ASIA WORLD NEWS

Egypt's military under pressure from protests, US

2011-11-25T14:06:00.000-08:00

Cairo: The US increased pressure on Friday on Egypt's military rulers to hand over power to civilian leaders, and the generals turned to a Mubarak-era politician to head a new government in a move that failed to satisfy the more than 100,000 protesters who jammed Tahrir Square in the biggest rally yet this week.

The demonstrators rejected the appointment of Kamal el-Ganzouri as prime minister, breaking into chants of "Illegitimate! Illegitimate!" and setting up a showdown between the two sides only three days before key parliamentary elections.

The size of the rally and the resilience of protesters in the face of the violence used by security forces in this week's deadly street battles have won back for the movement much of the strength it projected during the 18-day uprising that ousted President Hosni Mubarak in February.

Showing the sort of resolve from the earliest days of the Arab Spring, the protesters say they will not leave the iconic square until the military rulers led by Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi step down and a civilian presidential council is formed to run the country until a new leader is elected.

"They stole our January revolution because we did not agree on who should represent us," said activist Sedeeqah Abu Seadah. "We shouted 'erhal' (leave) but did not shout the name of the person we want."

The military's appointment of el-Ganzouri, its apology for the death of protesters and a series of partial concessions in the past two days suggest that the generals are struggling to overcome the most serious challenge to their nine-month rule, with fewer options now available to them.

Significantly adding to their predicament, the Obama administration brought its position on the crisis in Egypt closer to the protesters' demands, urging the military to fully empower the next interim civilian government.

"We believe that Egypt's transition to democracy must continue, with elections proceeding expeditiously, and all necessary measures taken to ensure security and prevent intimidation," the White House said in a statement.

"Most importantly, we believe that the full transfer of power to a civilian government must take place in a just and inclusive manner that responds to the legitimate aspirations of the Egyptian people, as soon as possible," it said.

The adjustment in the Obama administration's approach is significant because the Egyptian military, the nation's most powerful institution, has in the past 30 years forged close relations with successive U.S. administrations, receiving $1.3 billion annually in aid. It followed the public U.S. endorsement of the military's original timetable for the transfer of power by late 2012 or early 2013.

The military inadvertently sparked the ongoing unrest by pushing plans for a political "guardianship" role for itself and immunity from civilian oversight even after a new parliament is seated and a new president is elected.

The last straw came when the military ordered the use of force against a small protest in Tahrir Square last weekend and then launched a failed, joint army-police raid to evacuate a larger crowd. Nearly 40 protesters have died in the past week.

The latest crisis has overshadowed Monday's start of Egypt's first parliamentary elections since Mubarak was replaced by Tantawi. The vote, which the generals say will be held on schedule despite the unrest, is now seen by many activists and protesters to be serving the military's efforts to project an image of itself as the nation's saviors and true democrats.

The next parliament is expected to be dominated by Islamists, whose political groups have decided to boycott the ongoing protests to keep from doing anything that could derail the election. However, the outcome of the vote is likely to be seen as flawed given the growing unrest and the suspension by many candidates of their campaigns in solidarity with the protesters.

The Social Democrats, a political party born out of the January-February uprising, said Friday that it would boycott the election, arguing that the vote would not be fair given the tension caused by the unrest, which it blamed on the military.

In rejecting el-Ganzouri's government, 24 protest groups, including two political parties, announced the formation of their own "national salvation" government that they say represents the protesters. The group will be headed by Nobel peace laureate Mohamed ElBaradei and four deputies.

While it is unclear how many people the statement announcing the move represents, it is an attempt by the protest movement to unify its demands and leadership.

Supporters of the military staged a rival demonstration Friday across town from Tahrir, but only several thousand people turned out. They waved identical, brand new Egyptian flags that prompted activists to post on social network sites their suspicion that the demonstration may have been staged by the military.

State television, whose coverage of the crisis shows a clear, pro-military bias, gave prominence to the supporters of the generals and hosted commentators discrediting the Tahrir protesters as irresponsible youths and violent football hooligans.

"El-Ganzouri is over and done with. We want young people to take charge of the country," said Hamdi Arban, a 50-year-old lawyer who was in Tahrir Square. "We will stay here and we won't get our rights except from here," he said.

Basma el-Husseini, who directs a cultural center and was also in Tahrir, dismissed the 78-year-old el-Ganzouri as a man with little energy to keep up with the multitude of challenges facing Egypt. "They (the generals) don't get the power of the people. All they are doing now is play for time to make people fed up."

El-Ganzouri served as prime minister between 1996 and 1999 and was deputy prime minister and planning minister before that. Tantawi himself served under el-Ganzouri for three of the 20 years he spent as Mubarak's defense minister.

Addressing a televised news conference, el-Ganzouri said the military has given him greater powers than his predecessor and that he wouldn't have accepted the job if he believed Tantawi had any intention of staying in power.

"The powers given to me exceed any similar mandates," he said. "I will take full authority so I'm able to serve my country."

But el-Ganzouri appeared uncomfortable, grasping for words and repeatedly pausing as he spoke, giving rambling answers when pressed whether he could form a government that will satisfy the public when many prominent figures have shunned joining the new administration.

The choice of el-Ganzouri deepened the anger of the protesters, already seething over the military's perceived reluctance to dismantle the legacy of Mubarak's 29-year rule.

El-Ganzouri replaces Essam Sharaf, who resigned this week after nearly nine months in office. Sharaf was criticized for being weak and beholden to the generals.

Friday's protest in Tahrir was dubbed by organizers as "The Last Chance Million-Man Protest." Swelling crowds chanted, "Leave! Leave!" and "The people want to bring down the field marshal!"

ElBaradei was mobbed by hundreds of supporters as he arrived in the square and took part in Friday prayers, leaving shortly afterward. Some factions in the protest have cited ElBaradei as a possible member of a civilian presidential council they want to replace the generals.

"He is here to support the revolutionaries," said protester Ahmed Awad, 35. "He came to see for himself the tragedy caused by the military."

Fireworks lit the sky in the evening and a large banner was strung over a side street called Mohammed Mahmoud, where most of the fighting occurred, declaring that it would be renamed "Eyes of the Revolution Street," in honor of the hundreds of protesters who suffered eye injuries as a result of tear gas used by police.

About 500 protesters camped out in front of the Cabinet office, vowing to remain to prevent el-Ganzouri's government from entering the building.

Thousands of pro-democracy protesters also rallied in other cities, including at least 10,000 in Alexandria and smaller crowds in Luxor and Assiut in southern Egypt.

The military has rejected calls to immediately step down, saying its claim to power is supported by the warm welcome given to troops who took over the streets from the discredited police early in the anti-Mubarak uprising as well as an overwhelming endorsement for constitutional amendments they proposed in a March referendum.

Tantawi has offered another referendum on whether his military council should step down immediately.

Such a vote, activists say, would be divisive and likely open the door for a deal between the military and political groups, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt's largest and best organized group, the Brotherhood is notorious for its opportunism and thirst for power. It was empowered after the fall of Mubarak, regaining legitimacy after spending nearly 60 years as an outlawed group.

Afghans Protest Ahead of Invasion Anniversary

2011-10-06T17:57:00.000-07:00

About 200 people demonstrated in Afghanistan's capital KabulThursday, chanting anti-American slogans ahead of the 10th anniversary of the US-led invasion.

The protesters shouted "death to America and its Afghan puppets" and torched a United States flag at the end of their peaceful march through the city centre, an AFP reporter at the scene said.

"Our demonstration is to condemn the invasion," Hafizullah Rasekh, one of the organisers, said.

"We want the US military and their NATO allies to leave Afghanistan immediately. We want them to stop killing innocent Afghans."

A female protestor, Jamila, who said she was a housewife and refused to give her last name, added: "I don't see any difference between the atrocities of the Taliban and the Americans. Both are killing innocent people."

Friday marks the tenth anniversary of the US-led invasion which ousted the militant Islamist Taliban from power.

The Taliban are now leaders of a bloody insurgency in Afghanistan where 140,000 foreign troops, mostly from the US, are based.

The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) says it does all it can to limit civilian casualties in operations -- the issue is highly controversial and incidents resulting in civilian deaths have been repeatedly condemned by President Hamid Karzai.

The United Nations says 1,462 civilians were killed in the first half of this year and insurgents were responsible for 80 percent of the deaths.

Cost of Britain's Libya operation 'could run into hundreds of millions'

2011-06-19T18:27:00.000-07:00

Danny Alexander said the campaign was currently costing the taxpayer "tens of millions" but spending would rise as operations continued.

When military strikes against Colonel Gaddafi's forces began in March, George Osborne, the chancellor told the House of Commons that Britain's involvement would cost "in the order of tens of millions of pounds, not hundreds of millions".

Mr Alexander however told Sky News: "The campaign is costing tens of millions, potentially into the hundreds of millions as it goes on, but that money is coming from the reserve that we have set aside, precisely for contingencies such as this.

"It doesn't have an effect on any other spending, on any other public services. Of course there is a very powerful moral case for the action we are taking in Libya, it's right that we find those resources precisely from the contingency reserve that we have."

He added that he did not have the precise figures on the cost of operations.

Mr Alexander continued: "It's right that the United Kingdom is playing a leading role to protect Libyan civilians from the appalling activities of the Libyan government and to take that country, we hope, to a better future."

Jim Murphy, the shadow defence secretary, said: "It is worrying that Danny Alexander seems to be guessing about current costs, which are dramatically more than George Osborne originally predicted.

"We support the mission in Libya but the Government need to be clearer on the costs."

Meanwhile it was claimed yesterday Barack Obama ignored the advice of top lawyers in the US defence and justice departments when he decided he had the legal authority to continue the US military participation in Libya without the authorisation of Congress, according to officials, instead taking advice from White House counsel.

Republicans have demanded Mr Obama justify the ongoing military involvement and warned he may have exceeded his authority by unilaterally approving military operations.

The Rebels Controlled the Oil City of Libya

2011-03-27T14:42:00.000-07:00

The rebels are opposed to the Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi yesterday seized the oil city. The strength of the rebel groups rose after they captured the city of another oil, Brega in the east of the military Gaddafi of Libya. Brega and Ras Lanuf city produces a large amount of crude oil of 1.5 million barrels a day is exported every day Libya. But the country's oil exports ceased on February 15 following the actions of protesters who opposed the Gaddafi.

Members of the rebels are now on the way to recapture some of the troops left by Gaddafi. The success of the rebel group that helped the Western military air attack led the United States (U.S.) to enforce the flight ban on Libya zone. On Saturday, the rebels captured the town Ajdabiyah. "No more soldiers here Gaddafi. We control the whole city," said a member of the rebels, Youssef Ahmed, 22, in Jawad Bin city, 525 kilometers east of the city of Tripoli.

A Reuters reporter saw more than 12 trucks filled with machine guns in the city center Jawad Bin. According to the rebels, troops loyal to roots that Gaddafi has retreated. Insurgents now planning to move to the east of Sirte on the Mediterranean that are considered strong holds Gaddafi. So far, Gaddafi still has not made his appearance after giving a speech to the people in Tripoli last week.

NATO Took Over Military Operations in Libya

2011-03-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) agreed to take over military operations in Libya, NATO officials and diplomats said today.

"NATO has decided to implement all the laws set by the United Nations (UN) to protect the public and the territory from any threat, Muammar Gaddafi regime," the NATO official said after a meeting with 28 members of allied countries.

Consequently, NATO has the mandate to regulate and determine the movement of military operations.

Nuclear's Worker Told to Move

2011-03-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

Japanese authorities issue of workers from the nuclear reactor power plants Fuskuhima Daiichi damaged after detecting an increase of radiation.

The management company Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO), which operates the state power plants, radiation levels in the water in the plant's second reactor is more than an hour milisievert 1.000 compared with the national safety standard that is only 250 milisievert year.

U.S. Security Protection Agency states millisievert of radiation of1.000 was enough to cause bleeding in the human body.

TEPCO officials said the workers were removed from the reactor turbine building number two, to prevent their contact with harmful radiation.

The workers had previously tried to pump out the water in the reactor containing the radioactive material.

Syria has Become More Volatile

2011-03-24T15:42:00.000-07:00

More than 100 people were killed after members of the armed police opened fire on a group of protesters in the city Daraa, southern Syria on Saturday, according to several witnesses and human rights activists yesterday. Human rights activists in Daraa, Ayman al-Asswad said, security personnel using live ammunition when shooting at the demonstrators in the city, located 120 kilometers south of Damascus. "The mortality has been identified more than 100 people and residents in this city take about a week to bury the martyrs," he said when contacted by telephone yesterday. Another activist put the death toll higher number of 150 deaths.

However, different things are reported by the Syrian authorities, when only 10 people who died. Daraa city with a population of 75,000 people has been a stronghold of anti-government protests since March 18 last. Meanwhile, thousands of people shouting freedom in this city during the funeral of nine anti-government protesters held. Actions of the protesters objected to the government, led by the Baath Party which has close ties with Shiite leaders in Iran.

The city is inhabited by people of many faiths are Sunni. United States also condemned the killings in the city. Following the protest, Syria will make some important decisions. The announcement was made by an adviser to Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad after anti-government demonstrations occurred since last week.

The protesters wanted Bashar resigns. The claim was made after Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to resign as President of Tunisia in January and follow the same Hosni Mubarak in Egypt due to the rise of the people. Bashar became president in 2002 to succeed his father, who died, Hafez al-Assad.

Tripoli was attacked Western military

2011-03-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

Several explosions and gun fire rocked the cities of anti-aircraft yesterday when the Western military attack on the sixth day.

The attack came after the Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi appeared to show he is still alive despite the Western forces led by the United States (U.S.), Britain and France launched an attack onSaturday.

The attack was made to enforce the flight ban zones approved by the United Nations (UN) last week.

Zoning flight ban was enforced to prevent the military attack on Gaddafi civilians.

However, the Libyan government claims that Western military attack resulted in 18 soldiers and civilians were killed.

According to the U.S. military yesterday, the Western allied forces have released 14 Tomahawk missiles firing on security forces overnight Gaddafi.

A spokesman for the U.S. government in Central Africa in the German states, the countries that participated in the attack were also dropped bombs on several targets in Libya.

ABC's network television stations reported the news yesterday that a French fighter jet shot down a Libyan war planes Misrata city.

The airplane was charged with disobeying the ban fly zone enforced by the UN.

Since the U.S. led coalition forces launched the enforcement offlight restriction zones in Libya last week, more than 175 missiles bombarded Tomahawak in Libya.

Three workers exposed to high radiation radiation

2011-03-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

A total of three workers at the reactor plant No.3 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in northeastern Japan exposed to high radiation, two of whom were hospitalized, reported Japan's nuclear safety agency yesterday.

This plant was previously damaged the cooling system due to strong shaking of an earthquake measuring 9 on the Richter scaleon March 11 last.

A spokesman for the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (Nisa), said the three workers who are installing the cable in the turbine building basement high exposure to radiation between 170 to 180milisievert.

"Two of the workers had been sent to a hospital after they were found in a puddles of water, although they were wearing radiation protective clothing has been contaminated but water is absorbed into the legs and they are exposed to radiation," he said.

Exposure of 100 milisieverts each year can be considered low, but the evidence suggests that number could still increase the risk of cancer.

"Direct exposure to radiation can cause inflammation and therefore, they continue to be sent to hospital for treatment," says the spokesperson said.

Each employee is working with a subsidiary of power plant operators Fukushima Daiichi, Tokyo Electronic Power Co.company. (TEPCO), which is located 250 kilometers from Tokyo.

According to TEPCO, a total of 14 workers were exposed to radiation at least at the level of 100 milisieverts.

Meanwhile, the number of deaths and missing due to a strong earthquake in northeastern Japan resulting tsunami rose more than 27.000 people yesterday.

Japanese police state 9.811 17.541 people were confirmed killed and another was found missing.

Earthquake tremors were felt in Thailand, Myanmar

2011-03-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

Thailand to feel a little vibration due to an earthquake with a strength of 6.8 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar last night.Deputy Director of the Meteorological Department of Thailand,Somchai Baimuang said, residents in the northern region of Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Bangkok Nam and also feel the impact of the earthquake at 8:55 pm local time. "Do not panic and there is no earthquake in Thailand and no tsunami warning was issued," he said. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported the quake occurred in Myanmar in rural and remote triggering tsunami waves.

Japan's tsunami death toll reaches 9.800 people

2011-03-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

A total of over 9.800 17.500 victims were killed while another was still missing in the tsunami in Japan, according to police reports released today. A police spokesman from the Miyagi area badly affected, said the estimated number of deaths will increase to15,000 people in that area alone.

Interpol says foiled militant attack on cricket World Cup

2011-03-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

Interpol said today it had foiled a militant plot to carry out an attack during the cricket World Cup now being played across South Asia “Last week through cooperation from Pakistan Sri Lanka and the Maldives we were able to identify locate and arrest a terrorist ” head of the Paris-based international police agency Ronald K Noble told reporters in Islamabad along with Pakistani interior minister Rehman Malik.

He said the man with “criminal intentions” whom he did not identify was arrested on his way from the Pakistani port city of Karachi to the Maldives “Thanks to the cooperation of your country and other countries we were able to make sure that the World Cup remains safe ” he said Neither he nor Malik gave further details Earlier this month India issued an alert over a possible attack on the hugely popular tournament being played until April 2 in India Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

In 2009 gunmen attacked visiting Sri Lankan cricketers in the Pakistani city of Lahore shattering a belief that the sport in the sub-continent enjoyed immunity of sorts against militancy Eight Pakistanis died in the attack and six members of the Sri Lanka team were injured Since then Pakistan one of the original four co-hosts of the World Cup has not hosted an international cricket match.

Lady Gaga flays Malaysian radio for censoring lyrics

2011-03-24T14:44:00.000-07:00

Popstar Lady Gaga has urged young Malaysians to protest against the radio censorship of her lyrics that encourage acceptance of gays.“What I would say is for all the young people in Malaysia that want those words to be played on the radio, it is your job and it is your duty as young people to have your voices heard,” the pop star said in an interview with Google that was posted on YouTube.

Malaysia radio stations have been playing edited versions of “Born This Way” that use garble to replace the lyrics: “No matter gay, straight or bi, lesbian, transgendered life, I’m on the right track, baby.”“You must do everything that you can if you want to be liberated by your society. You must call, you must not stop, you must protest peaceably,” she added on Tuesday from Google’s headquarters in California, United States.

Broadcasters here have said they are being cautious with Lady Gaga’s song because Malaysia’s government forbids offensive content. They risk fines of up to RM50,000 and other penalties for breaking the rules.Malaysian gay rights advocates complain that the censorship is part of discrimination they face in everyday life.

US AIDS group mourns ‘passionate advocate’ Taylor

2011-03-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor, who died yesterday at age 79, leaves a “monumental legacy” of support for AIDS research, having touched millions with her commitment to help end the epidemic, a group she helped found said.

“Dame Elizabeth was without doubt one of the most inspirational figures in the fight against AIDS,” the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) said in a statement hours after the death of the star-turned-activist, who was the founding international chairwoman of the organisation.

“She leaves a monumental legacy that has improved and extended millions of lives and will enrich countless more for generations to come.”

AmfAR and other groups were quick to hail Taylor’s compassion for people living with AIDS, particularly in the late 1980s when many around the world were still terrified about the prospect of contracting HIV, the virus which causes AIDS.

No celebrity except perhaps Princess Diana has been so singularly involved in raising funds for AIDS research or working to dispel the stigma that to a lesser degree still surrounds the tens of millions living with the disease worldwide.

Taylor, said amfAR, “was among the first to speak out on behalf of people living with HIV when others reacted with fear and often outright hostility.”

AmfAR was founded in 1985, the same year that Taylor’s fellow Hollywood giant and close friend Rock Hudson died of complications from AIDS.

Taylor, a two-time Oscar winner for starring roles in “Butterfield 8” and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf,” started the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in 1991.

The following year the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented her with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her contribution to the cause of AIDS research.

Second Explosion At Fukushima Nuclear Plant

2011-03-14T03:31:00.000-07:00

A second hydrogen explosion has occurred at a quake-hit nuclear plant in Japan, as the US moved ships and aircraft away due to low level radiation.

Plumes of grey smoke were sent billowing by the blast at the Fukushima Daiichi plant's number 3 unit, although officials insist the inner reactor container remains intact. Japan's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency say there is "absolutely no possibility of a Chernobyl" style accident at the site, according to government minister Koichiro Genba. The reactor had been under emergency watch for a possible explosion as pressure built up there following a hydrogen blast on Saturday in the facility's number 1 unit. Japan's chief cabinet secretary Yukio Edano said the reactor's inner containment vessel holding nuclear rods is safe, allaying some fears of the risk to the environment and public. He said the possibility of a radioactive leak was "low". But he added that people within a 20km (12 mile) radius were being ordered to stay inside. Tokyo Electric Power Company says seven people are missing and three are injured after the blast at the plant which is 150 miles (241km) north of Tokyo.

Sky News' Anna Botting, in Sendai, says the authorities are warning people not to drink tap water and to take iodine if they have access to it as it can prevent the threat of thyroid cancer. Officials have been racing to stave off multiple reactor meltdowns after a devastating quake and tsunami incapacitated the Fukushima plant. They had to resort to cooling the reactors down with sea water. More than 180,000 people have evacuated the area, and up to 160 may have been exposed to radiation. Prime Minister Naoto Kan said the situation at the Fukushima nuclear plant remained "worrisome" and that the authorities were doing their utmost to stop damage from spreading. On Sunday he said the disaster was the biggest crisis the country had faced since World War Two. The nuclear crisis was triggered by twin disasters on Friday, when the 9.0 magnitude earthquake was followed by a tsunami that ravaged Japan's north-eastern coast. More than 1,400 people were killed, but a police chief said the death toll may be over 10,000.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also declared a state of emergency at the Onagawa site after excessive radiation levels were recorded there. And the cooling system pump has failed at the Tokai facility but the back-up is working, according to an official. The Japanese government is planning rolling blackouts and a limited number of trains will be running in Tokyo so energy supplies can be saved. Elsewhere, a wave of around 3m (10ft) was reported off the coast of northeast Japan by a helicopter, leading to warnings of another tsunami. Residents were ordered to flee to higher ground by Japanese soldiers after reports of a sea level change. However, the Japanese Meteorological Agency said no tsunami had been spotted and it proved to be a false alarm. Earlier a strong offshore tremor struck 150km (90 miles) northeast of Tokyo shaking tall buildings in Japan's capital, but authorities did not issue a tsunami alert. The country has suffered over 150 aftershocks since the "megaquake" hit on Friday. There is currently a warning that there is a 70% chance of another strong quake of 7.0 magnitude or over occurring.

2011-03-14T03:17:00.000-07:00

7pm: One person has been killed and four injured in a crane accident at Fukushima No. 2 power plant, the International Atomic Energy Agency says. And the UN's nuclear watchdog said at Fukushima No. 1 power plant, which suffered an explosion on Saturday a day after the massive quake, and where authorities are battling a feared meltdown of two reactors, eight workers had been affected. "Four workers were injured by the explosion at the Unit 1 reactor, and there are three other reported injuries in other incidents," the IAEA said on its website, citing Japanese authorities. "In addition, one worker was exposed to higher-than-normal radiation levels that fall below the IAEA guidance for emergency situations," it said, without giving further details.

6.35pm: Japan's Meteorological Agency says it has upgraded the magnitude of Friday's catastrophic earthquake to 9.0. The agency earlier measured it at 8.8. The quake was already the biggest to hit Japan since record-keeping began in the late 1800s and one of the biggest ever recorded in the world. The US Geological Survey has measured the quake at magnitude 8.9, and that number remains unchanged.

6.25pm: Hino Motors and Mitsubishi Motors will temporarily suspend production at their domestic plants due to uncertainty over the procurement of auto parts, according to the Kyodo News Agency. The companies will suspend production from Monday, joining other automakers including Toyota and Honda.

6.19pm: Prime Minister Naoto Kan has instructed the president of Toshiba, maker of the troubled reactors at the nuclear power plants in quake-hit Fukushima Prefecture, to do all he can to contain the problems at the plants.

5.42pm: Search and rescue teams are arriving in Japan, with more than 70 countries and international organisations offering to provide support. The Japanese Foreign Ministry said Tokyo received offers for support from 69 countries and regions along with five international organisations.

5.30pm: The Japanese government has urged large companies to limit electricity use amid fears of possible supply disruptions, the Kyodo News Agency reports.

5.05pm: The Green Party has extended its condolences to the people of Japan. "Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the Japanese for the devastation and loss of life following the earthquake and tsunami," Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei said today. "Our thoughts and prayers are also with all those families and friends here in New Zealand. "We will do everything to support the Japanese community here through this difficult time. "And to the people of Sendai especially, all of New Zealand stands with you. Kia kaha."

4.44pm: More than 200 bodies have been found at a new site in northeast Japan. "We have received a preliminary report that more than 200 bodies were found in the city of Higashimatsushima," a National Police Agency spokesman said, adding that local police are starting to collect the bodies.

4.17pm: Japan's US ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki has told CNN a partial meltdown occurred at the Fukushima plant. "There was a partial melt of a fuel rod, melting of fuel rod. There was a part of that... but it was nothing like a whole reactor melting down," said Fujisaki, adding that he was being briefed hourly on the situation.

4.15pm: Japan's earthquake appears to have moved the island by about eight feet (2.4 m), the US Geological Survey says. "That's a reasonable number," USGS seismologist Paul Earle told AFP. "Eight feet, that's certainly going to be in the ballpark." He said similar movements would have been seen for Chile and Indonesia.

4.11pm: Chief cabinet secretary, Yukio Edano, says it's likely a meltdown has taken place at the No.1 reactor at Fukushima Daiichi. "We do believe that there is a possibility that meltdown has occurred. It is inside the reactor. We can't see. However, we are assuming that a meltdown has occurred." Authorities are concerned over the possibility of meltdowns at the second and third reactors, he said. A meltdown occurs when the reactor core fails, with potential for widespread radiation.

4pm: A team of 48 search and rescue staff from New Zealand are expected to be on the ground in Japan tomorrow but it's still unclear where they'll be deployed. An advance party from the team is expected in japan this afternoon. Christchurch fire service area manager Dan Coward said the team would be made up of search and rescue staff from across New Zealand and includes some from Christchurch. The team is taking 15 tonnes of equipment which is being sent over on a mixture of Defence Force and commercial flights. Mr Coward was confident there would be no adverse effects on the continuing recovery operation in Christchurch. There are still two full taskforces of 48 each remaining here. He said the team took pride in being able to assist a nation which had provided support in Christchurch's time of need.

3.55pm: Fresh water is being injected into the No. 3 reactor of Fukushima No. 1 plant after it lost its cooling ability. Government spokesman Yukio Edano said radiation at that reactor was under control.

3.15pm: Nineteen more people have been exposed to radiation in addition to the three reported earlier, the Kyodo News Agency says. Meanwhile, an estimated 200,000 people have been evacuated so far from the areas around the Fukushima No.1 and No. 2 nuclear plants, according to the UN atomic watchdog.

3pm: Japan has been shaken by a strong earthquake off its eastern coast, closer to Tokyo than the massive quake that hit on Friday. The latest temblor swayed buildings in the capital. The US Geological Survey says the temblor had a magnitude of 6.2 and struck at 10.26am local time. It was centred about 179km east of Tokyo, at a depth of 24.5km. Japan has been rattled by more than 150 aftershocks since Friday.

2.51pm: Nuclear plant operator Tokyo Electric Power says radiation levels have surpassed the legal limit at Fukushima No. 1 plant.

1.47pm: Prime Minister Naoto Kan is planning to double the number of defence relief personnel to 100,000.

1.39pm: The death toll is nearing 900, Japanese police say. The National Police Agency said 688 people had been confirmed dead and 642 missing, with 1,570 injured in the disaster. Police in Sendai, Miyagi prefecture, separately said Friday that at least 200 and up to 300 bodies had been found on the shore.

1.19pm: Australia is calling for urgent information from Japan on the threat posed by an explosion at Fukushima nuclear plant and says it has offered Tokyo atomic expertise. Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said Australia and the world was awaiting further information. "We and the rest of the international community need urgent briefings on the precise status of these reactors," he told public broadcaster ABC on Sunday. "We are seeking further co-operation on the technical and safety aspects of these from the Japanese government." Meanwhile, two Queensland search and rescue dog teams just back from Christchurch will fly to Japan today to search for survivors.

1pm: It has been confirmed that 1159 Australians in Japan are safe, including four in Sendai, the seaside city badly hit by the tsunami. The number of Australians registered with the embassy is 2319, and of these 189 are in affected areas.

12.52pm: US nuclear experts say pumping sea water to cool a quake-hit nuclear reactor is an "act of desperation" that may foreshadow a Chernobyl-like disaster. "The situation has become desperate enough that they apparently don't have the capability to deliver fresh water or plain water to cool the reactor and stabilise it, and now, in an act of desperation, are having to resort to diverting and using sea water," said Robert Alvarez, who works on nuclear disarmament at the Institute for Policy Studies. Peter Bradford, former head of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, said that if the cooling attempts fail, "at that point it's a Chernobyl-like situation where you start dumping in sand and cement."

12.40pm: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea, Japan's most popular amusement facilities, have been closed to carry out emergency safety checks. The operator told the Kyodo News Agency the closure will probably last about 10 days. A number of concerts, musicals, kabuki plays, exhibitions and other events across the nation have also announced cancellations.

12.30pm: California is closely monitoring efforts to contain leaks from a quake-damaged Japanese nuclear plant, as experts said radiation could be blown out across the Pacific. While officials downplayed any immediate danger, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission deployed two experts to Japan.

12.04pm: A senior nuclear and industrial safety official says a meltdown may be underway at one of the Fukushima Dai Ichi nuclear power reactors, with there being potential for a widespread release of radiation.

Toshiro Bannai told CNN he was confident that an ensuing crisis could be controlled.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company said a second reactor at the plant failed early this morning. It said it was having trouble cooling the reactor and it may need to release radioactive steam to relieve the pressure.

11.53am: A former US energy policy adviser says the use of seawater and boron to cool the reactor at the Fukushima Dai Ichi nuclear power plant was a desperate, "Hail Mary pass" tactic, with success depending on the volume and rate at which the dousing continues.

Robert Alvarez told reporters in the US that the effort would need to continue non-stop for several days.

11.35am: Lights were switched off overnight at some of Japan's best-known landmarks in a bid to save electricity.

Kyodo News reported that the Tokyo Tower and Yokohama's Bay Bridge were among those to shut off power after Friday's earthquake and ensuing tsunami.

The operators of the Tokyo Tower said the switch-off partially reflected their intention to express their condolences in regard to those who had perished in the disaster.

10.49am: The International Atomic Energy Agency says it was informed by Japanese officials that the explosion at the Fukushima Dai Ichi plant occurred outside the primary containment vessel.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company said the primary containment vessel remains intact, and sea water mixed with boron has been injected into it to limit damage to the reactor core.

However, the explosion resulted in the roof and the walls of the building housing the reactor's container being blown away.

The IAEA said it had been told that four workers were injured at the plant when the explosion occurred.

10.13am: The International Atomic Energy Agency said in a statement today that Japanese officials would distribute iodine to people living near the damaged Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power plant. Iodine can be used to help protect the human body from radiation exposure.

10.07am: In an apparent death hoax, Twitter users informed one another of the death of Pokemon creator Satoshi Tajiri in Friday's disaster. In a tweet, Nintendo of America said none of their Japanese staff were injured during the earthquake. Hello Kitty designer Yuko Yamaguchi was the subject of similar claims.

9.56am: Japan-based tech journalist Martyn Williams has put together a list of Japanese TV news stations being streamed online. They are: NHK (watch) TBS (watch) ANN (watch) NTV (watch)

9.39am: Japan's government broadcaster, NHK, has reported that radiation exposure testing has begun around Fukushima prefecture. Three people randomly selected from a group of 90 tested positive for radiation poisoning.

9.25am: The explosion at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power plant after Friday's earthquake and tsunami should prove embarrassing to the Japanese government who were warned long ago about the dangers of building nuclear plants in areas of intense seismic activity, writesGuardian science editor Robin McKie.

9.15am: The Japanese government said radiation emanating after an explosion at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power plant, 273km northeast of Tokyo, appeared to have decreased. Officials did not say why, and the precise cause of the explosion and the extent of the ongoing danger remains unclear, reports the Associated Press.

9.04am: Alan Boyle, science editor at msnbc.com, has blogged on the effectiveness of Japan's earthquake warning system and whether the "Big One" could have been predicted days in advance.

8.41am Japan's central bank has promised a "fast response" to the earthquake/tsunami tragedy in the country.

8.40am Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan has toured some tsunami-hit areas, by boat - the only practical method of transport in those areas.

8.30am Up to 50,000 search and rescue workers are either already at, or heading to, Japan's worst-hit disaster zones on the north-eastern coast.

8.00am The evacuation zone around the Fukushima No 1 nuclear power plant has now been extended to a 20 kilometre-wide radius. Authorities say the casing surrounding the nuclear reactor has not been damaged - only an external wall has fallen down. So, they say, there is no danger of meltdown occuring.

Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy trial visits Kuala Lumpur flat

2011-03-02T03:04:00.000-08:00

The trial of Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on sodomy charges has visited the apartment where his a former aide says he was assaulted.

The trial in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, opened on Wednesday after a judge rejected an appeal by defence lawyers. Mr Anwar has consistently denied the charges, saying they are part of a political conspiracy against him. Homosexual acts are illegal in Malaysia and Mr Anwar faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The judge denied Mr Anwar's lawyers advanced access to medical evidence, DNA and CCTV tapes, which they said were key in providing a proper defence.

Prosecutors say traces of Mr Anwar's DNA were found when Saiful Bukhari Azlan underwent medical checks two days after being assaulted in June 2008. On Wednesday, the court heard explicit testimony from Mr Saiful, prompting Judge Mohamad Zabidin Diah to agree to hear the rest of the evidence behind closed doors. Mr Anwar's press secretary, Eekmal Ahmad, told the AFP news agency: "I do not have any details on what is being said as it is closed to everyone but the lawyers and individuals involved."

On Thursday, the courtroom travelled by convoy to the apartment. The charismatic opposition leader - who was deputy prime minister until his sudden sacking in 1998 - served six years after an earlier conviction for sodomy, which was subsequently overturned on appeal. After his release, he led the opposition to election gains in 2008. Mr Anwar represents a major challenge to Prime Minister Najib Razak, whose coalition has held power for more than 50 years. He has called the sodomy allegation "malicious" and "frivolous". "It is trumped up by political masters using the prosecution for that purpose," Mr Anwar told the High Court.

'Dirty tricks'

He says he is only on trial for political reasons, and in an interview with BBC News before the trial, he referred to the allegations as a "nasty conspiracy". "We are committed to democratic ideals and some of us may have to pay the price," he said. Rights groups have also criticised the trial. Amnesty International accused the government of using "the same old dirty tricks in an attempt to remove the opposition leader from politics". There were huge protests after Mr Anwar's first conviction for sodomy a decade ago. He was freed on appeal in 2004.

UNHCR (Malaysia) Must Avoid Discrimination

2010-05-06T00:57:00.002-07:00

Burma Democratic Concern (BDC): UNHCR (Malaysia) must avoid discrimination

Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) today calls for UNHCR (Malaysia) to respect human rights and to avoid discrimination dealing with Burmese refugees from Burma.

Burma is make up with Burmese (Bamar), Kachin, Kayar, Karean, Chin, Mon, Arakan and Shan. Burmese refugees fled from Burma due to military regime’s extreme repression. People of Burma voted for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as their leader and they don’t agree with junta illegitimate rule in Burma. Military regime sees no difference in oppressing people of Burma and always uses ultimate force to crush all the opposition regardless of religion, race or ethnicity.

There are more than 70, 000 Burmese refugees in Malaysia according to the official figures. Since Malaysia is not party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its Protocol, refugees are vulnerable to detention and deportation.

While we applaud the UNHCR tireless efforts helping refugees but we also have reports that UNHCR office in Malaysia is not fair in dealing with Burmese refugees issues. Addition, some of the officers at the UNHCR (Malaysia) office is creating climate of discrimination with regard to dealing with Burmese refugees.

Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) is very concerned on the reports that some UNHCR (Malaysia) officers have misunderstood that the ruling Burmese military junta does not suppress ethnic Burmese people in Burma because they are the majority ethnic group and Buddhist.

Based on unreasonable assumption which is totally wrong, most of the Burmese applying for refugees at the UNHCR (Malaysia) offices are mostly turned down.

“I am surprised to learn some UNHCR (Malaysia) officers’ misconception towards refugees from Burma. These vulnerable refugees had suffered enough at the hand of brutal military regime and they don’t deserve the injustice again especially applying for the refugee at the one of the world’s most respected humanitarian organisation, UNHCR. Mr António Guterres should addresses this matter in the matter of urgency unless it would tarnish UNHCR’s long track record of good reputation”, said Myo Thein, the Director at the Burma Democratic Concern (BDC).

Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) calls for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Mr António Guterres to investigate fully and take timely action to avoid further discrimination.

Ezam's next move: Umno Youth chief post?

2010-05-06T00:57:00.001-07:00

Senator Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor may go for the Umno Youth chief's post in the next party election, says former Batu Berendam MP Tamrin Ghafar.

He said Ezam needed a strong platform to climb up the party ladder.

“This is my reading of Ezam’s next move in politics. Handpicked by party president Najib Tun Razak to be a senator, he may feel he is capable of taking the Youth movement to a higher level.

“I will not be surprised if he is appointed a deputy minister in the next Cabinet reshuffle,” he added.

“I think he will be more interested in taking over Umno Youth than in contesting for a seat in the supreme council,” said Tamrin, the son of former deputy prime minister and deputy Umno president Ghafar Baba.

Ezam and two others – Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman, executive chairman of Rahim & Co, and Noriah Mahat, Pagoh Wanita Umno chief – were appointed senators last Monday.

KEPALA BABI DILETAK DI SURAU UM

2009-01-16T18:30:00.001-08:00

Pelajar Universiti Malaya (UM) gempar awal pagi ini apabila kepala babi yang dibelah dua, ditemui diletakkan di atas bendera parti politik pembangkang, di dalam surau Akademi Pengajian Islam, UM di ibu negara.

Malaysiakini difahamkan bahawa kepala babi itu ditemui oleh salah seorang pelajar pro-Mahasiswa - Mohd Azlan Zainal - yang pergi ke surau tersebut, untuk menunaikan solat Subuh.

Sebelum itu, Mohd Azlan dan seorang lagi rakannya - Ahmad Shahir Md Shah - bertugas mengawal poster dan kain rentang kumpulan tersebut di sekitar kawasan berkenaan.

Ketika itu, katanya, terdapat beberapa orang pelajar yang tidur di dalam surau berkenaan tetapi tidak menyedari kepala babi tersebut diletakkan di situ.

Sebaik sahaja ternampak kepala babi yang diletak di atas bendera parti PAS, Mohd Azlan terus menghubungi pihak keselamatan Universiti Malaya dan pihak polis Brickfields untuk memaklumkan mengenai kejadian tersebut.

Bagaimanapun, ketika ditemui wartawan, Mohd Azlan berkata beliau tidak percayai perbuatan itu dilakukan oleh mahasiswa di situ.

Sebaliknya, beliau mengesyaki ada pihak-pihak lain yang mahu mengganggu-gugat dan mahu memecahkan perpaduan mahasiswa.

Mohd Azlan berkata, pensyarah undang-undang Akademi Pengajian Islam, UM, Dr Ruzman Mohd Noor datang pada kira-kira jam 6 pagi.

"Dr Ruzman juga mengesyaki ada orang tertentu yang melakukan perbuatan tersebut," katanya.

Sebelum ini, mantan exco Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar (MPP) UM sesi yang lalu, Mohd Hilman Nordin memberitahu Malaysiakini,kepala babi itu diletakkan di atas bendera parti PAS.

Juga terdapat tulisan PMI,PRO-M dan PAS pada bendera tersebut.

Di telinga babi terdapat tulisan nombor 872.

Katanya, pada kira-kira jam 7.30 pagi, Timbalan Naib Canselor (Akademik dan Antarabangsa) UM, Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Amin Jalaludin, datang ke surau tersebut, selepas dimaklum mengenai kejadian tersebut.

Mohd Hilman berkata, Dr Mohd Amin kemudiannya menasihatkan para pelajar supaya bersurai dan ke kuliah masing-masing.

Menurutnya lagi, kepala babi tersebut dilihat dimasukkan ke dalam kereta polis yang datang ke situ.

Sementara itu, Persatuan Mahasiswa Islam UM (PMIUM) mengadakan satu sidang akhbar pada jam 2.30 petang untuk mengecam perbuatan tersebut.

Sidang akhbar tersebut akan diadakan di depan surau terbabit.

Kampus UM kini hangat dengan kempen pilihanraya kampus yang menyaksikan pertembungan calon-calon kumpulan pro-Aspirasi dan pro-Mahasiswa. Pilihanraya kampus UM dijadual 19 Januari ini.

Sementara itu, Yang Dipertua PMIUM, Mohamad Haafizuddin Abi Rerah berkata, pada jam 8 pagi, pasukan forensik polis tiba di surau tersebut untuk menjalankan siasatan serta untuk mengesan cap jari.

"Kejadian itu mungkin berlaku antara jam 4 hingga 5 pagi tadi. Pada waktu itu, difahamkan terdapat beberapa aktivis pro-Mahasiswa sedang tidur di situ kerana keletihan berkempen. Mereka tidak sedar kejadian itu," katanya ketika dihubungi Malaysiakini.

Mohamad berkata, kepala babi itu diletak di bahagian pintu surau yang jarang digunakan, dan terlindung di belakang sebatang tiang surau.

Anwar backtracks on power bid

2008-09-24T02:01:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 - Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has now backtracked on claims he is on the verge of taking power, and says "it is not an issue of deadlines," anymore.Anwar had originally set two deadlines - Sept 16 and then Sept 23 - as dates on which his Pakatan Rakyat (PR) alliance would take over the federal government.But after both dates passed with little incident, his supporters are beginning to express frustration and Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders are even calling him a liar.Said Anwar today: "They have called me many things before. The point is if they believe I'm a liar, then put me to the test in Parliament."Speaking to reporters at the lobby of the Court Complex in Jalan Duta here early this afternoon after attending the mention for his Sodomy II trial, Anwar clarified that it is no longer about setting and meeting deadlines but rather about forming the next federal government in a non-violent and lawful manner.For that, he said, he is willing to wait for the prime minister to respond positively and is not willing to issue an ultimatum."We are going to exhaust all the legal avenues available. We do not want to transgress the constitutional rules and procedures," he said.The prime minister has already rejected the notion of meeting with the opposition at all to discuss a transfer of power and has even challenged them to disclose the number of parliamentarians who will "cross over" from BN.On the possibility of tabling the motion of no-confidence against Abdullah's leadership in Parliament, Anwar said: "Our problem is... in Malaysian democracy... there is no guarantee."He explained that when he wrote a letter to the prime minister requesting a meeting to discuss the transition of power, Abdullah had rejected it publicly without undertaking the possibility of a vote of no-confidence being tabled in the Dewan Rakyat.In spite of all that, Anwar remains optimistic that Abdullah will meet him.He also said that he had drafted - but not yet sent - a letter to the King to inform him of the measures he had taken towards a smooth and peaceful transition of government.However, he did not reply to questions about whether he was seeking an audience with the King."I appeal to my Malaysian citizens, particularly those who want to see a change, to understand, to be a bit more patient," he said.

Anwar: No contact with PM

2008-09-24T01:59:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 - Opposition leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he was unaware of any negotiation between the Pakatan Rakyat coalition and the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.Yesterday, PKR information chief, Tian Chua reportedly said that the federal opposition has been negotiating with Abdullah through intermediaries; the Prime Minister later issued a denial."I am not aware of any negotiations taking place between Pakatan Rakyat and the Prime Minister-statements made yesterday suggesting that a line of communication was open were misinformed," said Anwar in a statement.However he is confident that the Pakatan Rakyat will soon form the federal government but did not provide any deadline.I along with my colleagues in Pakatan remain confident that the people's desire for change shall soon be attained. We will proceed cautiously towards our goals and we agreed neither to be provoked into hasty action nor to take an irresponsible approach that would lead to instability and greater uncertainty in country," said the Permatang Pauh MP.Anwar also commented on the two meetings yesterday between him and Kelantan Menteri Besar, Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat, Pas President, Datuk Seri Hadi Awang and Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng."Kelantan Mentri Besar Nik Aziz Nik Mat and PAS President Haji Hadi Awang reaffirmed their commitment to the spirit and the goals of the coalition and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng expressed his satisfaction in the progress being made to strengthen and broaden the consensus among the Pakatan Rakyat parties and supporters from BN," he added.He reiterated that Abdullah's refusal to convene an emergency session of Parliament was an act of sabotage."There is a crisis of confidence in the current leadership of the nation at a time when the Malaysian people are demanding solutions for the highest increases in prices in two decades, increasing joblessness and the dramatic decline in investor confidence," said Anwar.

Ku Li: Government and Umno have lost the plot

2008-09-24T01:56:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 - The government and Umno are no longer viable and all Malaysians must come together to rectify the "dangerous situation" the country is in, former finance minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said yesterday."The government, in its present form, and under the present leadership, led by the party to which I have given my life, are now structurally and inherently incapable of providing the direction and confidence that the country needs," he said in a statement yesterday.The MP for Gua Musang and aspiring Umno presidential candidate said the country was facing a political and economic crisis because of a leadership vacuum and the country was in turmoil because the rule of law was uncertain and the Constitution was not being upheld."Everyone must come together in humility, beyond party politics, to hold an honest discussion, in the spirit of shared citizenship, to steer the country out of the crisis."He said the political impasse was happening at a time of heightened economic, political and security challenges, noting that:
- The global economy faced the prospect of a meltdown on a scale last seen in the Great Depression of the last century and Malaysia, as a trading nation, was strongly exposed to its effects.
- The March 8 general election signalled a public sentiment that could not be ignored. Malaysians wanted fundamental change, and they wanted it now, whether from within the ruling coalition or from outside it. The Malaysian demographic had changed dramatically over the last 50 years with a more sophisticated, demanding electorate that had, rightly, lost patience with incompetence and dishonesty.
- The grievances of Sabah and Sarawak, which found only partial expression in the general election, remained unaddressed. This risked the very integrity of the Federation.
- Misunderstandings over race and religion were ripe for political exploitation, with potentially disastrous consequences.

He said the government now commands even less confidence than it did post-March 8; but rather than share the public's sense of urgency for change, the present office-holders had redoubled efforts to frustrate renewal, cut off reform, and silence criticism."This underscores the weakness of the administration and its lack of will to change," he said, citing the government's inability to respond to the economic crisis with even a basic plan of action."Tengku Razaleigh said Umno's constitutional provision for the renewal of its leadership by triennial elections might have been expected to provide some hope of renewal. But instead of embracing this opportunity, the party leadership had retreated into the fantasy world of a "transition plan" which rides roughshod over the party's constitution and the rights of its members."This brazen attempt to treat public office and party trust as a private bequest between two individuals, one of whom wishes to hold office beyond his democratic mandate and the other to ascend without one, and the continuing effort to force feed the country with this notion, fools no one," he said."The 'transition plan' betrays a disturbing failure to grasp the meaning and purpose of public office. In a more mature society, persons who demonstrate and propagate such disregard for constitutional and democratic process would long ago have been disqualified from public life, let alone from national leadership. They do not seem to realise that the public rejects leaders who shun the open light of democratic contest in favour of staged plays and backroom plots.""This and rampant money politics are destroying the rakyat's hope of national renewal via Umno. And behind the babble of a transition plan, the Prime Minister continues to be subverted by members of his own cabinet and subjected to thinly-cloaked power plays to force his resignation."Tengku Razaleigh said all these were indications that the government was in a state of denial."The Opposition has made undeniable gains in the number of parliamentarians it commands and we are beginning to lose grip of the rule of law. The use of the Internal Security Act and of Sedition Laws to target particular individuals further erodes the credibility of the government.""The recommendations of two Royal Commissions of Inquiry have also been ignored or watered down into insignificance.""Political crises come and go, but the present crisis might well be the beginning of a cascade of failures leading to long-term instability and destruction, unless we all do something about it," he said.Tengku Razaleigh added that there was now a credible threat that the government may fall though a vote of no confidence, or by some other constitutionally legitimate demonstration of parliamentary majority."After 51 years of rule by a single party, this is not a possibility that is well understood. It is justifiably viewed with trepidation. But neither sheer denial or inflated claims help the situation.""Our actions exacerbate rather than calm the fear that stokes civil and racial strife. In the present context of a leadership struggle within Umno and against a strong Opposition, it is impossible to dispel the notion that these extreme measures are calculated to maintain certain individuals in power rather than to address verifiable threats to national security. Nothing does more to undermine the legitimacy of a government than plainly unjust acts. The ridiculous justifications given for some of the ISA detentions have further undermined public confidence that the awesome powers of state are in safe hands.""We need to come together to find unity and direction out of this predicament. In doing so, we might turn our crisis into an opportunity and renew our unity and sense of direction as Malaysia."

Minister walks as pressure piles up on Malaysia’s PM

2008-09-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

MALAYSIAN opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim moved closer to a parliamentary showdown yesterday as the embattled Government suffered another blow when its law minister resigned.Zaid Ibrahim, a minister assisting Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi on legal affairs, resigned over last week’s arrest of two journalists and an opposition member of parliament under the Internal Security Act.Mr Zaid said the Government was wrong to use the act, which allows indefinite detention without trial.This came as Mr Anwar was convening a mass meeting in a Kuala Lumpur sports stadium last night to protest against the arrests. Mr Anwar has predicted that enough MPs of the ruling Barisan Nasional, or National Front, will cross to his People’s Alliance coalition for him to form government.In recent days Mr Anwar has suggested the September 16 deadline for this is not fixed, but sources close to his headquarters said he already had firm promises from about 37 MPs now in Barisan.The parliament is in recess for the Islamic fasting month, so any immediate shift in power would depend on Mr Anwar persuading the King, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, that he has a majority.Mr Zaid’s resignation, which was not immediately accepted by Mr Abdullah, came after the arrests of internet political blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin, an opposition Democratic Action Party MP Teresa Kok, and for one night, Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng.At the same time, the Government issued “show-cause notices” to three newspapers under a press law requiring annual renewal of publishing licences and lets authorities suspend or withdraw licences for public order threats.Originally enacted in 1960 to fight a long-running communist insurgency, the Internal Security Act allows police to hold and interrogate a suspect for 60 days, and for the Home Minister to authorise detention without trial for renewable periods of two years. But the latest arrests have rebounded on the Government, with Mr Zaid among half a dozen ministers and Barisan’s smaller parties voicing criticism.“Rightly or wrongly, the perception about the latest arrests is that it’s related to the political situation of the country,” said Malaysian Bar Council president Ambiga Sreenevasan. “Certainly the intention is intimidation and to put fear into people so that they are more careful in the comments that they make.“It is really a direct threat to the freedom of speech, and very telling that a blogger and a journalist have been held.”

Malaysia opposition wants “handover talks” with PM

2008-09-16T06:44:00.001-07:00

Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is seeking a meeting with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Tuesday to discuss a handover of power after declaring that he had won over enough government MPs to form the next government.Anwar needs to convince 30 legislators from the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition to join his three-party opposition alliance in order to get a parliamentary majority.At a rally on Monday night, he said he had done so, although none of the government’s 140 MPs have publicly declared for Anwar.“He wanted to meet with the prime minister,” a spokesman for Anwar’s Keadilan party said on Tuesday.No one from the government was immediately available for comment and Abdullah insisted on Monday that he would remain prime minister and that a change of government would not happen.Anwar’s opposition alliance has 82 MPs in the 222-strong Malaysian parliament and he has been trying to convince 30 government MPs to change sides so as to oust the coalition that has run Malaysia for 51 years since independence from Britain.He says that if he wins power he will root out corruption and end a system of affirmative action for ethnic Malays, over half of the population in this nation of 27 million people.Anwar says that the system has not only failed the people it was aimed at helping, but has also created a class of crony businessmen entirely dependent on government contracts, which has hurt the country’s economic prospects.Malaysian newspapers treated Anwar’s announcement with scepticism on Tuesday, saying that he had not yet shown that he could form a new government.“It is the 16th of September, 2008. And we do not know what if anything will happen. We do not know what, if anything is going on,” the pro-government New Straits Times wrote in an editorial.Malaysia’s stock market sold off early on Tuesday losing 2.26 percent.Dealers said this was partly due to concerns over Malaysian politics and partly due to global financial market uncertainty caused by the U.S. banking crisis.

Anwar demands smooth transition

2008-09-16T04:35:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 - Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today he has demanded Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi hand over power in a smooth manner as he claims to have more than enough support to form the next Federal government.He claimed today that his Pakatan Rakyat alliance had the support of more than 31 Barisan Nasional MPs, the minimum required to form a simple majority in Parliament.But he refused to reveal the names of those he claims are defecting.'Of course I have the numbers in excess of the minimum.'It is a slight majority,' he told reporters here.Anwar was speaking at what was a highly anticipated press conference on the day he had pledged repeatedly to take power from BN.However, opposition leaders have in recent days indicated a transfer of power would not happen today, and that it was the day in which the process to take power would begin.Abdullah had earlier in the day scoffed at Anwar's claims, calling it a mirage.Anwar said, however, that he would be seeking a meeting with Abdullah and show the prime minister the list of BN lawmakers crossing over.He said transition must proceed smoothly to prevent a repeat of incidents in Perak and Selangor, where he alleged documents were shredded following the opposition's surprise wins in the March elections.He said four demands had been issued to the PM in a letter sent yesterday.The demands are that MPs are not stopped from defecting; the Internal Security Act not be used to detain defecting or PR MPs; a state of emergency should not be declared; and no roadblocks be set up to stop MPs from going to Parliament.'I am very optimistic that the PM will grant us a meeting. We are giving him some time and space to set up an appointment.'Asked what he would do if Abdullah refused to meet him, he said senior PR leaders would then meet again to consider their options.The opposition leader refused to commit to a suggestion that he would then go directly to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to present the list of MPs who are supporting him to form a government.'For now we will deal with the prime minister. He is the sitting prime minister and he has to be fully accountable.'We have chosen to take the soft approach and to be conciliatory. Then only will we move on to seek an audience with the King.'

Anwar Ibrahim's Sept 16 press statement in full

2008-09-16T04:31:00.000-07:00

SEPT 16 - Today, Malaysians celebrate Malaysia Day - the day our country became whole and our people become united. This day has a new meaning. After years of struggle, after fighting against a system that is corrupt and unjust - we affirm that victory is finally at hand. Our vision of rebuilding this country and bringing its people together, as the founding fathers envisioned, is within reach.The economy is in turmoil with runaway inflation and joblessness creating widespread discontent. Racial tensions have been rising, exacerbated by the propaganda spread in the government owned mainstream media. The administration has offered no vision to steer the nation out of this quagmire and there is manifest erosion in confidence in the current government.We in Pakatan Rakyat believe we can save Malaysia from economic ruin and the dangerous politics of racism. We will do so prudently, legally and in doing so we will not jeopardise the security and stability of the country and the safety of its people.We have received firm commitments from members of parliament in excess of the number required to form a new government, and our government will reflect the diverse make-up of Malaysian society.It has been our concern to ensure a peaceful transition of power. We do not wish to see a repeat of what transpired in the Selangor and Perak state governments, where following the victory of Pakatan Rakyat on March 8, documents were shredded and removed by the outgoing administration.We furthermore advise radical elements within BN against the abuse of state power to unlawfully harass and detain our supporters.The immediate investigation by the ACA (Anti-Corruption Agency) of Yong Teck Lee after the announcement by SAPP (Sabah Progressive Party) of its intention to move a motion of no-confidence against Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is another example of the tactics we reject.The use of the ISA, as has happened to MP Teresa Kok, would be an unlawful impediment to the transition process.In light these serious concerns, yesterday leaders of Pakatan Rakyat sent a letter to the prime minister at 2.30pm requesting a meeting to discuss the future course of the nation's leadership and to seek his assurance on the following important matters:

1) That the BN shall not hinder or prevent their BN MPs from acting in accordance with their conscience, constitutional rights and independent judgment;

2) That the BN government shall not invoke the Internal Security Act to detain any of the MPs who will join Pakatan Rakyat, or any of the present 82 Pakatan Rakyat MPs;

3) That the BN government shall not invoke emergency or police powers, or suspend the constitution, or dissolve parliament in response to our intention to form a new government;

4) That the Barisan Nasional government shall not impose roadblocks and impede the MPs from gaining access to the House of Parliament and the institutions of government.

We believe the prime minister will share Pakatan Rakyat's concerns for the welfare of the people and security of the nation. We are confident he will ensure the BN will act constitutionally and democratically to ensure that the transition will be peaceful, and there will be no actions taken to sabotage the wishes of the people or play on racial tensions in the country.We appeal to all quarters in Malaysian society to understand our intentions are for the betterment of Malaysian society. The mainstream media, in particular, should accept the reality of these historic times and report fairly, accurately and without bias. The irresponsible tact that is used by the media to obfuscate issues, attack opposition supporters and instigate racial tensions must end immediately.Following our meeting with the prime minister, we intend to proceed within the framework established by the federal constitution in the formation of a new government, with the assent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

ANWAR IBRAHIM
Opposition Leader
De facto PKR leader

Still PM in waiting?

2008-09-16T04:28:00.000-07:00

SEPT 16 - No matter how you cut it, today was a bad day for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.Watch this date, Sept 16, he has been telling Malaysians. I will take power by Sept 16, he kept repeating.Now, he says his Pakatan Rakyat (PR) alliance is ready to take power, and that it has the support of more than the required 31 Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs for it to form the federal government.But he will not do it yet. He has a list of names which he will show only to the prime minister so that a smooth handover of power can be negotiated.One should always call a spade a spade. In this case, Anwar's claim is a game of charades which is being inflicted on this country.If he has the support there is no reason to believe he would not show the list of names to all Malaysians.For all those Malaysians who felt their intelligence insulted by Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar when he said Sin Chew Daily journalist Tan Hoon Cheng had been arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for her own protection, here is another one courtesy of Anwar.But more than an insult, what Anwar attempted today is an insult to all right thinking Malaysians who yearn for reform, and who have placed their hopes in Anwar and his PR alliance of parties.Today represents a hammer-blow to the credibility of Anwar and his allies.Malaysians who voted for PR parties in the March elections wanted change. Many were fed up with what they perceived to be the widespread corruption and arrogance of the BN government.The strong message sent to the BN government also revived the flagging relevance of Anwar.Anwar, ever the ambitious politician, smelled blood and instinctively went for the kill.But his failure to deliver has inflicted a serious wound on the opposition parties. It is a question of credibility.No one demanded that the PR alliance form the federal government by Sept 16.Anwar made the pledge.To be fair, the DAP and PAS tried to distance themselves from the pledge, but was eventually persuaded in the name of unity to endorse the idea.This is not to say Anwar will never become the prime minister of a PR federal government.It did not happen today. Politics is such that it can happen on another date.Questions must now be asked, though, about what Anwar is putting the country through, although the BN parties are also to be blamed for the political uncertainty Malaysia is experiencing.But the PR parties and Anwar are supposed to be better. They were supposed to be different from BN. Better even.As September drew nearer, the question on everyone's lips was will it happen?After today, the question may be when will all these games end?

Law Minister Zaid says ISA wrongly used

2008-09-14T05:17:00.000-07:00

De facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim broke ranks with the government today, and criticised the use of the Internal Security Act (ISA).At least one other Cabinet member from the MCA has also called for the ISA to be replaced.Zaid said the ISA should only be used against terrorists or against those who are trying to topple the government by force.The minister said the legislation, which provides for detention without trial, should not be used against "civilians."His comments, made at a press conference at his home in Kota Baru, today comes amid widespread criticism of the three recent arrests made under the ISA.On Friday, the police detained Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng, Seputeh MP and Selangor state executive councillor Teresa Kok and blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin.Tan has since been released following string protests and representations made on her behalf by Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders, including some from Umno.Leaders from the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) alliance have also criticised the use of the ISA by the police, and have accused the BN government of using the arrests to head off possibility of the opposition seizing power next week.But the criticisms of the ISA appear to have found a voice within BN.Zaid was not the only minister who spoke out against the ISA today, amid mounting public pressure for some sort of review of the ISA.Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai today proposed replacing the ISA with a Race Relations Act.MCA vice-president Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn has also called for the ISA to be either reviewed or abolished.The police made the arrests last Friday, sparking fears of widespread detentions, to quell what the authorities believe was mounting racial tensions.This followed weeks of open disputes between the non-Malay and Malay parties within the ruling BN coalition over the controversial remarks of Penang Umno warlord Datuk Ahmad Ismail.Zaid said today that he would seek a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi for a "frank discussion" about the issue."I know I am breaking rank here," he told reporters."I am prepared for the consequences. If I am to resign I will do so."Zaid pointed out that he was not trying to be a troublemaker, but he would always be a vocal critic of the ISA.Writing in his weekly column today, The Star's Wong Chun Wai described the ISA as a draconian and archaic law."It shouldn't be used even against Ahmad," Wong wrote. "As this deprives him of the right to defend himself in open courts."

Umno's D-day is Sept 18, not Malaysia Day

2008-09-14T05:07:00.000-07:00

Forget about September 16.' September 18 is shaping up to be a far more important day for Malaysia with far reaching consequences for Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi"s two-year transition plan and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin"s political future.Next Thursday, the Umno Supreme Council will convene and the top of the agenda is likely to be Abdullah"s plan to hand over the reins of power in the party to Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.The council unanimously endorsed the transition plan in July. But following the Barisan Nasional"s defeat in Permatang Pauh on August 26 and his meeting with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in early September, Muhyiddin has called for a review of the plan.Speaking on the sidelines of the Forbes Conference in Singapore last week, he urged Abdullah to step down earlier, saying that the two year timetable was no longer tenable.He has followed up that call with cutting comments about Abdullah"s ability to lead Umno and Barisan Nasional. The Minister of International Trade and Industry may have moved too fast.Comments from several supreme council members and ministers show that not everyone believes that the transition plan should be revisited.Others like Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz, Negeri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Mohamed Hsssan, Works Minister Datuk Zin Mohamed and defacto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim feel that Muhyiddin should be punished for going public with his comments about the transition plan and his criticism of Abdullah.A key player at the Sept 18 meeting will be Najib. He is under pressure from his supporters on the ground to push for a quicker handover of power.Their argument is this: Najib could become collateral damage in the current anti-Abdullah mood.Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has also exerted pressure on the DPM, giving him and ultimatum of sorts during a recent meeting: challenge Abdullah or risk having your dirty linen washed in public.Najib"s comments on Friday where he said that it was up to party members to decide on the transition plan has sparked speculation that he is ready to back Muhyiddin"s idea of reviewing the transition plan.His opening statement at the September 18 is likely to set the tone of the debate at the council meeting.If he confirms that he is still committed to taking over the party presidency and the leadership of the country in 2010, this will mark the beginning of the end of Muhyiddin.It could force the Umno vice-president to resign from the Cabinet and officially declare himself the running mate of Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.If Najib supports the call for a review of the transition plan, Abdullah"s political enemies and critics will pound and harass him further.On the ground, the Umno divisions will take the DPM"s change in stance as a signal that he is willing to accept nominations as the party president.At the moment, the DPM is still committed to the 2010 hand over, telling his friends that he is still more comfortable with Abdullah than he is with Muhyiddin or Dr Mahathir.But there are still a few more days to go before the defining meeting for Umno, Abdullah, Najib and Muhyiddin.

BN leaders count political costs ahead of Sept 16

2008-09-14T05:04:00.000-07:00

Barisan Nasional politicians across the country are counting the political cost of events this past week and ruminating their future amid the opposition's diminishing bid to seize power by Tuesday.Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who gave in to public and political outrage by freeing Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng after an 18 hour detention under the Internal Security Act, knows it is a steeper task to regain people's support following the fresh ISA blitz.He already faces fresh calls to quit his Umno presidency ahead of party polls in December from no less than International Trade and Industry Minister and party vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who has also enticed Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to rejoin the party he quit in May.Mahathir has continued to wage a campaign to oust Abdullah and has not officially indicated he will return to the party he founded in 1988 to succeed the old Umno.Apart from his party woes, Abdullah and key cabinet ministers were briefed of rising racial tensions among the Malays and Chinese as cyberspace and coffee shop chatter heated up after Datuk Ahmad Ismail's rant and punishment together with unfounded allegations of DAP leader Teresa Kok's link to a petition to stop Muslim prayer calls.Despite it being political suicide, the government allowed the police to take action to cool the situation but it sparked the public's outrage over the use of the tough security law last used to detain Hindraf leaders.me have compared it to Dr Mahathir's crackdown in 1987 where 106 were held and several newspapers shut down under Ops Lalang but Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar has assured no further arrests are expected.Also facing fresh pressure from allies and critics to fight Abdullah for the top party post, deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak has now left it to Umno divisional delegates to decide the president's future despite agreeing to a transition deal for June 2010.Najib, who has been fending off links to the murder of Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu, has stoutly defended the pact and pledged loyalty to Abdullah but the Umno ground has shifted against the PM after the Ahmad Ismail episode.The Malaysian Insider understands that Dr Mahathir's allies are ratcheting up the pressure on Najib, threatening to wash some dirty linen in public, if he doesn't challenge Abdullah.The former party president himself is now cool to the idea of Najib for the job, having openly endorsed Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Muhyiddin and Datuk Seri Rais Yatim separately in the past few months.Muhyiddin, once seen as a likely deputy to Abdullah but strong pressure from Dr Mahathir ensured Najib got the job, has finally voiced objections to the transition deal he supported some time ago. Observers say he is sulking for being passed over and has been offering to team up with either the Kelantan prince or Najib in the party elections.For the record, Muhyiddin won the Umno' vice-presidency in 1993 as part of the Wawasan Team led by a victorious deputy president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim but lost it to Abdullah in the subsequent election.Anwar, who was sacked from government and party posts in September 1998 on corruption and sodomy charges, has just returned to Parliament last month after almost 10 years in the political wilderness, six of which spent in jail.His prediction to unseat Abdullah by Malaysia Day since the opposition's historic gains in the March 8 elections has rattled the government and also the markets. His Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has been in hot pursuit of BN lawmakers to defect, much to the chagrin of allies Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Parti Islam SeMalaysia (Pas).

Only one BN component party, the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) is seen as likely to cross over' to Anwar's Pakatan Rakyat coalition as its party president Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee has continuously expressed a lack of confidence in Abdullah's leadership.The tiny Sabah party has two federal lawmakers and four state assemblymen under the BN banner and is scheduled to hold a meeting on Sept 17 to decide its future as the ruling coalition has yet to decide its status for calling the PM to quit.Analysts say Yong's strategy has always been to get BN to sack the party and use it to be martyr and hero for Sabahans but the coalition delay and the looming Sept 16 deadline has forced his hand and decide SAPP's future.But SAPP's decision a day after Anwar's bold prediction of a Sept 16 change of government' is an indication of the opposition icon's difficulty to get an exodus of lawmakers in time to capture Putrajaya.Ahmad Ismail's rant and subsequent arrest of the Chinese reporter was seen as a tipping point to get MCA and Gerakan politicians to jump ship but none have done so thus far as they mull their options in BN.With two days to go to the psychological deadline of Sept 16 despite Pakatan Rakyat's admission it might not meet the date, BN politicians are calculating costs, risks and options as they fight perceptions to stay in power.

Kit Siang: We don’t want money, power hungry defectors

2008-09-07T05:48:00.000-07:00

The DAP will not accept Barisan Nasional (BN) members of parliament crossing over to the opposition to form the next government on Sept 16 if they are driven to do so by money and power.Its advisor Lim Kit Siang said the party would only welcome BN MPs into Pakatan Rakyat, the opposition pact, if they decided to cross over on the principle of wanting to bring about change to improve the lot of the people, and not for their political rice bowl."If they want to quit the ruling coalition and join us just for material gain, then it's unethical and unprincipled. We will not accept them."Whether a new government will be formed or not in nine days' time depends on many factors. We need to wait and see," he told reporters after officiating at the setting up of DAP branches in Sungai Tong, Setiu and in Kampung Cina, Kuala Terengganu with about 60 members.The DAP had opened up branches in Terengganu in 1990 but they were dissolved in 2002 due to poor response from the local community.Lim claimed that he did not know what kind of reward had been offered by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to 30 BN MPs, mainly from Sabah and Sarawak, said to be joining Pakatan Rakyat to form a new government on Sept 16.He also urged the amendment to the Federal Constitution made in 1990 that prohibits an MP who resigns from the post from contesting in the general election in the next five years to be abolished.He said this way it would enable those who resigned as MPs to stand by their principles and contest again in a by-election. — Bernama

Gerakan will leave BN if it no longer has meaningful role

2008-09-07T05:39:00.000-07:00

Acting Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon says the party will review its role in the Barisan Nasional (BN). And if the review finds Gerakan no longer has a "meaningful" role in BN, then it would pull out of the coalition. Speaking at the party's Selangor Delegates Conference here today, he did not, however, announce a timeframe for which the review would be completed.His comments come even as BN has scheduled a supreme council meeting on Tuesday to thrash out the issue of component parties threatening to pull out of the ruling coalition amid racial disputes.The meeting comes as pressure mounts from within the ranks of MCA and Gerakan for reform in Umno, the party blamed by them for the loss of non-Malay support during the March general elections.Speaking to The Malaysian Insider after opening the Selangor conference, Dr Koh confirmed that the Supreme Council meeting would take place on Tuesday.He had told delegates earlier that "we will discuss, consult and finally come to a decision soon. I don't know when because we need to watch political developments", confirming in a press conference later than he was referring to the issue of their membership in BN."We will not blindly be yes-men. We will stay as long as we have a meaningful role," he said.When quizzed as to what would be a meaningful role, he said that there should be communication, mutual respect, shared ideas and consultation on programmes and policies.But he refused to offer a timeframe, stating that it had to be reasonable, not "immediately nor five years from now.He said that there had been progress as "there have been more meetings in the past six months than in the previous three years", referring to BN Supreme Council and management committee meetings.But he stressed that the coalition's leadership needed to meet more often than that. He admitted however, that he was currently "not too happy but not unhappy enough to leave BN."He insisted in his speech that as "Gerakanist", party members had to be rational and not allow "Ahmad Ismail to dictate whether we stay in BN or not. Don't give him that face, otherwise any branch or division leader can insult us and we want to leave"He was referring to reports that Bukit Bendera Umno chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail made racist remarks during the Permatang Pauh by-election campaign, by stating that Malaysian Chinese were squatting in the country."I am holding back my own anger because a coalition with such a long history of governance should not be victims of such remarks."He reiterated his calls for a code of conduct to be established in the coalition to deal with such cases in the future."In this case, police reports have been made, so the solution is to let the investigation carry on because one party will deny while the other says it has proof."But the long-term solution is to have a disciplinary committee for all BN members and not just leave it to component parties to handle internally."

2009 NATIONAL BUDGET AND ECONOMIC POLICY BRIEF BY DSAI

2008-09-03T02:53:00.000-07:00

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (KeAdilan) recognizes that for millions of Malaysian citizens the economic climate has become a troublesome one. Malaysians today face ongoing reduction in their purchasing power, job insecurities, increased fuel prices, low wages, and a high gap between the rich and poor. KeAdilan believes that Malaysia can no longer afford to stand on the sidelines and allow the BN government to pursue a ‘too-little-too-late approach’ to addressing these issues. That is why, on this day, KeAdilan is pushing forward one more step its positions on the Malaysian Economic Agenda, to relieve the burden on Malaysians struggling with record high inflation levels and dwindling economic prospects. Whereas the current government has failed to adequately assess or address these issues, KeAdilan will pursue the policies critical to reasserting Malaysia’s quality of life, economic strength and competitiveness in the global economy.

Summary:

The KeAdilan proposals on the budget and response to the current BN government’s Malaysia Budget 2009 are based on a new model of socio-economic development drawing on an analysis of some of the best performing economies in the world. This specifically includes understanding the successes of Taiwan, Korea and Ireland, and integrating the best practices of these economies with the enormous potential of Malaysia’s natural and human resources as well as the positive aspects of Malaysia’s past development plans. When Parti Keadilan Rakyat model is implemented, the gap between Malaysia and other developed countries in terms of economic performance and living standards must be narrowed, instead of growing as it has under the current government. KeAdilan’s policies will spur a rapidly growing economy that can effectively compete at the regional and global level as well as open up numerous opportunities for all Malaysians and for all scales of business at the individual and sector level. KeAdilan’s educational and human development reforms will bring about an improved educational system and knowledge based economy and enable Malaysia’s domestic businesses to meet the global challenge with a locally sourced and higher skilled labor force.

PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2008-08-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

We won! And our victory is decisive and overwhelming.I share in the joy felt by all Malaysians on this historic day. This is a victory for the people. And it’s great to be back!On March 8th Malaysians voted for a New Dawn. Today, on the eve of our independence day, we have reasserted that call. We celebrate our nation’s independence in the spirit that our founding fathers intended - a nation of one and a people united.In the face of the greatest adversity, our campaign focused on the issues that matter to Malaysians. Our calls for national unity, good governance and a vibrant democracy have silenced the voices of racist chanting, those who profit from the abuse of power and exploit the politics of fear and deceit.We have promised a New Dawn for Malaysia and we will deliver on our promise. We will forge ahead on our Malaysian Economic Agenda to revive the economy, and to uplift the poor and the marginalized of all races. We will restore the integrity of the judiciary, fight corruption and build a truly unified nation.We will be a government that is totally committed to realizing the people’s aspirations.With the success of the eight of March and tonight’s resounding victory, I daresay we are indeed ready to face the challenges of the future, together.We could not have won without the firm, unwavering support of our friends in the Pakatan Rakyat and the tens of thousands of Malaysians – Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kadhazans - who have come to Permatang Pauh to work hard for this victory. I truly appreciate your courage, conviction and valour; and congratulate your commitment to our shared principles of freedom, justice and democracy.This may be one small step for Permatang Pauh but one giant leap for the people of Malaysia.

ANWAR IBRAHIM

Run-up to Permatang Pauh by-election: All eyes on Ezam - Asia World News

2008-08-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

IF there is anyone besides the candidates who needs to prove his worth in the upcoming Permatang Pauh by-election, it is Ezam Mohd Nor. One of the most watched for aspects of the campaign will be how well the one-time Parti Keadilan Rakyat Youth leader uses his oratorical skills to attack his former mentor, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.Ezam was very vocal in criticising Umno's leadership, particularly on alleged corruption in the Barisan Nasional government, before he rejoined the party in late May. He continued to do so after he left PKR two years ago and set up the Movement for Democracy and Anti-Corruption (Gerak).Ezam has vowed to do all he can to deny Anwar victory and return to active politics. He even offered himself as the Umno candidate although he pledged to support anyone picked by the party.The by-election is by far the best platform for Ezam to convince Umno members unhappy with, and suspicious of his return to Umno, that he is sincere in fighting for the cause. His re-entry into the party has been met with distrust and even hostility. Some senior party leaders openly showed they were less than thrilled by his presence, fearing him as a Trojan horse for Anwar's comeback into the party.Ezam, who has been travelling the country helping Umno reconnect with the Malay grassroots, has called Anwar a traitor to the Malays because of the latter's alleged willingness to do away with the New Economic Policy and compromise on Bumiputera privileges in exchange for non-Malay support. He charged that Anwar was willing to risk the country's political and economic stability to pursue his political ambitions."My priority is to campaign against Anwar and I support any candidate picked by BN," he said at a Malay unity gathering at Politeknik Permatang Pauh recently. At a talk organised by the Shah Alam Umno division last month, Ezam warned Anwar not to implicate him in the conspiracy that Anwar claimed was behind the latest sodomy charge.He threatened to divulge secrets that he claimed could disgrace Anwar's family, a move he said he would be forced to make to defend his dignity after he heard allegations that he received millions of ringgit to join Umno.Ezam was confidential secretary to Anwar from 1996 until the then deputy prime minister's expulsion from the government and Umno in 1998. The by-election will be a testing ground for those in Umno who doubt him, as well as those who see him as Anwar's most credible critic. What Ezam says and does during the campaign will be monitored with eagle eyes both in and outside Umno.

Malaysian economy stable, says Abdullah

2008-07-13T02:29:00.000-07:00

PUTRAJAYA, SUN:Malaysia’s economy is largely stable even though the country is faced with global crisis such as the increase in the prices of fuel and food, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.“It’s stable overall. Our trade sector... there is nothing to worry about. We continue to attract foreign investment and we are still a preferred investment destination,” the prime minister said.He said Malaysia’s economy also received positive feedback from other countries, most recently during the Group of Eight Islamic Developing Countries (D8) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, last week.“Our economic figures are positive. They know it,” he told Bernama and RTM Radio in an interview at Sri Perdana, the prime minister’s official residence, yesterday.The D8 comprises Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, Turkey and Malaysia.Abdullah said the country’s image was also intact, saying, “Those who view Malaysia objectively, it is still good. But those connected to (Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim), they would see things differently.” Asked on what would be among his priorities from now until the handing over of power to his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in June 2010, Abdullah said he wanted to see the development of five economic corridors be speeded up.The five development corridors are the Iskandar Malaysia, Northern Corridor Economic Region, East Coast Economic Region, Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy and Sabah Development Corridor, all which would require a total investment of RM840 billion.Explaining the idea behind the development of the corridors, Abdullah said it was for the equitable distribution of quality opportunities to address imbalances of development between the urban-industralised areas and semi-urban areas.He said the new approach was different from that of the New Economic Policy, which focused on equitable distribution of income.Abdullah said the government had grappled with the issue of narrowing the development gap in the country.In the end the government felt that it was better to focus on developing the human capital and empower them with knowledge so that the people would be able to compete for the opportunities to be provided by the government, he said.“So the best option is equitable distribution of quality opportunities,” said Abdullah.He said all five economic corridors needed attention so that the development disparity between the urban and semi-urban areas could be narrowed down.Using an analogy to drive home his point, the prime minister said, “we don’t take from Ah Seng and give it to Ahmad but (what we do is) to accelerate Ahmad’s opportunity.”“If we give them money, it will be spent in no time; so we give them opportunities for productive use,” he said.To accelerate the pace of development in the five corridors, he said all implementation aspects must be properly planned by the central agencies including the Economic Planning Unit, Implementation and Coordination Unit, and Treasury.On why he chose to focus on the agricultural sector despite critics describing the move as a way backward, Abdullah said the focus was not merely on agriculture but also on the development of the country’s agro-based industry.“If we plant and consume what we have planted, we won’t be able to finish them.“That is why we need to also develop the agro-based industry to contribute to the nation’s economy,” he said.

Restructuring of Umno necessary

2008-07-13T02:27:00.000-07:00

NOOR HAYATI MUDA, BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, SUN:Umno's efforts to cleanse the party of money politics and political corruption will be tested once again when its almost 20,000 branches convene their respective annual meetings beginning Thursday, until Aug 24.The branch meeting is the first phase in the party election process, which will conclude with the election for the top post in December.Although the code of ethics for the Umno election has been updated to curtail corrupt practices, there are quarters in the party, as well as political observers outside Umno, who feel that more need to be done to address the problem.They view the new code of ethics as not only incapable of addressing political corruption in Umno, but also open to manipulation by its members.Their suggestion to Umno, if the party is serious in wanting to eliminate political corruption, is to embark on a comprehensive approach which will include restructuring of the organisation.Among the regulations in the new code of ethics, which some quarters regard as rigid, is the prohibition of candidates from attending such events as wedding feasts and "tahlil" and for children and wife/wives of members to offer gifts and money to other members in the party.The Umno branch annual meeting and election will be followed by divisional meeting, between Oct 9 and Nov 9, and then election of the supreme council members at the party's general assembly, from Dec 16 to 20.Batu Pahat Umno divisional leader Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi said it would be meaningless to have the new code of ethics if the regulations could not be enforced.He said this was because Umno had yet to have a special unit or body specially set up for enforcement purposes, adding that this was why the party leadership had to rely on complaints from members."To me, administering Umno is like administering a country, so it has to be done seriously, and in this case, (Umno) has to have a unit like the ACA (Anti-Corruption Agency), to monitor money politics in the party, not only when the party is facing an election, but at all times," he added.Dr Mohd Puad suggested that the Umno Disciplinary Board be strengthened and given extensive powers to also monitor the overall process of the party election, right from the grassroots level.He said Umno should also provide guidelines on the procedures for members to lodge complaints on alleged money politics in the party since the existing method was questionable and could result in reports being rejected."At present, the procedure is standard. If it involves money, (the complainant has to) photostate the money as proof...then, make a sworn declaration. That's all."Sometimes, people can say that the money is his (complainant's) own money, and that he wants to fix the other person, so the procedure must be clear," added Dr Mohd Puad.He also expressed the need for Umno to emphasise efforts to instil awareness among its members that corruption was a crime.Cheras Umno division chief Senator Datuk Syed Ali Alhabshee concurred with Dr Mohd Puad that political corruption in Umno could only be eliminated by changing the mindset of its members."Even if there are regulations, if members don't think it is wrong to indulge in money politics, it will not be effective. What is important is for the leadership to find ways to change the mentality and thinking of the members," he said.He said money politics would continue to reign in Umno for as long as party leaders and future leaders used politics for their own vested interests."During the days of our past leaders, there was no money politics. The reason is, they were sincere (in wanting) to help the Malays," added Syed Ali.Meanwhile, observers have differing views on ways to address political corruption.A lecturer at the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Prof Mohammad Agus Yusoff opined that Umno should have a clear definition to differentiate money politics and money for politics."Money is also needed in politics. Otherwise, how to organise activities, to campaign? What is wrong is money politics, which is money used to buy votes," he said.He said Umno should also abolish the quota system in the party election to eliminate money politics."The quota system requires members contesting for certain posts to obtain a certain number of nominations from the divisions. Does this not invite money politics?"The system should be abolished so that every member has an equal chance to contest. Money will no longer be an issue because everybody is eligible and it is up to the delegates to chose who they want as their leaders," added Mohammad Agus.His views were shared by a lecturer at Universiti Utara Malaysia, Public Management and Law Faculty, Prof Dr Ahmad Atory Hussein, who said the absence of a clear definition on money politics was the main reason that the practice was widespread in Umno."People can say, this person gives money to that person, but if the giver and the receiver don't admit, how can it be proven? Perhaps, the person gives the money to help the other person, who is in need of money to buy medicine for his sick child, etc. Is this considered money politics?," he asked.He concurred with Dr Mohd Puad and Syed Ali that it all depended on the mentality of the Umno members.For Prof Datuk Dr Zainal Kling, the root of political corruption in Umno exists due to the Malay proverb, 'orang berbudi kita berbahasa'."Let's say, a leader extends financial help to a member whose son is going for further studies. Of course, the member will be indebted and will want to repay the leader's kindness."It's like handing out gifts or money at weddings. Is this considered bribery? If (you) don't give, what will people say? This is where manipulation of the code of ethics can occur," he said.He suggested that Umno limit the amount of money which could be given as a "gift" and if it involved a large amount, the party branch or division concerned should be informed."(It's) like what the government is doing, where gifts which are worth thousands of ringgit should be handed over to the government," he added.By doing so, he said it would allow Umno to detect whether the gifts were sincerely given or that the giver expected something in return.

SALANG: Pakatan Rakyat's claim is nothing by hot air

2008-07-13T02:25:00.000-07:00

PAKAN, SUN:

The Pakatan Rakyat (PR)’s aim to form the next government by this September, is nothing but hot air.Deputy Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum said the group had spoken incessantly on the claim.“If PR is really strong and have the required numbers of elected representatives, including those assumed defectors from the Barisan Nasional camp, it should go and meet the King right away to ask to take over the government,” he told reporters today after attending a meet-the-people session organised by the Special Affairs Department at a longhouse here.But they were dilly-dallying, he said, and supposedly waiting for Parti Keadilan Rakyat advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to lead them, indicating their lack of confidence, support and preparedness.“Personally, I believe they are only making hot air and surely, Anwar is not indispensable,” said Salang, adding that the rural people in particular, should not be swayed by such claim and unwittingly give their support to the PR.He said it was easy to be swayed as the opposition was promising the luxury of a much-reduced fuel price when they formed the government.On the proposal by the Rural and Regional Development Minister to provide water and power supplies to all villages and longhouses in Sabah and the state within a 30km distance from the town, he said this would depend largely on the availability of funds.

Malaysian's Politics

2008-07-09T19:36:00.000-07:00

Disappearance of P. Balasubramaniam:
Najib: We’re not responsible
By : Ridzwan Abdullah and R. Sittamparam

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday denied charges that the authorities were behind the "disappearance" of private investigator P. Balasubramaniam and his family.The deputy prime minister shrugged off the claims as baseless.He was speaking to reporters at the launch of Ibrahim Pahlawan Melayu (Ibrahim, the Malay Warrior), a memoir narrating the life and experiences of former armed forces chief Gen (Rtd) Tun Ibrahim Ismail.Najib, who is also defence minister, was asked on an ultimatum made by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) for the government to "release" Balasubramaniam.Hindraf coordinator S. Jayathas, at a candlelight vigil held in Brickfields on Tuesday night, said Hindraf would organise a massive rally in three days' time if Balasubramaniam and his family were not released by then.Responding to this, Najib replied: "Then I guess you have to ask them (Hindraf)."Balasubramaniam made headlines last week with a statutory declaration linking Najib with the murdered Mongolian woman Altantuya Shaariibuu, but retracted it the next day.He and his family have since gone missing and on Saturday, his nephew lodged a report at the Gombak police station.On Tuesday, however, his nephew, K. Kumaresan claimed Balasubramaniam called him from a private number. The conversation lasted two minutes.On whether the defence ministry would scale down its operational expenses following uncertainties due to rising global oil prices, Najib said 10 per cent of the original budget under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, or RM300 million, had been slashed under the mid-term review."This is part of the government's austerity drive as we are setting our priorities in line with the current economic conditions."Nevertheless, Najib said most of the ministry's existing projects would continue, including the programme to replace its 40-year-old fleet of Nuri helicopters.On reports that Singapore has shown interest in buying up to 100 of Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft over the coming decades, Najib said it was too early to speculate."I cannot confirm the authenticity of the report, but at the same time, I am not sure if Singapore needs that many (F-35s)."At a separate function at the RMAF base in Subang, Air Force chief Gen Tan Sri Azizan Ariffin said the news, if accurate, was not something to be alarmed about as Singapore might only be replacing its old fleet.Ibrahim, the Malay Warrior embodies Ibrahim's struggle of constantly proving himself to the discriminating British.It also tells his experience as a prisoner of the Kempeitai, the Japanese secret police, in World War 2 (1944-1945).

EconomiCs from MalaysiA

2008-07-09T19:29:00.000-07:00

Several MPs surround Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop after the debate to seek clarification yesterday. Seen here are (from left) Lim Lip Eng (Segambut), Loh Gwo Burne (Kelana Jaya), Fong Po Kuan (Batu Gajah) and Fong Kui Lun (Bukit Bintang

KUALA LUMPUR: Banks will soon be coming up with ways to help housing loan borrowers.

Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said the banks welcomed the government's suggestion that they restructure the payment plans to reduce the burden of borrowers.

Nor Mohamed said he had been informed by the banks that they would do so.

The lower repayment on loans will ease the burden of the borrowers, he said at the "second" winding-up session of the debate on the Mid-Term Review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

On Bank Negara's decision to allow banks issuing credit cards to stop the 20-day interest-free period on the purchase of retail items, Nor Mohamed said BNM was introducing a tier-pricing structure to encourage credit card users to be more careful and smart in their spending.
He said three types of tier-pricing structures had been introduced to enable credit card holders to enjoy a lower finance charge of up to 15 per cent a year compared with 18 per cent currently.

"This tier-pricing structure will help to reduce the cost of credit card usage compared with the previous system which charged 18 per cent."

With this system, Nor Mohamed said the previous offer of 20 days repayment period without interest enjoyed by all credit card holders, without taking into account the monthly credit card payment, will be discontinued.

He said he had meetings with all banks and had asked them to review the matter and they had agreed to do this.

Nor Mohamed had wound up the debate on the Finance Ministry on Tuesday but members of parliament from both sides of the house complained that he had left many questions unanswered.

Nor Mohamed stressed that while he agreed to return to continue with his replies, he did not want this to become a precedent.

This was because his decision would "eat" into the time allocated to other ministers waiting for their turn to speak.

"I need to respect my fellow ministers. We have 19 other ministries that have yet to wind up their debates and we are very short of time."

When Nor Mohamed resumed his replies, several MPs bombarded him with questions on the fuel subsidy.

Fauziah Salleh (PKR-Kuantan) suggested a subsidy system where cards would be issued to individuals and tailored according to their financial status and needs.

Nor Mohamed said the government was working on a tiered system to ensure more effective disbursement of subsidies.

"However, at present, we do not have the appropriate data system in place for its immediate implementation.

"I assure members of the house that the government is in discussion with the relevant parties towards implementing this system," he said.

Nor Mohamed, who started speaking at 11.45am, stopped at lunch time and refused to entertain calls for an extension.

Speaking to reporters at the lobby, Nor Mohamed denied allegations by some opposition MPs that his winding-up speech on Tuesday was inadequate.

"My answers were adequate but there were lots of questions from the MPs and the time for answering all of them was limited.

"I have no problem returning. What's important is to ensure that the government policies are fully understood by the people as they are being implemented to help take care of their needs."

Nor Mohamed said there were some issues, like those related to subsidies, which many found hard to understand.

"This is the opportunity for me to explain in detail. Although there were interruptions from the opposition, I find that the members accept my explanation," he said.

news from Singapore

2008-07-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

Singapore cuts fuel prices
BERNAMA

SINGAPORE, WED:

Petrol companies in Singapore have lowered their pump prices by four cents a litre for petrol to reflect current market conditions.

Singapore Petroleum Company Limited (SPC) announced today the pump prices for its motor gasoline across all three grades at all its service stations had been reduced by four cents per litre from 3 p.m. today.

Earlier, other petrol companies, Shell, Exxon-Mobile and Caltex started to reduce their pump prices one after another from this morning.

The new pump prices without discounts are $2.32 per litre for the 98-octane grade petrol, $2.246 per litre for the 95-octane unleaded petrol and $2.213 per litre for the 92-octane unleaded petrol.

The pump price for diesel which is currently at $2.033 per litre however is not affected by the changes.
Last Saturday, the four petrol companies had just increased their pump prices for both petrol and diesel by five cents a litre.

It was reported that the impact of a global economic slowdown on demand for oil has caused prices to fall by more than US$5 to US$136 per barrel yesterday.

HeaLTH

2008-07-08T20:24:00.001-07:00

Recovery from back pain takes longer than thought
Malaysia Sun
Tuesday 8th July, 2008
(IANS)

Recovery from lower back pain takes much longer than what popular perception believes and slower still for those with other ache variants, according to a new study.

The study showed that nearly one-third of patients did not recover from the original episode of back pain within a year.

The authors, who surveyed 973 patients, concluded that prognosis from acute lower back pain was not as favourable and challenges the common belief that 90 percent of patients recover within four to six weeks.

"These are extremely important results because they confirm that low back pain is a significant health problem and that there is substantial room for improvement in its management," said co-author Chris Maher of The George Institute.

Each patient in the study was managed by their preferred clinician; a doctor, physiotherapist or chiropractor.

About 20 percent of population suffers from low back pain at any one time. The findings show that even with treatment, after two months, only 50 percent had fully recovered.

At one year, about 40 percent reported that their back was still causing them pain.

The findings of the study have been published in The British Medical Journal.

CiViL waR

2008-07-08T20:21:00.000-07:00

Bombs used in Karachi blasts were locally-made, finds initial probe
Malaysia Sun
Tuesday 8th July, 2008
(ANI)

Karachi, July 8 : Initial investigation into last evening's serial blasts in Karachi has found that locally-made bombs were used in carrying out the explosions which claimed one life and injured dozens.

A high-level officer of the bomb-disposal squad told that 2-2 1/2 kg of explosives were used in the bombs used in the blasts, while all these bombs were locally-made.

According to the bomb-disposal squad, a car bomb in Hasrat Mohani Colony, an area of Bara Board and all the four bombs in Banaras Colony were exploded through remote control and the grenade thrown from motor-cycle riders was also hand-made while the car used in blast had no number plate, reported The News.

Meanwhile, the provincial government of Sindh said that a report regarding some people coming from northern areas to Karachi was received from sensitive departments but no information was given in advance regarding terrorism on large-scale.

SportS

2008-07-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

Ponting likely to miss Champions Trophy
Malaysia Sun
Tuesday 8th July, 2008
(IANS)

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, who underwent a wrist surgery, may miss the Champions Trophy in September.

The surgery also put Ponting in doubt for Australia's short one-day series against Bangladesh in August.

However, Cricket Australia (CA) medical staff are confident that Ponting will be fit for the four-Test series in India during October and early November.

Ponting was forced to return home after the third one-day international in the West Indies, with Australia going on to win the last two matches under Michael Clarke. Ponting had the surgery in Melbourne Monday after being reviewed by wrist specialist Greg Hoy.

'Ricky sustained a tendon injury that required repair of tissues that hold the tendon in place,' CA doctor Trefor James was quoted as saying in The Australian.

'Ponting's recovery will be monitored in the coming weeks and a decision regarding his fitness for the upcoming series against Bangladesh and then the Champions Trophy will be made in due course.'

The timing is not all bad for Ponting, with he and wife Rianna expecting their first child in August.

Economics

2008-07-08T20:18:00.001-07:00

Bernama - Wednesday, July 9

KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 (Bernama) -- China will have the largest pavilion at the Aseanwood-Woodtech Malaysia 2008 (WTM 2008) exhibition at the Putra World Trade Centre from Sept 24-28.
The Chinese pavilion will occupy over 900 sq metres, organiser Trade-Link Management said in a statement today.

It said industry players from the woodworking machinery, timber processing, forestry management, furniture manufacturing and supplies sector, were expected at the event.

Trade-Link said WTM 2008 would also feature national pavilions from Germany, Italy and Taiwan.

The WTM 2008 is endorsed by the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities Malaysia, the Malaysian Woodworking Machinery Association, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp and the Malaysia Furniture Industry Council. -- BERNAMA

FAY AS THS

PoliTiCS

2008-07-08T20:15:00.000-07:00

Sodomy victim dares Anwar to swear innocence

The Star/ Ann, Petaling Jaya

Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan who alleged he was sodomised by PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently is daring the latter to swear on the Quran to prove his innocence.

The challenge posted as a link in his fiancee's blog said: "Dear Anwar the hypocrite! I challenge you to swear on the Quran. Set the place and time! I will come. The truth will prevail. Falsehood will surely be exposed. I am not afraid to die. God is mighty!"

His fiancee Janna Mohd Zaki included the link from Friendster in her newest posting on her blog in conjunction with Mohd Saiful's 23rd birthday on Sunday.

The blog titled "A Step in My Pink Mary Janes" can be visited at http://jannamohdzaki.blogspot.com/.

In it she said she still looks up to Mohd Saiful as a hero despite all the public scoffing he is facing.

"In my eyes, Saiful is a hero. We have no power to make people stop making spiteful remarks about us but we know the truth will prevail some day," she said.

Southeast Asia Economics

2008-07-08T20:02:00.000-07:00

AP
Malaysia, Indonesia threatened by food, oil crises
Tuesday July 8, 9:32 am ET
By Vijay Joshi, Associated Press Writer

Malaysia, Indonesia say food, oil crises are 'grave threats' to world economy

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) -- The leaders of Malaysia and Indonesia on Tuesday called for boosting world food production and finding a permanent solution to skyrocketing oil prices, saying the twin problems have become "grave threats" to the world economy.
"We must identity the bold measures that we need to take now in order to guarantee the well-being of our economies," Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told a summit of Islamic countries.

The Developing Eight summit brings together eight developing Islamic nations -- Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria and Turkey. It coincides with the Group of Eight summit under way in northern Japan.

Abdullah said the one-day D-8 summit must "come out with a clear message on the need to boost food production in the world."

He noted global food prices have risen by more than 75 percent since 2000, leaving the "world economy ... facing grave threats to its well-being."

Abdullah said a plan to stabilize the price of oil must also be developed.
"Long-term solutions must be found for stabilizing the price of oil. For example, the international community can examine how the futures market might be organized to assist in stabilizing prices," he said, without elaborating.

Although Malaysia, Indonesia, Iran and Nigeria are oil-producing countries, their economies have been hit hard by rising fuel prices. Oil prices fell by $4 a barrel on Monday, but remain at more than $140 a barrel.

Malaysia raised gasoline prices by 41 percent and diesel by 63 percent last month. The government says inflation is likely to cross 5 percent this year, which has fueled public anger.

Indonesia, the region's biggest oil producer, is also facing public unrest because of escalating food and oil costs. It said it will quit the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries because of declining oil reserves and investments.

Indonesia's production of roughly a million barrels a day is at its lowest level in 30 years.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in a speech the challenge of food and energy security has surpassed the challenge of globalization, which he said has led to the marginalization of many poor countries.

"There is no quick fix that will sweep aside this challenge, but we must act on it at once and in concert. To delay concerted action on this great challenge of our time is to court disaster," Yudhoyono said.

The "rising price of crude oil, the scramble for alternative sources of energy, and the threat of global warming" have exacerbated the food crisis, he said.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, OPEC's second largest oil producer, did not address the opening of the summit.