Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; July 17, 2008
On Saturday, 12-07-2008, the police came to my house to serve a Section 111 Criminal Procedure Code notice, harassing my family and demanding my presence at the IPK Kuala Lumpur (Federal Territories Police headquarters) at 2pm on Monday, 14-07-2008 despite an earlier agreement with my lawyers for me to come to the IPK on Monday 14-07-2008. On the next day, Sunday, the police also served an ex-parte court order, prohibiting me from physically being within 5 km from the Parliament on Monday 14-07-2008. As you can see, my house and the IPK KL are within 5 km radius from the parliament building. The court order effectively put me under house arrest on Monday and at the same time prevented me from going to the IPK.
On Monday, 14-07-2008, the presence of police personnel outside the compound of my house strengthened our suspicions that they would be prepared to arrest me as soon as I left the compound of my residence, on the pretext of me violating the court order. The issue here, is which order should I comply with, the ex-parte court order or the Section 111 notice from the police?
On the same day, the police through the Investigating Officer, one DSP Jude Pereira wrote and faxed to my lawyer at about 1.06pm, informing that I was required to be present at the IPK KL on Wednesday, 16-07-2008 at 2.00 pm to assist with the investigation. I conveyed my agreement to the appointment and it was communicated to the police through my solicitor, Messrs S.N Nair and Partners via telephone and letter on the same day.
On Wednesday, 16-07-2008, I was at the Anti Corruption Agency (BPR) head office to record my statement pursuant to the police report lodged by me at IPK Shah Alam on 01-07-2008, against the Attorney General Gani Patail and the Inspector General of Police Musa Hassan for their involvement in the fabrication of evidence way back in 1998. To ensure that we will be able to attend the appointment with the police at 2pm, we cut short our statement at the BPR’s office, and this fact was clearly conveyed to the BPR officers present.
At about 12.45 pm, the IO, DSP Jude Pereira called Mr Nair to confirm about our attendance and Mr. Nair confirmed that we would attend that 2pm appointment. We were about to have a quick lunch at my house before proceeding to the IPK. 5 minutes later, we were ambushed by a team of masked and heavily armed police personnel near my house.
I was arrested and brought to the IPK. I cooperated fully with the police by giving my cautioned statement from 2.30 pm to about 7.30 pm. At this particular point, the IO and the other officers handling this case were doing their job professionally. I was then given assurances by Assistant Commissioner of Police Razali and later Senior Assistant Commissioner II Khor (through my lawyer) that I would be released on police bail on the same day.
However, later on, upon my return from Kuala Lumpur General Hospotal (HKL), the IO, DSP Jude Pereira informed me and my lawyers that I will be detained and put in the police lock-up overnight for the purpose of recording a further statement in the morning.
I and my lawyers protested, giving our undertaking that we will be back anytime required by the police to continue with the recording of the statement, and there was no need for me to be detained overnight, and that I should be released on police bail. The police, through the IO were adamant that I should be detained and put in the police lock-up overnight, despite them knowing about my physical condition. I had to spend the night sleeping on a cold cement floor, which aggravated my back injury which was due to the beating I received from the then IGP, Tan Sri Rahim Nor on 20th September, 1998.
This morning, after a short statement that was recorded for about 30 minutes, I was released on police bail. I was in pain and had to immediately receive some medical treatment upon my return home.
I now wish to deal with the statement of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director, Dato Mohd Bakri Mohd Zinin as appeared in Utusan Malaysia today, inter alia
“Pasukan khas bertopeng polis terpaksa memintas kenderaan DSAI di Bukit Segambut di sini dan menahan Anwar ekoran tindakan Penasihat PKR itu mengubah haluan kenderaannya pada saat-saat tempoh yang diberi kepadanya untuk menyerah diri kepada polis pada pukul 2 petang ini hampir berakhir”
This is a blatant lie from the CID director to cover up their shameful act of abuse of police powers. I have given the assurances and had just informed the IO 5 minutes before the disgraceful ambush by the police through my lawyer who was with me in the same car.
In addition to the above, the Deputy Home Minister, Wan Farid said, as reported in Star Online that, I “went voluntarily to the police car without any incident.” Again, this is also a blatant lie by the government.
I take to task the IGP for this abuse of police power against me through the events I’ve narrated above. It appears that the events of the last few days, the nature of my unwarranted arrest, my overnight incarceration which was actually absolutely unnecessary, were an act of personal vengeance against me in retaliation to the reports I lodged earlier against him, which are now being investigated by the ACA.
DNA
I have reasonable grounds for having no confidence in the system. In the course of the trial of the false allegations of sodomy in 1998, DNA evidence was fabricated and used against me. The persons responsible for the fabrication then were the IGP, SAC Rodwan and the AG, are new key players in this investigation.
Until now, I have been denied access to the police report made by the accuser against me.
My accuser is still under police protection and as such, any fabrication is possible if they take my DNA. My decision to refuse a DNA test is taken through advice of my lawyers and DNA experts, both local and overseas.
ANWAR IBRAHIM
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Malaysian blogger charged with defaming deputy PM's wife
KUALA LUMPUR--A prominent Malaysian blogger was charged with defamation Thursday over a sworn statement in which he linked the deputy prime minister's wife to a sensational murder.
Abdul Razak Baginda, a close friend of Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak, has been charged with abetting the murder of 28-year-old Mongolian woman Altantuya Shaariibuu, whose body was blown up with explosives.
Two police officers from an elite force, whose duties included guarding the prime minister and Najib, were also charged with the killing.
Police on Thursday charged Raja Petra Kamaruddin, founder and editor of the Malaysia Today website, after he lodged a statement in court last month linking Najib's wife Rosmah Mansor with the murder.
"He will be facing three charges for criminal defamation on the two colonels and Rosmah, the deputy prime minister's wife," the blogger's wife Marina Lee told reporters.
The military personnel were mentioned in Raja Petra's statement, but are not facing any charges.
Najib -- who is heir apparent to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi -- has repeatedly denied the allegations, saying he had never even met the murdered woman, and that it was an attempt to tarnish his political career.
Raja Petra, 57, arrived at police headquarters to face the charges, in a defiant mood and accompanied by supporters and fellow bloggers.
"I am ready to face my day in court," he told reporters.
Raja Petra already faces a sedition charge after an article he wrote in May which also implicated Najib and his wife in the case.
The trial on that charge will begin on October 6. If convicted, he faces three years in jail.
Abdul Razak Baginda, a close friend of Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak, has been charged with abetting the murder of 28-year-old Mongolian woman Altantuya Shaariibuu, whose body was blown up with explosives.
Two police officers from an elite force, whose duties included guarding the prime minister and Najib, were also charged with the killing.
Police on Thursday charged Raja Petra Kamaruddin, founder and editor of the Malaysia Today website, after he lodged a statement in court last month linking Najib's wife Rosmah Mansor with the murder.
"He will be facing three charges for criminal defamation on the two colonels and Rosmah, the deputy prime minister's wife," the blogger's wife Marina Lee told reporters.
The military personnel were mentioned in Raja Petra's statement, but are not facing any charges.
Najib -- who is heir apparent to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi -- has repeatedly denied the allegations, saying he had never even met the murdered woman, and that it was an attempt to tarnish his political career.
Raja Petra, 57, arrived at police headquarters to face the charges, in a defiant mood and accompanied by supporters and fellow bloggers.
"I am ready to face my day in court," he told reporters.
Raja Petra already faces a sedition charge after an article he wrote in May which also implicated Najib and his wife in the case.
The trial on that charge will begin on October 6. If convicted, he faces three years in jail.
DAP : RM 800 million ringgit MV Agusta scandal
Lim Guan Eng has called for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the RM 800 million ringgit MV Agusta scandal to determine how Proton lost RM 500 million when it could have earned RM 300 million.
DAP agrees with the call by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the RM 800 million ringgit MV Agusta scandal to fully disclose mismanagement and financial misjudgments by Proton Holdings Bhd, action against those responsible and new measures to be implemented against such weaknesses. This follows the shocking announcement by Harley Davidson Inc two days ago that it will purchase Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta, once owned by Proton Holdings Bhd, for US$109 million (RM352 million), making the total sale proceeds of RM 800million.
For the full press statement, please go to here
DAP agrees with the call by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the RM 800 million ringgit MV Agusta scandal to fully disclose mismanagement and financial misjudgments by Proton Holdings Bhd, action against those responsible and new measures to be implemented against such weaknesses. This follows the shocking announcement by Harley Davidson Inc two days ago that it will purchase Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta, once owned by Proton Holdings Bhd, for US$109 million (RM352 million), making the total sale proceeds of RM 800million.
For the full press statement, please go to here
Malaysia considers removing leader of (UMNO)
Malaysia's ruling party has launched a first round of meetings that will determine whether it keeps Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as its chief.
About 19,000 branches in the United Malays National Organisation party began the meetings. They will continue nationwide through next month.
The meetings will discuss preparations for the party's congress in December, when Mr Abdullah intends to defend his party presidency.
The talks will be watched for signs of whether members support Mr Abdullah's plan to hand power to his deputy in mid-2010.
Some officials say the transition period should be wrapped up sooner.
About 19,000 branches in the United Malays National Organisation party began the meetings. They will continue nationwide through next month.
The meetings will discuss preparations for the party's congress in December, when Mr Abdullah intends to defend his party presidency.
The talks will be watched for signs of whether members support Mr Abdullah's plan to hand power to his deputy in mid-2010.
Some officials say the transition period should be wrapped up sooner.
HINDRAF 18 Point demands remains, KP Samy and Raidu, pls stop 'behind scene' amendments Hindraf 18 Point Demands
By G.Kanchana
I refer to the statement made by K.P.Samy (Makkal Osai 15/07/08 Pg. 2 )
“Who is the true warrior” ? (Poorata Waathi )
Mr. K.P. Samy in order to defend Datuk Subramaniam has succeeded in exposing to the entire nation the secret collusion of some who tried to compromise the 18 point demands of Hindraf.
Which is the truth Mr. K.P.Samy :-
The Hindraf 18 point demands which were carefully drafted without ‘fear or favour’ to portray, reflect and incorporate the true marginalisation and discrimination of the Indians in the past 50 years, which was presented openly to the Prime Minister at Putrajaya on 12/08/07, attended and witnessed by about 5000 people.
OR
The so called memo which was, altered, adjusted and modified thus compromising the true demands and grievances of the Indians that was apparently handed over to the Prime Minister ‘behind closed doors presumably’ at some point of time by Datuk Subramaniam .
Who gave these perpetrators the right to covertly manipulate the one and only Hindraf 18 point demands which since November 25th 2007 Rally, has been proven to be wholeheartedly accepted by Indians. Who is Raidu to act as coordinator when he clearly has no status to do so.
Who are the others who called themselves ‘Hindraf ’ who had conspired and schemed in this intrusion of the 18 point demands. Who are the so called established and reputable legal firm that assisted in this invasion. The Hindraf 18 point demands are not to be manipulated, it speaks the truth although unacceptable by some who have been compliant all the while.
The Federal Constitution of Malaysia that enshrines the rights of the people of this nation was battered and distorted to emphasise the special powers of a certain group but at the same time infringing and contravening the rights of many others. We will not allow a similar manipulation and violation to the Hindraf 18 Point Demands that we “Makkal Sakthi” are holding close to our hearts and working very hard to achieve.
Why an attempt to change the 18 point demands?
The Kg Medan incident did happen, just like many unanswered deaths in police custody and likewise issues. Why turn a blind eye on these issues? We have a right to know what actually took place. Any unlawful death has to be answerable. An inquiry will reveal the true nature of the incidence, unless of course the truth is unacceptable by some. It took us nearly 30 years to ask the questions on ‘Maika Holdings Funds” and yet no answers. We cannot wait another 50 years to demand an inquiry into Kg Medan issue, it’s now or never. If Datuk Subramaniam is indeed exceptional within the MIC he must show his support to the Indian community first by answering the much frequent and repeated question of what happened to the ‘Maika Holdings Funds’. Otherwise we have no choice but to keep believing MIC is no different from the Government when it comes to accountability and transparency, or even worse.
Asking for compensation instead for the victims, is shameful and degrading. Can any amount of money close the chapter (unanswered) on the Kg Medan incident or bring back the lost lives. Will it make any better the suffering of those injured and traumatised by the terrible incident. This compensation request seems to imply that “the Indians if thrown a few pennies will shut up”. It’s no longer the case, not after November 25th 2007 awakening.
Why the fear in questioning the Malay privileges. The Federal Constitution declares equality amongst it citizens. Didn’t we the Indians shed our blood for the independence of this country? Didn’t we work equally hard and contribute to the prosperity and development of this great nation? Are we lesser off people than others?. Why then are we still being told not to question the Malay privileges?. The fear and inhibitions of the Indians got washed off with ‘chemical laced water’ on November 25th 2007.
Yet again the Indians are being coerced not to question the Malay privileges. Exactly what the MIC ‘mandores’ have been doing the last 50 years.
On another point, why Mr. K.P.Samy do you wish to portray Datuk Subramaniam as
a hero behind the Hindraf struggle for the Indians when such recognition deservingly belongs to those incarcerated for upholding justice and the rights of the Indians and the people “Makkal Sakthi” who are the true heroes alongside the remarkable bravery of many uprising heroines.
If passing a memo ‘behind the scene’ to the PM and receiving promises from the PM “just before elections” indicates warriorship ‘Poorata Waathi’ then you are truly testing the intelligence of the Indians. I quote Uthaya’s words here “You can fool some Indians some of the time but you can’t fool all the Indians all of the time”. The support and efforts presumably by Datuk Subramaniam has to be seen to be believed, he should come forth and declare support for Hindraf and the 18 point demands. Until then there are many who will presume that he, like many others in MIC has his own interest to protect first.
How can we ever believe or trust Datuk Sri Samy Velu to be in dialogues with the government for the release of the Hindraf 5 leaders, when early upon the arrest he declared the PM to have done the right thing. What a contradiction ! Where is the truth here Mr. Samys ????
History shows there is only one person in ISA detention who had fought for Human Rights and the Indians vehemently without ‘fear or favour’ for many years now and continues to do so from within his cell. We believe the person who did not sign the so called secret document was P.Uthayakumar. He is a man of principles unwilling to compromise in the name of Indians. ‘Ondre solvar, ondre saivar’ ( his words are his actions) Even today he will not beg or negotiate for his release. “Who is the true Warrior (Poorata Waathi)” here????
Hindraf ‘Makkal Sakthi’ will follow this approach and through its chairman P.Waytha Moorthy, the Coordinators and Supporters the struggle will carry on.
Mr. K.P. Samy, you “or those behind you” have done a wonderful deed in bailing and supporting those detained after the rally. For this we truly appreciate your contribution towards the Indian struggle.
What ever said and done there is only one Hindarf “Makkal Sakthi” and one 18 Point Demands… not what took place “ BEHIND THE SCENES”.
Vaalga Hindraf ‘Maakal Sakthi’.
ps.. refer to the attached link original version of 18 point demands by Hindraf to PM
http://malaysianindiantoday.wordpress.com/2008/01/30/18-point-demands-of-hindraf-supporters/
and at http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/70544 on the news of 18 demands in Mkini.
by Hindraf Makkal Sakthi
I refer to the statement made by K.P.Samy (Makkal Osai 15/07/08 Pg. 2 )
“Who is the true warrior” ? (Poorata Waathi )
Mr. K.P. Samy in order to defend Datuk Subramaniam has succeeded in exposing to the entire nation the secret collusion of some who tried to compromise the 18 point demands of Hindraf.
Which is the truth Mr. K.P.Samy :-
The Hindraf 18 point demands which were carefully drafted without ‘fear or favour’ to portray, reflect and incorporate the true marginalisation and discrimination of the Indians in the past 50 years, which was presented openly to the Prime Minister at Putrajaya on 12/08/07, attended and witnessed by about 5000 people.
OR
The so called memo which was, altered, adjusted and modified thus compromising the true demands and grievances of the Indians that was apparently handed over to the Prime Minister ‘behind closed doors presumably’ at some point of time by Datuk Subramaniam .
Who gave these perpetrators the right to covertly manipulate the one and only Hindraf 18 point demands which since November 25th 2007 Rally, has been proven to be wholeheartedly accepted by Indians. Who is Raidu to act as coordinator when he clearly has no status to do so.
Who are the others who called themselves ‘Hindraf ’ who had conspired and schemed in this intrusion of the 18 point demands. Who are the so called established and reputable legal firm that assisted in this invasion. The Hindraf 18 point demands are not to be manipulated, it speaks the truth although unacceptable by some who have been compliant all the while.
The Federal Constitution of Malaysia that enshrines the rights of the people of this nation was battered and distorted to emphasise the special powers of a certain group but at the same time infringing and contravening the rights of many others. We will not allow a similar manipulation and violation to the Hindraf 18 Point Demands that we “Makkal Sakthi” are holding close to our hearts and working very hard to achieve.
Why an attempt to change the 18 point demands?
The Kg Medan incident did happen, just like many unanswered deaths in police custody and likewise issues. Why turn a blind eye on these issues? We have a right to know what actually took place. Any unlawful death has to be answerable. An inquiry will reveal the true nature of the incidence, unless of course the truth is unacceptable by some. It took us nearly 30 years to ask the questions on ‘Maika Holdings Funds” and yet no answers. We cannot wait another 50 years to demand an inquiry into Kg Medan issue, it’s now or never. If Datuk Subramaniam is indeed exceptional within the MIC he must show his support to the Indian community first by answering the much frequent and repeated question of what happened to the ‘Maika Holdings Funds’. Otherwise we have no choice but to keep believing MIC is no different from the Government when it comes to accountability and transparency, or even worse.
Asking for compensation instead for the victims, is shameful and degrading. Can any amount of money close the chapter (unanswered) on the Kg Medan incident or bring back the lost lives. Will it make any better the suffering of those injured and traumatised by the terrible incident. This compensation request seems to imply that “the Indians if thrown a few pennies will shut up”. It’s no longer the case, not after November 25th 2007 awakening.
Why the fear in questioning the Malay privileges. The Federal Constitution declares equality amongst it citizens. Didn’t we the Indians shed our blood for the independence of this country? Didn’t we work equally hard and contribute to the prosperity and development of this great nation? Are we lesser off people than others?. Why then are we still being told not to question the Malay privileges?. The fear and inhibitions of the Indians got washed off with ‘chemical laced water’ on November 25th 2007.
Yet again the Indians are being coerced not to question the Malay privileges. Exactly what the MIC ‘mandores’ have been doing the last 50 years.
On another point, why Mr. K.P.Samy do you wish to portray Datuk Subramaniam as
a hero behind the Hindraf struggle for the Indians when such recognition deservingly belongs to those incarcerated for upholding justice and the rights of the Indians and the people “Makkal Sakthi” who are the true heroes alongside the remarkable bravery of many uprising heroines.
If passing a memo ‘behind the scene’ to the PM and receiving promises from the PM “just before elections” indicates warriorship ‘Poorata Waathi’ then you are truly testing the intelligence of the Indians. I quote Uthaya’s words here “You can fool some Indians some of the time but you can’t fool all the Indians all of the time”. The support and efforts presumably by Datuk Subramaniam has to be seen to be believed, he should come forth and declare support for Hindraf and the 18 point demands. Until then there are many who will presume that he, like many others in MIC has his own interest to protect first.
How can we ever believe or trust Datuk Sri Samy Velu to be in dialogues with the government for the release of the Hindraf 5 leaders, when early upon the arrest he declared the PM to have done the right thing. What a contradiction ! Where is the truth here Mr. Samys ????
History shows there is only one person in ISA detention who had fought for Human Rights and the Indians vehemently without ‘fear or favour’ for many years now and continues to do so from within his cell. We believe the person who did not sign the so called secret document was P.Uthayakumar. He is a man of principles unwilling to compromise in the name of Indians. ‘Ondre solvar, ondre saivar’ ( his words are his actions) Even today he will not beg or negotiate for his release. “Who is the true Warrior (Poorata Waathi)” here????
Hindraf ‘Makkal Sakthi’ will follow this approach and through its chairman P.Waytha Moorthy, the Coordinators and Supporters the struggle will carry on.
Mr. K.P. Samy, you “or those behind you” have done a wonderful deed in bailing and supporting those detained after the rally. For this we truly appreciate your contribution towards the Indian struggle.
What ever said and done there is only one Hindarf “Makkal Sakthi” and one 18 Point Demands… not what took place “ BEHIND THE SCENES”.
Vaalga Hindraf ‘Maakal Sakthi’.
ps.. refer to the attached link original version of 18 point demands by Hindraf to PM
http://malaysianindiantoday.wordpress.com/2008/01/30/18-point-demands-of-hindraf-supporters/
and at http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/70544 on the news of 18 demands in Mkini.
by Hindraf Makkal Sakthi
Anwar Ibrahim released, but sodomy charges stand
MALAYSIA, Remanded in police custody for 24 hours, at the end of interrogation, judges released him on police bail. The opposition warns of a serious “democratic crises” in the country.
Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Anwar Ibrahim was provisionally released this morning, at 9.45 local time, and has left police headquarters. “Anwar has left the building – confirmed his lawyer – from a secondary exit he got into his wife’s car and has gone home”.
The former deputy prime minister, who is accused of sodomy by a collaborator, has already spent six years in prison; yesterday officers arrested him and took him from his home from prison. He was granted a provisional release this morning, but will have to face charges on August 18th, and is on police bail should further charges be laid. A police official explained “there is no intention to remand him further. Statements were taken and we will have to decide on next course of action”.
Even if he was detained less than 24 hours, Anwar Ibrahim’s latest arrest has sparked contention across the country: according to Tian Chua, information officer for the People’s Justice Party (the party founded by the opposition leader, ed), this arrest served to “set the stage for a political showdown between the Government and Anwar” and she believes the allegations are a conspiracy “to prevent him and the Opposition from seizing power”. Police have been mobilised on the streets and have had joint exercises with the military, a “serious and meaningful” fact according to the opposition: “all these are signs towards a closing up of the democratic space” concludes Tian Chua.
Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Anwar Ibrahim was provisionally released this morning, at 9.45 local time, and has left police headquarters. “Anwar has left the building – confirmed his lawyer – from a secondary exit he got into his wife’s car and has gone home”.
The former deputy prime minister, who is accused of sodomy by a collaborator, has already spent six years in prison; yesterday officers arrested him and took him from his home from prison. He was granted a provisional release this morning, but will have to face charges on August 18th, and is on police bail should further charges be laid. A police official explained “there is no intention to remand him further. Statements were taken and we will have to decide on next course of action”.
Even if he was detained less than 24 hours, Anwar Ibrahim’s latest arrest has sparked contention across the country: according to Tian Chua, information officer for the People’s Justice Party (the party founded by the opposition leader, ed), this arrest served to “set the stage for a political showdown between the Government and Anwar” and she believes the allegations are a conspiracy “to prevent him and the Opposition from seizing power”. Police have been mobilised on the streets and have had joint exercises with the military, a “serious and meaningful” fact according to the opposition: “all these are signs towards a closing up of the democratic space” concludes Tian Chua.
Malaysian opposition leader arrested: an act of political desperation
By John Roberts
17 July 2008
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In what is a sign of political desperation on the part of the Malaysian government, police yesterday arrested leading opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim, subjected him to three hours of interrogation, and detained him overnight. The arrest over trumped-up charges of sodomy and its timing are aimed at politically undermining Anwar and the opposition right at the point when the government confronts potential splits in its own ranks and motions of no confidence in parliament.
The manner in which the arrest was carried out was highly provocative. More than a dozen police, including commandos in balaclavas, blocked off the street outside Anwar’s home, dragged him from his car and took him off to police headquarters. According to his lawyer Sankara Nair, police gave no reason for the arrest. Nair also pointed out that Anwar had already agreed to present himself to the police for questioning at 2 p.m. The arrest took place an hour earlier, at 1 p.m.
The arrest was a virtual re-run of Anwar’s arrest in 1998 when, amid mounting opposition protests against the government, he was detained, assaulted by the country’s police chief and then tried and convicted on bogus charges of corruption and sodomy. The Malaysian Federal Court eventually overturned the sodomy charge in 2004, acknowledging the original conviction was based on “unreliable” evidence.
A decade later, Anwar again finds himself facing accusations of sodomy by a former aide, Mohammed Saiful Bukhari Azian. Anwar has insisted that the allegations are malicious fabrications designed to sabotage the opposition campaign and prevent his entry to parliament via a by-election. He had been banned from parliament until this year as a result of his corruption conviction. Senior officials of his Peoples Justice Party (Keadilan) allege that Saiful was planted by the ruling United Malays National Organisation (UNMO) and claim to have pictures showing him with leading government figures.
Anwar’s wife Wan Seri Azzizah Wan, who is currently Keadilan parliamentary leader, yesterday expressed concern that Anwar would suffer a repeat of the 1998 assault that left him with a serious back injury. Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi yesterday offered a guarantee that Anwar would be safe in custody. Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar blandly declared that the police were acting according to the law and that the arrest was not politically motivated. However, no credence can be placed in these claims. As home minister in 1998, Abdullah was intimately involved in the campaign by then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to politically destroy Anwar.
Yesterday afternoon 600 of Anwar’s supporters gathered outside police headquarters soon after the arrest, with 200 staying on for a candlelight vigil before being dispersed by police using water cannon. Husin Ali, an official with the opposition coalition Peoples Front (PKR), denounced the arrest as part of a political conspiracy and said that the aim of detaining Anwar was to fabricate evidence. “I don’t believe the police have any concrete evidence... so they arrest him, to force or collect evidence. The police want to know where exactly he was on that day (when the sodomy was alleged) so that they can make a charge.”
Anwar’s lawyer R. Sivarasa also raised questions about police attempts to take a DNA sample from Anwar. While the docile local media carried articles highlighting Anwar’s refusal to provide a sample, Sivarasa noted that the police already had Anwar’s DNA profile from the 1998 case. The police and the government are yet to explain what additional testing is required. Sivarasa protested the failure of the police to abide by their promise to release Anwar after his interrogation.
Mounting political crisis
The arrest comes amid a mounting crisis for the government. In March, the UMNO-led Barisan Nasional (BN) suffered a serious election setback, winning only 140 seats in the 222-seat parliament and losing its crucial two-thirds majority required to amend the constitution. The opposition parties—Keadilan, the Islamist Parti Islam se-Malaysia (PAS) and the ethnic Chinese-based Democratic Action Party (DAP) increased their parliamentary numbers from 19 to 82. The vote not only undermined UMNO’s hold on parliament but cut across the racially based electoral divide fostered by UMNO over decades.
The opposition parties gained power in five of the country’s 13 states, including several of the most economically important. Rising prices for food and fuel have continued to undermine the government’s popularity. Bitter recriminations inside UMNO have fuelled a campaign led by former Prime Minister Mahathir to force Abdullah to step aside. The prime minister has now been forced to set 2010 as the date for leaving office, but a move to oust him far sooner cannot be ruled out.
Abdullah’s favoured successor, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak, is embroiled in a serious scandal of his own involving the murder in October 2006 of a Mongolian woman, Altantuya Shaariibu. Najib’s political adviser Abdul Razak Baginda and two bodyguards are on trial for the killing.
The drawn-out trial had been conducted in such a way to keep out Najib’s name. But he was directly linked to the case when a private detective Balasubramaniam Perumal claimed that Najib had had a sexual relationship with the victim. Najib has denied the allegation and that he had tried to cover up the connection. The private investigator subsequently retracted the allegation but then disappeared this month along with his entire family in unexplained circumstances.
Amid growing signs of splits within the government, Anwar, who is recognised as de facto opposition leader despite lacking a parliamentary seat, went on the offensive. He announced last month that the opposition had enough support inside the ruling BN coalition to form its own government and even set a date—September 16.
On July 6, 20,000 people defied police intimidation and attended an opposition rally in Kuala Lumpur to protest the government’s fuel price increases and to listen to Anwar’s plans to form a new government. Anwar used the opportunity to denounce the accusations against him. The opposition leader has said he will not only fight any charges in court but instigate legal proceedings of his own to expose his accuser and the involvement of government figures.
On Monday, police took the extraordinary measure of obtaining a court order to prevent Anwar or anyone else from approaching any closer than five kilometres from the parliament building. The opposition had planned a protest outside parliament to coincide with a move by its parliamentarians to debate a “crisis of confidence in the government”. Police mobilised an estimated 1,600 officers to block some 2,000 protestors who were expected to turn up. Inside parliament, the speaker ruled the debate out of order.
On Tuesday, Anwar debated Information Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek on national television over the government’s widely resented 41 percent oil price hike. He once again reaffirmed the opposition’s intention to wrest control of the parliament from the BN.
Earlier yesterday, Anwar went to the offices of the Anti-Corruption Agency where he made a statement alleging that Inspector General of Police Musa Hasan and Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail had been involved in fabricating evidence in the 1998 cases against him. The obvious danger for Prime Minister Abdullah was that he might also have been eventually implicated.
Anwar’s arrest is likely to spur on opposition to the government. A recent survey conducted by the Malaysiakini web site found that 94.4 percent believed the sodomy allegations against Anwar were politically motivated. Another by the Merdeka Centre found that 60 percent thought the charges were politically motivated and only six percent believed the allegations were true.
Behind the political tensions, there are also bitter unresolved differences in the country’s ruling elite over the direction of economic policy, which first erupted during the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis. Anwar, who was then deputy prime minister and finance minister, strongly advocated free market policies based on the IMF and World Bank prescriptions to open up Malaysia to foreign capital. Prime Minister Mahathir, who feared that UMNO’s business cronies would be bankrupted, dismissed Anwar, expelled him and his supporters from the party and instituted currency and capital controls.
It is not surprising that a new political crisis has erupted amid growing signs of fragility in the Malaysian economy. Anwar is backed by layers of business who are critical of Abdullah for failing to ditch Mahathir’s policies fast enough and embrace free market policies. Inside UMNO, Abdullah is under fire from Mahathir and his supporters for going too far and threatening Malay business entrepreneurs.
Fighting for its political life, the government is once again resorting to the police-state measures that it has used repeatedly during its 50-year rule to suppress any political opposition. Amid the current global economic turmoil, it is unlikely that the old methods will work for long. The Financial Times noted that the Malaysian ringgit immediately weakened after Anwar’s arrest and the KLSE share index was down 23 percent for the year. Far from resolving the current crisis, the arrest of Anwar is likely to spur it on.
See Also:
Malaysian opposition leader threatened with spurious new charges
[1 July 2008]
Malaysia's ruling coalition rattled after election debacle
[13 May 2008]
17 July 2008
Use this version to print | Send this link by email | Email the author
In what is a sign of political desperation on the part of the Malaysian government, police yesterday arrested leading opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim, subjected him to three hours of interrogation, and detained him overnight. The arrest over trumped-up charges of sodomy and its timing are aimed at politically undermining Anwar and the opposition right at the point when the government confronts potential splits in its own ranks and motions of no confidence in parliament.
The manner in which the arrest was carried out was highly provocative. More than a dozen police, including commandos in balaclavas, blocked off the street outside Anwar’s home, dragged him from his car and took him off to police headquarters. According to his lawyer Sankara Nair, police gave no reason for the arrest. Nair also pointed out that Anwar had already agreed to present himself to the police for questioning at 2 p.m. The arrest took place an hour earlier, at 1 p.m.
The arrest was a virtual re-run of Anwar’s arrest in 1998 when, amid mounting opposition protests against the government, he was detained, assaulted by the country’s police chief and then tried and convicted on bogus charges of corruption and sodomy. The Malaysian Federal Court eventually overturned the sodomy charge in 2004, acknowledging the original conviction was based on “unreliable” evidence.
A decade later, Anwar again finds himself facing accusations of sodomy by a former aide, Mohammed Saiful Bukhari Azian. Anwar has insisted that the allegations are malicious fabrications designed to sabotage the opposition campaign and prevent his entry to parliament via a by-election. He had been banned from parliament until this year as a result of his corruption conviction. Senior officials of his Peoples Justice Party (Keadilan) allege that Saiful was planted by the ruling United Malays National Organisation (UNMO) and claim to have pictures showing him with leading government figures.
Anwar’s wife Wan Seri Azzizah Wan, who is currently Keadilan parliamentary leader, yesterday expressed concern that Anwar would suffer a repeat of the 1998 assault that left him with a serious back injury. Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi yesterday offered a guarantee that Anwar would be safe in custody. Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar blandly declared that the police were acting according to the law and that the arrest was not politically motivated. However, no credence can be placed in these claims. As home minister in 1998, Abdullah was intimately involved in the campaign by then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to politically destroy Anwar.
Yesterday afternoon 600 of Anwar’s supporters gathered outside police headquarters soon after the arrest, with 200 staying on for a candlelight vigil before being dispersed by police using water cannon. Husin Ali, an official with the opposition coalition Peoples Front (PKR), denounced the arrest as part of a political conspiracy and said that the aim of detaining Anwar was to fabricate evidence. “I don’t believe the police have any concrete evidence... so they arrest him, to force or collect evidence. The police want to know where exactly he was on that day (when the sodomy was alleged) so that they can make a charge.”
Anwar’s lawyer R. Sivarasa also raised questions about police attempts to take a DNA sample from Anwar. While the docile local media carried articles highlighting Anwar’s refusal to provide a sample, Sivarasa noted that the police already had Anwar’s DNA profile from the 1998 case. The police and the government are yet to explain what additional testing is required. Sivarasa protested the failure of the police to abide by their promise to release Anwar after his interrogation.
Mounting political crisis
The arrest comes amid a mounting crisis for the government. In March, the UMNO-led Barisan Nasional (BN) suffered a serious election setback, winning only 140 seats in the 222-seat parliament and losing its crucial two-thirds majority required to amend the constitution. The opposition parties—Keadilan, the Islamist Parti Islam se-Malaysia (PAS) and the ethnic Chinese-based Democratic Action Party (DAP) increased their parliamentary numbers from 19 to 82. The vote not only undermined UMNO’s hold on parliament but cut across the racially based electoral divide fostered by UMNO over decades.
The opposition parties gained power in five of the country’s 13 states, including several of the most economically important. Rising prices for food and fuel have continued to undermine the government’s popularity. Bitter recriminations inside UMNO have fuelled a campaign led by former Prime Minister Mahathir to force Abdullah to step aside. The prime minister has now been forced to set 2010 as the date for leaving office, but a move to oust him far sooner cannot be ruled out.
Abdullah’s favoured successor, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak, is embroiled in a serious scandal of his own involving the murder in October 2006 of a Mongolian woman, Altantuya Shaariibu. Najib’s political adviser Abdul Razak Baginda and two bodyguards are on trial for the killing.
The drawn-out trial had been conducted in such a way to keep out Najib’s name. But he was directly linked to the case when a private detective Balasubramaniam Perumal claimed that Najib had had a sexual relationship with the victim. Najib has denied the allegation and that he had tried to cover up the connection. The private investigator subsequently retracted the allegation but then disappeared this month along with his entire family in unexplained circumstances.
Amid growing signs of splits within the government, Anwar, who is recognised as de facto opposition leader despite lacking a parliamentary seat, went on the offensive. He announced last month that the opposition had enough support inside the ruling BN coalition to form its own government and even set a date—September 16.
On July 6, 20,000 people defied police intimidation and attended an opposition rally in Kuala Lumpur to protest the government’s fuel price increases and to listen to Anwar’s plans to form a new government. Anwar used the opportunity to denounce the accusations against him. The opposition leader has said he will not only fight any charges in court but instigate legal proceedings of his own to expose his accuser and the involvement of government figures.
On Monday, police took the extraordinary measure of obtaining a court order to prevent Anwar or anyone else from approaching any closer than five kilometres from the parliament building. The opposition had planned a protest outside parliament to coincide with a move by its parliamentarians to debate a “crisis of confidence in the government”. Police mobilised an estimated 1,600 officers to block some 2,000 protestors who were expected to turn up. Inside parliament, the speaker ruled the debate out of order.
On Tuesday, Anwar debated Information Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek on national television over the government’s widely resented 41 percent oil price hike. He once again reaffirmed the opposition’s intention to wrest control of the parliament from the BN.
Earlier yesterday, Anwar went to the offices of the Anti-Corruption Agency where he made a statement alleging that Inspector General of Police Musa Hasan and Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail had been involved in fabricating evidence in the 1998 cases against him. The obvious danger for Prime Minister Abdullah was that he might also have been eventually implicated.
Anwar’s arrest is likely to spur on opposition to the government. A recent survey conducted by the Malaysiakini web site found that 94.4 percent believed the sodomy allegations against Anwar were politically motivated. Another by the Merdeka Centre found that 60 percent thought the charges were politically motivated and only six percent believed the allegations were true.
Behind the political tensions, there are also bitter unresolved differences in the country’s ruling elite over the direction of economic policy, which first erupted during the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis. Anwar, who was then deputy prime minister and finance minister, strongly advocated free market policies based on the IMF and World Bank prescriptions to open up Malaysia to foreign capital. Prime Minister Mahathir, who feared that UMNO’s business cronies would be bankrupted, dismissed Anwar, expelled him and his supporters from the party and instituted currency and capital controls.
It is not surprising that a new political crisis has erupted amid growing signs of fragility in the Malaysian economy. Anwar is backed by layers of business who are critical of Abdullah for failing to ditch Mahathir’s policies fast enough and embrace free market policies. Inside UMNO, Abdullah is under fire from Mahathir and his supporters for going too far and threatening Malay business entrepreneurs.
Fighting for its political life, the government is once again resorting to the police-state measures that it has used repeatedly during its 50-year rule to suppress any political opposition. Amid the current global economic turmoil, it is unlikely that the old methods will work for long. The Financial Times noted that the Malaysian ringgit immediately weakened after Anwar’s arrest and the KLSE share index was down 23 percent for the year. Far from resolving the current crisis, the arrest of Anwar is likely to spur it on.
See Also:
Malaysian opposition leader threatened with spurious new charges
[1 July 2008]
Malaysia's ruling coalition rattled after election debacle
[13 May 2008]
Dr Tan Yee Kew quits MCA
By CHRISTINA TAN
KLANG: MCA central committee member Datin Paduka Dr Tan Yee Kew, who is believed to have been offered a post by Pakatan Rakyat, has resigned from the party.
The former Klang MP said she faxed her resignation letter to the MCA headquarters Thursday morning. “This is a painful decision because I have so much sentiment attachment to MCA after my 20 years with it,” she said, adding that the announcement came after three-months of soul searching and attempts to find new meaning to her political career.
Dr Tan said she had received several offers from political parties and PKR was the party she would likely to join but she would only make announcement when she was ready to move to another party.
She however declined to comment on rumours that she had been offered the Klang Municipal Council president’s job by the Pakatan Rakyat state government.
Asked whether her diminishing political career in the MCA and the party election were the reasons for her decision, she said the party election was just part of the reason as such an important decision could not come from just one incident.
As a politician with conscience, she said, she too shared the people’s frustration over the widening gap between the rich and the poor in the country, racial discrimination in public policies, rising corruption and abuse of power.
“Despite the growing discontent among of the people, Barisan Nasional has shown neither the determination nor the commitment to address these problems,” she claimed.
Dr Tan said it was time for a change in the political system with a two-party system that would provide the necessary check and balance to safeguard democracy, moderation and peace in the country.
“We can right now see the emergence of the two-party system so the question is whether we should throw in our support so that the system can grow, I think this is a major factor,” she said.
KLANG: MCA central committee member Datin Paduka Dr Tan Yee Kew, who is believed to have been offered a post by Pakatan Rakyat, has resigned from the party.
The former Klang MP said she faxed her resignation letter to the MCA headquarters Thursday morning. “This is a painful decision because I have so much sentiment attachment to MCA after my 20 years with it,” she said, adding that the announcement came after three-months of soul searching and attempts to find new meaning to her political career.
Dr Tan said she had received several offers from political parties and PKR was the party she would likely to join but she would only make announcement when she was ready to move to another party.
She however declined to comment on rumours that she had been offered the Klang Municipal Council president’s job by the Pakatan Rakyat state government.
Asked whether her diminishing political career in the MCA and the party election were the reasons for her decision, she said the party election was just part of the reason as such an important decision could not come from just one incident.
As a politician with conscience, she said, she too shared the people’s frustration over the widening gap between the rich and the poor in the country, racial discrimination in public policies, rising corruption and abuse of power.
“Despite the growing discontent among of the people, Barisan Nasional has shown neither the determination nor the commitment to address these problems,” she claimed.
Dr Tan said it was time for a change in the political system with a two-party system that would provide the necessary check and balance to safeguard democracy, moderation and peace in the country.
“We can right now see the emergence of the two-party system so the question is whether we should throw in our support so that the system can grow, I think this is a major factor,” she said.
POLITICAL MURDER IN MALAYSIA
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, head of the Malaysian opposition party PKR, will apparently be released on bail following his arrest on charges of sodomizing a former aide. In Malaysia, the "crime" of sodomy--with or without consent--is punished by five to twenty years in prison, plus whipping.
When the charges first surfaced, on June 30, Anwar took refuge in the Turkish embassy, his wife describing the sodomy allegations as "political murder." "Not again," Anwar told reporters from inside the embassy. "It's a repeat of the same script." Anwar previously spent six years in prison on falsified sodomy charges filed in 1998, after Anwar broke with his mentor, then-Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, claiming the latter had responded poorly to the Asian financial crisis of 1997, wallowing in an orgy of corruption and cronyism. Anwar was ultimately acquitted and released.
Anwar left the Turkish embassy only after the government "guaranteed" his safety. The government also assured Anwar there would be "no repeat" of the events of 1998, when Anwar was brutally beaten, while shackled and blindfolded, by Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Noor. When the government suddenly announced on Wednesday that a warrant had been issued for Anwar's arrest, protestors poured into the streets, to be dispersed with water cannon. Anwar agreed to turn himself in, but was instead arrested outside his home after returning from filing a statement with an anti-corruption agency. The latest wisdom is that Anwar is to be released on bail "soon."
Meawhile, Mohamad's successor as Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, has announced that he will step down in two years' time in favor of his deputy, Datuk Seri Najib Razak. However, Malaysian private investigator P. Balasubramaniam on July 3 filed a declaration charging Najib with complicity in the murder of a woman who was the lover of one of Najib's policy ministers, Abdul Razak Baginda--and perhaps the lover of Najib himself. The woman was allegedly killed by two of Najib's wife's bodyguards after she appeared outside Abdul Razak's house in Kuala Lumpur, loudly demanding that she be "properly recompensed for his pleasure." Najib has vehemently denied allegations that he himself bounced the bedsprings with the dead woman, Mongolian translator Altantuya Shaariibi, and that she had been promised $500,000 to assist in securing the purchase of French submarines. On July 4, Balasubramaniam abruptly withdrew his allegations against Najib, and then he and his family promptly disappeared. The police now opine that Balasubramaniam and his family are "overseas."
Finally, several hours ago, blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin, editor of the online publication Malaysia Today, was charged with "criminal defamation" for his June 18 declaration implicating Najib's wife in the murder of Altantuya. Raja Petra had previously been charged with sedition, for an April 25 Malaysia Today blog post titled "Let's Send The Altantuya Murderers To Hell." His website, http://www.malaysia-today.net, from which I have been drawing information for the past couple of hours, is no longer appearing on my computer.
blueness :: Political Murder
Malaysia is a Muslim country. On July 5, Mentari Besar Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat cautioned that airing such unseemly charges as those against Anwar and Najib was contrary to the tenets of Islam.
Malay political leaders should not make allegations against each other in public as this is not condoned by Islam, [he] said.
He said allegations like sodomy and illicit sex degraded people and, therefore, were contrary to Islamic tenets . . .
"If there's proof [of the wrongdoing], take it to court. There's no need to make it public.
"Our religion does not approve of such allegations being made public, especially in the media, as it will be picked up by news agencies around the world," he said here yesterday.
"Malaysia seems to have lost its dignity[.]"
Nobody much seemed to be listening. In the following days, Anwar and his accuser in fact began using Islam in their attacks on one another. First Anwar's accuser, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, on July 7 dared Anwar to swear on the Koran that Anwar did not sodomize him. Two days later, Anwar filed an official complaint with the Islamic Affairs Department charging that Saiful was guilty of qazaf--airing a false accusation that a person has committed adultery.
Meanwhile, this outfit, The New Straits Times Online, which seems to be functioning as sort of the New York Post of Malaysia, is breathlessly following events with as much vigor and detail as the Post devotes to, say, tracking the various animals, vegetables, and minerals that cycle in and out of Madonna's vagina.
Malaysia is a European colonial construct, one of the most absurd on earth. It combines former British colonies on the southernmost tip of the Thai peninsula with former British colonies on the northernmost region of the island of Kalimantan. In between lies hundreds of miles of the South China Sea.
While the people of the Thai peninsula can muster a good argument for being a nation--ethnic Malays, they became predominately Muslim beginning in the 16th Century, in contrast to the Buddhist Thais to the north--the forced conjoining with the animist Dayaks of northern Kalimantan is a sick joke. All that separates these Dayaks from the Dayaks of the rest of Kalimantan is a line on a piece of paper that marked a division of spoils between the Dutch and the English. Prior to European colonialism, the people of northern Kalimantan shared about as much in common with the Malays of the Thai peninsula as Koreans share with Swedes.
As England reluctantly relinquished its hold on what would become Malaysia, it pursued a vicious 12-year counterinsurgency that basically killed off everyone in the region with any leftist tendencies. This slaughter was considered in the West such a "success" that the United States attempted, disastrously, to import into its Vietnam fiasco such Malaysian "successes" as "strategic hamlets," "winning hearts and minds," and the murderous paramilitary paladins of the Phoenix Program. As the years have passed, the Malaysian "success" has appeared, even to the British, more dubious: as in Iran, decimating the left opened a vaccum that was filled by Islam.
In contrast to post-1979 Iran, however, Malaysia has rarely agitated the West.
The Wall Street Journal, ever with its eye on the interests of capital, describes, in the context of the Anwar story, Malaysia this way:
The allegations cap a tumultuous year so far in Malaysia, a resource-rich, majority-Muslim nation of 26 million that has long been one of the most politically stable and economically strong countries in Asia. The nation is among the U.S.'s top-15 trading partners and is a big exporter of palm oil--used in cooking oils and biofuels--natural gas and electronics components. Intel Corp. and Motorola Inc. of the U.S. and Nokia Corp. of Finland are among the many Western companies that have big operations there.
Malaysia also compliantly provides tin, copper, and petroleum to Western transnationals, and on Kalimantan permits extensive deforestation--today primarily for the benefit of other Asian nations, like Japan--that, combined with logging operations across the border in Indonesia, have on several occasions over the past decade created forest fires of such vast magnitude they have blocked out the sun and thereby killed crops, halted air traffic for hundreds of miles around, and sickened with smoke and haze human beings and other living things in more than a dozen nations.
A piece from the Vancouver Sun aptly summarizes the genesis and timeline of the sex-soaked shenanigans that are currently roiling Malaysia.
There have been questions for several months over whether Abdullah's chosen successor, Najib, is fit to take over the leadership. At the heart of this question is a continuing court case over the murder of a Mongolian woman translator, Altantuya Shaariibuu, the mistress of one of Najib's policy advisers Abdul Razak Baginda . . .
These allegations were made by opposition leader Anwar last week, coupled with a demand that a full public inquiry be launched into Najib's involvement in the Shaariibuu affair.
Retribution was not long in coming. By mid-week allegations had been made by [] officials that Anwar had committed sodomy--illegal in Malaysia--with a member of his staff. Anwar dismissed the story as "pure lies" and said it was the same kind of fabrication that was used to discredit him in 1998.
Anwar had been Dr Mahathir's deputy and finance minister, but the two fell out over how to respond to the Asian economic crisis of 1997 . . . Dr Mahathir responded by backing trumped-up charges of sodomy and corruption against Anwar, who was convicted and sentenced to prison. It was only after Dr Mahathir resigned that a court in 2004 overturned the conviction as being without substance and freed Anwar.
But memories of betrayal and disloyalty are long in Malaysia and there remain many Dr Mahathir supporters passionately determined that Anwar will never be prime minister.
The Economist, while a conservative publication that worships at the altar of capital, generally keeps a close, if jaundiced, eye on those nations formerly forced into the British Empire. A recent Economist piece explains why it was important for the Malaysian government to again go after Anwar . . . and also why it may have misstepped:
Whatever the motive for the allegations against Mr Anwar, or for his against the government, he seems for the moment to have the political initiative. This is partly a tribute to his political skills; but another factor is the sympathy, or at least indifference, of the Malaysian public, which hoped it had heard the last of sodomy in public life. The term entered the Malaysian political lexicon in 1998, when Mr Anwar was accused of sodomy and of corruption during the tenure of the then prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, whom Mr Anwar served as deputy.
The sodomy accusation was widely believed to be politically motivated, and therefore untrue. The country found itself divided and appalled. But the nature of the alleged crime was scarcely an issue. What provoked outrage were the seemingly untrammelled powers of the prime minister, the dubious role of the judiciary and the blatant bias of the press . . .
Mr Anwar was freed from jail early in the tenure of Abdullah Badawi, Dr Mahathir's handpicked successor (and now, butt of his fierce criticism). For many this was a happy conclusion to a lurid episode, not necessarily out of any deep affection for Mr Anwar but because what was widely seen as an injustice had at last been corrected. Sodomy, it was hoped, could be forgotten. Mr Anwar was yesterday's man.
All that changed with the March 8th election. The [government party] suffered its worst-ever electoral result and Mr Anwar leapt back to the forefront of politics. The election could be read as a vote against [the government] rather than for Mr Anwar's disparate coalition. But he has since been portraying himself as prime minister in waiting. The sluggish pace of Malaysian politics has accelerated, and the momentum has been dictated largely by the opposition . . .
Since the elections Malaysians have shown that they can cope with rapid change but the recent events have come as a shock. The word "bewildered" litters the Malaysian blogosphere. Conspiracy theories swirl but government ministers have denied any link with the accuser. He himself is in hiding. His family deny he has the backing of the government. Mr Anwar and his supporters, however, have produced pictures of him with various people linked to the government, including an aide to Najib Razak, Mr Badawi's deputy and heir-apparent . . . In 1998 Mr Anwar's accusers failed to make the charges stick in the court of public opinion. That stands him in good stead as Malaysia hunkers down for an extended, unwanted, repeat performance.
From The Wall Street Journal, which also always keeps its eye on the capital prize:
The decades-long supremacy of the National Front coalition, dominated by the United Malays National Organization, received its greatest challenge in March when it suffered a drubbing in a national election. It still garnered just enough seats in the lower house of Parliament to stay in power, but it raised the prospect that Malaysia would become a model of peaceful democratic change in the Islamic world, and that the National Front could be ousted after ruling since Malaysian independence in 1957.
The country also has been racked by religious and ethnic tensions as it continues to pursue an economic policy that favors ethnic Malays. In November, ethnic Indians engaged in unprecedented protests over alleged discrimination, prompting a government clampdown. Accelerating inflation and rising fuel prices has added to the discontent among the nation's citizens.
Mr. Anwar's People's Justice Party, or Parti Keadilan Rakyat, won 82 seats along with a group of allies in the 222-seat lower house of Parliament in the March 8 vote. The alliance needs 30 more seats to replace the National Front coalition, and the charismatic Mr. Anwar has been trying to attract defectors from the ruling coalition in hopes of forcing a change in government. It would be unprecedented in Malaysian history for the opposition to take power through the parliamentary process.
Anwar himself explains why the government is again attempting to arrest his political momentum with a charge of sodomy: "[T]hey think this is the best [way] to cause anxiety and disgust among Muslims."
Which raises the same sort of question as Alexa asked here, in relation to the now-infamous New Yorker cover. In her diary, the question was: "is there something wrong with being Muslim?" Here, the question is: "is there something wrong with sodomy?"
Well, in this country, until 2003 sodomy, at least among persons of the same sex (as is the allegation over there in Malaysia), was in this country considered so wrong it was against the law. As has been noted of late over on our orange blog, we in this country may very soon be given an opportunity, in our own contest for chief executive, to decide just how wrong we consider same-sex sodomy. This is because John McCain is apparently considering as his running mate a man who is a same-sex-sodomy devotee. Though the vote will of course not be a truly free and open one, as this man has hastily taken a wife, in an effort to hide his love, a love that he feels still dare not speak its name.
The Bush administration has now expressed "serious concern" over Anwar's arrest. But as no one even in the United States listens to Bush anymore, his "concern" is unlikely to have any effect in Malaysia. Indeed, Malaysia had previously sent a note of protest complaining about US meddling in Malaysian affairs.
What will probably have more effect is this carefully worded "open letter" from a number of prominent Muslims, drawn from a galaxy of Muslim nations.
It reads, in part:
We are deeply concerned about the physical safety and freedom of our respected brother Datuk Seri Dr. Anwar Ibrahim. We are troubled by the unsubstantiated and clearly scurrilous claims made against him and his character . . .
Our beloved Malaysia is today one of the leading countries of the Muslim Ummah. It is an example of a successful modern Islamic country, and in many ways a model and example for other Muslim countries . . . Indeed, perhaps precisely because of Malaysia's prominence within the Ummah and the world, we would like to point out that the global Muslim community is paying close attention to the way our respected and honorable brother Dr. Anwar Ibrahim is treated. We have no wish to interfere in the internal politics of Malaysia, or in civil and criminal accusations within the country, which we reiterate are ultimately the business only of the Malaysian state and people. However, the spectacle, ten years ago, of our respected brother Datuk Seri Dr. Anwar Ibrahim sitting patiently in court after having been personally and illegally beaten up by then Police Chief of Malaysia is still fresh within our minds as a travesty of justice and impartiality under the law in a leading Muslim country. We are all still ashamed of that image, which will ever be indelibly engraved in our memories . . .
Thus we feel that we have a right--and indeed, an obligation under Islam--to strongly urge the Malaysian authorities to facilitate a swift, transparent and just resolution to this issue and resolutely ensure the safety, freedom and physical well-being of our honorable and respected brother Anwar Ibrahim . . .
Finally, we are morally obliged as Muslims to also point out that our religion and our beloved Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) regard false accusations in these matters to be of extremely grave consequence. In fact, under Islamic Law, accusations of this magnitude that are not substantiated by four eye-witnesses of impeccable character (such as did not occur neither with these accusations nor with the previous ones) incur severe legal punishment only for the accusers themselves . . .
However, we have complete trust in Allah and so remain hopeful that the highest political authorities in Malaysia will, in sha Allah, secure an honest and just outcome to this deeply troubling situation.
Meanwhile, I'm kinda concerned about this Raja Petra Kamaruddin blogger. Anwar, he has folks like the US government and a group of Islamic scholars looking out for him. Not so Raja Petra.
Here is the guy's wiki entry. Says he's a distant relation of the Malay royal family. Might seem like enough protection; still, you never know. Here is his blogger profile. Seems an impassioned, feisty guy: one of us. I liked what I found on his site--until it stopped appearing on my computer. Now I am happy to say that his site appears to be back up. Still, I think we should keep our eye on him. Judging both from news on the tubes and his wiki entry, he seems to be spending a lot of time of late in police stations. When Raja Petra goes into police custody on this latest warrant--hell, any time he goes into police custody--I want to make sure he comes back out. If he wasn't so eternally busy trying to make his own country safe for something like democracy, I'm sure he'd do the same for us.
by: blueness
When the charges first surfaced, on June 30, Anwar took refuge in the Turkish embassy, his wife describing the sodomy allegations as "political murder." "Not again," Anwar told reporters from inside the embassy. "It's a repeat of the same script." Anwar previously spent six years in prison on falsified sodomy charges filed in 1998, after Anwar broke with his mentor, then-Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, claiming the latter had responded poorly to the Asian financial crisis of 1997, wallowing in an orgy of corruption and cronyism. Anwar was ultimately acquitted and released.
Anwar left the Turkish embassy only after the government "guaranteed" his safety. The government also assured Anwar there would be "no repeat" of the events of 1998, when Anwar was brutally beaten, while shackled and blindfolded, by Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Noor. When the government suddenly announced on Wednesday that a warrant had been issued for Anwar's arrest, protestors poured into the streets, to be dispersed with water cannon. Anwar agreed to turn himself in, but was instead arrested outside his home after returning from filing a statement with an anti-corruption agency. The latest wisdom is that Anwar is to be released on bail "soon."
Meawhile, Mohamad's successor as Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, has announced that he will step down in two years' time in favor of his deputy, Datuk Seri Najib Razak. However, Malaysian private investigator P. Balasubramaniam on July 3 filed a declaration charging Najib with complicity in the murder of a woman who was the lover of one of Najib's policy ministers, Abdul Razak Baginda--and perhaps the lover of Najib himself. The woman was allegedly killed by two of Najib's wife's bodyguards after she appeared outside Abdul Razak's house in Kuala Lumpur, loudly demanding that she be "properly recompensed for his pleasure." Najib has vehemently denied allegations that he himself bounced the bedsprings with the dead woman, Mongolian translator Altantuya Shaariibi, and that she had been promised $500,000 to assist in securing the purchase of French submarines. On July 4, Balasubramaniam abruptly withdrew his allegations against Najib, and then he and his family promptly disappeared. The police now opine that Balasubramaniam and his family are "overseas."
Finally, several hours ago, blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin, editor of the online publication Malaysia Today, was charged with "criminal defamation" for his June 18 declaration implicating Najib's wife in the murder of Altantuya. Raja Petra had previously been charged with sedition, for an April 25 Malaysia Today blog post titled "Let's Send The Altantuya Murderers To Hell." His website, http://www.malaysia-today.net, from which I have been drawing information for the past couple of hours, is no longer appearing on my computer.
blueness :: Political Murder
Malaysia is a Muslim country. On July 5, Mentari Besar Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat cautioned that airing such unseemly charges as those against Anwar and Najib was contrary to the tenets of Islam.
Malay political leaders should not make allegations against each other in public as this is not condoned by Islam, [he] said.
He said allegations like sodomy and illicit sex degraded people and, therefore, were contrary to Islamic tenets . . .
"If there's proof [of the wrongdoing], take it to court. There's no need to make it public.
"Our religion does not approve of such allegations being made public, especially in the media, as it will be picked up by news agencies around the world," he said here yesterday.
"Malaysia seems to have lost its dignity[.]"
Nobody much seemed to be listening. In the following days, Anwar and his accuser in fact began using Islam in their attacks on one another. First Anwar's accuser, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, on July 7 dared Anwar to swear on the Koran that Anwar did not sodomize him. Two days later, Anwar filed an official complaint with the Islamic Affairs Department charging that Saiful was guilty of qazaf--airing a false accusation that a person has committed adultery.
Meanwhile, this outfit, The New Straits Times Online, which seems to be functioning as sort of the New York Post of Malaysia, is breathlessly following events with as much vigor and detail as the Post devotes to, say, tracking the various animals, vegetables, and minerals that cycle in and out of Madonna's vagina.
Malaysia is a European colonial construct, one of the most absurd on earth. It combines former British colonies on the southernmost tip of the Thai peninsula with former British colonies on the northernmost region of the island of Kalimantan. In between lies hundreds of miles of the South China Sea.
While the people of the Thai peninsula can muster a good argument for being a nation--ethnic Malays, they became predominately Muslim beginning in the 16th Century, in contrast to the Buddhist Thais to the north--the forced conjoining with the animist Dayaks of northern Kalimantan is a sick joke. All that separates these Dayaks from the Dayaks of the rest of Kalimantan is a line on a piece of paper that marked a division of spoils between the Dutch and the English. Prior to European colonialism, the people of northern Kalimantan shared about as much in common with the Malays of the Thai peninsula as Koreans share with Swedes.
As England reluctantly relinquished its hold on what would become Malaysia, it pursued a vicious 12-year counterinsurgency that basically killed off everyone in the region with any leftist tendencies. This slaughter was considered in the West such a "success" that the United States attempted, disastrously, to import into its Vietnam fiasco such Malaysian "successes" as "strategic hamlets," "winning hearts and minds," and the murderous paramilitary paladins of the Phoenix Program. As the years have passed, the Malaysian "success" has appeared, even to the British, more dubious: as in Iran, decimating the left opened a vaccum that was filled by Islam.
In contrast to post-1979 Iran, however, Malaysia has rarely agitated the West.
The Wall Street Journal, ever with its eye on the interests of capital, describes, in the context of the Anwar story, Malaysia this way:
The allegations cap a tumultuous year so far in Malaysia, a resource-rich, majority-Muslim nation of 26 million that has long been one of the most politically stable and economically strong countries in Asia. The nation is among the U.S.'s top-15 trading partners and is a big exporter of palm oil--used in cooking oils and biofuels--natural gas and electronics components. Intel Corp. and Motorola Inc. of the U.S. and Nokia Corp. of Finland are among the many Western companies that have big operations there.
Malaysia also compliantly provides tin, copper, and petroleum to Western transnationals, and on Kalimantan permits extensive deforestation--today primarily for the benefit of other Asian nations, like Japan--that, combined with logging operations across the border in Indonesia, have on several occasions over the past decade created forest fires of such vast magnitude they have blocked out the sun and thereby killed crops, halted air traffic for hundreds of miles around, and sickened with smoke and haze human beings and other living things in more than a dozen nations.
A piece from the Vancouver Sun aptly summarizes the genesis and timeline of the sex-soaked shenanigans that are currently roiling Malaysia.
There have been questions for several months over whether Abdullah's chosen successor, Najib, is fit to take over the leadership. At the heart of this question is a continuing court case over the murder of a Mongolian woman translator, Altantuya Shaariibuu, the mistress of one of Najib's policy advisers Abdul Razak Baginda . . .
These allegations were made by opposition leader Anwar last week, coupled with a demand that a full public inquiry be launched into Najib's involvement in the Shaariibuu affair.
Retribution was not long in coming. By mid-week allegations had been made by [] officials that Anwar had committed sodomy--illegal in Malaysia--with a member of his staff. Anwar dismissed the story as "pure lies" and said it was the same kind of fabrication that was used to discredit him in 1998.
Anwar had been Dr Mahathir's deputy and finance minister, but the two fell out over how to respond to the Asian economic crisis of 1997 . . . Dr Mahathir responded by backing trumped-up charges of sodomy and corruption against Anwar, who was convicted and sentenced to prison. It was only after Dr Mahathir resigned that a court in 2004 overturned the conviction as being without substance and freed Anwar.
But memories of betrayal and disloyalty are long in Malaysia and there remain many Dr Mahathir supporters passionately determined that Anwar will never be prime minister.
The Economist, while a conservative publication that worships at the altar of capital, generally keeps a close, if jaundiced, eye on those nations formerly forced into the British Empire. A recent Economist piece explains why it was important for the Malaysian government to again go after Anwar . . . and also why it may have misstepped:
Whatever the motive for the allegations against Mr Anwar, or for his against the government, he seems for the moment to have the political initiative. This is partly a tribute to his political skills; but another factor is the sympathy, or at least indifference, of the Malaysian public, which hoped it had heard the last of sodomy in public life. The term entered the Malaysian political lexicon in 1998, when Mr Anwar was accused of sodomy and of corruption during the tenure of the then prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, whom Mr Anwar served as deputy.
The sodomy accusation was widely believed to be politically motivated, and therefore untrue. The country found itself divided and appalled. But the nature of the alleged crime was scarcely an issue. What provoked outrage were the seemingly untrammelled powers of the prime minister, the dubious role of the judiciary and the blatant bias of the press . . .
Mr Anwar was freed from jail early in the tenure of Abdullah Badawi, Dr Mahathir's handpicked successor (and now, butt of his fierce criticism). For many this was a happy conclusion to a lurid episode, not necessarily out of any deep affection for Mr Anwar but because what was widely seen as an injustice had at last been corrected. Sodomy, it was hoped, could be forgotten. Mr Anwar was yesterday's man.
All that changed with the March 8th election. The [government party] suffered its worst-ever electoral result and Mr Anwar leapt back to the forefront of politics. The election could be read as a vote against [the government] rather than for Mr Anwar's disparate coalition. But he has since been portraying himself as prime minister in waiting. The sluggish pace of Malaysian politics has accelerated, and the momentum has been dictated largely by the opposition . . .
Since the elections Malaysians have shown that they can cope with rapid change but the recent events have come as a shock. The word "bewildered" litters the Malaysian blogosphere. Conspiracy theories swirl but government ministers have denied any link with the accuser. He himself is in hiding. His family deny he has the backing of the government. Mr Anwar and his supporters, however, have produced pictures of him with various people linked to the government, including an aide to Najib Razak, Mr Badawi's deputy and heir-apparent . . . In 1998 Mr Anwar's accusers failed to make the charges stick in the court of public opinion. That stands him in good stead as Malaysia hunkers down for an extended, unwanted, repeat performance.
From The Wall Street Journal, which also always keeps its eye on the capital prize:
The decades-long supremacy of the National Front coalition, dominated by the United Malays National Organization, received its greatest challenge in March when it suffered a drubbing in a national election. It still garnered just enough seats in the lower house of Parliament to stay in power, but it raised the prospect that Malaysia would become a model of peaceful democratic change in the Islamic world, and that the National Front could be ousted after ruling since Malaysian independence in 1957.
The country also has been racked by religious and ethnic tensions as it continues to pursue an economic policy that favors ethnic Malays. In November, ethnic Indians engaged in unprecedented protests over alleged discrimination, prompting a government clampdown. Accelerating inflation and rising fuel prices has added to the discontent among the nation's citizens.
Mr. Anwar's People's Justice Party, or Parti Keadilan Rakyat, won 82 seats along with a group of allies in the 222-seat lower house of Parliament in the March 8 vote. The alliance needs 30 more seats to replace the National Front coalition, and the charismatic Mr. Anwar has been trying to attract defectors from the ruling coalition in hopes of forcing a change in government. It would be unprecedented in Malaysian history for the opposition to take power through the parliamentary process.
Anwar himself explains why the government is again attempting to arrest his political momentum with a charge of sodomy: "[T]hey think this is the best [way] to cause anxiety and disgust among Muslims."
Which raises the same sort of question as Alexa asked here, in relation to the now-infamous New Yorker cover. In her diary, the question was: "is there something wrong with being Muslim?" Here, the question is: "is there something wrong with sodomy?"
Well, in this country, until 2003 sodomy, at least among persons of the same sex (as is the allegation over there in Malaysia), was in this country considered so wrong it was against the law. As has been noted of late over on our orange blog, we in this country may very soon be given an opportunity, in our own contest for chief executive, to decide just how wrong we consider same-sex sodomy. This is because John McCain is apparently considering as his running mate a man who is a same-sex-sodomy devotee. Though the vote will of course not be a truly free and open one, as this man has hastily taken a wife, in an effort to hide his love, a love that he feels still dare not speak its name.
The Bush administration has now expressed "serious concern" over Anwar's arrest. But as no one even in the United States listens to Bush anymore, his "concern" is unlikely to have any effect in Malaysia. Indeed, Malaysia had previously sent a note of protest complaining about US meddling in Malaysian affairs.
What will probably have more effect is this carefully worded "open letter" from a number of prominent Muslims, drawn from a galaxy of Muslim nations.
It reads, in part:
We are deeply concerned about the physical safety and freedom of our respected brother Datuk Seri Dr. Anwar Ibrahim. We are troubled by the unsubstantiated and clearly scurrilous claims made against him and his character . . .
Our beloved Malaysia is today one of the leading countries of the Muslim Ummah. It is an example of a successful modern Islamic country, and in many ways a model and example for other Muslim countries . . . Indeed, perhaps precisely because of Malaysia's prominence within the Ummah and the world, we would like to point out that the global Muslim community is paying close attention to the way our respected and honorable brother Dr. Anwar Ibrahim is treated. We have no wish to interfere in the internal politics of Malaysia, or in civil and criminal accusations within the country, which we reiterate are ultimately the business only of the Malaysian state and people. However, the spectacle, ten years ago, of our respected brother Datuk Seri Dr. Anwar Ibrahim sitting patiently in court after having been personally and illegally beaten up by then Police Chief of Malaysia is still fresh within our minds as a travesty of justice and impartiality under the law in a leading Muslim country. We are all still ashamed of that image, which will ever be indelibly engraved in our memories . . .
Thus we feel that we have a right--and indeed, an obligation under Islam--to strongly urge the Malaysian authorities to facilitate a swift, transparent and just resolution to this issue and resolutely ensure the safety, freedom and physical well-being of our honorable and respected brother Anwar Ibrahim . . .
Finally, we are morally obliged as Muslims to also point out that our religion and our beloved Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) regard false accusations in these matters to be of extremely grave consequence. In fact, under Islamic Law, accusations of this magnitude that are not substantiated by four eye-witnesses of impeccable character (such as did not occur neither with these accusations nor with the previous ones) incur severe legal punishment only for the accusers themselves . . .
However, we have complete trust in Allah and so remain hopeful that the highest political authorities in Malaysia will, in sha Allah, secure an honest and just outcome to this deeply troubling situation.
Meanwhile, I'm kinda concerned about this Raja Petra Kamaruddin blogger. Anwar, he has folks like the US government and a group of Islamic scholars looking out for him. Not so Raja Petra.
Here is the guy's wiki entry. Says he's a distant relation of the Malay royal family. Might seem like enough protection; still, you never know. Here is his blogger profile. Seems an impassioned, feisty guy: one of us. I liked what I found on his site--until it stopped appearing on my computer. Now I am happy to say that his site appears to be back up. Still, I think we should keep our eye on him. Judging both from news on the tubes and his wiki entry, he seems to be spending a lot of time of late in police stations. When Raja Petra goes into police custody on this latest warrant--hell, any time he goes into police custody--I want to make sure he comes back out. If he wasn't so eternally busy trying to make his own country safe for something like democracy, I'm sure he'd do the same for us.
by: blueness
Mahathir slams Najib
Mahathir MohamadFormer premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad took a swipe at Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today by calling for an open contest in the Umno party elections so that vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin can go for deputy president’s post.
“There should be an open contest so that Muhyiddin can have a chance to go for deputy president… and if he goes for deputy president and wins, then Najib should not be appointed deputy PM.”
Mahathir said this was because the party tradition has always been that the deputy president becomes the Deputy Prime Minister.
Mahathir, who once openly supported Najib, has come down hard on the deputy premier in recent days and did not mince his words when he said: “People perceive Najib as a weak leader. He has never had his own stand”.
“He (Najib) merely repeats words such as ‘I support’ and ‘I am very touched’…and people are generally disenchanted with Najib,” said Mahathir, after opening the Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (Kimma) new administrative office in Sentul today.
Mahathir said Muhyiddin should be able to win if he challenges Najib in an open contest.
“If he (Najib) competes for deputy president, he would have to compete against Muhyiddin… and it is quite possible that Muhyiddin will win and Najib will lose,” said Mahathir.
Umno president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi and Najib have received endorsement from six states to defend their top two posts.
Abdullah also revealed last week that he would hand over the reins to Najib in mid-2010.
“It is possible that Abdullah may not be able to manipulate the general assembly to grant a victory to Najib,” said Mahathir.
“When the time comes for the PM to divest his interest in the government, Najib will not be in a position to receive this award.
Mahathir also alleged that it was possible for some manipulation in the party elections by either handing out cash, ‘kain pelikat’ or other inducements.
But he was also quick to respond when asked who he supports in the party elections.
“I am not even a member of Umno so why should I (support any candidate),” he quipped.
sun
“There should be an open contest so that Muhyiddin can have a chance to go for deputy president… and if he goes for deputy president and wins, then Najib should not be appointed deputy PM.”
Mahathir said this was because the party tradition has always been that the deputy president becomes the Deputy Prime Minister.
Mahathir, who once openly supported Najib, has come down hard on the deputy premier in recent days and did not mince his words when he said: “People perceive Najib as a weak leader. He has never had his own stand”.
“He (Najib) merely repeats words such as ‘I support’ and ‘I am very touched’…and people are generally disenchanted with Najib,” said Mahathir, after opening the Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (Kimma) new administrative office in Sentul today.
Mahathir said Muhyiddin should be able to win if he challenges Najib in an open contest.
“If he (Najib) competes for deputy president, he would have to compete against Muhyiddin… and it is quite possible that Muhyiddin will win and Najib will lose,” said Mahathir.
Umno president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi and Najib have received endorsement from six states to defend their top two posts.
Abdullah also revealed last week that he would hand over the reins to Najib in mid-2010.
“It is possible that Abdullah may not be able to manipulate the general assembly to grant a victory to Najib,” said Mahathir.
“When the time comes for the PM to divest his interest in the government, Najib will not be in a position to receive this award.
Mahathir also alleged that it was possible for some manipulation in the party elections by either handing out cash, ‘kain pelikat’ or other inducements.
But he was also quick to respond when asked who he supports in the party elections.
“I am not even a member of Umno so why should I (support any candidate),” he quipped.
sun
University of Malaya Medical Student Intake
Letters courtesy of LKS Blog
by cat
A Background Introduction
Entering the Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur is still the prized aspiration of many doctor-wannabes. The medical degree conferred by UM is the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) which is the title awarded by universities in the United Kingdom and Australia. Other local public universities like University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) confer medical degrees in the acronym of MD which stands for doctor of medicine (Latin: Medicinæ Doctor).
Contrary to the common but erroneous perception among pre-university students, there is no difference between the MBBS and MD medical degrees.
Up till 2001, University Malaya along with other local universities practised an intake of medical students based on a quota system. Under the quota system, the ratio of medical students was in the order of 6:3:1 that is, 60% of places for bumiputeras, 30% for Chinese Malaysians and 10% for Indian Malaysian students. Bumiputera students comprised both Malays and the non-Malay bumiputeras from Sabah and Sarawak.
From 2002 onwards, the UMNO government introduced a system of ‘meritocracy’ whereby the intake of students into local universities was based solely on academic achievement without regards to co-curricular activities and ethnic background. Conventionally, bumiputera students took matriculation as the pre-university examinations while the non-bumiputeras took the STPM/Sixth Form examinations. There are occasional exceptions though these are rare. Some Malay students do take the STPM route and vice versa.
As of 2004, the non-bumiputera Chinese and Indians students were allocated 10% of the total matriculation seats. This was the beginning of a new era in the local universities especially for the most competitive courses. Beginning 2004, the majority of non-bumiputera students entering courses like medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and engineering courses were from matriculation background.
In addition, from 2001-2003, University of Malaya accepted additional students from the Royal College of Medicine Perak (RCMP) in a supposed and controversial twinning program between the two institutions. The number of RCMP students taken in between 2001-2003 numbered 13, 60 and 90 respectively. These comprised mostly bumiputera Malay students. Upon graduation, these students were conferred a medical degree indistinguishable from the degree awarded to ‘genuine’ University of Malaya medical students.
The Motive
This article intends to inform and reveal statistics as they really are. The numbers quoted do not include students accepted into the faculty from the Royal College of Medicine Perak.
I have divided the intake of students into the MBBS program by ethnicity and route of entry.
Discussion
You are at liberty to draw your own conclusions by studying the charts and tables.
In order to facilitate thinking however, I have arbitrarily chosen three different points of view.
From a Racist Angle
The pre-‘meritocracy’ era ensure a minimum number of students from each major ethnic group. The bumiputeras made up 60% of the total intake, from which usually about 15 were composed of non-Malay bumiputeras from Sabah/Sarawak. As seen from the charts, their numbers have dwindled from a pathetic 9% to a miserable 1% under the current so-called meritocracy system.
Indian Malaysians used to form 10% of the student population under the quota system, numbering around 15-18 depending on the total annual intake. In 2003, Indian Malaysian students were left in a quandary when they had but one solitary representative in the medical faculty of University Malaya. Since then however, their numbers have somehow reached a figure comparable to that under the quota system. Their absolute number may not have slid much, but the percentage has decreased remarkably. HINDRAF apologists should take note of this.
The supposedly marginalized Chinese Malaysians have the least to be dissatisfied over. From a mere 30% representation under the quota system, they have increased in both absolute numbers as well as percentage, forming about 40-50% of the annual student intake. This came at a costly price though, as most of these Chinese students were from matriculation background. The Chinese students from STPM background can never compete with the matriculation students despite attaining excellent results.
If ethnicity is the sole issue here, the non-Malay bumiputeras from Sabah and Sarawak are the biggest losers among the races in meritocracy Malaysian style. Chinese Malaysians should zip up and continue throwing their support behind the beggar political party named MCA so that the MCA can continue their boot-licking heritage to beg and plead for the crumbs falling from UMNO’s golden platter.
It should not be forgotten that from 2001-2003, the Ministry of Education admitted additional Malay bumiputera students into the MBBS course via a backdoor named the Royal College of Medicine Perak. The official reported figures therefore do not reflect the actual student composition seated in the lecture halls of University Malaya Medical Faculty. When these RCMP students are added to the total student intake, the non-Malays student population in both absolute number and percentage falls to a very low figure indeed.
Do the maths yourself.
From an Academic Perspective
The essence of meritocracy is remarkably similar to Darwin’s ‘survival of the fittest’.
The pre-2002 quota system was a very flawed one.
Ethnicity was a very crucial criterion for acceptance into university, medical school included. Merit took second place and thus compromised the selection of students into every discipline. Universities had little or no autonomy as the selection of students was decided by the Unit Pusat Universiti (UPU), an institution under the Ministry of Education.
Academic achievements in national exams accounted for 90% of the points for entry into university while co-curricular achievements the remaining 10%. Many a time, students are tied in terms of academic achievements. The final deciding factor therefore was one’s co-curricular achievements. However, students are not required to submit their certified documents in order to support their claims of any grandiose extra-curricular activities.
The current system of meritocracy is no better and in fact worse. Since its introduction in 2002, the evaluation methodology has undergone such frequent changes that no one knows for sure what measures are employed to gauge students’ qualification into local universities.
Converting one’s STPM grades into a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) as practised for matriculation students is like trying to smell the color 9. It is not possible, not intelligent and is basically an effort of make-believe only. The two pre-university examinations are different in syllabus, level of difficulty, and criteria for final assessment.
The odds are heavily stacked against STPM candidates and therefore directly non-bumiputera students. Comparing STPM with matriculation results has resulted in the drastic drop in STPM students in competitive courses over the last five years. When the playing ground is unequal, true meritocracy and fair competition is practically impossible.
On another note, that the Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya has noticeably increased its annual intake of medical students by almost 30% over the last eight years. This is alarming in view of the limited resources in our local institutions. Like other public universities, University Malaya has lost a great number of experienced academicians over the years. Its teaching staff now comprises mostly junior lecturers who are still climbing their career ladder or themselves undergoing training under the Skim Latihan Akademik Bumiputera (SLAB) program. A great number of these SLAB lecturers have barely one year of clinical experience before joining the academic ranks. Can they be relied upon to provide quality teaching and sound guidance?
Infrastructures and facilities are also not unlimited. Laboratories that were designed to host 15 students are now cramming 25 students. The quality of teaching and learning is therefore significantly compromised. Small group teaching is almost non-existent.
Indeed, the oft repeated quantity versus quality axiom never goes stale.
More important than a student’s entry qualification is one’s performance throughout the duration of study and the quality of product upon graduation.
The entry of non-bumiputra students into matriculation and therefore university has vastly changed the university’s landscape. Non-bumiputra matriculation students now outnumber their STPM counterparts in ratio of 10:1. In the last five years, the performance of non-bumiputra students in most local universities has deteriorated remarkable, a phenomenon not previously seen commonly. Failure and dropout rates across the races have skyrocketed to alarming levels. In 2004, the first year when non-bumiputra matriculation students first entered university, the failure rates for medical students were as high as 15%. Over the years the failure rates have decreased somewhat but still significantly higher than yesteryears. One hypothesis is the lack of competition among students. Previously, weaker students were forced to measure up to the more competent ones. In a scenario where most are equally inept, there is no drive and motivation to rise beyond mediocrity.
We have yet to witness the graduating products of these students with predominant matriculation graduates. From their performance thus far in university, one cannot be labeled pessimistic for being less than hopeful.
From a Sensible Viewpoint
Malaysia doesn’t need a committee of experts and academicians to produce an expensive and much-hyped blueprint in Malaysian higher education.
It’s not rocket science, advance trigonometry or quantum physics.
At the heart of most pressing issues is political will. Where there is no will, there is no way our local institutions can lift itself out of the doldrums.
UMNO controls everything and the narcissistic UMNO mindset seeps far and wide into the upper echelons of local universities.
Selection of students may be meritocracy in rhetoric but very much race-based in practice. The ratio among the races has changed little since the inception of Malaysian meritocracy. In the background are probably unseen political forces and manipulative hands that ensure a certain distribution of races into the faculties. The non-Malay bumiputeras from Sabah and Sarawak have not really been marginalized in terms of university intake. They have simply opted to apply to University Malaysia Sarawak and University Malaysia Sabah for reasons that are obvious.
The university authorities are not oblivious to the radical plunge in the quality of students entering competitive courses like medicine. The apparent arrest of high failure rates beginning 2004 was not because of proactive measures taken by the universities but because the goal post has been moved and widened to allow for easier passage.
Importantly to note, an STPM or matriculation background is no guarantee of one’s performance in and beyond university. STPM students flunk examinations even in the so-called glorious days in the distant past. Similarly, matriculation students have aced assessments without the need of crutches or leaked questions.
Regardless, academic achievement in university is no reflection of one’s competency at work later on. It is however, a partial and reliable testimony of one’s attitude towards responsibilities and job commitments.
The solution to our higher education woes is not difficult actually.
The answer becomes obvious and clear when we look towards our tiny neighbour called Singapore.
Singapore stands tall among the shoulders of giants.
by cat
A Background Introduction
Entering the Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur is still the prized aspiration of many doctor-wannabes. The medical degree conferred by UM is the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) which is the title awarded by universities in the United Kingdom and Australia. Other local public universities like University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) confer medical degrees in the acronym of MD which stands for doctor of medicine (Latin: Medicinæ Doctor).
Contrary to the common but erroneous perception among pre-university students, there is no difference between the MBBS and MD medical degrees.
Up till 2001, University Malaya along with other local universities practised an intake of medical students based on a quota system. Under the quota system, the ratio of medical students was in the order of 6:3:1 that is, 60% of places for bumiputeras, 30% for Chinese Malaysians and 10% for Indian Malaysian students. Bumiputera students comprised both Malays and the non-Malay bumiputeras from Sabah and Sarawak.
From 2002 onwards, the UMNO government introduced a system of ‘meritocracy’ whereby the intake of students into local universities was based solely on academic achievement without regards to co-curricular activities and ethnic background. Conventionally, bumiputera students took matriculation as the pre-university examinations while the non-bumiputeras took the STPM/Sixth Form examinations. There are occasional exceptions though these are rare. Some Malay students do take the STPM route and vice versa.
As of 2004, the non-bumiputera Chinese and Indians students were allocated 10% of the total matriculation seats. This was the beginning of a new era in the local universities especially for the most competitive courses. Beginning 2004, the majority of non-bumiputera students entering courses like medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and engineering courses were from matriculation background.
In addition, from 2001-2003, University of Malaya accepted additional students from the Royal College of Medicine Perak (RCMP) in a supposed and controversial twinning program between the two institutions. The number of RCMP students taken in between 2001-2003 numbered 13, 60 and 90 respectively. These comprised mostly bumiputera Malay students. Upon graduation, these students were conferred a medical degree indistinguishable from the degree awarded to ‘genuine’ University of Malaya medical students.
The Motive
This article intends to inform and reveal statistics as they really are. The numbers quoted do not include students accepted into the faculty from the Royal College of Medicine Perak.
I have divided the intake of students into the MBBS program by ethnicity and route of entry.
Discussion
You are at liberty to draw your own conclusions by studying the charts and tables.
In order to facilitate thinking however, I have arbitrarily chosen three different points of view.
From a Racist Angle
The pre-‘meritocracy’ era ensure a minimum number of students from each major ethnic group. The bumiputeras made up 60% of the total intake, from which usually about 15 were composed of non-Malay bumiputeras from Sabah/Sarawak. As seen from the charts, their numbers have dwindled from a pathetic 9% to a miserable 1% under the current so-called meritocracy system.
Indian Malaysians used to form 10% of the student population under the quota system, numbering around 15-18 depending on the total annual intake. In 2003, Indian Malaysian students were left in a quandary when they had but one solitary representative in the medical faculty of University Malaya. Since then however, their numbers have somehow reached a figure comparable to that under the quota system. Their absolute number may not have slid much, but the percentage has decreased remarkably. HINDRAF apologists should take note of this.
The supposedly marginalized Chinese Malaysians have the least to be dissatisfied over. From a mere 30% representation under the quota system, they have increased in both absolute numbers as well as percentage, forming about 40-50% of the annual student intake. This came at a costly price though, as most of these Chinese students were from matriculation background. The Chinese students from STPM background can never compete with the matriculation students despite attaining excellent results.
If ethnicity is the sole issue here, the non-Malay bumiputeras from Sabah and Sarawak are the biggest losers among the races in meritocracy Malaysian style. Chinese Malaysians should zip up and continue throwing their support behind the beggar political party named MCA so that the MCA can continue their boot-licking heritage to beg and plead for the crumbs falling from UMNO’s golden platter.
It should not be forgotten that from 2001-2003, the Ministry of Education admitted additional Malay bumiputera students into the MBBS course via a backdoor named the Royal College of Medicine Perak. The official reported figures therefore do not reflect the actual student composition seated in the lecture halls of University Malaya Medical Faculty. When these RCMP students are added to the total student intake, the non-Malays student population in both absolute number and percentage falls to a very low figure indeed.
Do the maths yourself.
From an Academic Perspective
The essence of meritocracy is remarkably similar to Darwin’s ‘survival of the fittest’.
The pre-2002 quota system was a very flawed one.
Ethnicity was a very crucial criterion for acceptance into university, medical school included. Merit took second place and thus compromised the selection of students into every discipline. Universities had little or no autonomy as the selection of students was decided by the Unit Pusat Universiti (UPU), an institution under the Ministry of Education.
Academic achievements in national exams accounted for 90% of the points for entry into university while co-curricular achievements the remaining 10%. Many a time, students are tied in terms of academic achievements. The final deciding factor therefore was one’s co-curricular achievements. However, students are not required to submit their certified documents in order to support their claims of any grandiose extra-curricular activities.
The current system of meritocracy is no better and in fact worse. Since its introduction in 2002, the evaluation methodology has undergone such frequent changes that no one knows for sure what measures are employed to gauge students’ qualification into local universities.
Converting one’s STPM grades into a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) as practised for matriculation students is like trying to smell the color 9. It is not possible, not intelligent and is basically an effort of make-believe only. The two pre-university examinations are different in syllabus, level of difficulty, and criteria for final assessment.
The odds are heavily stacked against STPM candidates and therefore directly non-bumiputera students. Comparing STPM with matriculation results has resulted in the drastic drop in STPM students in competitive courses over the last five years. When the playing ground is unequal, true meritocracy and fair competition is practically impossible.
On another note, that the Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya has noticeably increased its annual intake of medical students by almost 30% over the last eight years. This is alarming in view of the limited resources in our local institutions. Like other public universities, University Malaya has lost a great number of experienced academicians over the years. Its teaching staff now comprises mostly junior lecturers who are still climbing their career ladder or themselves undergoing training under the Skim Latihan Akademik Bumiputera (SLAB) program. A great number of these SLAB lecturers have barely one year of clinical experience before joining the academic ranks. Can they be relied upon to provide quality teaching and sound guidance?
Infrastructures and facilities are also not unlimited. Laboratories that were designed to host 15 students are now cramming 25 students. The quality of teaching and learning is therefore significantly compromised. Small group teaching is almost non-existent.
Indeed, the oft repeated quantity versus quality axiom never goes stale.
More important than a student’s entry qualification is one’s performance throughout the duration of study and the quality of product upon graduation.
The entry of non-bumiputra students into matriculation and therefore university has vastly changed the university’s landscape. Non-bumiputra matriculation students now outnumber their STPM counterparts in ratio of 10:1. In the last five years, the performance of non-bumiputra students in most local universities has deteriorated remarkable, a phenomenon not previously seen commonly. Failure and dropout rates across the races have skyrocketed to alarming levels. In 2004, the first year when non-bumiputra matriculation students first entered university, the failure rates for medical students were as high as 15%. Over the years the failure rates have decreased somewhat but still significantly higher than yesteryears. One hypothesis is the lack of competition among students. Previously, weaker students were forced to measure up to the more competent ones. In a scenario where most are equally inept, there is no drive and motivation to rise beyond mediocrity.
We have yet to witness the graduating products of these students with predominant matriculation graduates. From their performance thus far in university, one cannot be labeled pessimistic for being less than hopeful.
From a Sensible Viewpoint
Malaysia doesn’t need a committee of experts and academicians to produce an expensive and much-hyped blueprint in Malaysian higher education.
It’s not rocket science, advance trigonometry or quantum physics.
At the heart of most pressing issues is political will. Where there is no will, there is no way our local institutions can lift itself out of the doldrums.
UMNO controls everything and the narcissistic UMNO mindset seeps far and wide into the upper echelons of local universities.
Selection of students may be meritocracy in rhetoric but very much race-based in practice. The ratio among the races has changed little since the inception of Malaysian meritocracy. In the background are probably unseen political forces and manipulative hands that ensure a certain distribution of races into the faculties. The non-Malay bumiputeras from Sabah and Sarawak have not really been marginalized in terms of university intake. They have simply opted to apply to University Malaysia Sarawak and University Malaysia Sabah for reasons that are obvious.
The university authorities are not oblivious to the radical plunge in the quality of students entering competitive courses like medicine. The apparent arrest of high failure rates beginning 2004 was not because of proactive measures taken by the universities but because the goal post has been moved and widened to allow for easier passage.
Importantly to note, an STPM or matriculation background is no guarantee of one’s performance in and beyond university. STPM students flunk examinations even in the so-called glorious days in the distant past. Similarly, matriculation students have aced assessments without the need of crutches or leaked questions.
Regardless, academic achievement in university is no reflection of one’s competency at work later on. It is however, a partial and reliable testimony of one’s attitude towards responsibilities and job commitments.
The solution to our higher education woes is not difficult actually.
The answer becomes obvious and clear when we look towards our tiny neighbour called Singapore.
Singapore stands tall among the shoulders of giants.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
What Mahathir says about MV Agusta
M.V. Agusta
Posted by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad at July 14, 2008 6:15 PM
1. Proton bought this Italian motorcycle maker for 70 million Euro (about RM350 million).
2. Its savvy management sold it for 1 Euro (RM5) to an unknown company in Italy.
3. Some months ago Husqvarna, a division of M.V. Agusta which manufactures scrambler sporty off-road motorcycles was sold to a German company, BMW for 90 million Euro (RM450 million). Now the rest of M.V. Agusta has been bought by Harley-Davidson Motor Cycles of the United States for 70 million Euro (RM350 million).
4. So Proton lost approximately RM800 million selling M.V. Agusta for RM5. The buyer invested one Euro and made 160 million Euro.
5. Do we need a Royal Commission to look into this or should the ACA investigate this matter particularly the role of Credit Suisse who was paid a huge consultancy fee to advise Proton's management who executed it.
6. Or maybe we do not mind losing RM800 million because we have so much money.
Posted by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad at July 14, 2008 6:15 PM
1. Proton bought this Italian motorcycle maker for 70 million Euro (about RM350 million).
2. Its savvy management sold it for 1 Euro (RM5) to an unknown company in Italy.
3. Some months ago Husqvarna, a division of M.V. Agusta which manufactures scrambler sporty off-road motorcycles was sold to a German company, BMW for 90 million Euro (RM450 million). Now the rest of M.V. Agusta has been bought by Harley-Davidson Motor Cycles of the United States for 70 million Euro (RM350 million).
4. So Proton lost approximately RM800 million selling M.V. Agusta for RM5. The buyer invested one Euro and made 160 million Euro.
5. Do we need a Royal Commission to look into this or should the ACA investigate this matter particularly the role of Credit Suisse who was paid a huge consultancy fee to advise Proton's management who executed it.
6. Or maybe we do not mind losing RM800 million because we have so much money.
Petronas Profit Jumps to Record as Oil, Gas Increase
By Jane Lee and Katherine Espina
July 15 (Bloomberg) -- Petroliam Nasional Bhd., Malaysia's state oil company, said profit jumped to a record because of increased overseas production and higher prices for crude, petrochemical and liquefied natural gas.
Net income in the year ended March 31 climbed 31 percent to 61 billion ringgit ($19 billion) from 46.4 billion ringgit a year earlier, Petronas, as the company is known, said in a statement in Kuala Lumpur today. The company wasn't able to replace all the oil and gas it pumped last year with new discoveries as fields at home mature and competition for exploration areas increase.
Oil prices in New York almost doubled in the past year, reaching a record $147.27 a barrel on July 11, amid output disruptions in Nigeria and a weaker dollar that increased the appeal of commodities as a hedge. Petronas's reserves fell 0.5 percent to the equivalent of 26.37 billion barrels of oil and the company replaced its reserves at 0.9 times during the year to Jan. 1, 2008, down from 1.8 times a year earlier.
``It's getting more and more challenging, more and more difficult to discover hydrocarbons, even internationally,'' Chief Executive Officer Hassan Marican told reporters. ``Demand is very strong and continues to be very strong.''
Royal Dutch Shell Plc and BP Plc, Europe's two largest oil companies, reported in April record profit that beat analyst estimates after crude surged above $100 a barrel and gas prices rose. Shell's first-quarter net income jumped 25 percent to $9.08 billion and BP's profit soared 63 percent to $7.62 billion.
Shell replaced 1.24 times of the oil and gas it pumped last year, down from 1.5 times in 2006.
Costs Increase
``We are watchful about how companies like Petronas are replenishing their resources because in this environment, not only prices have gone up but even operating costs have gone up very substantially,'' said Anshukant Taneja, a Singapore-based credit analyst at Standard & Poor's Ratings Services.
Petronas's total oil and gas output rose 3.7 percent to the equivalent of 1.77 million barrels a day. Crude oil and condensate production gained 4.2 percent to 784,800 barrels a day while gas output climbed 3.2 percent to the equivalent of 987.9 million barrels of oil a day.
Revenue gained 21 percent to 223.1 billion ringgit.
Petronas is extending its assessments on investing in a LNG project linked to Iran's South Pars gas field because of rising steel and construction costs, and mounting political pressure on the country, which may delay the sourcing of equipment for any project, Hassan said.
Iran Project
``Because of an increase in costs, the viability of the project'' is at stake, he said. ``With the geopolitical situation, there would be constraints in sourcing equipment.''
Total SA, Europe's third-largest oil company, said on July 10 that it postponed plans to invest in a project linked to the South Pars gas field as the country faces opposition from the U.S. and Europe over its nuclear program.
Petronas has operations in more than 33 countries including Iran, Sudan, Myanmar, Vietnam and South Africa.
Petronas will pay the Malaysian government a special dividend of 6 billion ringgit for the year ended March 31, bringing its total dividend for the period to 30 billion ringgit, the company said. That compares with 20 billion ringgit a year earlier.
Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has said revenue from the oil company is being channeled as subsidies to independent power producers and companies instead of payments to cap retail fuel prices for the people. The government raised retail gasoline and diesel prices by as much as 41 percent in June, the steepest increase, after holding prices steady for more than a year.
Production Share
Petronas's share of Malaysian oil and gas production rose 3.4 percent to 744,000 barrels a day of oil equivalent in the year to March 31. That accounted for 45 percent of Malaysia's daily output of 1.67 million barrels.
International operations, bringing in sales of 90 billion ringgit, overtook exports for the first time to become the biggest contributor to company revenue.
Capital expenditure climbed 33 percent to 37.6 billion ringgit. In U.S. dollar terms, Petronas profit rose 40 percent to $18.1 billion. The weaker dollar eroded gains when earnings were converted into the ringgit.
The yield on Petronas's 7.875 percent dollar-denominated bonds due in May 2022 was little changed at 5.657 percent as of 1 p.m. in Singapore, according to Credit Suisse. The additional yield investors demand to hold the debt over U.S. Treasuries due in 2031 narrowed to 116 basis points, versus 121 a week ago. The bonds were priced to yield 218 basis points above the 2031 Treasury yield when oil company sold the securities in 2002.
The price of Tapis oil, Malaysia's benchmark grade, rose 27 percent to $87.57 a barrel in the year to March 31, Petronas said.
Petronas's three refineries in Malaysia ran at 91.6 percent of their capacity. The three plants were built with a capacity of 323,300 barrels a day. The Southeast Asian nation's oil-product demand rose 6 percent.
To contact the reporter on this story: Jane Lee in Kuala Lumpur at jalee@bloomberg.net; Katherine Espina in Kuala Lumpur at kespina@bloomberg.net.
Last Updated: July 15, 2008 04:05 EDT
July 15 (Bloomberg) -- Petroliam Nasional Bhd., Malaysia's state oil company, said profit jumped to a record because of increased overseas production and higher prices for crude, petrochemical and liquefied natural gas.
Net income in the year ended March 31 climbed 31 percent to 61 billion ringgit ($19 billion) from 46.4 billion ringgit a year earlier, Petronas, as the company is known, said in a statement in Kuala Lumpur today. The company wasn't able to replace all the oil and gas it pumped last year with new discoveries as fields at home mature and competition for exploration areas increase.
Oil prices in New York almost doubled in the past year, reaching a record $147.27 a barrel on July 11, amid output disruptions in Nigeria and a weaker dollar that increased the appeal of commodities as a hedge. Petronas's reserves fell 0.5 percent to the equivalent of 26.37 billion barrels of oil and the company replaced its reserves at 0.9 times during the year to Jan. 1, 2008, down from 1.8 times a year earlier.
``It's getting more and more challenging, more and more difficult to discover hydrocarbons, even internationally,'' Chief Executive Officer Hassan Marican told reporters. ``Demand is very strong and continues to be very strong.''
Royal Dutch Shell Plc and BP Plc, Europe's two largest oil companies, reported in April record profit that beat analyst estimates after crude surged above $100 a barrel and gas prices rose. Shell's first-quarter net income jumped 25 percent to $9.08 billion and BP's profit soared 63 percent to $7.62 billion.
Shell replaced 1.24 times of the oil and gas it pumped last year, down from 1.5 times in 2006.
Costs Increase
``We are watchful about how companies like Petronas are replenishing their resources because in this environment, not only prices have gone up but even operating costs have gone up very substantially,'' said Anshukant Taneja, a Singapore-based credit analyst at Standard & Poor's Ratings Services.
Petronas's total oil and gas output rose 3.7 percent to the equivalent of 1.77 million barrels a day. Crude oil and condensate production gained 4.2 percent to 784,800 barrels a day while gas output climbed 3.2 percent to the equivalent of 987.9 million barrels of oil a day.
Revenue gained 21 percent to 223.1 billion ringgit.
Petronas is extending its assessments on investing in a LNG project linked to Iran's South Pars gas field because of rising steel and construction costs, and mounting political pressure on the country, which may delay the sourcing of equipment for any project, Hassan said.
Iran Project
``Because of an increase in costs, the viability of the project'' is at stake, he said. ``With the geopolitical situation, there would be constraints in sourcing equipment.''
Total SA, Europe's third-largest oil company, said on July 10 that it postponed plans to invest in a project linked to the South Pars gas field as the country faces opposition from the U.S. and Europe over its nuclear program.
Petronas has operations in more than 33 countries including Iran, Sudan, Myanmar, Vietnam and South Africa.
Petronas will pay the Malaysian government a special dividend of 6 billion ringgit for the year ended March 31, bringing its total dividend for the period to 30 billion ringgit, the company said. That compares with 20 billion ringgit a year earlier.
Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has said revenue from the oil company is being channeled as subsidies to independent power producers and companies instead of payments to cap retail fuel prices for the people. The government raised retail gasoline and diesel prices by as much as 41 percent in June, the steepest increase, after holding prices steady for more than a year.
Production Share
Petronas's share of Malaysian oil and gas production rose 3.4 percent to 744,000 barrels a day of oil equivalent in the year to March 31. That accounted for 45 percent of Malaysia's daily output of 1.67 million barrels.
International operations, bringing in sales of 90 billion ringgit, overtook exports for the first time to become the biggest contributor to company revenue.
Capital expenditure climbed 33 percent to 37.6 billion ringgit. In U.S. dollar terms, Petronas profit rose 40 percent to $18.1 billion. The weaker dollar eroded gains when earnings were converted into the ringgit.
The yield on Petronas's 7.875 percent dollar-denominated bonds due in May 2022 was little changed at 5.657 percent as of 1 p.m. in Singapore, according to Credit Suisse. The additional yield investors demand to hold the debt over U.S. Treasuries due in 2031 narrowed to 116 basis points, versus 121 a week ago. The bonds were priced to yield 218 basis points above the 2031 Treasury yield when oil company sold the securities in 2002.
The price of Tapis oil, Malaysia's benchmark grade, rose 27 percent to $87.57 a barrel in the year to March 31, Petronas said.
Petronas's three refineries in Malaysia ran at 91.6 percent of their capacity. The three plants were built with a capacity of 323,300 barrels a day. The Southeast Asian nation's oil-product demand rose 6 percent.
To contact the reporter on this story: Jane Lee in Kuala Lumpur at jalee@bloomberg.net; Katherine Espina in Kuala Lumpur at kespina@bloomberg.net.
Last Updated: July 15, 2008 04:05 EDT
Press Statement By Anwar Ibrahim
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kuala Lumpur, July 15, 2008, 3:30 PM
This afternoon we have been notified by the DSP Jude Pereira that our client has been summoned to IPK KL tomorrow at 2:00 PM.
This announcement contravenes the agreement we had already made to present our client for his statement on Thursday at 2:00 PM at IPK KL.
Federal CID chief Mohd Bakri Zinin has stated that failure to comply with this sudden change may precipitate the arrest of our client.
We are troubled by the threatening language coming from the CID and by the unannounced change. No reason has been given for this change and we are concerned that internal confusion within the law enforcement agencies may precipitate in harm coming to our client.
Notwithstanding these latest developments our client has agreed to fully cooperate with the CID police and appear at 2:00 PM on Wednesday to give a statement. At 10:30 AM on Wednesday he will also give a statement to the Anti Corruption Agency pertaining to the police report that has been filed regarding suppression of material facts in our clients case in 1998.
We reiterate that until our client has yet to be provided with the police report that has been filed against him despite multiple requests that have been made to obtain it.
SANKARA NAIR
COUNSEL TO ANWAR BIN IBRAHIM
Kuala Lumpur, July 15, 2008, 3:30 PM
This afternoon we have been notified by the DSP Jude Pereira that our client has been summoned to IPK KL tomorrow at 2:00 PM.
This announcement contravenes the agreement we had already made to present our client for his statement on Thursday at 2:00 PM at IPK KL.
Federal CID chief Mohd Bakri Zinin has stated that failure to comply with this sudden change may precipitate the arrest of our client.
We are troubled by the threatening language coming from the CID and by the unannounced change. No reason has been given for this change and we are concerned that internal confusion within the law enforcement agencies may precipitate in harm coming to our client.
Notwithstanding these latest developments our client has agreed to fully cooperate with the CID police and appear at 2:00 PM on Wednesday to give a statement. At 10:30 AM on Wednesday he will also give a statement to the Anti Corruption Agency pertaining to the police report that has been filed regarding suppression of material facts in our clients case in 1998.
We reiterate that until our client has yet to be provided with the police report that has been filed against him despite multiple requests that have been made to obtain it.
SANKARA NAIR
COUNSEL TO ANWAR BIN IBRAHIM
Why Muslims Practice Corruption?
Muslims believe that if your income is dirty or illegal then you can cleanse it by paying 2.5% of this income as tithe (zakat) and then you use part of that money to perform the pilgrimage in Mekah and you will come home as sinless as a newly born baby -- and that is why many Muslim leaders all over the world are corrupt, Malaysia included.
NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin
People of the book believe that all God has to do is say ‘be’ and so it shall be. People of the book believe that from God we come and to God we shall return. People of the book believe that nothing will befall us that God does not wish will befall us. People of the book believe that God will not change our destiny unless we first take steps to change our own destiny.
Yes, there are many beliefs that people of the book are supposed to believe. But people of the book do not really believe these beliefs. Yes, they are supposed to believe these beliefs, but they do not. It is all lip service meant to make them feel good about themselves and meant to make them look good to others. It is not only meant as a show, it is also a self-hypnosis exercise meant to give them the comfort of believing that they believe what God has ordained they believe and therefore they are destined for heaven.
People of the book believe that they are right and all others are wrong. People of the book believe that God has chosen them to walk down the right path and has chosen all others to walk down the wrong path. People of the book believe that you are not empowered to choose the path in which to walk as God will decide which path you shall walk and while He has opened your heart into choosing the right path, He has closed the hearts of all others so that they walk down the wrong path.
People of the book believe that God is fair, just and merciful. People of the book believe that God has chosen the minority to go to heaven while He will throw the majority into hell. People of the book believe that only they have been selected to go to heaven while all others have been selected to go to hell. People of the book believe that heaven and hell is all up to God and He chooses who goes where.
People of the book have many beliefs, the most important of all being: I am right and all others are wrong. People of the book believe that they are special because God has handpicked them to go to heaven while he has handpicked all others to go to hell. People of the book believe that it is their job to save the souls of all the others so that they too can join them in heaven. People of the book believe that it is nevertheless futile to try to save the souls of all the others because all the others will not listen to reason, or agree to logic, or open their hearts to the truth -- but it is their duty to try anyway.
Muslims are one branch of the people of the book. Muslims also believe what people of the book believe. Muslims further believe that their religion means submission. Muslims therefore ask you to submit to God. And Muslims believe that if you submit to God then you will go to heaven. But Muslims do not really know what submitting to God means. Muslims believe that submission means to dress like Arabs and to perform all sorts of rituals in body, although there is absolutely no presence of mind.
So, Muslims judge you by your dressing and as to how frequent you perform your rituals. The more Arabic you look and the more time you spend off from work to perform your rituals, the more respected you will be. Many Muslims even believe that if you sleep in the mosque in-between the different prayer times you will be blessed by God.
Muslims will be very careful about observing the taboos of their religion. They will refuse to eat pork or eat in a restaurant that sells pork even though they don’t fear kissing another person who eats pork on the lips with their tongue deep inside that person’s throat and will enjoy performing oral sex on a pork-eater.
Muslims will not want to drink liquor or eat anything that may contain alcohol even though they don’t mind that their salary comes from tax earned from import duty on liquor or from taxes from pubs, discos, massage parlours, karaoke joints, brothels, gambling, lotteries, money-lenders, and other activities banned by Islam.
Muslim men and women are not supposed to shake hands with people of the opposite sex who are not their close relative or spouse but they have no problems accepting bribes as long as you utter the word ‘ikhlas’ -- which means ‘sincere’ -- when handing over the bribe.
Muslims believe that if your income is dirty or illegal then you can cleanse it by paying 2.5% of this income as tithe (zakat) and then you use part of that money to perform the pilgrimage in Mekah and you will come home as sinless as a newly born baby -- and that is why many Muslim leaders all over the world are corrupt, Malaysia included.
Muslims believe that if you rape and murder 99 children and then repent -- and then die soon after repenting without undertaking the 100th rape and murder -- then your sins will be forgiven and you will go to heaven as long as your repentance is sincere.
Muslims believe that all Muslims, even bad Muslims, will go to heaven as long as you do not deviate from the true teachings of the religion while all non-Muslims, even good non-Muslims, will go to hell -- even if they believe in the one God and submit to God just like the Muslims.
Muslims believe that had they been born in China to Buddhist parents, or in Sweden to Christian parents, or in India to Hindu parents, they would still be Muslims because God has chosen them to be Muslims and that it has nothing to do with the fact that their parents happen to be Muslims and that this is the only reason they also happen to be Muslims.Monday, July 14, 2008
A SHOCKING LOOK INSIDE CHINESE FUR FARMS
Pledge to go fur-free at PETA.org.
Take a look inside the Chinese fur trade
Download this video: Quicktime | Windows Media
Before they are skinned alive, animals are pulled from their cages and thrown to the ground; workers bludgeon them with metal rods or slam them on hard surfaces, causing broken bones and convulsions but not always immediate death. Animals watch helplessly as workers make their way down the row.
Undercover investigators from Swiss Animal Protection/EAST International recently toured fur farms in China's Hebei Province, and it quickly became clear why outsiders are banned from visiting. There are no regulations governing fur farms in China—farmers can house and slaughter animals however they see fit—meaning miserable lives and excruciating deaths. The investigators found horrors beyond their worst imaginings and concluded, "Conditions on Chinese fur farms make a mockery of the most elementary animal welfare standards. In their lives and their unspeakable deaths, these animals have been denied even the simplest acts of kindness."
On these farms, foxes, minks, rabbits, and other animals pace and shiver in outdoor wire cages, exposed to driving rain, freezing nights, and, at other times, scorching sun. Mother animals, who are driven crazy from rough handling and intense confinement and have nowhere to hide while giving birth, often kill their babies after delivering litters. Disease and injuries are widespread, and animals suffering from anxiety-induced psychosis chew on their own limbs and throw themselves repeatedly against the cage bars.
The globalization of the fur trade has made it impossible to know where fur products come from. Skins move through international auction houses and are purchased and distributed to manufacturers around the world, and finished goods are often exported. China supplies more than half of the finished fur garments imported for sale in the United States. Even if a fur garment's label says it was made in a European country, the animals were likely raised and slaughtered elsewhere—possibly on an unregulated Chinese fur farm.Because a fur's origin can't be traced, anyone who wears any fur at all shares the blame for the horrific conditions on Chinese fur farms. The only way to prevent such unimaginable cruelty is never to wear any fur. Take PETA's pledge to be fur-free today!
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