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Nazri: No action against Ibrahim Ali

By S Pathmawathy | May 17, 11
Malaysiakini

No action can be taken against Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali over his warnings of violence against the Christian community as such remarks are now a Malaysian norm, said de facto law minister Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz.

No matter how unsettling such remarks are, Malaysians therefore “need to live” and “be mature” in dealing with such characters as Ibrahim and his ilk since social platforms and media such as Twitter and blogs have allowed statements such as Ibrahim’s to proliferate beyond the government’s ability to proscribe – or punish – them, he added

“It’s difficult to take action against Ibrahim now with the existence of Twitter and blogs … because we cannot be selective in our prosecution,” he told Malaysiakini when contacted today.
Continue reading “Nazri: No action against Ibrahim Ali”

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10 Days in May (14)

Tweets @limkitsiang:-

The coalition of the moderates and inter-civilisational understanding – by Najib Razak ( Speech Oxford Islamic Centre) http://bit.ly/ky8PGo

All BN Ministers understand Najib’s Oxford speech 2excoriate extremism n be vanguard of moderation? Then Y condone Utusan rabid extremism?

Cabinet meeting tmr shld declare guided by Najib’s Oxon sp 2take stern action agnst Utusan 4its seditious/treasonous “Christian Msia” bogey

Cabinet failed n shd apologise 2nation: “we cannot allow this moment 2b overtaken by extremists w those who shout loudest gaining d most”

According 2Najib test – how many extremists/genuine moderates in Cabinet? Is every Minister prepared 2declare whether extremist or moderate? Continue reading “10 Days in May (14)”

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The coalition of the moderates and inter-civilisational understanding

Najib Razak
The Malaysian Insider
May 17, 2011

MAY 17 — Let me first thank the Rt Hon Jack Straw for his kind words of introduction; Dr Farhan Nizami, a respected scholar, whom I have known for many years; and all of the representatives from the academia, business and diplomatic communities who are present here today.

I am immensely pleased to join you as a guest of Oxford University, where earlier this afternoon I had the chance to meet some very talented young students and to visit the future OCIS building, an inspirational environment, which blends Islamic and Malay traditions with your own rich Oxford heritage.

It is an enormous honour to be here in the renowned Sheldonian Theatre, which has echoed with the words of so many luminaries over the years. Every year, dozens of Malaysians travel to Oxford to study, finding a home away from home in the Oxford University Malaysia Club. The Khazanah-OCIS Merdeka Scholarship, established in 2006 to mark the 50th anniversary of Malaysian independence, has boosted the numbers.

And with the Malaysian Securities Commission and OCIS now collaborating on the study of emerging issues in Islamic finance, the bonds between our two countries will be further strengthened. Continue reading “The coalition of the moderates and inter-civilisational understanding”

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RON95 price to be reviewed in June

Malaysiakini
May 17, 11

Come next month, the government will review prices of all petroleum products, including the RON95 petrol, before deciding to retain them or otherwise, Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said today.

He said the price review to be conducted by the ministry and other agencies such as the Finance Ministry and the Performance Management & Delivery Unit (Pemandu) would determine whether prices would be maintained or increased, depending on the government’s subsidies. Continue reading “RON95 price to be reviewed in June”

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In the name of God

Free Malaysia Today
May 17, 2011

The Christian story will not easily go away. Christians will always be on the crosshairs of religious bigots and unscrupulous politicians.

The country is still seething over the so-called “Christian plot”. At one stage, the rage threatened to get out of control. The issue burst on the national stage with such sudden force that all were caught up in a whirlwind of emotion and passion.The spectre of another bloodletting loomed, evoking the dark days of May 13. It had all the makings of a religious strife which echoed ancient animosity and hatred. Christians and Muslims appeared to be heading on a collision course, with dire consequences seen for the Christian minority. For the Muslim majority, it is like a call to a holy war because the “infidels” had reportedly insulted the pre-eminent position of Islam. Even the government, elected to protect its citizens, seemed ready to throw its weight on the side of bigotry and fanaticism. A small country built on the toil and sweat of all races is about to go up in flames because intolerance, irrationality and arrogance got the upperhand. Continue reading “In the name of God”

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BN condones violence?

Mariam Mokhtar | May 16, 11
Malaysiakini

Does Umno consider the life of a three-year-old fair-game in the war for political power? When will Umno take seriously the threat to kidnap MP Nurul Izzah Anwar’s three-year-old daughter?

Are Umno politicians so politically immature and morally corrupt? Perhaps Umno’s propaganda machine considers a defenceless child is just a pawn to use to gain political advantage.

Umno vice-president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was sceptical of the threat to kidnap Nurul’s child. He believed it was “just an opposition ploy to gain sympathy”.

Perhaps, if his child were to face similar threats, Zahid, who is also Defence Minister, would not mind if we were to tell him that he should ‘grin and bear it.’

Few will forget Zahid’s embarrassing back-tracking over his statements which alluded to the loyalties of the non-Malays in the armed forces. He wasn’t such a brave man when he faced the nation’s wrath. Continue reading “BN condones violence?”

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DAP: Let’s fight Ibrahim Ali together

By Clara Chooi | May 17, 2011
The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 — The DAP today invited all “non-Umno” members in Barisan Nasional (BN) to cast aside their political beliefs and unite with their opposition foes to fight one common enemy together — Datuk Ibrahim Ali.
DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, in lambasting the government’s failure to reprimand the Perkasa president for waging a crusade against the Christians, said it was time for all Malaysians to unite against extremism, regardless of their political beliefs.

“Only if we cleanse hatred from our heart and fill our soul with love can we find peace, balance and harmony with our lives and with each other. For this reason, DAP calls on all Malaysians to stand up for peace and harmony by uniting against extremists and harmony that wants to see Malaysia burn with hatred and violence.
Continue reading “DAP: Let’s fight Ibrahim Ali together”

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Breeding Brainiacs: Tiger Mums in New Zealand

3News.co.nz | SUN, 15 MAY 2011 7:30P.M.

What makes Asian kids so astonishingly brainy? Is it because their parents push them so hard? And if so, should we do the same?

Look at the top stream in school or university, the students receiving the top academic awards, and you can’t help but notice – the faces are likely to be Asian. What makes the Chinese, Taiwanese and Koreans so successful, or to put it another way, what makes Pakeha, Maori and Polynesians much less successful?

The answer you’ll often hear is hard work.

A work ethic instilled by the parents. And more often than not, by the mums…. Tiger Mums.

Paula Penfold talks to the pupils known by their classmates as ‘brainiacs’ to find out why they are top of the class.

Watch the video.

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The celebration of Buddhist life

By Stanley Koh | May 17, 2011
Free Malaysia Today

Millions across the globe irrespective of race and nationality celebrate Wesak Day today (May 17) in commemoration of Gautama Buddha, popularly known as the “Awakened, or Enlightened, One”, whose renunciation is unprecedented in history.

Born as a prince whose family name is Gautama, Siddhartha lived in Northern India in the 6th century BC, and had all the trappings of a royal and luxurious life. He renounced everything in search of the Truth.

At age of 29, Siddhartha slipped out of the palace after bidding farewell to his wife and son who were asleep. He then roamed the worldly wilderness for six years before attaining spiritual enlightenment.
Continue reading “The celebration of Buddhist life”

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10 days in May (13)

Tweets @limkitsiang:-

Najib asks moderates from all faiths to join hands – Shannon Teoh (TMI) http://bit.ly/mHQbwl

What a flop of speech by Najib in Oxford! Rings utterly hollow after govt inaction over Utusan “Christian Msia” bogey http://bit.ly/mHQbwl

Msia world still waiting 4proper action against seditious/treasonous Utusan “Msian Christian” bogey n IA incitement. Enuf of empty words

Let Msian moderates -Islam Christianity Buddhism Hinduism Sikkhism- stand united against extremism eg Utusan IA sedition. BN Cabinet stand?

Unbelievable not only Umno but also MCA Gkan apologists 4Utusan “Christian Msia” bogey like CSL. Y is Hisham n BN Cabinet so soft on Utusan? Continue reading “10 days in May (13)”

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Najib asks moderates from all faiths to join hands

By Shannon Teoh
The Malaysian Insider
May 17, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 — As religious tensions run high on the local front, Datuk Seri Najib Razak has called on moderates of all religions to come together.

Speaking at the Islamic Centre of the prestigious Oxford University in Britain, the prime minister also said that it was not enough to go after individuals or organisations to address global violence as a lasting solution could only be achieved by seeking out root causes.

“Our choice is clear. Come together in action for a future of justice, freedom, hope, compassion and goodwill for our children or it will be replaced by a future of injustice, tyranny, hopelessness, cruelty and hate.

“Because the real divide is not between East and West or between the developed and developing worlds or even between Muslims and non-Muslims. It is between moderates and extremists of all religions,” Najib (picture) said in a speech on the “Coalition of Moderates and Inter-Civilisational Understanding” early this morning. Continue reading “Najib asks moderates from all faiths to join hands”

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The reasons why Ibrahim Ali is untouchable

Malaysiakini
May 17, 11

The fact that the current government is powerless against Utusan and Perkasa implies that they are actually the one behind it.’

Church leaders: Act now against ‘crusading’ Ibrahim

Cannon: Perkasa is breaking the law with impunity. It is committing sedition and the authorities are overlooking this lawlessness. The BN must take action to stop this dangerous nonsense before the situation gets out of control.

It’s sheer hypocrisy on the part of PM Najib Razak to advocate moderation in Cambridge while his own ruling party is sowing discord and hatred through Perkasa and Utusan Malaysia, inciting violence against Christians.

The sandiwara and non-action by home minister should be roundly condemned by all Malaysians. Failing or delaying to act, the government is to be held responsible for any outbreak of violence against Christians. Continue reading “The reasons why Ibrahim Ali is untouchable”

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Be ready for Operation Lallang II

May 17, 11
Malaysiakini

‘Ibrahim Ali is dispensable to the powers-that-be. They are using him to provoke conflict between Christians and Muslims.’

Perkasa ready to crusade against ungrateful Christians

Ablastine: If what Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali said are not seditious, then what is. Provoking the people with some unfounded and ridiculous accusations and fanning religious extremism or fervour so that the people may fight each other is just outrageously seditious.

The only reason I can think why the Umno government is not taking action is because they are also, or at least some elements in the ruling party, are in it themselves. It is not difficult to see that the intention is to push the opposition into making a strong response, giving Umno the excuse to conduct Operation Lalang II.

Of course, just like the first time, most opposition leaders who have nothing to do with inciting hatred will be hauled up and banished to Kamunting, effectively shutting their mouth and disrupting their political parties.

However, it would be prudent for the Umno government to think twice before embarking on this because the backlash from the people will be very severe. You cannot go against the will of so many people in a country. Continue reading “Be ready for Operation Lallang II”

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Sodomy II: Evidence, testimony and Anwar’s defence

By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal
The Malaysian Insider
May 17, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 — In the course of the Sodomy II trial, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s defence team had pointed out a vast array of “inconsistencies” but trial judge Datuk Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah has concluded the opposition leader has a case to answer.

This ranged from the credibility of the star witness and accuser Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan to the methods in which DNA samples were illegally obtained from Anwar during his overnight lockup detention in the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters.

“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 yesterday.

The following are some of the highlights of the case where the prosecution and defence saw things differently. Continue reading “Sodomy II: Evidence, testimony and Anwar’s defence”

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As subsidies balloon, BN eyes cuts but foes expect snap polls

By Melissa Chi
The Malaysian Insider
May 17, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 — With the national subsidy bill expected to top RM20 billion this year, opposition leaders are bracing for snap polls before the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) makes inevitable cuts that could prove unpopular among voters.

Several senior BN leaders had signalled the inevitability of price hikes yesterday, hours before the Najib administration announced it will cut the diesel super subsidy for nine categories of commercial vehicles from June 1.

At the same time, the government kept its January promise and abolished toll charges in the East-West Link between Cheras and Petaling Jaya, a key highway in the Klang Valley from midnight this morning.

Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal told The Malaysian Insider that it is important for the government to balance between cutting the country’s deficit and, at the same time, not dumping the burden on the citizens.

“How can the nation shoulder the burden? We are managing quite well despite the economic turmoil,” he said. Continue reading “As subsidies balloon, BN eyes cuts but foes expect snap polls”

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Meltdown may have occurred also at Nos. 2, 3 reactors

Japan Today
Tuesday 17th May

TOKYO — An adviser to Prime Minister Naoto Kan said Monday that the operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant had failed to inject water into the Nos. 2 and 3 reactors for more than six hours after the March 11 massive earthquake and ensuing tsunami.

Goshi Hosono, tasked with handling the nuclear crisis, said at a press conference that Tokyo Electric Power Co had not been able to cool down the reactors’ cores due to loss of external power for a long time after the quake, acknowledging that fuel in the vessels might have largely melted ‘‘in the worst-case scenario.’‘

But he added TEPCO has been succeeding in preventing the reactor’s fuel from overheating so far and reiterated the government will stick to the timetable set by the firm, which announced April 17 it aims to bring the crisis there under control in six to nine months.

His remarks came a day after TEPCO said a nuclear fuel meltdown at the No. 1 reactor is believed to have occurred around 16 hours after the devastating quake and tsunami crippled the plant’s critical cooling systems.

TEPCO is slated to release on Tuesday an updated roadmap for bringing under control Japan’s worst nuclear accident based on new information about the plant’s condition. Continue reading “Meltdown may have occurred also at Nos. 2, 3 reactors”

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Happy Wesak Day

Happy Wesak Day to spread message of peace and love to all Malaysians.

Let us all resolve to end hate politics which have poisoned national life of late.

Moderates of all faiths must unite against extremists of all hues.

Even more important, no one should be apologists for extremists.

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The ‘Get Anwar’ agenda

Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad
The Malaysian Insider
May 16, 2011

MAY 16 — The birth of my first child has given me a new perspective on things. While I do feel older, it has also made me realise that it’s not just my future, or the future of my generation that I have to work for alone now.

So when I found out that my colleague Nurul Izzah Anwar received SMSes threatening her daughter, I was sickened and outraged, as I imagine any parent — any human being — would be.

It is still too early to tell who was behind the SMS or why they did it. It might be part of the bigger political game or it might be some crazy lunatic.

What is clear however is that it is a result of the debased phenomenon we call Malaysian politics. To say politics is dirty is a cliché, but this incident proves that Malaysian politics is filthy to the core.

The country has gone through many tragedies: the Memali incident, the 1988 judicial crisis, the 1998 sacking of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and many others. Combined together, it has damned Malaysia.

Central to the decline is the “Get Anwar” agenda. One may agree or disagree, like or dislike Anwar, but I think not many can dispute that the establishment led by Umno has been consumed by their desire to destroy Anwar at all cost. Continue reading “The ‘Get Anwar’ agenda”