Terengganu political scene for quitting Umno, just hours after he was replaced by Datuk Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman as Mentri Besar on Monday.

Ahmad, who was initially joined by Aji assemblyman Ghazali Taib and Bukit Besi rep Roslee Daud in resigning from the party, was reportedly upset that Najib had removed him from the state's top job before his daughter's wedding reception was to take place.

The three assemblymen have since retracted their resignations.

Terengganu crisis: Situation should have been handled diplomatically, says Dr M

The Umno top leadership should have handled the Terengganu political crisis carefully, using diplomacy, so that Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) would continue to gain the people's trust in administering the state, said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said if Umno leaders used a rough approach, it would only invite problems like former Terengganu menteri besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said's reaction of quitting the party.

"If we had acted harshly, it would not be a problem for him (Ahmad) to leave Umno. It (situation) is not like in some states like Johor, where Umno is already in the members' blood. In Kelantan, is is difficult for party members to quit PAS or Umno as they have strong faith in their party.

 "Both leaders (at the federal and state levels) must accept the fact that mistakes had been made by both sides," he told reporters after receiving an honorary doctorate in political development from Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University in Jakarta, Indonesia on Wednesday.

Dr Mahathir said in Terengganu, it was not a big issue for Umno leaders to quit the party compared to those in other states, because "in Terengganu, crossing over to another party is normal and they like to try. They would try to do it in Umno, then in Pas and in Umno again.

 "It's their way, so we have to be careful as they can easily switch (party). It's their character."
Dr Mahathir, who is also former Umno president, said the political crisis in Terengganu arose because of the party's weakness.

 "Umno is weak now. The feeling of (party members) is that it is focusing less on the problems of the Malay community but more attention being paid on opposition parties, the Chinese community and so on.

 "Hence, there is dissatisfaction among the Malays. They support (Umno) not because of the leadership but because they dislike the opposition," he said.

Dr Mahathir said the Umno top leadership needed to understand the sentiments of the party supporters at the grassroots level to ensure continued support for the party, especially in facing the next general election.

He stressed that Umno leaders should not listen totally to the individuals around them, but should instead also listen to the grouses of members who always supported the party.

Dr Mahathir also noted that Umno had in many instances, made the same mistakes, but not many of its party leaders were brave enough to correct the mistakes, making the top leaders feel that whatever they do receives support.

"Umno seldom learns. I've said this many times before but they still don't realise it. We will lose (power) if Umno does not learn and repeats those mistakes," he said.

Ahmad Said returns to Umno and pledges support to Najib

Former Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said has vowed to give his full backing to Umno and party president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak after retracting his resignation.


Announcing his return to Umno, the Kijal assemblyman said he apologised to Najib over his outburst and Najib in turn apologised to him over the misunderstanding over the wedding date of his daughter.

He told a press conference at his official residence here that he had met the Prime Minister in Putrajaya earlier in the day.


"At the meeting, we agreed that it was a minor misunderstanding. We both apologised and agreed that the matter has been resolved," he said.


On Monday, Ahmad quit Umno hours after he was replaced by Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman.

Teluk Intan Voters Of One Mind About Their Prospective Elected Representative

The 60,349 voters of the Teluk Intan parliamentary constituency comprise people from all walks of life and various occupations, but they all have one thing in common - their desire for a people-friendly MP who understands their grievances and solves their problems.

"We need an MP who can speak up and be of service to the people," said voter Gobi Ramdas, 34, a trader.

When the people have problems to be resolved, an MP must be able to attend to them quickly.

He wants an elected representative who holds a position in the state or federal government so as to be able to act on their problems with ease.

"It is difficult to seek help to solve a localised problem. We also need a minister or deputy minister (as the elected representative) because it has been several years since Teluk Intan had an MP who also held a government position," he said.

Tan Meng Wah, 53, a member of an NGO, said he did not want an elected representative who was only good at making empty promises and did not come down to the ground to find out the people's problems.

"We do not mind who the representative is, so long as he or she can work for the constituents regardless of race. We want an elected representative who can raise issues in Parliament," he said.

Housewife Fatimah Sahat, 65, said she hopes that the new MP would bring about a change in terms of development and infrastructure facilities for the benefit of the constituents.

"I hope the MP will be one who can work for the people. The previous MP from the opposition was unable to help.

"We will not be taken in by the empty promises of the opposition which only comes down to the ground during elections. The opposition has never resolved the people's problems, often giving the excuse that they are not the ruling government," she said.

Trader Nur Haneem Baharuddin, 30, said she hopes that the electoral candidates would be those who are people-friendly and who can work, and not just talk.

The candidates must have a development plan for Teluk Intan and should not be just good at passing criticism, she said.

The Teluk Intan parliamentary constituency encompasses the town of Teluk Intan, nearby plantations and rice fields as well as traditional villages in the Hilir Perak district, a developing area.

Forty-five per cent of the electorate make up the business community; 35 per cent, public and private sector employees and 15 per cent, the farming community.

A by-election is being held on May 31 following the death of the MP, Seah Leong Peng, 48, of the DAP, of cancer on May 1.

He was a three-term state assemblyman from 1999 for Pasir Bedamar, which is located within the Teluk Intan parliamentary constituency.

In the 13th general election last year, Seah defeated Datuk Mah Siew Keong of the Barisan Nasional (BN) and independent candidate K. Moralingam by a majority of 7,313 votes.

Of the 60,349 voters, the Chinese make up 25,310 (41.94 per cent); Malays, 23,301 (38.61 per cent); Indians, 11,468 (19 per cent) and others, the rest. The constituency has more women voters than men, 31,049 (51.45 per cent) to 29,300 (48.55 per cent).

The biggest number of voters are in the 30-39 age group, comprising 12,365 (20.49 per cent); followed by the 50-59 age group, 12,242 (20.29 per cent) and 40-49 age group, 11,446 (18.97 per cent).

The Election Commission has fixed nomination for May 19 and polling for May 31.

The Teluk Intan by-election is the sixth in just over a year after the 13th general election. The five before it are Kuala Besut state in Terengganu (July 24, 2013), Sungai Limau state in Kedah (Nov 4, 2013), Kajang state in Selangor (March 23, 2014), Balingian state in Sarawak (March 29, 2014) and Bukit Gelugor parliamentary in Penang (May 25, 2014).

ISMA President's Statement Seditious, Not Constructive - Mahathir

 The statement by Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (ISMA) president Abdullah Zaik Abd Rahman on the Chinese in the country has been termed seditious and not constructive by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"He (ISMA president) is not helping (to preserve) peace in this country. It (statement) is not going to do any good to anyone or the country."

Dr Mahathir said this after launching a coffee table book titled 'Reminiscences of Insurrection: Malaysia's Battle Against Terrorism 1960-1990', here, today.

He was earlier asked by reporters to comment on Abdullah Zaik's statement on the organisation's website www.ismaweb.net which described the Chinese who were brought to the Malay States by the British colonialists as "trespassers" and who forgot themselves.

"The Malaysian Chinese are citizens and they have rights in this country. We don't want people to start a racial riot. Therefore, ISMA's statement is not constructive," Dr Mahathir said.

Asked on ISMA's statement that hudud should also apply to non-Muslims, he said they (ISMA) should read and follow the Quranic verses properly as the Holy Book stated that "God does not like people who create turmoil".

On the militant activities in the country, Dr Mahathir said: "I think these people (militants) are misled. They think they are doing something in accordance with the teachings of Islam. I think this is all wrong.

"Muslims are supposed to embrace brotherhood. They need to respond to the feelings of other Muslims," he said.

Since April 28, police have detained 12 people believed to be involved in militant activities in Kedah, Selangor and the federal capital through a militant network in Syria and southern Philippines.

Police believe the militants received training in Syria with the rebel group that opposed the Bashar al-Assad government.

Isma: Hudud should be enforced on non-Muslims as well

Controversial Muslim NGO Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) said hudud should be enforced on everyone, including non-Muslims.

"Hudud should be enforced on everyone, not just Muslims," said its president Abdullah Zaik Abd Rahman.
"For Muslims, it means cleansing themselves from sin. For non-Muslims, it is for the interest of national security," he told the press at Isma's headquarters here, Friday.

Abdullah Zaik said that the Islamic penal code would safeguard the security and well-being of every citizen in the country.

He said PAS and Umno should find a common ground in order to materialise the implementation of Hudud in the country.

"They should think ahead and more maturely for the benefit of the Malays and Muslims," he said.
He also said non-Muslims, whom he unapologetically labelled as "immigrants", should know their limits and had no right to question or interfere in the affairs of Muslims.

"The Muslims and the Malays have the right to voice their opinion and to determine the characteristics to mould the future of the nation without being questioned by the immigrants," he said.

When asked if other races did not have the right to speak out, Abdullah Zaik assured that their interests had been well taken care of since the beginning.

"Throughout history, the Muslims and the Malays have safeguarded their interests, so there's no reason why they should worry about anything," he said.

He also said that the "immigrant race" had no right to oppose the shaping of Malaysia into an Islamic country and question the position of the Bumiputera.

"These people, especially the Chinese, have gone overboard meddling in issues concerning Muslims. They should not cross the line," he said.

Abdullah Zaik also lashed out against DAP and described them as "hypocrites" after they lodged a police report against him, urged him to be investigated under the Sedition Act.

"I feel this is an attempt to stop me from being vocal and it is a form of intimidation.

"DAP staunchly opposed the Sedition Act, and now it wants me to be investigated under the Act," he said.
Isma has been under fire for its recent remarks suggesting that Chinese and the British "trespassed" into Tanah Melayu to bully the Malays out of their wealth.

Abdullah Zaik said non-Malays had no right to question national policies.
When asked if the minorities should pay less taxes, he said "they have to pay their taxes. They earn their income from the country, therefore they have to pay."

He also dismissed accusations the group received funding from the Government, saying that the setting up the NGO was on a voluntarily basis.

"That is not correct at all. Isma is not a proxy of the Opposition or the Government. We are just carrying out our duty as Muslims," he said.

He said the Islamist group was fully funded by its own members, which now stand at 20,000 nationwide, including Sabah and Sarawak.

Beverly Hills demands Brunei Sultan sell hotel after hudud move

Beverly Hills is demanding that the Sultan of Brunei sell a hotel in the celebrity-rich US city, after he introduced a penal code incorporating Islamic sharia law, officials said Wednesday. 

Stars including Jay Leno, Ellen DeGeneres and business tycoon Richard Branson have also called for a boycott of the chain, which owns the Beverly Hills Hotel. But the head of the Dorchester Collection chain said that would be wrong-headed, and only harm hotel staff. 

"The actions you take have to be seriously considered because they will effect the livelihoods of these people," Christopher Cowdray told Beverly Hills city lawmakers at a council meeting Tuesday night. 
Brunei's all-powerful Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah announced last week that he would push ahead with implementing sharia, despite criticism both at home and internationally. 

An initial phase officially came into effect Thursday, with a second phase including more stringent penalties, including the severing of limbs for theft and robbery, to begin later in the year. 

Late next year, punishments such as death by stoning for offenses including sodomy and adultery will be introduced. 

The Beverly Hills City Council passed a resolution Tuesday "condemning the government of Brunei for a series of laws that impose extremely harsh penalties, including death by stoning for homosexuality and adultery." 

"This resolution is calling for the (Brunei) government to change their laws or to divest themselves of the Beverly Hills Hotel to separate the fact that our iconic hotel is under their ownership," added Mayor Lili Bosse. 
Sultan Hassanal owns the historic Beverly Hills Hotel as well as the Bel-Air Hotel in Los Angeles through his company Dorchester Collection, which also has branches in London, Paris, Milan and Rome. 

The city council said they would send the resolution to the State Department asking Washington to "take appropriate action to condemn the Brunei government's policies." 

The United States has "relayed our concerns privately to the government of Brunei," State Department spokesman Jen Psaki said Tuesday, but it will not follow a growing boycott of the Sultan's luxury hotel chain. 
Beverly Hills' mayor called the new laws "shocking, inhumane." 

"They must be met with a strong statement of support for human rights of the people of Brunei," she said.
The Dorchester Collection is reportedly owned by the Brunei Investment Agency, a sovereign wealth fund under the oil-rich sultanate's Ministry of Finance. 

The upmarket chain also includes the Bel Air Hotel, which is a few miles from the Beverly Hills Hotel although administratively in Los Angeles, rather than Beverly Hills. 

It also includes the Dorchester Hotel in London, Le Meurice and Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris, Le Richemond in Geneva and the Hotel Eden in Rome. 

The sultan's support for sharia law has sparked rare domestic criticism of the fabulously wealthy ruler on the Muslim-majority country's active social media, and international condemnation including from the UN's human rights office. 

But the sultan has defended the implementation of the law, meant to shore up Islam and guard the South-East Asian country against outside influences. 

On Monday, former US talk show host Leno joined a growing list of celebrities vowing to boycott the luxury hotel chain. 

Virgin group founder Richard Branson tweeted at the weekend that Virgin employees would not stay at the hotel chain "until the Sultan abides by basic human rights," the British billionaire wrote.

Others who have called for a boycott include talk show host DeGeneres, British comedian Stephen Fry and TV star Sharon Osbourne.

Singaporean guy lodged police report on a spicy food.

A Singaporean man who was so upset after eating a plate of Nasi Goreng Kampung has lodged a police report over how it was apparently too spicy.

Lau Thiam Huat, 61, ordered the plate of fried rice and a glass of warm water at a restaurant along Jalan Bukit Timbalan here for dinner at around 9pm on April 30.

I guess this guy is so frustrated with his life until can make a police report on a spicy food. So be prepared when we go to Singapore don't except to find spicy food.....bring your own chili.

Two explosions rock southern Thai tourist town, five wounded

Two bombs exploded minutes apart in the southern Thai city of Hat Yai on Tuesday, wounding five people, and police said they suspected Muslim rebels were responsible.

One bomb exploded outside a convenience store near a school while a second bomb went off near a police station.

"The explosions were roughly seven minutes apart. Five people were injured at the convenience shop ... they are all responsive and have been sent to hospital. Nobody was injured in the second blast," said Krissada Boonrat, governor of Songkhla province where the city is located.

"We have blocked all important roads to the town and are doing checks of those who come and go."

Thailand is a mainly Buddhist country but parts of the south, in particular the three southernmost provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, are majority-Muslim and decades-old resistance to central government rule resurfaced violently in 2004.

Police said they suspected Muslim insurgents were responsible for Tuesday's attacks.
The three southern provinces are covered by a tough emergency decree that gives the military wide-ranging powers of search and arrest.

Hat Yai, an important trade hub 755 km (470 miles) from the capital, Bangkok, is not covered by that law. Suspected Muslim insurgents staged a series of car bombs in the town centre that killed 14 people and injured more than 300 in 2012.

More than 5,700 people have been killed in insurrection in the south since January 2004.
The opening of peace talks with rebel groups last year has done nothing to end the violence. The talks appear to have stalled while Thailand's caretaker government deals with six months of street protests aimed at toppling Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

The Tale of USIF, Human Rights and Western Ideologies.

It is quite common to see the oppositions in Asian countries to fight for something that is totally against the cultural reality of their country. Even in our country, the calls for absolute freedom are cried by mostly the oppositions. This mindless attempt to enforce western ideologies and values upon a country like ours of which is against our culture and beliefs is just another form of colonization that some of us failed to realise. These so called activists refuse to acknowledge the presence of opinion other than theirs. Thus, the confrontation of these reformists as they would like to be called and the people is inevitable.

Backed by the political power of western countries, these activists create social movements in order to promote western ideologies and ways of thinking. When faced with retaliation by those who represent the real thoughts of the people, they will easily claim that those who oppose them are racist, extremist and are afraid of change. The modus operandi of these western backed movements can be seen in many incidents.

In an article posted in Lim Kit Siang’s blog, the DAP leader were concerned with the reports made by USIF (United State Commission on International Religious Freedom). Saying that he was concerned that Malaysia was inducted into the USIF watch list, the article then rants on and on about how the government failed to tackled the Kalimah Allah issue, Shia’, Al-Arqam and other issues regarding the freedom of religion in Malaysia.

Lim Kit Siang and the writers in his blog should’ve known better than to have the Americans dictates what is good or bad for our country. Malaysia as a sovereign country has been dealing with racial issues for 57 years, and obviously the government have been doing a very good job. The last racial riots that we have seen was 45 years ago and Mr Lim Kit Siang played a very important role in it. We know that he tries very hard denying this, but the facts are still clear.

Now let us turn to USIFR, the international body which Lim Kit Siang’s looked upon highly. The USIFR was created in 1998 under the USA law “International Religious Freedom Act”.  Why on earth that we would be “scared” by the laws of other countries. Are we an annex of the United States of America? Since when did we have to answer to the Americans? We should not be afraid of the Americans, they can put us in whatever list that they want, but we Malaysians have the power to decide our fate and the fate of our country.

Let’s compare the effectiveness of the Malaysian method of governing racial and religious issues against the Americans. In the last 45 years, Malaysia only has one account of racial riots, while America has more than 20 mass violent riots during that time. During the time that the American still practices segregation and discrimination against the African Americans, Hispanics and other ethnics, Malaysia or Malaya was already ready to accept everyone without prejudice. We accepted the idea of a multicultural Malaysia long before the blacks were permitted to sit at the front seat of the public bus. Do we still think that we need the Americans to tell us what to do?

The USA should learn from Malaysia on how to govern a multi-ethnic/religion country. It shouldn’t be the other way around. Maybe, only then they can reduce their crime rate, avoid deadly riots and finally become a country that is respected (not feared) by the world. We as a Malaysian, regardless of our political beliefs, should safeguard our sovereignty and have faith in our government. It is not wrong to criticize the government, but what Lim Kit Siang and his writers wrote in his blog is close to treason. Lim Kit Siang should be thankful that he is indeed lives as a citizen of Malaysia. If this were to happen in the USA, he would have spent the remaining days of his life in Guantanamo Bay, next to a bunch of jihadist while being tortured by sadistic American soldiers.

Gerakan Hails Umno Youth's Proposed Explanation Of 'Hudud'

 Gerakan Youth today welcomed the offer by Umno Youth to explain the 'hudud' (Islamic penal law) to the youth wings of Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties.

Its chief, Tan Keng Liang, said Gerakan Youth would also use the session as a platform to explain to Umno Youth its stand against the implementation of hudud in the country.

"We are prepared to hear what Umno Youth has to say. At the same time, we also hope that they will listen to our views. We will respect any decision that is made afterwards.

"We wish to state that Gerakan rejects only the hudud proposed by PAS and does not reject Islam. We understand that hudud is part of Islamic teachings. We only want to express our views," he told a press conference at the Kedah Gerakan office here.

Tan said Gerakan Youth would resort to legal action if PAS wanted to go ahead with its intention to table a Private Members' Bill in parliament to implement hudud in Kelantan.

Government Should Be More Aggressive In Holding GST Info Campaigns

With the Goods and Sales Tax (GST) scheduled to be implemented on April 1 next year, the government needs to be more aggressive in holding information campaigns on the matter to consumers.

Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan said so far the information dissemination programme on GST was seen as not being implemented extensively.

"In addition the GST issue is politicised by the opposition as a tax system that is a burden to the consumers and, hence, the relevant authorities must intensify efforts to provide indepth information to the community on its implementation," he told Bernama here Saturday.

He said PPIM was also organising information programmes concerning the new tax for consumers and hoped the coummunity would not hear rumours or be influenced by the negative perception that was being brought up by irresponsible quarters.

The media reported that many of the participants who gathered at Dataran Merdeka to protest against the GST implementation on Thursday did not clearly know or understand it.

Many participants, when asked, said the GST implementation would only raise prices of goods and suppressed the low income group.

Meanwhile Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (FOMCA) Communications Director, Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman said the government should issue a list of the goods and services that were charged with GST and those exempted as well as an accurate comparison on price changes before and after its implementation.

Mohd Yusof said during a seminar, organised by Fomca recently, participants were still confused on the goods that would be imposed with GST and the changes on price of goods after the implementation.

"Previously the GST informationm programme only emphasised on the advantage of the system on business while focus on the consumers were given less attention," he said.

According to Young Malay Generation Force (Agenda) president Mohamad Zaidan Abdul Rahim, the GST implementation was vital in the development of the country, which was currently moving towards achieving developed nation status by 2020.

"If this matter is being continued to be politicised by the opposition, which is trying to fish in murkey waters, it will cause the people to be confused and give rise to other problems.

"Even though the GST implementation is viewed by the people as a less popular move by the government, it must be insistent and respond to every allegations by the opposition on the matter," he said.

As such, he said a comprehensive information needed to be implemented in stages to give a better undertanding to the people nationwide.

"We will support every campaign that is conducted by the government relating to this GST implementation," he said.

Kelantan Graduates Assembly (Himsak) President Mohd Faizal Daud said Himsak would be holding several roadshows to provide information to students at public and private institutions of learning on GST.

"We will down to the grassroot level, especially among the students to provide information that is easily understood to them on this GST," he said.

He said Himsak would try not to emphasise on the technical aspects of the GSP implementation during these ongoing programmes.

When presenting the 2014 Budget in October last year Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced a rate of six percent for the GST to replace the existing Sales and Services Tax with an overall rate of 16 per cent.

Pakatan could split up due to disagreement over hudud,says Kit Siang

DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang (pic) has hinted that Pakatan Rakyat may split up "if hudud becomes a major issue".

"But if hudud becomes a major issue, Pakatan may go the way of the previous Barisan Alternatif," Lim said in a statement on Sunday.

Barisan Alternatif was a group of Opposition parties formed to counter Barisan Nasional, which disbanded after the general election in 2004.

Lim, who is Gelang Patah MP, said should such a situation occur, then DAP, PKR and PAS would be the losers.

Lim said the "dire prospect of a break-up of Pakatan Rakyat" due to disagreement over the implementation of hudud law could not be taken lightly, adding that the issue had "only descended on the country like a political tornado in a matter of weeks".

He said the majority of voters who supported Pakatan in the last general election did so for a change of government and not for hudud.

"Pakatan would not have continued to deny Barisan's two-thirds majority in Parliament if hudud was our agenda in the 13th general election," he said, adding that the DAP, PKR and PAS would have suffered serious electoral losses if hudud had been an issue back then.

PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang is expected to move a Private Member's Bill at the Dewan Rakyat next month to pave the way for hudud to be implemented in Kelantan.

The proposal has been strongly opposed by DAP, which is PAS' ally in Pakatan Rakyat, as well as several parties in Barisan Nasional including MCA, MIC and Gerakan.

On April 24, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Federal Government had never rejected the implementation of hudud but there were loopholes that needed to be addressed before it can be carried out.

PKR polls: Azmin declines to comment on vote manipulation allegation

PKR deputy president Azmin Ali declined to comment on allegations of his involvement in manipulating votes in the ongoing party elections.

The Gombak MP said he has left it to the party's central elections committee (CEC) to investigate the claims and hoped stern action would be taken against the individual involved.

"I don't want to speculate on the allegations, let the CEC investigate the matter," he told a press conference after a meeting with Penang party members here.

It was reported that PKR leader, Badrul Hisham Shahrin, had claimed that a group of Azmin's supporters were involved in vote manipulation.

Azmin is currently leading with 5,111 votes ahead of his opponents, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim (2,288) and Datuk Saifuddin Nasution (2,322).

Azmin also denied that PKR was nominating their candidate for the Bukit Gelugor parliamentary seat by-election on May 25.

"That is not true. In fact PKR will help DAP win a bigger majority," he said.

Jamil Khir: New committee to study Hudud implementation soon

A central technical committee will be set up soon to study the implementation of Hudud Law in Kelantan, according to Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom.

The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department said the committee would involve the Federal Government, the Kelantan government and PAS.

Apart from studying every aspect of the implementation of the law, the committee would also explain the matter to all levels, including political parties, he told reporters after meeting with Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah here Friday.

Jamil Khir said the committee was aimed at ensuring that the implementation of the law would run smoothly, while taking into consideration the well-being and justice for Muslims, as well as articles under the Federal Constitution.

He said the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) would function as the secretariat for the committee, while the members would not comprise politicians.

Meanwhile, Mohd Amar said the Kelantan government positively viewed the setting up of the central committee, saying that it had also set up its own state-level committee for the same purpose.

"PAS has explained its aspirations and proposals on the implementation of the law to DAP and PKR. So far, we (the state government) are satisfied with its explanation," he added.

Tun Mahathir slam Obama

Disagreeing with US President Barack Obama, Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the Chinese and Indians are wealthy and successful in Malaysia.

“In Malaysia, despite our policies, Do you see the Chinese poor? The Indians are professionals, they are lawyers and doctors,” he told reporters.

“Those who didn’t come to Malaysia are not so fortunate,” Mahathir added.

The former prime minister also said that he agreed with American economist Joseph Stiglitz that there is huge inequality in the US.

Obama had ruffled the feathers of certain quarters, when he said that Malaysia would not succeed if non-Muslims are not given equal opportunities.

“I would like you to read Joseph Stiglitz’s book (‘The Price to Pay for Inequality’).
“He points out that there is no equality in the US at all. One percent owns all the wealth and the rest are poor. That is why there is a group calling themselves the ’99′ who wants to occupy Wall Street,” Mahathir said.

‘Stiglitz spoke more truth than Obama’

He reiterated that Stiglitz spoke more truth than Obama, who was the first American president to visit Malaysia in nearly 50 years.

Obama was welcomed with much fanfare when he came to Malaysia last weekend and met the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the prime minister and cabinet ministers.

He also had a town hall dialogue to rally Southeast Asian youth leaders and the civil society movement.

Despite rebuking Obama’s recommendations on how to treat minorities, Mahathir did say it was good that a US president had, at least, touched down in Malaysia.

“Obama’s visit can only help expose him to Malaysia. I am confident that he has heard much before this but had no clue about what Malaysia is,” he said.

To a question on Obama’s visit to the National Mosque and royal tombs, he said that he applauded the “very diplomatic” move.

“He’s good at winning hearts, that’s why he won (the US elections),” Mahathir said.