KHALID CORNERED, ANWAR BRACES FOR SNAP POLL

Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim is now cornered – checkmated by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leaders with a showcause letter for going against the party decision for not stepping down as Mentri Besar which he has to reply by Friday.

Khalid now has no reason convincing enough to ‘stay his course’ as his Mentri Besar post is the prerogative of the party and not following party decision is considered as gross misconduct which can even lead to expulsion from the party.

In short, the game is nearly over and Khalid can do only one thing – dissolve the state assembly and seek fresh election – or face expulsion and seek a fresh mandate through the state assembly as an Independent candidate for the Mentri Besar position.

If Khalid takes the first action, then Pakatan Rakyat (PR) and PKR in particular may probably has to say ‘goodbye’ to Selangor despite the state Barisan Nasional (BN) having no people of calibre to become Mentri Besar.

The Selangor electorates have been restless and angry with the PR state government for the current feud that they see have not benefited them and they are left with so many problems.
Among the main problems are the water crisis which the electorates are bracing for rationing despite assurances from the state government, hike in business licences, and Kinrara-Damansara Expressway (Kidex).

So if Khalid decides to dissolve the state assembly, then the result is probably clear as expected by many analysts.

If Khalid takes the second option, then he would seek an audience with the Sultan of Selangor, present to the sultan that he is now an Independent assemblyman and would call for an emergency sitting of the assembly to seek fresh mandate.

In this case, the scenario where the assembly has 56 seats, Khalid may get the votes of BN and all PAS assemblymen totalling to 27 (BN – 12 seats, PAS 15 seats).

Against him will be DAP’s 15 assemblymen and PKR’s 14, the latter which Anwar would probably miscalculate.

Several of PKR’s 14 assemblymen had written pledges to vote for Khalid in the event of a vote for Khalid to stay which will see Khalid passing through with a simple majority.

After all, he needs just two more seats for a simple majority.
However, it is very unlikely the Sultan would agree with the second option and the Ruler may want a fresh mandate through a state election.


Both ways, Anwar will see that his Kajang Move is a failure and electorates’ trust on him will erode further as even now they see as Anwar seeking to position his spouse as his priority rather than to manage the state properly.

At first it was only the party deputy president Azmin Ali wanting Khalid’s post and he had started the ‘political chess game’ which Khalid easily shove aside like ‘fanning away a fly’.

As the feud between the two worsen, the party de facto chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stepped in to help Azmin, and thus began the so-called Kajang Move – mission is to replace Khalid with him, not Azmin.

However, when he was convicted and he was not eligible to contest the Kajang state seat, Anwar replaced it with his wife who is the party president Datin Seri Wan Azizah Ismail.
After Waz Azizah won the seat, the real political game began with Anwar wanting his wife who is the new assemblyman to replace Khalid.
Khalid stood his ground and the battle got intense as Anwar began his assault to get Khalid to step down.

When all attempts failed, the party leadership has resorted to the last action – show cause letter and expel – which is within the party’s right and Khalid cannot challenge the expulsion in any court of law.

Selangor MB Crisis: PAS' doors open to Khalid, says Kelantan MB

Ousted Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim is free to join PAS as he has been sacked by PKR, said Kelantan MB Datuk Ahmad Yakob.

The Dewan Ulama acting chief said it was up to Khalid to join PAS as its doors are always open to him.

"It is up to him to join PAS now that he is no longer a PKR member after Saturday.

But whatever it is, we will have to wait for the outcome of his audience with Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah to receive royal advice on his next course of action," said Ahmad.

Ahmad, who is the Kelantan Mentri Besar told reporters this after attending a Hari Raya function organised by the Kelantan State Economic Corporation here on Sunday.

He was asked about Khalid’s sacking  by the PKR disciplinary committee for not heeding calls to step down as the Mentri Besar and give way to Datin Sri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to replace him.

PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat had thrown their support for Abdul Khalid to remain as the Mentri Besar until the end of his term.

Ahmad added PAS was willing to go on its own should the party’s members and leaders decide to leave PR.

"We have a history of going on our own despite our differences with BN and Semangat 46. I agree with Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz that PAS could stand on it's own should it make a decision to leave Pakatan Rakyat,” said Ahmad. 

He called on PAS leaders, members and supporters to keep calm and wait for the party’s final decision on whether to remain in the coalition, which is set for next week.

Ahmad however said that he was confident that PAS would not leave PR adding that the present crisis was an acid test of their faith and tolerance for each other.

He added the decision by PKR to sack Khalid was their prerogative and that PAS had made its stand through the Syura Council and Dewan Ulama.

Selangor MB crisis: DAP supports stand to remove Khalid

 DAP supports Pakatan Rakyat's stand to replace Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim with Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ibrahim.

DAP secretary general Lim Guan Eng (pic) said that the party stands by the Pakatan Rakyat decision to replace Khalid with Wan Azizah.

"All 15 Selangor DAP state assemblymen have expressed their full support for this position and the Selangor PR government remains strong with 43 Assemblymen in the 56 person assembly, despite the expulsion of Khalid,” said Lim.

Speaking at a press conference at the party headquarters on Sunday, Lim added; “Khalid also no longer has the democratic mandate and legitimate authority to remain as MB and therefore should gracefully resign.”

He said all three DAP assemblymen in the Executive Council will remain in their posts until the new MB is appointed, adding that it is necessary for the continued administration of the state until the crisis is sorted.

Lim shared the issues discussed during the party Central Executive Committee meeting, adding that DAP strongly opposes any Barisan Nasional or the Federal government attempt to ban or close down the social network, Facebook.

He explained that it violates the guarantee of no internet censorship in Malaysia and denies Malaysians the rights to freedom of expression.

"This also deprives the youth to communicate through an affordable social media platform while destroying businesses that are reliant on the social network,” he said adding that the party will stage huge demonstrations against it.

On Friday, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the Government will study whether it is necessary to bar access to Facebook following cases of abuse involving the social website.

He however said it was impossible to shut down access to the social website as there are 15 million local accounts compared to only 2,000 reports of abuse received.

On another note, Lim said DAP condemns the sedition probe against Gelang Patah Mp, Lim Kit Siang for the speech he wrote for Teoh Beng Hock's fifth death anniversary.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said Kit Siang, committed an offence for stating that Teoh was murdered and that the real perpetrators had yet to be arrested in an article in DAP publication The Rocket, published on July 16.

"We will investigate this under the Sedition Act because he is trying to incite people to think Teoh Beng Hock was killed," he said.

Also present were party advisor Lim Kit Siang, vice chairman Theresa Kok, Johor DAP chief  Liew Chin Tong, DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke, DAP acting chairman Tan Kok Wai and Puchong MP Gobind Singh.

Selangor MB crisis: Why reveal corruption allegations now

Mca deputy president Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic) has questioned why allegations of corruption involving Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim's administration have only surfaced due to his reluctance to step down as Selangor Mentri Besar. 

The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department asked why the negative elements of Khalid's administration had not been brought up before that.

"During Pakatan Rakyat's recent Kajang Move, opposition leaders sang praises for Khalid, saying that he was an efficient and hardworking leader.

"Now that there is a crisis, the opposition leaders have changed their tune and are taking turns to point fingers and criticise him," said Dr Wee.

Wee was referring to Pandan MP and PKR strategic director Rafizi Ramli, who had shed light on Khalid's alleged involvement in corruption.

Dr Wee said that in a press conference after meeting the people during his visit to Kampung Baru Ayer Baloi here on Sunday.

Khalid accepts decision but says ouster is illegal

Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim says he accepts PKR’s decision to sack him from the party but maintains that the move is flawed and illegal.

The entire episode, said the embattled Selangor Mentri Besar, was mired in a conspiracy as he was not given the opportunity to defend himself.

“I will now seek an audience with the Sultan of Selangor to inform His Royal Highness of this latest development, and listen to any views His Royal Highness may have to share,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Khalid said PKR was confused over the allegations levelled against him as the party had failed to indicate which of its provisions his alleged misdeeds had contravened.

“In spite of my request for postponement to Aug 15 and for more details of the disciplinary process, no reply has been forthcoming.

“The disciplinary board proceeded on today without hearing me. I have not been afforded a proper and fair legal process.“There has been a conspiracy of the highest order,” he said.

He said in the meantime he would continue to discharge his duties as Mentri Besar.

“Until such a time that this issue is resolved in accordance with proper procedures, laws and conventions particularly in the Selangor Constitution, I will continue to perform my duty to the people as the Mentri Besar to the best of my ability,” said Khalid.

Khalid’s political secretary Azman Abidin hoped his boss would appeal, adding that his sacking has far reaching implications as he is now an independant assemblyman for Port Klang and Bandar Tun Razak MP.

Selangor Umno deputy chief Datuk Abdul Shukur Idrus said the current turn of events were very disturbing as it indicated that Pakatan Rakyat was not interested in taking care of the state or the people.

Nik Aziz: We still want Khalid as Selangor Mentri Besar

PAS is standing firm by its decision that Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim should be retained as the Selangor Mentri Besar.

Its spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said the party was prepared for any eventuality or consequences but would hold steadfast to the Syura council’s decision over the matter.

“PKR can make any decision they want, but we are against it,” he said, referring to PKR’s ousting of Khalid to enable its president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to assume the post.

Nik Aziz said this at his home in Pulau Melaka here yesterday when asked to comment on Khalid’s sacking by PKR’s leadership council.

He said it was not important for PAS whether PKR accepted its Syura council’s decision on Dr Wan Azizah’s candidacy, pointing out that “PAS has had a history of going on its own and survived”.

“I want to say this, PAS is a seasoned party and it has faced many obstacles in the form of Barisan Nasional and Semangat 46,” Nik Aziz said. “We were once thrown out of Barisan (Nasional), but we stood steadfast and did not flinch.”

On Thursday, the Syura council met to discuss PKR’s proposal for Dr Wan Azizah to take over as the Selangor Mentri Besar and decided to back Khalid, saying that its decision was based on syariah.

Nik Aziz also advised PAS leaders and members to “watch their mouth” and stand by the Syura council decision and that of party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang who had also defended Khalid. On Friday, PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim rebuffed PAS’ decision, saying it would in no way influence the party’s plan to remove Khalid.

McDonald's claim staff harassed over Israel boycott

McDonald's Malaysia said their staff had to endure harassment, threats and verbal abuse over the boycott of Israeli-products led by certain parties.

The boycott came about after a number of non-governmental organisations claimed that the international fast-food chain was providing funds for Israel to carry out the war in Gaza.

McDonald's Malaysia issued a press statement on Friday in which it said some of their outlets were subjected to acts of vandalism to the extent that they had to shut down operations for the day.

"The reality is that our employees and franchisees have done nothing wrong and it is grossly unfair that they should be targeted in such a way," the statement said.

The company reiterated its stand that it "does not channel any sales, profits or franchise fees from restaurants to support any political causes or conflicts in any part of the world."

"We have been consistent and transparent in communicating our position but unfortunately the information we share have been misinterpreted by certain parties.

"While we understand and respect that the act of boycotting is an individual decision, nevertheless, we are disappointed that McDonald's Malaysia has been unfairly targeted."

McDonald's urged Malaysians to remain calm and refrain from carrying out any acts that may harm any parties.

"Let us all remind ourselves that we are Malaysians and we share a common bond. We can agree to disagree respectfully.

"But most important of all, let us all continue to pray for the conflict and continued peace in Gaza," said the statement.

In Masjid Jamek, two Rela personnel were seen guarding the McDonald's outlet. When asked if anything untoward happened today, both of them refused to comment.

This reporter also went to check several McDonald's outlet in Petaling Jaya old town, Mid Valley and Seksyen 14 and found it was business as usual there.

"Nothing happened so far. Though the number of customers have reduced due to the boycott but we haven't faced any problems," said the manager at the Petaling Jaya old town outlet.

Most of the customers said it was the people's right to boycott but not to vandalise and hurl abuse at employees.

Jeffrey Chiam, a 25-year-old IT specialist, said most of his friends have boycotted McDonald's but criticised the approach of some people who went to the extreme to vent their displeasure.

"I heard some people threw slippers, spat at employees and vandalised outlets. If these are true, it is a shame.

"You want to boycott...by all means, do it but do it in a respectable manner. These employees are here to earn a living, not support the Israelis," said Chiam.

College student S.Arshveen, 23, said violence happens everywhere and boycotting will not stop the war in Gaza.

"Instead of boycotting these outlets, why not donate or volunteer to help the people in Gaza. To me, that is a better way to show your concern for the people in Gaza," he said.

Israel attacks on Gaza since July 8 left over 1,800 Palestinians dead, including hundreds of women and children, and many more injured and numerous homes destroyed.

Nasruddin not apologising over Penang govt 'slander'

 PAS central committee member Nasruddin Hassan Tantawi further stoked the flames in his ongoing spat with Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, saying allegations that he had slandered the DAP leader are unfounded.

He said the fact that certain quarters from Pakatan Rakyat hammered Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim over several issues and not Lim showed "favourtism and opportunistic behaviour."

Solely scrutinising Khalid on the Kinrara- Damansara Expressway (Kidex) was unfair, Nasruddin wrote in his Facebook on Friday, adding that the construction of the Subsea Tunnel in Penang was also equally controversial.

"I am referring to the Subsea Tunnel because it has issues similar to Kidex and since the second quarter of 2013, many have voiced their dissatisfaction over the level of transparency involved in the project.

"My earlier statement on this was in fact based on public data collected following questioning over the construction of the tunnel, therefore, allegations by Guan Eng of me committing slander is unfounded," he said.

The statement came a day after Lim had given Nasruddin 24 hours to apologise for "attacking" the Penang government.

Nasrudin said the project was classified as 'direct negotiation' not in the true sense of an open tender.

"In actual fact, the bigger issue is that a partner of the company that eventually won the tender had signed an MoU with the Penang Government six months ahead of the pre-qualification process.

"Anyone who is well-versed with contracts and construction projects should know that this was in fact not an open tender and that Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) did in fact get special treatment," he said.

Nasruddin said the next pressing issue was Penang's budget as Lim had told the state assembly that the government was RM255.4mil in deficit in 2014 and RM262.04mil in 2013.

"Hence my question is why they would plan yet another mega project, considering the fact that Penang recently had its second bridge," he said.

Nasruddin added that these were merely some of the issues related to the Subsea Tunnel and hence the reason for him to state that some PR leaders were practising double-standards.

On Wednesday, Nasruddin, who is Temerloh MP, came to Khalid's defence over his handling of the Kidex deal, blaming PR for practising double standards.

He said it was unfair for Kidex to have received that much of scrutiny as it was in fact a project initiated by the Federal Government unlike the tunnel project which was directly under the purview of the Penang Government.

In response, Lim gave Nasruddin 24 hours to apologise or he would initiate court proceedings.

Prime Minister Najib Razak's Statement On Malaysia Airlines De-Listing

Prime Minister Najib Razak's Statement On Malaysia Airlines De-Listing
Ogos 8th, 2014 by Najib Razak

Today, the Government of Malaysia, through its strategic investment fund Khazanah Nasional Berhad (Khazanah), announced a formal process to take full ownership and de-list Malaysian Airline System Berhad (MAS). This is the first step needed to return our national carrier to profitability. It is a step I wholeheartedly support.

MAS is part of Malaysia's history. It is a symbol of national pride, of our ambitions and our place in the world. It is more than just a company to us. So today we are making changes to ensure it is also part of Malaysia's future story.

Like all Malaysians, I am deeply saddened by the losses of MH370 and MH17. Seldom before has a company been subjected to two profound and extraordinary tragedies in such a short space of time. We pay tribute to the victims; we pray for their families; and we thank all those around the world for their support and their prayers in these difficult times.

We hope these twin tragedies will change the way the aviation industry operates, making global travel safer for all. But we must also acknowledge that they will change the way MAS operates, too.

We believe our national carrier must be renewed. This means wholesale change, to deliver a wholly different outcome. Only through a complete overhaul of the company can we deliver a genuinely strong and sustainable national carrier. Piecemeal changes will not work.

This process of renewal will involve painful steps and sacrifices from all parties. My instruction and my commitment to all concerned is that the process will be carried out professionally, with proper principles of fairness, transparency and compassion.

It is therefore critical that all parties close ranks and work closely together. Without the full support of all parties management, employees, unions, creditors and vendors as well as loyal passengers and the Malaysian people as this restructuring will not succeed.

The Government and Khazanah are in the final stages of completing a comprehensive and holistic restructuring plan. With due process and following the relevant approvals, we expect that a detailed 
plan will be announced before the end of August.

MAS is our national carrier, and our national pride. The changes that start today will lay the foundations for its future success. I ask that all Malaysians continue to support Malaysia Airlines, as we build a stronger and more sustainable national carrier.

Khalid to PKR: Don't question me on how I run Selangor

Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has told his PKR counterparts that they have no business questioning him on affairs of the state.

Responding to a directive from PKR disciplinary committee chairman Datuk Tan Kee Kwong summoning him to attend a hearing to explain several issues related to his administration, Khalid said:

“I would like to emphasise that the five issues were discussed during state government meetings under the executive powers of the state administration.

“The PKR disciplinary committee is only authorised to hear matters related to party offences and not matters pertaining to how the state is run,” he told Tan in a letter delivered to the PKR headquarters by his aide at 10am Friday.

The five issues Khalid was asked to explain were the Bank Islam loan, state water restructuring deal, the revised MB’s allowance, the increased fees for business licenses, and the proposed Kinrara-Damansara Expressway (Kidex).

Khalid lamented the fact that the notice summoning him to the disciplinary hearing required him to explain the “additional” five issues, while the earlier show-cause letter issued to him on Tuesday made no mention of.

"This reinforces my insistence that any accusations made towards me must be stated clearly and in detail. I do not understand how these five issues are related to the ‘Kajang Move’ that was initially the focal point in the show-cause letter.

"It is also clear that even the disciplinary committee is unsure and inconsistent with regards to my alleged wrongdoing,” he said.

The embattled MB also questioned the haste in which the disciplinary hearing was called, claiming that he was unfairly treated when he was given less than 24 hours notice to attend the hearing.

“If they insist on going ahead with the hearing, then they must provide me the names of those who will be present, the procedures that will be adopted, if I can be represented by a lawyer, and if I am permitted to bring my officers along,” he added.

It is believed that PKR had attempted to rush Khalid’s disciplinary hearing before a Pakatan Rakyat leadership meeting on Sunday that hopes to resolve the Selangor MB crisis once and for all. 

Selangor MB crisis: Saifuddin has ill intentions, claims MACC

 PKR secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution’s allegations that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will adopt a selective attitude on any investigation against Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim as untrue and ill-intended, claims MACC.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (Operations) Datuk Mohd Shukri Abdul said that the body had never practiced investigations which favoured any party.

“As an independent, transparent and professional body, MACC regards Saifuddin’s allegation that MACC carries out selective investigation and that MACC will surely announce no cases against Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, as irresponsible and with ill intent against.

“MACC wishes to remind the party concerned not to connect MACC with the political turbulence in PKR without a strong reason,” he said in a statement Thursday.

Mohd Shukri issued the statement in response to comments by Saifuddin, as reported by an online news portal, claiming that Khalid dared to lodge a report with the MACC on allegations of discrepancies in his administration because the body would not take any follow-up action.

In the article, Saifuddin also claimed that Khalid had became a Barisan Nasional-friendly politician.

“For sure MACC will clear him. You know the words ‘selective investigation’. They will apply that to Khalid,” said Saifuddin.

Commenting further, Mohd Shukri said the duty and responsibility of MACC was only to investigate every case which had elements of corruption under provisions of the MACC Act 2009.

“The act clearly provides that the duty of MACC is only conducting investigation and whether there is merit to charge or otherwise, is the duty of the public prosecutor based on information and evidence obtained.

“Saifuddin’s statement that MACC practises selective investigation is baseless and totally untrue,” he said.

Mohd Shukri also stressed that any complaint or information received with basis would be investigated regardless of political background, race, religion, rank or position. – Bernama

Selangor MB crisis: Khalid takes a swipe at DAP

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim (pic) took a swipe at DAP, saying that unhappy lawmakers in the party had no reason to complain about his administration.

"We take care of DAP members better than their own party and so they shouldn't complain," he said in his speech during a Solat Hajat at the Mentri Besar's residence Thursday.

Referring to the Mentri Besar crisis, Khalid said PKR spiritual advisor Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz had advised him to be patient in politics.

"I am not sure if I can do this but I will try my best," he said.

The Solat Hajat was held to pray for the wellbeing of the state.

Present at the event were PAS exco Iskandar Samad and party central committee member Dr Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki.

In his speech, Dr Zuhdi referred to a leaked WhatsApp print screen that showed him suggesting to his peers that PAS should consider leaving Pakatan.

"It is not my intention to leave Pakatan and it is in fact an informal platform to discuss and analyse situations," he said.

Dr Zuhdi also clarified that his Facebook postings that attacked PKR supreme leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was merely his opinion on the latter.

"If you ask me the 'Kajang Move' was just a quick way to reach Putrajaya.

"So what if he was a little patient and wait until the next election for things to go our way?

"Instead, he is now pressuring Tan Sri (Khalid) to step down when the rakyat clearly want Tan Sri to continue administrating the state," he said.

SELANGOR PR SPLIT, ANWAR’S KAJANG MOVE FAILS

Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) is breaking up which may lead to the opposition loose alliance splitting up at national level.

Minus the DAP which seems to be solidly behind Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Kajang Move, PAS is distancing itself and with PKR’s bashing up the Islamic party, cracks seem to break open wider.

The Selangor Mentri Besar issue has now led to PKR going on PAS bashing spree as the Islamic party seems to stay put with its president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat stand that present Selangor Mentri Besar should stay his term.

At a forum last night titled ‘Selangor Crisis – Pakatan Split’, PKR director of strategy Rafizi Ramli revealed that PAS leadership had never wanted PKR de facto chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to become Prime Minister.

He said the party instead had proposed former Umno vice-president Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah to take over as Prime Minister if the opposition alliance defeated Barisan Nasional (BN) in the last general election.

Rafizi further revealed that the Kajang Move was initiated following PAS’ insistent in not supporting Anwar as Prime Minister which, he added would not have an end even if discussed further on the issue.

Rafizi’s open show of disatisfaction against PAS for not supporting the Kajang Move to replace Khalid with Wan Azizah is considered as ‘ill mannered’ where opinions of partners in PR are not respected.

PAS, helmed by veterans and Islamic scholars may be slighted and this does not go down well with them, who have yet to sit down and deal with the issue thoroughly.

PAS stand on the matter is an open secret as the party has always looked upon Tengku Razaleigh as having the substance to become Prime Minister even during Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s time as Prime Minister.

This was revealed when when the oppositions formed a loose alliance in 1999 general election with the parties being DAP, PAS and Semangat 46 (headed by Tengku Razaleigh).

Even until today, PAS leaders still look upon Tengku Razaleigh as a statesman who is better than Anwar in terms of credibility and experience.

PAS bashing by Rafizi may strengthen Abdul Hadi and Nik Aziz opinions when the leaders of the Islamic party meet this Sunday to discuss the Mentri Besar issue and decide whether to support Wan Azizah to replace Khalid.

The Islamic party is already split on the issue with leaders aligned to Anwar supporting the Kajang move while the old fundamentalists, who have known Anwar since their Muslim Youth Movement (Abim) days, are against Anwar’s plan.

Rafizi’s PAS bashing in the forum may slight the old fundamentalist further and this will not help Anwar in anyway to change the mindset of Abdul Hadi and Nik Aziz.

Tonight, PAS Ulamak Council is holding a special prayer for Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim to stay on as Mentri Besar.

PAS’ Sunday meeting is not expected to be ‘heaty’ as Abdul Hadi and Nik Aziz had already show the ‘path’ sort of in their open statements as it would be up to those aligned to Anwar to convince the fundamentalists why Khalid should be replaced.

Meanwhile, within PKR itself, Selangor seems split in wanting Datin Seri Wan Azizah Ismail as Mentri Besar when a press conference held to voice support for Wan Azizah in writing, minus Azmin Ali and Khalid himself in the signed letter.

At the end of the press conference chaos broke up when someone with PKR shirt distributed a statement that Azmin should also be considered as a Mentri Besar candidate given his vast experience in administration and politics.

In short, Anwar’s Kajang Move to remove Khalid has torn apart PR and PKR as Khalid stands dig deeper into the ground to defend his position.

Clean up your backyard, focus on people, DPM tells Pakatan

Pakatan Rakyat should sort out its internal conflict and focus on the people instead of tussling over the Selangor mentri besar’s post, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said the contradictory views held by PAS, PKR and DAP on the post would cause negative repercussions for the people of Selangor.

“Pakatan needs to think of the people and ensure that the political scene in the state is stable,” he told reporters during a Hari Raya breakfast session with the media at his home here yesterday.

Muhyiddin said PKR wanted to replace Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim with party president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as they could not agree with the terms agreed to by the mentri besar over the Langat 2 project.

“We are in the final stages of the Langat 2 agreement and, now suddenly, there is a call for (Dr) Wan Azizah to take charge and review the matter.

“Whatever it is, I do not think they are taking the people’s issues into consideration,” he said.

Many netizens from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur are questioning Pakatan’s future in national politics following the MB controversy.

Tommy Kok wrote on Facebook that it was better to dissolve the Selangor state assembly.

However, Michael Lee opposed the idea of another state election.

Syahazzly Izham Hamzah reminded Pakatan of Khalid’s leadership strengths.

Shah Alam resident Khairul Azhar Nazri likened the crisis to an entertaining show.

Ho Kit Yen from Petaling Jaya also expressed her displeasure by posting: “Get over it. We want someone on the job, not making dramas”.

At least 15 killed by Israeli shelling of Gaza school; toll exceeds 760

Gazan authorities said Israeli forces shelled a shelter at a U.N.-run school on Thursday, killing at least 15 people as the Palestinian death toll in the conflict climbed over 760 and attempts at a truce remained elusive.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his horror at the attack on the school at Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza strip. "Many have been killed – including women and children, as well as U.N. staff," he said in a statement. "Circumstances are still unclear. I strongly condemn this act."

Ban later arrived to Cairo where he was expected to meet U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who has been working the telephones to try to broker an elusive truce.

Kerry's spokesman said the school attack incident "underscores the need to end the violence".

But there was no sign of progress on securing a ceasefire in his four days in the region. "Gaps remain between the parties," a senior U.S. official said, adding that Kerry wouldn't stay "for an indefinite amount of time."

The Israeli military said it was investigating the incident.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner said there was a chance the school had been hit by stray Hamas rockets. "It could be errant fire from the IDF or rockets landing from Gaza terrorists but we still don't know, there's still a question mark," he told Reuters TV.
A spokesman for the U.N. relief agency said it had tried in vain to arrange an evacuation of civilians from the school with the Israeli army, and noted reports of Hamas rockets falling in the area at the same time.

Pools of blood lay on the ground and on students' desks in the courtyard of the school near the apparent impact mark of the shell, according to a Reuters photographer at the scene.
Scores of crying families who had been living in the school ran with their children to a hospital where the victims were being treated a few hundred metres away. Laila Al-Shinbari, a woman who was at the school when it was shelled, told Reuters that families had gathered in the courtyard expecting to be evacuated shortly in a Red Cross convoy.

"All of us sat in one place when suddenly four shells landed on our heads ... Bodies were on the ground, (there was) blood and screams. My son is dead and all my relatives are wounded including my other kids," she wept.

Ashraf al-Qidra, spokesman for the Gaza Health Ministry, said that as well as the 15 dead, 200 people had been wounded in the attack. The director of a local hospital said various medical centres around Beit Hanoun were receiving the wounded.

UNIMAGINABLE PRICE

More than 140,000 Palestinians have fled 17 days of fighting between Israel and Gaza militants, many of them seeking shelter in buildings run by the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Israeli forces are trying to stop militants from Hamas and their allies from firing rockets into its territory.

"It's clear that civilians are paying an unimaginable price caught between both sides," said UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness. "We were attempting to arrange a window for evacuation for the civilians with the Israeli army that never came. The consequences were deeply tragic."

Britain called on Gaza's rulers to accept a truce unconditionally. "Hamas must agree to a humanitarian ceasefire without pre-conditions," Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond told a news conference in Cairo as Egypt tries to mediate.

"Then ... the Palestine Authority (and) Israel would come together for discussions to ensure a lasting and sustainable peace in Gaza so that we do not repeat this cycle of violence."

Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal said on Wednesday his fighters had made gains against Israel and voiced support for a humanitarian truce, but only if Israel eased restrictions on Gaza's 1.8 million people. Hamas wants Egypt to open up its border with Gaza too.

The Palestinian death toll in Gaza reached 762 on Thursday, officials said. Israel has lost at least 32 soldiers in clashes inside Gaza and with Hamas raiders who have slipped under the fortified frontier in tunnels.

Palestinian rockets and mortar bombs have also killed three civilians in Israel. Such attacks surged last month as Israel cracked down on Hamas in the occupied West Bank, triggering the July 8 air and sea barrage on the Gaza Strip that escalated into an invasion a week ago.

TRUCE EFFORTS

With Washington's encouragement, and the involvement of Turkey and Hamas ally Qatar, Egypt has been trying to broker a limited humanitarian ceasefire for the battered enclave.

One Cairo official said on Wednesday it could take effect by the weekend, in time for the Eid al-Fitr festival next Monday or Tuesday, Islam's biggest annual celebration at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

But a U.S. official described any truce by the weekend as unlikely, as did an Israeli security cabinet minister who said the army would need one to two weeks to complete its main mission of razing tunnels used by Hamas for cross-border raids.

"If the talk is of a humanitarian hiatus for - this is not pleasant to say - removing bodies, all kinds of things that are connected to the civilian population in the short-term, this might be weighed," the minister, Gilad Erdan, told Israel Radio.

both that the tunnels will be destroyed and what will happen in the post-ceasefire period - how we will guarantee that quiet for the residents of Israel will really be preserved in the long term."

 Israel earlier won a partial reprieve from the economic damage of the war with the lifting of a U.S. ban on commercial flights to Tel Aviv.

Though Israel's Iron Dome rocket interceptor has shot down most of the rockets fired from Gaza, one that came close to Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport on Tuesday prompted the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to bar American flights there.

An ensuing wave of cancellations by foreign airlines sharply reduced traffic at Israel's usually bustling international gateway at the height of the summer tourist season. It was hailed as a victory by Hamas and prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to appeal to the Obama administration to intervene.

The FAA cancelled the ban late on Wednesday after reviewing the security situation. The European Air Safety Agency (EASA) said on Thursday it was about to follow suit and lift its own recommendation to avoid flying to Tel Aviv.

US Airways, a unit of American Airlines Group Inc, said it was resuming its non-stop Tel Aviv to Philadelphia service. Germany's Lufthansa said its suspension of flights to Tel Aviv would continue to Friday.

Gaza militants continued to fire rockets at Israel on Thursday, sending thousands in the country's south racing to shelters or safe rooms. There were no reported casualties.

U.N. COUNCIL INQUIRY

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said on Wednesday that there was "a strong possibility" that Israel was committing war crimes in Gaza, where medical officials say most of those killed were civilians.

Pillay also condemned indiscriminate Islamist rocket fire out of Gaza, and the U.N. Human Rights Council said it would launch an international inquiry into alleged violations.

A furious Netanyahu denounced the inquiry as a "travesty".

"The HRC should be launching an investigation into Hamas's decision to turn hospitals into military command centres, use schools as weapons depots and place missile batteries next to playgrounds, private homes and mosques," he said.

Ban, who has also been on a truce-seeking mission, lashed out earlier at Gaza militants, expressing "outrage and regret" that rockets had been found inside a U.N. school for refugees for the second time during the conflict.

He said storing rockets there "turned schools into potentially military targets, endangering the lives of innocent children", along with U.N. employees and the tens of thousands of sheltering Palestinians. He urged an investigation.

Gaza has been rocked by regular bouts of violence since Israel unilaterally pulled out of the territory in 2005.

#MH17 : Ministers' Hari Raya (EID) open house cancelled out of respect to MH17 victims

The Cabinet Ministers' Hari Raya open house at Seri Perdana has been cancelled as mark of respect to the victims of flight MH17 and their families.


Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said that the decision to call off the event was made at the Cabinet meeting on Thursday.

The open house is traditionally held on the first day of Syawal.

Dr Wee also confirmed that the national level Hari Raya Open House to be held at Dataran Rembau on Aug 17 had  been cancelled as well.

Ukraine's Prime Minister resigns

Ukraine's Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk on Thursday resigned in a shock move in protest at the disbanding of the ruling parliamentary coalition, plunging the strife-torn nation into political uncertainty.

"I announce my resignation in connection with the dissolution of the parliamentary coalition and the blocking of government initiatives," a furious Yatsenyuk told parliament.

Yatsenyuk said the "government and the prime minister must resign" after the withdrawal of several parties triggered the break up of the European Choice parliamentary majority in a move that paved the way for long-awaited early legislative elections.

Parliament speaker Oleksandr Turchynov called on deputies to put forward immediately a candidate for a temporary premier "until parliamentary elections are held."

Early parliamentary elections in Ukraine have been expected since the February ouster of Kremlin-backed leader Viktor Yanukovych following months of deadly protests.

The formal dissolution of the majority coalition in Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada gives President Petro Poroshenko the right over the next month to announce a fresh parliamentary poll.

Poroshenko had pledged though that the possibility of upcoming elections would not paralyse the work of parliament at a time when Kiev is struggling to end a bloody separatist insurrection tearing apart the east of the country.

Selangor MB crisis: Barisan wants Khalid to remain

As the Selangor Mentri Besar crisis continues to play out, state opposition leader Datuk Shamsuddin Lias says Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim should continue helming the post.

"The people have already accepted Khalid (as Mentri Besar) and for the sake of development he should just continue.

“This turmoil shows that there are many in PKR who are just interested in power," the Selangor Umno leader told The Star Online Thursday.

Shamsuddin pointed out that Khalid had previously said that this would be his last term in the post.

"When he was elected for the post, he was praised to the heavens but not even a year into his term and they wanted to replace him.

“In any case, we will continue doing our job as the opposition," he said.

PKR had this week officially announced that it was backing party president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to become Mentri Besar.

"He couldn't become Prime Minister, so he trained his sight on the Mentri Besar post. But now that it is impossible, he wants his wife to take the post. This is all just nepotism," said Shamsuddin in reference to PKR de-facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

When asked if a no-confidence vote was initiated against Khalid, Shamsuddin said, "we will just wait and see if it comes to that."

The initial plan had been for Anwar to take over from Khalid through the Kajang by­election. But the plan was thwarted after the Appeal’s Court found Anwar guilty of sodomy and sentenced him to five years’ imprisonment in March.

Dr Wan Azizah replaced Anwar as the PKR candidate in the June by-election and won the seat.
Khalid has been under pressure to vacate his seat in the past few months but has remained defiant and said he will stay put until he is legally removed according to the stipulated procedure.

Selangor PAS has objected to any move to replace Khalid.   

#MH17: DPM postpones Pagoh Hari Raya (EID) open house.

The Hari Raya open house organised by the Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in Pagoh has been postponed as a mark of respect for the victims, families and friends of MH17.

 

The gathering was originally scheduled for the second day of Syawal, July 29, at Kompleks Sri Pekembar, Pagoh, Johor.

The new date for the open house will be announced at a later time.

The move follows the Malaysian Cabinet’s decision to cancel the Cabinet Ministers’ Open House at Sri Perdana on the first day of Syawal,

The National level Hari Raya Open House to be held at Dataran Rembau on Aug 17 has also been cancelled.

#MH17: Hari Raya (EID) open house at Sri Perdana cancelled

The Cabinet Ministers' Hari Raya open house at Seri Perdana has been cancelled as mark of respect to the victims of flight MH17 and their families.

The open house is traditionally held on the first day of Syawal.

It is learnt that the decision to call off the event was made at the Cabinet meeting on Thursday.

It is also learnt that the National level Hari Raya Open House to be held at Dataran Rembau on Aug 17 had too been cancelled.

An official announcement on the matter is expected to be made later on Thursday.

Selangor MB crisis: State PAS Youth reiterates support for Khalid

Selangor PAS Youth has reiterated its support for Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim to continue as Selangor Mentri Besar and urged PKR not to gamble away Selangorians' trust in Pakatan Rakyat.

In a statement on Thursday morning, its youth chief Syarhan Humaizi Abdul Halim concurred with Selangor Pas Commissioner Iskandar Samad who was against PKR’s decision to replace Khalid with PKR president and Kajang assemblyman Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

"This shows the maturity and responsibility of Selangor Pas to make sure the state administration is stable while taking into account that the main focus of Pakatan is the rakyat (people),” he said.

Syarhan Humaizi added that no one could deny the excellence of Khalid in administrating the state that led to Pakatan’s victory in the last general election.

"Any move to replace the Mentri Besar has to be done carefully with the mutual agreement of Pakatan. It also has to take into account the sentiment of every party involved in regards with the state’s enactment including the palace," he said.

"Trying to justify that the move will stabilise PKR is not the best excuse in gambling away the rakyat’s trust in Pakatan in Selangor and the country."

Syarhan Humaizi also reminded those in the "movement" to oust Khalid not to be hasty as it could be a move that could prove to be "penny wise but pound foolish".

I'll work till I'm no longer MB, Khalid assures Selangor Sultan

Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has assured the Selangor Sultan that he will continue to work hard until he is no longer the state Mentri Besar.

"What matters most to the Sultan (Sharafuddin Idris Shah) is the responsible and trustworthy administration of the state, and I told him that I would work until I am no longer Mentri Besar," said Khalid.

Khalid spoke to the media after accompanying the Sultan for the breaking of fast at the Kampung Assam Jawa mosque here on Wednesday night.

Asked if he would step down if the PKR leadership told him to, Khalid said Selangor enactments had to be followed.

On Tuesday, Khalid had said that while he respected the party's decision for him to be replaced by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, he stressed that "proper steps" had to be taken, in accordance with the state constitution.

Khalid said he would continue to lead the state until official procedures to unseat him were followed.
He was reported saying, "I respect the political decision of  PKR in fielding party president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as the candidate for Mentri Besar".

“However, I strictly stand by the state constitution which stipulates specific procedures for the appointment or replacement of the Mentri Besar," said Khalid.

#MH17: Malaysia will give its all to recover victims' remains, says Liow

All available resources of the Malaysian Government and Malaysia Airlines will be dedicated to the recovery of the remaining human remains at the crash site of flight MH17, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said.

"We urge the search to continue for those who are still missing and pledge to exhaust all efforts to recover all human remains," the Transport Minister said in a statement Wednesday.

Liow added that while it was a relief that the process of identification of bodies can finally begin now they have been brought to the Netherlands, those whose remains have not been found should not be forgotten.

"In the meantime, our priority is to support those who share a common grief while working closely with all governments, international organisations and responsible parties to help guarantee a full and thorough investigation is undertaken," he said.

Liow also said that Malaysia would join the international community to discover the truth behind the incident, not only to help the families to find a closure, but also to prevent such atrocities from happening again and to bring those responsible to justice.

"Our goal now is to unite those who have perished with their families and loved ones as fast as possible while allowing investigators to continue their work at the crash site," he said.

Liow also thanked Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the government for their support and collaboration in this difficult time.

In an exclusive interview with The Star earlier, Liow said it would be a very tough challenge bringing back the remains of Malaysian victims before Hari Raya, despite the disaster victim identification (DVI) team working as hard as they could.

"We will work hard, we will try our best, but if some of the remains need DNA tests, it will be difficult.

"This is also a detailed investigation which we cannot compromise on because we want to find out the truth," he said.

Liow said he hoped the first batch of bodies could be sent home before Hari Raya, but admitted it would be a very tough challenge because there are just two days left before Friday.
Nine Malaysian DVI experts will assist with the multinational identification process.

#MH17: Two planes with victims' remain arrive in the Netherlands

Two planes, a Dutch army C-130 and an Australian military C-7, carrying 40 bodies arrived at Eindhoven airbase in the Netherlands.

Malaysian Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Dutch King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, Prime Minister Mark Rutte, bereaved relatives and representatives of the other nations that lost citizens on the flight met the planes.

The arrival of the planes was met with a trumpet salute and a minute's silence.
All church bells in the Netherlands will ring at 1355 GMT (11.55pm Malaysia) in respect for the deceased.

#MH17: Putin vows to press rebels, help crash probe

Russian President Vladimir Putin promised Tuesday to do everything possible to influence pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine and help ensure a full probe into the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 crash last week.

However, he added that it would not be enough with Kiev's continuing military operation against the rebels, adding that the West must push Ukraine's authorities to declare a ceasefire.

"Russia will do everything in its power for a full, comprehensive, deep, and transparent investigation," Putin told a meeting of the national security council, according to excerpts broadcast by Russian state television.

"We are asked to exert influence on the militants of the south-east (of Ukraine). Of course we will do everything in our power.

"However, this would be absolutely inadequate given fresh attacks by Ukrainian troops," said Putin.
"Tanks broke through to the train station," he said of Monday's clashes on the outskirts of Donetsk.
"International experts who came to the tragedy could not lift their heads."

Ukrainian "authorities must be called upon to abide by elementary decency, to introduce a ceasefire, at least for a short time for the investigation," Putin added.

#MH17: Najib's 'silent diplomatic' approach worked, says NYT

While other nations were criticising Russia and pro-Russian separatist for their role in the MH17 crash, Malaysia opted for a ‘silent diplomatic’ approach and it worked, said The New York Times.

NYT noted that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said in a live television broadcast early Tuesday that the agreement with Alexander Borodai, a commander of the separatist forces in Donetsk, Ukraine, called for the bodies of the victims to be taken by train to Kharkiv, a city held by the Ukrainian government.

Six Malaysian representatives were to oversee the transfer of the bodies in Kharkiv to Dutch custody.

Under the agreement, the bodies and the Malaysian representatives would then be flown in a Dutch C-130 Hercules transport plane to the Netherlands for identification and repatriation of remains.

NYT said if all participants honour the deal, it would be a diplomatic success for Malaysia.

"Mr Najib said that at times over the past few days he had wanted to be more outspoken about events in Ukraine, “but sometimes, we must work quietly in the service of a better outcome.”

"The agreement is the result of an unusual spate of diplomacy by Mr Najib, who held a series of secret telephone calls with Mr Borodai.

"A person with a detailed knowledge of the negotiations said that Mr Borodai concluded that he would only release the bodies and black boxes to Malaysia, although Malaysia would then transfer the bodies to the Netherlands and make the black boxes available for an international investigation.


"The backdrop for the negotiations was a slowly growing criticism within Malaysia, including by some in the political opposition, that Mr Najib did not appear to be more publicly critical of the separatists or Russia," NYT said.

It said the agreement with the separatists followed four days of sometimes frenetic diplomacy in which a series of senior Malaysian officials, including the country’s foreign minister and transport minister, rushed to Kiev, Moscow and Amsterdam to broker a deal.

NYT said Malaysia, and particularly Mr Najib, have played an outsize role in diplomatic agreements in Southeast Asia in recent years, and tried to apply those skills to dealing with the separatists.

It said Malaysia has an enormous stake in resolving the problems that have impeded a prompt investigation of the crash and the quick recovery of the 298 victims, who are exposed to abuse and tampering.

"The downed jet belonged to the Malaysian national carrier, and those who died included 43 Malaysian citizens, 15 of them crew members.

"As well, Malaysia was already struggling with the unexplained loss of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, still missing more than four months after it disappeared after turning from its planned course," it added.
However, NYT questioned why the separatists chose to deal with Malaysia when they were under pressure by many big nations like United States, Australia and Britain to release the bodies and surrender the black boxes.

“A big question, which was not immediately clear, was why the Ukrainian separatists chose to deal with the Malaysians at a time when the separatists were under pressure by many countries to release the bodies and surrender the black boxes,” it said.

Sydney Morning Herald also touched on Najib’s technique in reaching the agreement and said the tragedy was deeply personal as his step-grandmother was on board the plane.

“After cautiously refusing to blame pro-Russian rebels for shooting down MH17, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak used secret diplomacy to reach an agreement for the transfer of the bodies and black box recording devices from the plane to Malaysian representatives.

“Mr Najib has been criticised in Malaysia for failing to directly blame the separatists for bringing down the plane as anger grew across the country about the lack of dignity for the bodies, 43 of whom were Malaysians.

“But he instead held a series of secret telephone calls with Mr Borodai who is believed to have said he would only hand over the bodies and black boxes to Malaysia,” said Southeast Asia correspondent Lindsay Murdoch for Fairfax Media.

#MH17: Ukraine rebels didn't hinder investigations, says Russian ambassador

Russian envoy to Malaysia Lyudmila Vorobyeva has dismissed accusations that the separatists have hindered the investigation into downed Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.

Speaking to a packed press conference here Tuesday, she said the rebels were "eager to cooperate" from the first day the incident occurred near the rebel-held Ukrainian village of Grabovo.

She said her opinion was based on observation made by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) that the pro-Russian separatists have been "helpful.

"There was a clear statement by these experts that the rebels are doing everything within their power to secure the safety of their site.

"There also news reports by international experts who praised the effort of the rebels to preserve the site, which is not easy as the debris were scattered within 50km area in a 30 degrees heat," she said.

Previously, it was reported that gunmen prevented monitors from the OSCE from observing the crime scene and some of them seemed intoxicated while others would not let the investigators to look at the wreckage of the Boeing 777.

Reports on rampant looting of the victims' personal belongings also surfaced, due to alleged lack of security in the area.

However, Vorobyeva said the rebels were helpful from day one, which eventually led to the handover of two black box data recorders of the doomed plane to the Malaysian team of investigators, Tuesday morning.
"The experts have also certified that the black boxes have not been tampered with, and experts from the Netherlands have access to the bodies which were being refrigerated," she said.

The black boxes were handed to the Malaysian officials hours after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak reached an agreement with the Ukrainian rebels for custody of the black boxes and access to the crash site.

When asked if the Russian had in any way assisted to the agreement, Vorobyeva briefly responded, "no comment".

She also stressed that the rebels have called for a ceasefire since the incident occurred, but the government of Kiev has not stopped the bombings and military operations.

"Russia has been calling for a full stop fighting and peaceful dialogue by the diplomatic means and our stand has not altered," she said.

#MH17: Malaysia receives black boxes from Ukrainian rebels

DONETSK: Malaysian officials received the two MH17 black boxes from the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) in Ukraine.


At 6.11am Tuesday, DPR representatives showed up at their government headquarters here with the Malaysian government representatives.

Speaking to the press, DPR leader Alexander Borodai thanked Malaysia and the Netherlands for sending teams here on Monday to resolve the MH17 matter.


"(Our) thanks to Malaysia and Netherlands for coming here without protection or help from Kiev (the Ukrainian government)," he said, according to a rough translation by a local.


A handover ceremony then took place between the DPR and Malaysian officials.
Both parties were seen signing various documents.


The DPR then produced a white sack containing the black boxes and showed them to the Malaysian officials.


The boxes were then inspected and later accepted by the Malaysian officials.


A man who introduced himself as Kol Mohd Shukri of the National Security Council thanked Borodai for handing the boxes back to Malaysia.


"I would like to convey our sincere appreciation to Borodai for giving us the opportunity and entertaining our special request to hand over the two black boxes to Malaysia," he said.


He added that teams from Malaysia would also be sent to the crash site although he did not specify a time and date for this.

On Monday Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak reached an agreement with Ukrainian rebels for custody of the black boxes and access to the Malaysia airlines flight MH17 crash site.

PKR backs Wan Azizah for Selangor MB

PKR has officially backed party leader Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail for the Selangor Mentri Besar post.

However, details will only be discussed at the Pakatan Presidential Council on Wednesday and revealed later, said PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil.

The political drama in Selangor has dragged on for months, since the 'Kajang move' was engineered as part of a strategy to remove Khalid from the post.

Dr Wan Azizah came into the picture after she won the Kajang by-election and was tipped to be next MB.

Some party sources have claimed that Azmin received strong backing from both PAS and DAP in the state, but this was later disputed by both parties.

However, PKR de-facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is believed more keen on having his wife Azizah take over the hot seat.

Khalid is under intense pressure to give up his post following a barrage of criticism thrown at him by his party colleagues over his handling of various issues in the state.

#MH17: Black boxes to be handed over to Malaysia, says Najib

Malaysia has reached an agreement with Ukrainian rebels for custody of the black boxes and access to the Malaysia airlines flight MH17 crash site, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

"At approximately 9pm tonight Ukraine time (Tues, 2am Malaysian time), the two black boxes will be handed over to the Malaysian team in Donetsk who will take custody of them," the Prime Minister said in a statement at Seri Perdana here late Monday.

Najib said he had spoken to rebel leader Alexander Borodai earlier Monday evening, who is in command of the region where the tragedy occurred.

"Independent international investigators will be guaranteed safe access to the crash site to begin a full investigation of the incident," he added.

The remains of 282 people currently in Torez will be moved to Kharkiv, where they will be handed to representatives from the Netherlands.

"The train will depart this evening and will be accompanied by six people from the Malaysian recovery team. The remains will be flown to Amsterdam via Dutch Hercules C130 with the Malaysian team," said Najib.

Following any necessary forensic work, the remains of Malaysian citizens will then be flown home to Malaysia.

Najib added that Borodai and his followers have cooperated so far, and asked all parties to continue to work together to ensure the agreement is honoured.

"Only then can the investigation into MH17 truly begin, only then can victims be afforded the respect they deserve. We need to know what caused the plane to crash and who was responsible to it so justice can be done," he said.

Though nothing can undo the damage done nor bring back the 298 lives on board, Najib voiced his hope that the agreement would help the MH17 families towards closure.

"In recent days, there were times I wanted to give greater voice to the great anger and grief that the Malaysian people feel and I feel. But sometimes, we must work quietly in service of a better outcome. My heart reaches out to those whose loved ones were lost on MH17," he added.

#MH17 : PRIME MINISTER NAJIB RAZAK STATEMENT ON MH17 AGREEMENT -22 July 2014

In recent days, we have been working behind the scenes to establish contact with those in charge of the MH17 crash site.

That contact has now been made. Under difficult and fluid circumstances, we have been discussing the problems that have occupied us all: securing vital evidence from the aircraft, launching an independent investigation, and above all recovering the remains of those who lost their lives.

Tonight, we have established the basis of an agreement to do just that.

Earlier this evening I spoke to Alexander Borodai, who is in command of the region where the tragedy occurred. We have agreed the following:

· Firstly, the remains of 282 people, currently in Torez, will be moved by train to Kharkiv, where they will be handed over to representatives from the Netherlands. The train will depart this evening Ukraine time, and will be accompanied by six Malaysian members of the recovery team. The remains will then be flown to Amsterdam on board a Dutch C130 Hercules, together with the Malaysian team. Following any necessary forensic work, the remains of Malaysian citizens will then be flown home to Malaysia.

· Secondly, at approximately 9pm tonight Ukraine time, the two black boxes will be handed over to a Malaysian team in Donetsk, who will take custody of them.

· Thirdly, independent international investigators will be guaranteed safe access to the crash site to begin a full investigation of the incident.

I must stress that although agreement has been reached, there remain a number of steps required before it is completed.

There is work still to be done, work which relies on continued communication in good faith. Mr Borodai and his people have so far given their co-operation.

I ask that all parties continue to work together to ensure that this agreement is honoured; that the remains of our people are returned, that the black box is handed over, and that the international team is granted full access to the site.

Only then can the investigation into MH17 truly begin; only then can the victims be afforded the respect they deserve. We need to know what caused the plane to crash, and who was responsible for it, so that justice may be done.

In recent days, there were times I wanted to give greater voice to the anger and grief that the Malaysian people feel. And that I feel. But sometimes, we must work quietly in the service of a better outcome.

I understand that for the families, nothing can undo this damage. The lives taken cannot be given back; the dignity lost cannot be regained.

My heart reaches out to those whose loved ones were lost on MH17. We hope and pray that the agreement reached tonight helps bring them a clear step towards closure.

ENDS

#MH17: We recovered "black boxes," says rebel leader

Pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine recovered objects which appear to be the black boxes of downed Malaysia Airlines MH17 and are willing to hand them over to international investigators.

"Jet parts resembling the black boxes were discovered at the crash site," said Alexander Borodai, prime minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, adding that they would be handed over to "international experts if they arrive".

Borodai also said bodies which have been removed from the crash site will be kept in refrigerated carriages on a train near the scene "until the experts arrive".

He said his teams had taken the corpses away from the crash site "out of respect for the families" and because "it is becoming inhumane in these conditions".

"We couldn't wait any longer because of the heat and also because there are many dogs and wild animals in the zone," he added.

#MH17 & #MH370 : Losing 21 Crew Members In Four Months, Depressing Moment In MAS History

President of the National Union of Flight Attendants Malaysia (NUFAM), Ismail Nasaruddin, said that the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) crew member's community is deeply saddened and depressed by the tragic incident of flight MH17.

He said the airline had lost a total of 21 crew members in two tragic events that occurred over the past four months, with the first being the disappearance of flight MH370 on March 8.

"Yes, we are affected. Some of the crew members are even demoralised by this incident. We have also seen reports about some crew members being unable to fly because they are badly affected, mentally and emotionally," he told a press conference at the Sama Sama Hotel here Saturday night.

Noting that the MH17 tragedy was an event that most Malaysian crew members had never seen before, he said NUFAM would try to help those badly-affected crew members by providing them support and consultations.

He said this incident was something that a lot of the crew members found very difficult to accept, let alone to believe that it involved another MAS flight.

"Except for the MH370 incident, we have not seen anything like this since the 1977 incident in Tanjung Kupang," he added.

On Dec 4, 1977, MAS flight MH653, en-route from Penang to Kuala Lumpur, crashed in Tanjung Kupang, Johor, killing 93 passengers and seven crew members. It was the first fatal air crash for the national airline.

Meanwhile, asked if any of the family members of the MH17 crew had come forward with demands for compensation, he said that NUFAM had not heard any complaints or demands made by any family members.

He also noted that MAS had so far given its level best to provide assistance to the family members.