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Get real, Talent Corp

By Brandon Chan | May 16, 2011
The Malaysian Insider

MAY 16 — Johan Mahmood Merican must be breathing something different from the rest of us. In an interview with the Singapore Straits Times, he said that rhetoric over race will not impact the efforts of his organisation, Talent Corp, to lure Malaysians back home.

In essence, he said Malaysians living abroad will look at the policies of the Najib administration rather than be influenced by the chatter over race which has dominated the national discourse.

I suppose he has to say positive things but without realism this Talent Corp venture is doomed for failure. And the signs are that Johan is in la-la land.
Continue reading “Get real, Talent Corp”

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A very dirty and very dangerous game!

By Ahmad Mustapha Hassan | May 16, 2011
The Malaysian Insider

MAY 16 — In sports, games can be made dirty and sometimes fatal. But they only involve the players and nobody else. But in the case of politics, when the game becomes dirty and dangerous, the country and the people will suffer. There are no gainers and even the perpetrators themselves will suffer. Their aim is to destroy their opponents with no compunction as to what happens to the country. We have to beware of such political shenanigans!

The current coalition of parties in power, especially the main player Umno, is in a state of panic. The length of time that they had been in power had made them flabby in their thinking and actions. They simply cannot comprehend that their actions and the actions of their cahoots are wrong and detrimental to the welfare of the people. Their blind support for the grave mistakes by their agents proves their inability to grasp the seriousness of these actions. They pass the blame on others for the blunders made by these agent provocateurs.
Continue reading “A very dirty and very dangerous game!”

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10 days in May (12)

Tweets @limkitsiang:-

Can PM in Oxon speech pass Najib test 4Global Movement Moderates 2″censure reject their own extremists” eg IAli/Utusan? http://bit.ly/jA4P1Y

Has Najib forgotten his UNGA speech: “real issue is not between Muslims n non-Muslims but between moderates n extremists of all religions”?

Remember Najib? “Across all religions we have inadvertently allwd ugly voices of periphery 2drown out many voices of reason n common sense.”

Purpose of Najib’s “Global Movement of the Moderates”? 2combat n marginalize extremists who have held world hostage w their bigotry n bias!
Continue reading “10 days in May (12)”

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Sdr Chian Heng Kai’s 2nd last blog post – parting words

Reaching the age of 70s is something rare in the old days – that’s why the words “古稀” is translated into “Seventy years of age” by the Google Translator. Being a sentimental person, Sdr Heng Kai listed down his most missed/beloved/treasured/memorable etc in February this year, six months after he has reached the age of 70:-

古稀感言

最怀念的人：父亲陈嘉礼，母亲颜祝，二姑陈润妹，三叔陈日初
最爱的人：妻子陈翠水，长女陈小灵，次子陈尔抗，幼女陈小欣
我的贵人：林吉祥，林子鹤，李高
最感恩的人：陈汝喜，颜八，颜旺财
最尊敬的人：林吉祥，曾敏兴医生
最感谢的人：林冠英
最鼓舞我的老师：钟介民，巴壶天，李汉臣
来往最密切的同志：廖金华，戴新标 Continue reading “Sdr Chian Heng Kai’s 2nd last blog post – parting words”

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‘Some Basis’ to Malaysian Christian Plot: Minister

By Hazlin Hassan – Jakarta Globe | May 14, 2011

Kuala Lumpur. A new twist emerged in Malaysia’s latest religious row yesterday when Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said there was “some basis” to an Utusan Malaysia report which claimed that there was a Christian conspiracy to replace Islam as the country’s official religion.  

The Malay-language paper had published a front-page article alleging that Christian pastors were plotting with the opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP) to install a Christian prime minister and make Christianity Malaysia’s official religion.   Continue reading “‘Some Basis’ to Malaysian Christian Plot: Minister”

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DAP claims Umno backing Perkasa’s crusade threat against Christians

By By Clara Chooi
 | May 16, 2011
The Malaysia Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 — The DAP rebuked the government today for refusing to punish Datuk Ibrahim Ali over his crusade threat against Christians, declaring this as proof that Umno backs the leader’s controversial Malay rights group Perkasa.
DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng described Perkasa as Umno’s “alter ego” while his deputy Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham said both parties were playing a game of “good cop, bad cop” to woo Malay support.

“We have always believed that Ibrahim Ali is working hand in hand with Umno. Umno is using Perkasa to stir up Malay fear to force unity and make them support Barisan Nasional (BN). Continue reading “DAP claims Umno backing Perkasa’s crusade threat against Christians”

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Former DAP MP Chian Heng Kai dies

By Boo Su-Lyn | May 16, 2011
The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 — Former DAP national vice-chairman Datuk Chian Heng Kai died from liver cancer in Muar today. He was 71.

The former Bukit Mertajam and Batu Gajah MP was detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in 1976 for four years after fighting for the right of Malaysians to be educated in their mother tongue, the DAP said in a statement today.

Chian, who joined the DAP a year after it was formally registered in 1966, won the Batu Gajah parliamentary seat in 1978 and the Bukit Mertajam seat in 1986 and 1990. Continue reading “Former DAP MP Chian Heng Kai dies”

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Anwar accuses judge of ‘prejudging’ sodomy trial

By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal | May 16, 2011
The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has accused trial judge Datuk Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah of “prejudging” the Sodomy II trial with his decision today even before the opposition leader has entered his defence.

The 63-year old PKR de facto leader told reporters although he had expected such a decision, he was “shocked” by Mohd Zabidin’s decision which accepted the prosecution’s arguments wholesale, despite the defence’s objection against complainant Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan’s credibility as the star witness.

“It does not come as a surprise but what is shocking is that he (Mohd Zabidin) has prejudged the case, and extended it beyond prima facie.

“This makes the position of the defence very precarious,” Anwar said.
Continue reading “Anwar accuses judge of ‘prejudging’ sodomy trial”

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Al-Fatihah: Aminul Rasyid Amzah

By Khairul Idzwan | 16 May, 2011
LoyarBurok.com

It has been a year since Aminul Rasyid Amzah was killed by the police. Until today, there is no official apology from the police and the case is still in court, where the accused has been called to enter his defence, as a prima facie case has been established against him. But still, justice delayed is justice denied.

I was not at the scene of the incident, so I can not tell the truth behind the incident. However, I would like to give my personal opinion on the manner in which the police did the shooting.

This is not the first time the police shot suspects to death, as suspects who are under a remand order can also died in lock-ups. Remember Kugan Ananthan and Gunasegaran Rajasundram? Or should I remind you with two deaths at the premise of the police’s “brother”, the MACC? Teoh Beng Hock and Ahmad Sarbani? To make things straight, I have nothing against the police or the authorities. I know they have a huge responsibility to ensure that Malaysians live peacefully. But not everything can be settled through shooting or killing, especially when the shooting causes the death of suspects.
Continue reading “Al-Fatihah: Aminul Rasyid Amzah”

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Teachers, catalysts for the national education transformation

Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia (PAGE) | May 16, 2011
The Malaysian Insider

MAY 16 — “A teacher is an educator who determines the future of our children and that of our country.” — Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

“Teachers are the backbone that will determine the success of Vision 2020.” —Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“Education reform must go with economic transformation in order to improve students’ performance in schools in addition to providing them with access to better quality education.” —Datuk Noor Rezan Bapoo Hashim, deputy director-general of Education at the time.
Continue reading “Teachers, catalysts for the national education transformation”

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Like Utusan, Perkasa will get off scot-free

Comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers

‘It’s interesting to note that although there is no ambiguity that Ibrahim Ali was inciting unrest, there is not a squeak from Hishammuddin.’

Perkasa ready to crusade against ungrateful Christians

Jiminy Qrikert: There were about 200 people at Umno’s ‘Save Selangor’ launch in Shah Alam last year. The ‘Save Selangor’ roadshow fizzled out even though it covered the predominantly Malay areas of the state. Three hundred people turned up at Perkasa ceramah in Alor Setar despite a call for 30,000. Then there was the near-empty lecture hall for Pembela’s talk on ‘defending Islam’.
Continue reading “Like Utusan, Perkasa will get off scot-free”

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Ibrahim Ali’s jihad against a fictitious foe

Comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers
May 16, 11 8:18am

`If they don’t arrest Ibrahim Ali, we know Umno is involved. If this is not incitement of racial and religious hatred, I don’t know what is.’

Perkasa ready to crusade against ungrateful Christians

Quigonbond: Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali is no help to Najib Razak for saying the prime minister is playing a game. That means all overtures by the PM is now proven to be nothing more than a vote-getting exercise, devoid of sincerity in resolving problems.

On the other hand, what Ibrahim is doing is being syok sendiri (self-infatuation). He creates his own enemy, launches a crusade against that fictitious foe, and hopes that the enemy will respond.
Continue reading “Ibrahim Ali’s jihad against a fictitious foe”

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Sdr Chian Heng Kai’s last blog posting: “入阁为了谁？”

http://chianhengkai.blogspot.com/
Thursday, May 5, 2011

砂拉越州议会大选已尘埃落定，以城市为基础的人联党大演滑铁卢，在参选的19个议席中只赢得6席，输了13席。

竞选期间，人联党提出的宣传口号是，安定，发展，与参政（参加执政）。

事实上，人联党早已知道安定与发展牌已不管用，他们想借参政牌来挽回民心，结果显示参政牌也不管用了。

快人快语的马华总会长拿督斯里蔡细历医生立刻建议人联党不在砂州议会内入阁。可是他这项快人快语却被急智的槟城首席部长兼民主行动党秘书长林冠英指出，如果马华公会建议人联党不入阁，那么马华公会在西马的成绩也好不了多少，所以马华也应该在西马的议会内不要入阁。 Continue reading “Sdr Chian Heng Kai’s last blog posting: “入阁为了谁？””

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Sodomy II: Anwar ordered to enter defence

By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal | May 16, 2011
The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will have to defend himself on a charge of sodomising former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan three years ago, the High Court ruled today.

Trial judge Datuk Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah concluded that there was a prima facie case against the 63-year old Pakatan Rakyat (PR) de facto leader, facing a second sodomy case charge in 13 years.

He was sacked as deputy prime minister and finance minister after the first case came to light in 1998.

“Prosecution proven all facts to define charge. Prima facie case made out against accused. Accused therefore called to enter defence,” said Mohd Zabidin today.
Continue reading “Sodomy II: Anwar ordered to enter defence”

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‘No need for Najib to apologise’

By Tarani Palani | May 16, 2011
Free Malaysia Today

PETALING JAYA: Umno president Najib Tun Razak does not need to apologise for the latest “Christian Malaysia” report by the party’s mouthpiece, Utusan Malaysia, says political analyst Farish Noor.

Rather it is Utusan’s editor-in-chief Aziz Ishak and other editors who should be held responsible for the report.

“If one day, Utusan starts a rumour that ‘aliens are landing in Malaysia’, would Najib have to apologise for that as well”? he told FMT, adding that although Najib was the party president, the onus cannot always fall on him.
Continue reading “‘No need for Najib to apologise’”

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Ignore race rhetoric, says Talent Corp

The Malaysian Insider | May 16, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 — The man in charge of Malaysia’s talent drive wants overseas Malaysians to ignore the heightening race rhetoric in the country.

In an interview published by the Singapore Straits Times today, Talent Corporation chief Johan Mahmood Merican said that ultimately race rhetoric should not be confused with government policy.

“Ultimately, what gets implemented are the policies of the prime minister and the government,” he told the Singapore newspaper.

Johan’s comments came amid rising concerns that heightening race and religious rhetoric could derail Malaysia’s ambitious drive to attract top talent.
Continue reading “Ignore race rhetoric, says Talent Corp”

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Malaysia in the Era of Globalization #65

By M. Bakri Musa

Chapter 8: Culture, Institutions, and Leadership

Economic Culture of Malays: Our Purported Lack of Learning And Savings

Another pat explanation for Malay backwardness is that we do not save. The resounding success of Tabong Haji narrated earlier gives lie to this claim.

There are of course many productivity-eroding habits of Malays. While I expect these to persist among rural dwellers out of ignorance, I would expect better from the more educated urban elite. Earlier I wrote about Deputy Prime Minister Badawi not being able to afford a home but could put on a lavish wedding, but ponder the following.
Continue reading “Malaysia in the Era of Globalization #65”

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10 Days in May (11)

Tweets @limkitsiang:-

Hisham says newspapers should be given leeway (TMI) Hishammuddin to meet chief editors of newspapers （Malaysiakini） http://bit.ly/j09gkh

Issue not Hisham meeting editors but explanation from Hisham 4double stds/negligence/failure 2take action agnst Utusan http://bit.ly/j09gkh

If Hisham dare not discharge ministerial duty re: Utusan, he shld stop “talk big” n go catch acid splashers who have claimed 22 victims

KTK Disunity Affairs Minister. Issue is not so much IAli Utusan but Hishammuddin Najib. Is KTK taking issue 2Cabinet? http://bit.ly/lDMyTw

What credibility when nestle extremists Utusan IAli in bosom? http://bit.ly/jA4P1Y PM brings global call 2reject extremism 2Oxford (Star) Continue reading “10 Days in May (11)”

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Hisham says newspapers should be given leeway

By Melissa Chi
The Malaysian Insider
May 15, 2011

SUNGAI BESAR, May 15 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said today that newspapers should be given leeway despite stringent laws under the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA).

“The law is very clear but everybody, every paper has crossed that line one time or another. This is probably Utusan’s time. Before this there was China Press, Nan Yang, I know, because it happened under my watch.

“But in such situations, we give them a little space. We find which is really news that can benefit us as one race, 1 Malaysia but they shouldn’t go past the boundaries which touches on sensitive issues such as religion and race,” he told reporters after launching the Sungai Besar Umno division meeting here at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Sin Min.

The latest controversy to rile the country’s dominant majority was the “Christian Malaysia” report first published by the Umno newspaper Utusan Malaysia on May 7.

The Umno daily carried a front-page article headlined “Kristian agama rasmi?” (Christianity the official religion?), claiming the DAP was conspiring with Christian leaders to take over Putrajaya and abolish Islam as the religion of the federation. Continue reading “Hisham says newspapers should be given leeway”

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Kenapa Najib biarkan Utusan?

Husam Musa
The Malaysian Insider
May 15, 2011

15 MEI — Saya merujuk kenyataan Perdana Menteri bahawa teori menukar kedudukan Islam dalam perlembagaan negara adalah tidak wujud.

Trend Utusan Malaysia mempermainkan api perkauman dan agama — terakhir isu konspirasi Kristian – jelas membahayakan keamanan negara dan kemakmuran hidup masyarakat majmuk Malaysia.

Ia tidak membantu menguatkan Islam bahkan sebaliknya memercikkan api yang boleh melemahkan negara dan kedudukan Islam di negara ini.

Tepat sepertimana disebut Perdana Menteri sendiri,

“…semua pihak mesti membendung perasaan emosi untuk tidak membuat perkara yang boleh mengganggu-gugat keamanan, keharmonian serta kesejahteraan negara.” (Perdana Menteri; Berita Harian 12 Mei 2011)

Persoalannya, jika Perdana Menteri sedar gerakan ini membahayakan negara, kenapa Utusan Malaysia bebas menjadi ‘anak nakal’ yang tidak bertanggungjawab menabur api fitnah sesuka hati? Continue reading “Kenapa Najib biarkan Utusan?”