KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has announced a series of changes sought by Sabahans.

They included measures for poverty eradication, a high-powered Cabinet committee to tackle the illegal immigrants, abolishment of the Department of Federal Development Sabah (JPPS) and an additional development grant of RM1bil.

Other goodies were a Petronas downstream petro-chemical plant for Sabah and a 300MW gas fuelled power plant as well as an additional RM400,000 allocation for each state constituency.

Dato Seri,Positive thinking amidst the amount of hurdles you faced makes you more tough and prominent

MALACCA: MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu is confident that MIC will return as a strong partner of the Barisan Nasional through a rebranding exercise, which will see the change of mindset among all party leaders.

He said the full support of its 630,000 members was also important in making this a reality.

"The time has come for us to change, especially in our style of work, to gain the support of the Indian community before the next general election," he said.

Speaking before officiating the state MIC convention at the Malacca International Trade Centre, he said the first move would be to get about 10 per cent of the 630,000 party members onto the electoral roll.

He said this would ensure that BN would perform better in the next general election.

Keep your promises,pls


THE Government will not extend permits for priests and temple musicians from India to continue working in the temples in Malaysia, says Penang Hindu Endowment Board chief A. Thanashekaran.

He said that new applications had been rejected by the Immigration department, Makkal Osai reported.

Previously, the visas for the temple priests and temple musicians were extended for another one year at RM50 when their current visa period expired.

Their visas are only being extended on a month-to-month basis at the same cost.

He said that this decision had forced temple committees to incur extra expenditure and created problems when conducting daily prayers without a trained priest from India.

He was speaking to reporters after meeting the temple committee of Sri Ramar temple, one of the temples being managed by the Hindu Endowment Board, at the temple premises yesterday.

Thanashekaran, who is also the Bagan Dalam state assemblyman, said that though the Cabinet had approved the entry of the foreign priests from India, the Immigration department had yet to get the official green light.

What the heck is this?

Malaysia Nanban reported that the Information Ministry had decided to ban the screening of Tamil dramas from India over TV2.

MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said that the decision to ban such dramas was surprising as it was the only country that produced Tamil dramas for Malaysian viewers.

He said that the MIC secretary general and Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr. S. Subramaniam raised the matter at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting.

PUTRAJAYA: The Public Service Department (PSD) has provided “fast lane assistance” to 117 non-bumiputra Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia top achievers from low-income families, applying for scholarship to study abroad.

Public Service director-general Tan Sri Ismail Adam said a total of 151 students were eligible to have their applications put on the fast lane and the remaining 34 were bumiputra students.

He said the assistance was extended to the students who scored 10 A1s and who came from low-income families, earning below RM1,500 a month.

“We accepted it as that and did not try to adjust anything,” he said, clarifying an earlier report, which said more bumiputra applicants were given “fast lane assistance” compared to the non-bumiputra.

Ismail pointed out the figure was actually the opposite, adding that while scholarships for these students were “almost assured of, they still had to attend interviews.”

He also said the department was mulling over suggestions to inform scholarship applicants as to why they were rejected, adding this was a common complaint among students and parents who were disappointed that they were not told why their application was rejected.

"It is positive feedback and we will look into this. However, there will be a lot of paperwork to be done because the number of applications that are being rejected are in the thousands," he said.

This year, the PSD is offering 2,000 scholarships for studies abroad. A total of 6,262 students who scored 9As and above applied for the scholarships.

Ismail said the Government could not offer more overseas scholarships due to constraints in quota that foreign universities have for international students, adding that medical degrees from certain countries like the United States and Japan were not recognised here.

He said students who sat for their SPM last year could also apply for some 10,000 scholarships available to study at local universities, adding those who are successful in obtaining a place at Ivy League universities could also apply for a PSD scholarship.

Federal Territories Deputy Minister and MIC Information Chief Datuk M. Saravanan has joined the bandwagon and launched his own website and blog.

Saravanan’s website can be accessed at www.msaravanan.com and his blog at msaravanan68.blogspot.com.

The website contains articles and pictures depicting the growth of the 40-year-old politician from the time he was a “kampung boy” staying at the quarters of the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital here to what he is now.


It also contains his biodata and his vision and mission for the various segments of the community as well as an FAQ (frequently asked questions) column.


Saravanan has also created a reflections column where the deputy minister promises to post his views on issues and a column to post feedback from readers.


"This (website) will enable me to get closer to the people and hear them directly. It will also help clear misconceptions about me. The website will enable people, whoever they may be, to contact me directly,” he said.


"The blog, on the other hand, enables the people to read my views and give their reaction to issues that crop up from time to time.


"I believe the use of the Internet in the country has reached a level where people are logging in more than ever and, as politicians, we have to be on par with the current goings-on.


"I invite people to read the contents of the site and then judge me from there. Please don’t listen to rumours and coffeshop talk. If you have a doubt, mail me or get in touch with me through the blog to clear the doubt,” he told Bernama.

MALACCA: A privilege card will be issued to the 630,000 MIC members as part of the party’s rebranding exercise in creating a corporate image apart from rewarding them, MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said.

He said the card, called the “Dhana” or Wealth Cards in Sanskrit, would allow each member to enjoy at least 20 benefits and privileges.

They include special healthcare programmes, mobile phone offers and discounts on newspaper advertisements, motorcycles, automobile, entertainment and retail outlets as well as travel.

Speaking at the opening of the 62nd Malacca MIC delegates conference here, Samy Vellu said MIC would be the first political party to offer a discount and privilege card to its members when it is implemented.

“The MIC’s 630,000 members are a powerful economic force and it’s time to bargain economic privileges for party members,” he said, adding that its value and features must appeal to members especially to the youth segment.

He said the card was also to show the party’s appreciation to members for their loyalty and sacrifices.

Samy Vellu said he has also asked the party headquarters to compile the members’ photographs and vital information to enable the cards to be issued.

“I hope members will cooperate with the MIC headquarters by submitting their photographs,” he said, adding that it would take some time before all the members were issued with their card.

He said the party would also hold discussions with other big shopping stores or malls, petrol stations, travel agencies, airlines, hotels, car rental companies and other related companies to provide ‘Dhana' cardholders with discounts and other privileges.

“It is actually to the advantage of these companies as they will have 630,000 loyal clients who will make purchases at their stores or companies,” he said.

Samy Vellu said the card would contain the MIC’s logo that will also serve as an attraction for more new members to join the party, he said.

Hm, would mine hit 1,000,000 visitors? :P

PETALING JAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's blog, www.chedet.com has hit over one million hits in just 30 days.

The former premier started his blog on May 1 to pen his thoughts and opinions, which has also included criticisms of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

His blog named Dr Mahathir Mohamad had over 985,000 visitors on Thursday, a figure that has jumped to 1,015,766 at 12.50pm Friday. Also listed on his blog are event updates and related newspaper articles.

Congratulatory comments poured in for Dr Mahathir for the one million hit with some calling him "an official millionaire now."

Recently, Dr Mahathir posted his frustrations with Umno and claimed he was not treated as a member before he resigned. He also claimed that Umno was heading down the path of destruction if the current leadership and mentality did not change.

In his latest posting Friday, Dr Mahathir talked about his meetings in Tokyo and England on war criminalisation and appealed to Malaysians to support this campaign.

"It is ridiculous to regard murder as a crime punishable with the most extreme penalty yet the deliberate killings of thousands of people, mostly innocent men, women and children are regarded as proper and legal.

"There is a contradiction here which does not fit in with human values in a civilised world. War is not a way to settle conflicts between nations," he said in his blog.

He said trillions of dollars were being spent on developing and producing more lethal weapons of mass destruction and some poor countries were forced to buy them so as not to be less well-equipped than their neighbours.

"These weapons are often not used at all. Malaysia has been drawn into this game," he said, referring to the billion-ringgit submarine purchase.

Malaysia, he said, needed a defence force to preserve its independence and not an arms race.

"War is not a solution for our foreign policy agenda. A stiff backbone is far more important. Unfortunately at the moment we don’t have that," he quipped.

In appealing to Malaysians to support the campaign on war criminalisation, Dr Mahathir said there was no guarantee that war will not happen here in the future if it was still regarded as a way to settle conflicts between nations.

The return of the prodigal son.

Touted as a political coup from Pak Lah and orchestrated by Dato Wan Farid, with Ezam rejoining UMNO after his hiatus starting from the days when he left the party together with Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim (DSAI).

To liken Ezam as rakan seperjuangan rakan rakan Keadilan is definately an understatement. We are talking about this guy who used to be DSAI political secretary and Youth Chief of PKR. Not only that but he merengkok in penjara for his struggle too. And even Hishamuddin Rais in his blog Dari Jelebu did a write up on his cell partner of 2 years, about how courageous Ezam is.

So his rationale of joining UMNO? Pak Lah recent actions has prompted him to take this path and fight from within because he sees a commitment from UMNO to make a change.

Hmmm......isnt it too early to say anything at this juncture? Yes recent events has shown the government is trying its best to undo some of the legacy left behind by BN. Restoration of the judiciary and ex gratia payment to the judges involved in the judicial crisis, the Lingam commission, a commit to review the toll rates, to relook at some of the draconian acts we have, bringing Zaid Ibrahim into the PM Dept to take charge of legal affairs, to make ACA from a toohless tiger to ACA (the real deal of course), and just today proposals to amend the University Act.

Why this entire populist moves? Its simple. BN was handed a knock out by the rakyat. Some component parties had fallen so deep that, they might not climb out of the hole for a long time to come. All these moves by BN are more of a damage control in play. With DSAI looming at the edge of the Parliment, BN should be more cautious in this political chess game.

Malaysian politics has just gone a notch higher. And I am still not talking about the side events happening in and outside of the Dewan Rakyat.

[via malaysiakini.com]

Amnesty International (AI) has reiterated the call for police reform in Malaysia, stating that “at least 10 people died in police custody in 2007”.

This was one of the key issues raised in its Annual Report 2008, launched simultaneously worldwide today. The event in Malaysia was held in Petaling Jaya.

Other concerns highlighted by the London-based NGO in relation to Malaysia were on detention without trial, migrant workers, death penalty, freedom of expression, freedom of religion and rights of transsexuals.

AI-Malaysia executive director Joseph Paul said the report makes note of the denial of a wide spectrum of human rights around the world, even 60 years on since the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights was ratified.

However, affected groups are showing “growing impatience”, as seen in recent rallies by monks in Myanmar, as well as those organised by the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections and the Hindu Rights Action Force in Malaysia last year.

The 398-page report states the facts and “is not subjected to our own sense of morality and ethics”, he added.

Campaigns co-ordinator K Shan said Malaysia has yet to repeal laws left behind by the colonial administration and which “continue to undermine human rights”.

These include the Internal Security Act (ISA), Emergency Public Order Preventive Ordinance, Sedition Act, and Printing Presses and Publications Act.

‘Agony for families’

During the launch, Norlaila Othman - who runs a campaign to free ISA detainees - spoke on the adverse impact of the preventive detention law, especially on the families.

Her husband, Mat Sah Satray, 45, is among those currently held at the Kamunting detention camp in Taiping, Perak.

He was arrested in 2002, initially for alleged involvement with the KMM group, but this was later changed to Jemaah Islamiah and Al-Qaeda.

AI-Malaysia added a copy of the report would be sent to the Prime Minister’s Department as has been done in previous years.

Related Post :
Amnesty International Report 2007

Courtesy of IMOL

At least 10 people died in police custody in 2007. Despite continuing reports of such deaths and of excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrations, the Malaysian government failed to implement key recommendations for police reform. Scores of people were detained without trial under various emergency laws.

MALAYSIA
Head of State Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal
Head of government Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Death penalty retentionist
Population 26.2 million
Life expectancy 73.7 years
Under-5 mortality (m/f) 12/10 per 1,000
Adult literacy 88.7 per cent

At least 10 people died in police custody in 2007. Despite continuing reports of such deaths and of excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrations, the Malaysian government failed to implement key recommendations for police reform. Scores of people were detained without trial under various emergency laws. Restrictions on freedom of religion continued. Grievances felt by many among the ethnic Indian Malaysian minority community, including discrimination and economic marginalization, were aggravated by the destruction of reportedly unauthorized Hindu temples. Mandatory death sentences continued to be issued. Refugees and migrant workers were arbitrarily detained and assaulted during immigration raids.

Police reform
A Bill to establish a Special Complaints Commission (SCC) to monitor and investigate complaints of misconduct by police and other law enforcement officers was introduced. The Bill prompted concerns that the recommendations of a 2005 Royal Commission of Inquiry were not adequately reflected, particularly as regards the proposed SCC’s independence and investigative powers. Not only did the Bill grant the Prime Minister broad powers to appoint and dismiss Commissioners, but it also included the Inspector-General of Police as a permanent SCC member. The SCC also did not have the power to oversee police investigation of complaints.

The Criminal Procedure Code was amended to provide increased protection to people under arrest. It required the police to inform detainees arrested without a warrant of the circumstances of their arrest and, in most cases, to allow detainees to contact a family member or a lawyer.

Deaths in custody and excessive use of force
At least 10 people died in custody in 2007 including at least two reported suicides, and police reportedly continued to use excessive force on peaceful demonstrators.

On 10 and 25 November, police sprayed peaceful protesters with tear gas and irritant-laced water cannons during two mass demonstrations, the first calling for free and fair elections and the second highlighting the discrimination and other grievances felt by ethnic Indian Malaysians.
Detention without trial
The use or threatened use of the Internal Security Act (ISA) continued to be employed to suppress perceived critics of the government, with a specific threat to bloggers. Following the November demonstrations, the Prime Minister warned that the ISA could be used to prevent “illegal” protests. The ISA allows for detention without trial for up to two years, renewable indefinitely.

At least 83 people were detained under the ISA.
Most were alleged members of Islamist groups, including Jemaah Islamiah. At least four suspected Jemaah Islamiah members were arrested in 2007, and at least 16 were released during the year, having all been detained for over four years. Many were given restricted residence orders.
Others arrested under the ISA included five leaders of the Hindu Rights Action Force, a group campaigning for the rights of ethnic Indian Malaysians, who were sent directly to Kamunting Detention Camp. Five others, arrested for allegedly spreading rumours of racial riots, were subsequently released.
In October 2007, Abdul Malek Hussain, an ex-ISA detainee, was awarded damages of 2.5 million ringgit (approximately US$746,000). The judge ruled that he was unlawfully detained in 1998 and that he had been assaulted and tortured in custody.
Suspected criminals continued to be detained under the Emergency Ordinance (EO) (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) and the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act (DDA). Under both, suspects could be detained for up to 60 days for investigation after which a two-year detention order, renewable indefinitely, could be applied. Between January and August, 550 people were detained under the DDA. Both the EO and the DDA put suspects at risk of arbitrary detention and torture or other ill-treatment.

Migrant workers, refugees and asylum-seekers
Mass arrests of migrant workers, refugees and asylum-seekers by the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) continued. According to a government news agency, 24,770 migrants had been detained by Rela as of August 2007. Rela officials continued to be accused of using excessive force and arbitrary detention when conducting raids.

Migrant workers were also subjected to psychological and physical abuse by agencies and employers. They were often denied equal access to benefits and protections guaranteed to Malaysian workers, including maternity provisions, limits on working hours and holidays.

Cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments
Caning continued to be used for many offences, including immigration offences. Irregular migrants (those lacking proper documentation) and refugees were reported to have received canings.

Death penalty

In March, the government passed amendments to the Penal Code introducing mandatory death sentences for acts of terrorism that result in death. Anyone found guilty of providing funds for terrorist acts that result in death would also receive a mandatory death sentence. Death sentences continued to be passed during 2007, with mandatory death sentences for drugs trafficking. The authorities did not disclose details of executions.

Freedom of expression
On 13 July, People’s Justice party staff member and internet blogger Nathanial Tan was arrested at his office and detained under the Official Secrets Act. He was arrested on suspicion of having access to state secrets, namely official documents relating to corruption allegations, posted on his blog.

Discrimination

Freedom of religion
Restrictions on the right to religious freedom remained. People wishing to convert out of Islam continued to face barriers to having their conversion recognized by the civil courts.

In January, Revathi, a Muslim by birth, was detained at the Malacca Syariah High Court while applying to have her religious status recognized as Hindu. She was taken to a religious rehabilitation camp in Selangor and held there for six months. In March, the Islamic authorities removed Revathi’s daughter from her husband, and placed her in the custody of Revathi’s Muslim mother.
A 100-year-old Hindu temple was destroyed in Shah Alam in November, on the eve of the Hindu festival Deepavali. Several people were injured and 14 were arrested as devotees tried to stop the demolition. Other reportedly unauthorized Hindu temples were demolished to make way for development projects in 2007 despite petitions by local Hindu communities.

Rights of transsexuals

On 30 July, Ayu, a transsexual, was seriously beaten by officials from the Melaka Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIM). They reportedly punched and kicked her, rupturing a pre-existing hernia. A JAIM official stated that Ayu was detained for committing the “offence” of “men dressing as women in a public space”, which is punishable by a fine of 1,000 ringgit (US$300), a six-month prison sentence or both under the Melak Syariah Offences Act.

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC vice-president Tan Sri K.S. Nijhar has resigned after a heated row two weeks ago with party chief Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu.

A senior MIC official confirmed that Nijhar, the highest ranking Sikh in the party, had submitted his resignation and that an official announcement would be made today.

Nijhar, when contacted, declined to comment but said the party would make an announcement on the matter.

The former Subang member of parliament's decision to quit the party comes on the heels of an argument with Samy Vellu during the MIC central working committee meeting on May 15.

Reporters waiting outside the room saw a visibly upset Nijhar storming out, slamming the door behind him after shouting: "I never knew you to be such a cruel man. How can you simply sack a man?"

It was later learnt that Nijhar was upset with the expulsion of former Kapar division chairman S. Subramaniam, better known as Jumbo Maniam.

Meanwhile, a source close to Nijhar said his resignation was not linked to the incident but to make way for new blood.

"He had to go sooner or later to give way for new blood and decided to call it a day,' said the source, who did not say why Nijhar had chosen to quit mid-term.

SHAH ALAM: Police detained three people, including a woman, yesterday, in connection with the murder of Kota Raja MIC Youth chief S. Selvadhurai. He was killed in a robbery in Taman Sri Muda near here in April.

The woman, who is in her 30s and works as an insurance agent, was picked up from her home in Taman Sri Muda, while the men were held at two nearby housing estates.

Police said the trio could help shed light on the murder of Selvadhurai, 42.

Selvadhurai was waylaid by robbers at 9pm on April 28 as he was heading back to his car after withdrawing money from an ATM in Taman Sri Muda.

It is believed he tried to fight off his robbers, who were armed with parang, and was slashed to death. – Bernama

The MIC is the only party representing the Indian Malaysian community’s interests in the cabinet, asserted party president S Samy Vellu.

He was contesting a recent claim by T Murugiah, a deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, that the premier had endorsed him as the community’s representative.

Murugiah, the PPP Youth head, was sworn in as a senator on April 21 and then assigned his cabinet post.However, Samy Vellu said Dr S Subramaniam , the human resources minister and MIC secretary-general, is “the sole minister representing the Indian community”.“Many Indians in need of help approach MIC now and the party takes good care of the needs of the community. We solve their problems,” he said yesterday, after a meeting with Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein at Parliament House.

Samy Vellu said he had also raised the need for funds to build and refurbish Tamil schools, as many of these are dilapidated. “A couple of years ago we asked for RM16.5million funds to build 18 Tamil schools. The education ministry approved the funds, but channeled only RM6.98 million to the public works department,” he said. “So far we have started building seven schools in Ulu Tiram, Batu Empat (Klang), Bandar Baru Salak (Salak Tinggi), Kalaimagal (Sungai Petani), Ladang Wellesley (Lunas) Senawang(Seremban) and Kajang (Selangor).”

On April 23, Works Minister Mohd Zin Mohamed said that tenders to repair 40 Tamil schools nationwide would be opened for bidding by May. The projects worth RM41.5 million are expected to start in July, under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

Additional requests Samy Vellu further said he has requested the government for “two new licences” - to buy a plot of land for a new RM5.5 million Tamil school in Payar Besar, Lunas, and to build another Tamil school in Sungai Siput, Perak, as the current premises are too small.

Another request was for all Tamil schools to be converted from partially funded to fully funded one. “The minister has given me confidence that everything will be taken care of systematically.
“Hishammuddin is quite positive about certain things and I’m very happy (that) we can clean up these Tamil schools problems during his (tenure),” said Samy Vellu.“I feel this is our government...we can always see them, talk to them and make them understand our problems.”

Below are some pictures on official launching of Putera MIC,Tebrau Division,Johor by Dato.T Saravanan. The elected Coordinator is Mr.Satish.

The event was to support Dato Seri Samy velu's call to recruit more youth as members,said Yb.Soorian

Sequels..

Thought of writing sequels but not anymore.

About Putera MIC

Putera MIC formation was announced in Oct 2006. They were targeting for group aged between 18-30 years. They will have a Coordinator in every division (supposedly) and not to form branch. Their Patron or Advisor is Mr.Vel Pari (son of Dato Seri Samy Velu). If I’m not mistaken, the deputy and secretary have resigned (sorry if I’m wrong)

Activities

The activities they organized range from joint event on Piala Merdeka Futsal, Muruku selling, Ponggal, Blogger Buff and few more. The seminar mentioned with Era Consumers was a half day event in conjunction with their inaugural seminar explaining on the management and administrative procedures, future programs, activities and overall direction of Putera MIC.

Most of PMIC activities, Climbing Mount Kinabalu, classes for Tamil students on preparing themselves for UPSR in Perak and etc were joint activities. How about Activities that Putera MIC organized on stand alone basis, you have but not many such as Vignes,science fair and sending memorandum on HINDRAF was to protest against the rally organized by HINDRAF on the 25th of November, and the irresponsible act of certain parties who have been actively persuading university students to attend the illegal demonstration and etc.

Mr.Kamalanathan,

Putera MIC should be active, have many activities, because you represent youths whom well, most weekends are free.

You argued on rather than emphasizing on updates on your forum and websites, you will reach out youths directly, but why you started off a website with forum in first place? Are you actually reaching out all the students out there or under grads? It is confirmed, youths now refer to internet for information’s. Even BN said that was the main rationale on their lost. Duh!

Putera MIC is not a platform, it is a part of a political party which focusing on socio -political. As a sub wing of MIC, you strive for the betterment of Indians.

Mr.Kamalanathan

I would love to wrangle all your points but sometimes unnecessary squabbles should be avoided. Rather than stressing and defending what you did, try to reform. This is not the time to come with article on “Why anyone would join Putera MIC’ it should be “What Putera MIC could do for Youths”. Be realistic.

On the member’s profiles, you should recruit more teenagers to run Putera, train them, let them experience what real politics mean. You stressed that you have a network of professionals to provide information and used the word ultimately secure job for jobless, you came out with stats but do you know the stats on Indian grads, teenagers and youths in Malaysia, compare them with your network of professionals. Don't sell Putera MIC like it was a product, demonstrate what PMIC is to people, hand on elucidate on PMIC and etc.

The rest of your reasons explanations, you were defending. What the necessary of it? Look forward towards the future of PMIC; take the criticisms and convert it as constructive feedback. Things like Putera MIC are not full time members..hmm, not all the politicians are too. You want to be an active member and active party, get the right and work hard to maintain the dignity of your party. What’s the point of starting one when you can come with reasons on not being up to date with the task?

You're 42 years old, way off the age limit, step down, and give way to others. Let Putera MIC run by someone within the age limit. Putera has patrons and senior members to monitor. I suggest the delegates to bring this forward in the upcoming MIC general Assembly in July.

This article would be my ultimatum on you and not Putera MIC. I respect Putera MIC and I don't like just because of one member, Putera to be condemned especially by me.

P/S : The money spent on Vignes could have been spent for doing some charities in Malaysia. Since now, he is on his way back to Malaysia just because he got mugged and lost his passport. Try gaining confidence and members in Malaysia before aiming for International level.

I rest my case.

A 12-year resettlement dispute between property developer and plantation giant, Sime Darby Bhd, and workers of Bukit Raja Estate in Klang, finally came to an end when both parties reached a settlement following the intervention of MIC.

MIC President Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the workers had accepted the land offered by Sime Darby to build their homes.

“I met the representatives of the workers and Sime Darby yesterday and they agreed that the workers will be provided with their agreed choice of house on the land,” he said in a statement today.

Samy Vellu said Sime Darby would soon issue offer letters to the workers.

Before the last general election, Samy Vellu said he and Putera Umno chief Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim visited the estate following complaints that the Bukit Raja Tamil School was without a playground.

“I requested Sime Darby to allocate a two-acre (0.8ha) land to build the playground and a two-storey building for the school,” he said.“I also asked the company to hand over the land where the school is currently located to the Education Ministry for the school to be converted into a fully-aided school.

“All the requests were agreed to by Sime Darby but the housing problem was not solved as the estate workers did not want to accept the land offered by the company.

“But now the housing issue has been resolved and I urge the workers to cooperate with Sime Darby,” he added.

Contrary to what its critics claim, Malaysian Indian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are with the MIC and not working against the largest Indian-based political party in the country.

Federal Territories Deputy Minister and MIC Information chief Datuk M.Saravanan said some quarters were saying that Indian-based NGOs were not supportive of the MIC and this wrong notion was “fabricated through the media”. "These people believe that by saying NGOs and the community are not with MIC, they would be able to destroy the party. Let me remind them that they cannot at any time destroy the MIC, they can only destroy unity of the community.” The deputy minister said this after meeting representatives of 47 Indian NGOs, which have formed the Federation of Malaysian Indian Organisations, at the ministry, here, today.

He said while the party’s critics were trying to turn away the community from MIC, they did not realise that their actions were causing disunity among the 1.8 million Malaysian Indians.

On the two-hour meeting, Saravanan said the NGOs wanted to work with the government, especially with the Federal Territories Ministry as many of these NGOs were headquartered in Kuala Lumpur.

"They raised a few issues like employement in the public sector, business opportunites for Indians, housing, licences and land for temples and Tamil schools. The ministry will look into all matters raised.

"Primarily, we are happy with the response from the NGOs. Their presence here proves that the people still look to the Barisan Nasional for help despite the opposition making a headway in certain states.

"What we want is to use their national network. Most of their claims are also reasonable and community-based. I promised that the Ministry would work closely with them and fulfil their expectations within the provisions of the law,” he added.

Saravanan said the meeting today was the first of its kind since the March 8 general election, and more such meetings were planned.

"We believe this is a good start. We do not want to politicise issues. We rather sit down and work towards getting the problems solved for the good of the people,” he said.

KUALA LUMPUR: A 12-month tour of 93 universities in 69 countries by Putera MIC’s first Malaysia Global ambassador has been derailed after he was robbed in Teheran, Iran.

V. Vighneswaran, 28, was robbed of US$500 cash and his passport in April, forcing him to return home.

“I was mugged by three youths after visiting a university in Teheran. I had no choice but to return to Malaysia to get a replacement passport,” he said, adding that he would continue with his mission on June 1.

Vighneswaran had already visited 23 universities – 11 in India, two in Nepal, two in the United Arab Emirates and eight in Iran – when he was mugged.


I will return: Vighneswaran shaking hands with Goa Institute of Management dean P. Mirchandani during his visit to India recently.
Among the universities were Anna University, Madras Medical College and Melaka Manipal Medical College in India; University of Management in Kathmandu, Nepal; Dubai School of Government and American University of Sharjah in UAE; and Iran University of Science and Technology, Sharif University of Technology, University of Teheran, Shahid Behesti University and Shiraz University in Iran.

Vighneswaran, who is pursuing a doctorate in economics at Universiti Malaya, said he had received encouraging response from the universities he had visited.

The Malaysian Global Ambassador Project, which was launched by Putera MIC in January, is aimed at creating a world-class higher education system in Malaysia.

On the completion of the project, a working paper on the world’s top ranked universities will be presented to the Higher Education Ministry.

I’m back politicking about Putera MIC (yeah,AGAIN).it always amuse me to read retorts for my articles whether in newspapers or ,now, in blogging world. Since Putera MIC would come up with 8 parts of their explanation, I would start with introduction, followed by, the sequels.

There were many raised questions on Putera MIC’s recent article including me but Mr.Kamalanathan targeted only me and Mr.Madhavan, is it, because we were voicing out loudly more than the others? In that case you should have act in response to me in my blog, that’s why we have comment. Oh, by the way this rule ( on comments) was enlightened to me by one of your admin. So, this really infuriate me, simply by picking 2 out of couple of people’s article and highlighting their comments,equals to infantile behavior.

Mr.Kamalanathan: You want to reply: Reply to all or send me a private reply, if my name is being mentioned, I will publish the article not like Putera MIC whom did not publish my article but then can question the motive of my writings.

Rather than bickering on the injustice of their “communication with public” methods, I would be back with the sequels. I have no grudges against Putera MIC but I don’t like any person whom mistook the meaning of “Freedom of Speech”..

To be continued

SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government has pledged to help the families of Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees by providing welfare assistance.

Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said several steps could be taken to help the wives and children of these detainees, to help them through difficult times.

The state government could bear the travelling costs for families to visit the detention camp every week, he said.

The children could get scholarships to further their studies, and ways can be found for the wives to become entrepreneurs.

“Life can be difficult for them but they must continue to fight,” he said after receiving a memorandum from Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI or Abolish ISA Movement) here on Monday.

Khalid said GMI's move was in line with the state government's call for the abolition of the ISA and OSA (Official Secrets Act).

GMI chairman Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said there were six families whose sole breadwinner had been detained since 2002.

“Six years is not a short period -- these sole breadwinners have lost their jobs and their children are suffering the consequences.

“There are also two detainees whose wives have sought divorce because of the long detention," he added.

SHAH ALAM: Some 80 people from an Indian group gathered in front of the state secretariat building here on Monday to voice their dissatisfaction over what they said was a failure of the newly-elect state government to deliver on its campaign promises.

The unregistered society, the Selangor Indian Community Selangor led by K. Gunasegaran, said they hoped the government would attend to its pledges made before the March 8 general election.

The group handed a memorandum covering 13 issues to the office of Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.

The group called for the appointment of another Indian representative in the state executive council, at least six Indian representatives in each local council, and an Indian mayor for either the Shah Alam or Petaling Jaya city councils.

The group also asked that at least 25% of positions in the state government be allocated to Indians.

Special task officer Yahya Sahri received the memorandum on behalf of the Mentri Besar and said the state government would look into the demands.

IPOH: The proposed RM300mil annual fund aimed at improving the Indian community will not be handled by the MIC, its president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said.

Hitting out at critics that the proposal was another scam by the MIC to make money out of the Indian community, Samy Vellu said:

“Not a single sen of the RM300mil yearly allocation sought to raise the equity of Indians will pass through the MIC.”

The party, he said, would have no hand in the decision-making, selection process or the disbursement of funds.

“The money is to be given out in the form of loans by financial institutions as well as development programmes and support schemes by government agencies,” he told reporters Monday before opening the Perak MIC Convention here.

As the ones who initiated the proposal, Samy Vellu said the MIC, through its Social Rehabilitation Foundation, could act as part of a monitoring body.

He detailed that of the total yearly amount being sought from the Government under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, RM100mil would be disbursed in loans or grants to the poor for the purpose of trust fund investments.

“The funds are to be handled by Permodalan Nasional Bhd or any others set by the Government,” he explained.

He said RM50mil would go towards loans to help small and medium industries or enterprises, RM30mil in micro-credit loans for 2,000 participants, and RM10mil to agro-based businesses.

“Under the Tamil schools development programme, RM50mil will be used to build new schools, and RM15mil for 100 new pre-schools and RM30mil to create hostel facilities at 50 schools on a yearly basis,” he said.

Another RM15mil would be used to help displaced poor families and single mothers under a welfare support scheme, he added.

Noting that the proposal had already been submitted to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in-charge-of the Economic Planning Unit Senator Datuk Amirsham Abdul Aziz, he said the MIC would later be meeting the Prime Minister on the proposed fund next week.

“Hopefully, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will make a favourable announcement when he opens the MIC national convention in July,” he added.

Salman Khan is the latest Bollywood star to be hit by bloggomania.Aamir Khan was the first notable celebrity from Hindi film industry to directly interact with his fans through his personal blog. Amitabh Bachchan soon followed suit and attracted hundreds and thousands of his fans to his blog. Now, Salman Khan has joined the bandwagon.

Sallu has begun writing on http://duskadum.blogspot.com.However, his blog is not personal but related to his upcoming TV show ‘10 Ka Dum’ which is set to go on air from June 6, 2008.In his blog, Salman writes about how he came aboard for the show.“I still remember the day when my brother Sohail Khan , who always dreams big, thinks different, brought the proposal to anchor a show for Sony Entertainment Television. I had my reservations. The idea sounded so impractical that I rejected it even without giving it much thought. All my decisions are based on my instinct and some people think that I am too moody and cynical. But believe me I have been guided by my instincts and my heart all my life! I do not depend too much on intelligence, analysis and calculations…

However, Sohail, the eternal optimist, and family friend Ajay Chhabaria have tremendous patience and endless power of persuasion. They kept asking me to look into the format closely.

Their patience and perseverance paid dividends,” Salman writes.About what attracted him to the show, Salman writes: “What attracted me to the format of 10 Ka Dum is that there is no false shame and sense of humiliation if your answer is wrong…The second thing that attracted me to the format is the informality of the show -- it goes to such an extent that the role of anchor and contestants are reversed at times and also interchangeable.”Salman added that soon, ‘10 Ka Dum’ ceased to be a format or a chat show for him. “It became my thanks-giving to millions of my fans who have showered their love and blessings to a rather reluctant star"

We’re waiting for your show, Salman.

Today I’m going to comment or refute (the exact word) on Putera MIC’s article on Why would anyone join Putera MIC’

Why? I had many people at loggerheads or questioning me the logic of their article or would I say the sincerity of the writing.

Before I elaborate on my blog issue, I would like to stress I support any party that helps Indian, especially MIC but sometimes, there is a limit. Being a politician or trying to act one…there are divergence in that

Putera MIC said they have 8 reasons on ‘Why would anyone join Putera MIC’? Well, first, my nail to hammer them is, you quoted saying Super star Rajini Kanth said life is divided into 8 hence you came up with 8 reasons, (*laughing out loud) , first of all, this is Malaysia aka diversity country ,what if other races stumble upon your blog and they would wondering who the heck is Rajini Kanth? I like the actor (no offence on that) but come on, you can come up with thousand people to refer too but why a person whom well, has nothing to do with our political outline?

On your 8 reasons:

1)Youth and our youngsters are the future leaders. PUTERA MIC will provide a platform for these young leaders to learn and enhance leadership-skills and people-manage skills.

Putera MIC is the platform? What actually you did? Organizing an activity once in blue moon should not be called platform. Leadership’s skills? I actually think you should train your members to attend the leadership courses, teach them on communication and etc before claiming you’re eligible or voice out your intention on conducting one.

2)PUTERA MIC will be a platform for varsity and college student to come together and share their views and ideas as well as to discuss any problems faced by the Indian Students in varsity or college. Thus, PUTERA MIC is platform for discussion and solution-finding.

You guys actually will be a platform? First of all, stop using the word platform. I saw your forum and your blog, by the time you update, the news would be outdated. Your blog; what should I say!!! Come on guys, put in some effort and well, are you sure all the universities in Malaysia know you exist? I can bet yaar, do some reality check!! If you really meant what you said, provide me with the facts that under graduates knew YOU EXIST.

3. PUTERA MIC could help the varsity or the college students to a get a placement for internship. PUTERA MIC will also organize programs, workshop and career fair to help and guide final year’s students in interview, resume writing and many other activities to expose the student with the real working environment.

Now you make me laugh sarcastically. How many students managed to do their industrial training with your help? Would not elaborate further (* I’m too tired laughing)Can you name me the main NGO that provides internship for international and local students in all the public and private universities?They have achieved a good record and well known for their their internship:)

4. PUTERA MIC member are mostly graduates thus provides a network of professional whom can provide an effective advice and guidance on career development and employment opportunities. Ultimately, PUTERA MIC could help students or jobless graduate to secure a job.

Effective advice and guidance? Graduates? Ok, how often do you update your websites; do you realize the clichés of your website? You, so called, manage Dato seri samy Vellu’s portal but what the heck? Career and employment guidance, duh! You don’t even update the latest government vacancies!! The last I check, none?!! None till now, employed with the help of Putera MIC. Get my record straight!

5. PUTERA MIC provides an exposure and information on socio-political situation of our community. As such PUTERA MIC provides an opportunity for our youngsters to contribute in the process of upliftment our community’s overall status.

I’m getting annoyed replying to each reasons now, kamalanathan, check your blog, how often you actually provide exposure or information crap thingy you said, or even Putera MIC?
community’s overall status.

6. PUTERA MIC will introduce programmes to guide and facilitate Indian youths to excel in Education, ICT, Business and Entrepreneurial, as well as social-economic related programmes and opportunities

Will introduce? I wonder when?

7. PUTERA MIC could provide an avenue for ‘right political awareness’ especially to the youngsters as many of them are shying away from playing an active role in public life or civil society. On the other hand, political awareness/maturity is crucial to instill patriotism and nationalism.

Right Avenue? There were times when I came across someone questioning on MIC and you erased the chat log saying MIC and Putera is two different issue.. When a person question whether it is about MAIKA holdings to Sujatha case, it still connects to MIC (coz that’s how the press sounds),don’t chicken out but clarify. Say, explain, provide details…. A good leader or party defends the members although for a small issue!!!

8. PUTERA MIC will be organizing many programs from time to time. All these programs are meant to benefit PUTERA MIC members in many ways. From sports to intellectual related activities programs will be conducted through out the year. As such it is also an avenue for socializing in a very positive, constructive and productive way.

When you start Putera MIC, train your members before recruiting new people. Look and scrub your back and all your dirt’s. I think you got what I’m trying to say!

Kamalanathan,

I’m not someone whom against MIC or Putera, just I’m more concern about the betterment for Indian community. If you want to ameliorate, be sincere, stop giving the unacceptable excuses and if people question about your motive, answer them in professional manner. Say, now you would execute certain plans to uplift Indian community. Be truthful and sincere. Don’t misuse the name of MIC or act like you’re a people party, since you’re just Putera MIC. Be mature and try to learn to be a politician.

How would MIC regain the confidence of Indians? It is easy though, if you bandage on the right wound.

First, just ensure that the 9MP is amended to include all those that were supposed to have been genuinely done by an honest government for the Indians offsetting the acute neglect and omission of the last 50 years. Also amend the Vision 2020 too and implement actions to ensure that all communities in the country are genuinely taken care of in equitable manner. In other words, walk your talk.

Second, hand over the management of MAIKA Holdings to a genuine professional and capable group to manage without political interference. All politicians and their proxies should, in a display of self-respect, leave the company for good and never ever think of having anything to do with it. If this is done, I am sure MAIKA can be rescued and returned to produce a decent profit within a year or two.

Third, the MIC and the Government should take efforts to get land titles issued to all remaining Hindu temples in the country within the next 3 months so that the temple sittings are legalized. Issuance of land titles is the responsibility of the State Authority. This message therefore goes to opposition held state governments too. Also require that Hindu temples to submit proper building plans and approve them within the next 6 months. Never ever deny or delay unreasonably any request for approval of building plans for Hindu temples just because they are Hindu temples.

Now that is not so hard for a country that can send an Angkasawan for a jolly ride up in space burning millions of hard earned ringgit during these days of high food and fuel prices, is it? That is not so hard for a country that sent guided tour up the Himalayas to demonstrate to the world that Malaysians too can climb the Everest? If MIC and Barisan can just be sincere towards the Indians treating them the same as any other Malaysian citizen and genuinely do the best, which Indian would wish not to vote for MIC?

However, there is one catch though. The Indians, for that matter all Malaysians, are not waiting for MIC to repent, undo the damage and to behave properly here onwards. The nails have been driven by Barisan Nasional as a whole into the coffin where MIC has voluntarily laid itself to rest and has chosen to rot beneath. Times have changed, as they say and life goes on.

What are the lessons from the above for the government of the day?

First, all Five Year Plans should cater for all Malaysians equitably and justifiably. Racial differences are superficial issues. Value all the humans who comprise the nation.

Second, the government should not be made an accomplice to rogue individuals using public companies to amass illegally personal wealth. Corporate governance and professionalism should be upheld at all times.

Third, all State Government should take the lead role of protecting all religious buildings especially in matters related to issuance of land titles .All temples must have approved building plans in the interest of public safety and accepted standards.

If MIC with BN collaborated and tackle the mentioned issues, they can regain the confidence in them. Death or Resurrection is in MIC’s hand.

NST NEWSDESK

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has delivered its judgment on the sovereignty dispute case over Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge between Malaysia and Singapore today.



The decision for Pulau Batu Puteh was in favour of Singapore and Malaysia was given sovereignty of Middle Rocks. Decision on South ledge was unclear.

SUNGAI PETANI, FRI:

MIC President Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu today expressed sadness over the move by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to quit Umno.

"I am saddened. Would it not be good if Dr Mahathir and (Prime Minister Datuk Seri) Abdullah (Ahmad Badawi) could reconcile for the sake of national development?” he told reporters after opening the Kedah MIC annual general meeting, here.

Dr Mahathir announced on Monday he was quitting Umno because he had lost confidence in the leadership of Abdullah and that he would only rejoin the party after Abdullah steps down as Umno president and prime minister.

The announcement had come following two years of criticism hurled at the Abdullah administration by Dr Mahathir.

Samy Vellu said, however, that the MIC supported Abdullah as the prime minister and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman.

KANGAR: More professionals and youths will be roped in to run the MIC branches in a bid to regain the Indian community's trust and confidence in the party and Barisan Nasional, president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said.

He said the MIC would have to think of new strategies to woo them into the party as previous approaches may have not been acceptable.

Speaking Friday at the opening of the Perlis MIC state convention here, he said the party has set its sights on young graduates.

He also said the MIC would discard the “old methods” that had prevented them from voicing their ideas and dissatisfaction through the party.

“We want to allow for more voices, especially from the professionals and youths, to be heard,” he said, adding that the move was part of the party’s re-branding exercise that was launched recently.

Samy Vellu said the time has come for the party to re-look at the way the branches and divisions have been operating and inject new dynamism and work culture among the leaders.

He said what the party needed to do now was to stop the “soul searching" process and the “denial syndrome” and get on with the job of rejuvenating the MIC.

He said that the MIC would give its “full backing” for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to fulfil the pledges made by the Barisan Nasional in the last general election.

“This is our priority now. We want the Government to fulfil all its pledges made in the Ninth Malaysia Plan for the Indians,” he said, adding that by doing so, it would regain the Indians’ trust in the Government and the Barisan Nasional.

DEWAN Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia is not happy with the lobby of Parliament House being used for groups to highlight their political views.

Referring to the birthday celebration of Hindu Rights Action Front chairman P. Waythamoorthy's daughter on Wednesday, he said it should not have taken place in Parliament.

“Parliament is a place for MPs to work. Such celebrations can take place outside Parliament,” he said yesterday.

Pandikar Amin said he would be writing to inform all heads of political parties to ensure that this did not occur again.

“Political matters could be dealt with outside Parliament House,” he said.

W. Vwaishhnnavi celebrated her sixth birthday with a birthday cake at the Parliament lobby together with some 30 Hindraf supporters and Opposition MPs.

Pandikar Amin pointed to the May 8 incident when Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Independent – Pasir Mas) was confronted by a group of disabled people demanding that he apologise to wheelchair-bound Karpal Singh (DAP –Bukit Gelugor) for telling him to stand up when speaking in the Dewan Rakyat.

The group, known as Malaysians Against the Discrimination of the Disabled, was brought there by several Pakatan Rakyat MPs.

Earlier in the Dewan, the birthday do became a topic which sparked discussions on Parliament’s lax security.

Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN – Kinabatangan) said the event proved that there was easy access into the Parliament building.

“We cannot compromise on security in Parliament,” he said when interjecting the winding-up of the debate on the motion of thanks by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz.

Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi (BN – Batu Pahat) also said that all MPs received a letter from Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu’s father on the first day of Parliament, which again showed the lack of security in the building.

At one point, N. Gobalakrishnan (PKR – Padang Serai) said he received a poison-pen letter in his mail box in Parliament on Tuesday which criticised PKR de factor leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“I hope Parliament will look into this matter and improve the security system.”

Creating the 'UNITY' among Malaysian Indian Students Overseas

I am a Malaysian student studying in South India and I am glad to say that we have formed an organization mainly for all the Malaysian Indians studying abroad. The main purpose of the organization would be to look into the welfare of our students as we assist them in various ways though the embassy and organize celebrations such as Deepavali, Ponggal and etc which is mainly to UNITE our Malaysian Indians.

To date, i can say that almost all the students know each other no matter where they are and very cooperative towards helping each other.
This has created an Unity among The Malaysian Students in Chennai.

I would like to suggest to form the same UNITY for all our Malaysian Indian students who are studying overseas in order to stay united from now onwards and form a professional networking opportunity among us.

Therefore, I wish to seek your kind opinion on how shall we form and work on this.

Besides tht, i would also like to know HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY A ROLE IN THIS MATTER....?
Looking forward to hear from you....

Thank you.

Regards
E.Venkates Rao
Chief - PuteraMIC Chennai / South India
Chairman - International Chapters

you may also reach me at:
016 6377005
venkates@myjaring.net

Hmmmm......speechless

HINDRAF
135-3
Jalan Toman 7
Kemayan Square
Seremban

PRESS STATEMENT 21st May 2008

RE : PROOF HOME MINISTER LIED AND MISLEAD THE PUBLIC
HOME MINISTER SHOULD RESIGN

I enclose below a scanned copy of my passport, which clearly shows that my passport expires in October 2010.

The statement made by the Home Minister is a blatant lie and deliberately intended to mislead the Malaysian public who were outraged by the action of the Government against me.

I do not for a moment doubt that the real intentions of the Government is that upon the revocation the British authorities would deport me back to Malaysia only to be arrested under the ISA

In light of the blatant lie I call upon the Home Minister to tender his resignation from the cabinet with immediate effect to safeguard the good name and integrity of the Governnment

P.Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF

Looks like MIC is going all out to execute the rebranding plan and regain trust in them again.

Hope all the students would receive scholarship.

NST


PUTRAJAYA: MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu today met Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan to appeal on behalf of 187 Malaysian Indian high achievers who were denied Public Service Department (PSD) scholarships this year.

Samy Vellu said of the 187 students, three had scored 12A1, seven 11A1, 68 10A1, 66 9A1 and 43 8A1 in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination.

“I explained to the Chief Secretary on the need to help these students. This is in line with our aspiration to create at least two professionals in every Indian family in the country.

“He was very receptive and has promised to do his best to help these students who have excelled in their studies,” he said.

Currently, only 72 Indian students had received PSD scholarships of the 2,000 scholarships offered.

Samy Vellu said MIC secretary-general Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam, who is also Human Resources Minister, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department S.K. Devamany and MIC Education Bureau chief Prof Datuk T. Marimuthu would meet PSD director-general Tan Sri Ismail Adam later today on the matter.

“We are taking a two-pronged approach to solve this problem. We believe some of the 187 students will be reconsidered for the scholarships,” he said.

The battle had turn into a war that has no turning back. The result is either Pak Lah step down or Tun Mahathir becomes a lonely old man that lives in his past glory.

Is this the best way to end a political career life? Tun Mahathir as a respectful leader of this country should have used his influence for a better cause. He could champion holistic issue such as global warming, international peace, Islamic development or even his "Asian Value", but he chose "to bring down his own successor". Tun M has never satisfied with his successor, not even his predecessor. He had openly criticized Tunku Abdul Rahman in his famous book of "Malay Dilemma", he has not satisfied with all his deputy, from Tun Musa, (Tun Ghafar is exceptional may be because he had follow everything Tun M asked for), Anwar Ibrahim and of course Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Bear in mind, he even challenged the Malay Sultans by reducing their power and put away their "invincible power/ kuasa kekebalan raja).

Since retired from the premiership, Tun M has never silent from politics. At first he targeted Rafidah Aziz for her APs policy that accused to have caused Proton's suffer. He then move on to challenge Nazri, Najib, Ong Ka Ting, Samy Vellu, Anwar Ibrahim and when government decided not to build the crooked bridge to Singapore, Tun M draw his line with Pak Lah.

Tun M was once a powerful and respectful leader in Malaysia. He was in power for 22 years and had brought Malaysia from an agriculture based economy to a modern, industrialized economy. He builds KLCC, KLIA, Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, MSC and he had challenged Japan to join his East Asia Economic Group (EAEG), but under enormous pressure from US, Asian country back to use APEC as an economic platform.

Maybe because he had done so much, after all the challenges thrown to him in his political struggle within UMNO, he has this imagination that this country belongs to him and his family. So when he opted out Anwar Ibrahim and chosen a more "soft" Abdullah Badawi to become his successor, he thought Abdullah will seek his guidance and will continue his legacy. However, Abdullah has revised most of Tun M policy and put an end to Mahathirism.

Now everything seems made Tun M uncomfortable. He continues to challenge Anwar Ibrahim and he will never want to see Anwar become Prime Minister. At the same time, he wants Abdullah Bawadi to step down, and he said Najib is not suitable as well. So Tun M, who is the best candidates to become Malaysia Prime Minister? Mukriz? or should we invite you to become the next PM as you seems the only Malaysian to qualify for this job.

What do you really want, Tun? Do you want UMNO to be weakened and BN to be fallen apart and Anwar to become next PM? Do you think revising the judiciary system tarnished by you is something bad for this country? Do you think Abdullah become UMNO president and PM merely because of you? Please respect the rakyat's decision. We have put BN into federal and put 5 states under opposition, so what? It is not the end of the world. This result could have been something good for the country.

Yes ,you have done so much for us, thank you. But Tun, please let the next generation to determine their future. Get some rest, may God bless you.

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC will undergo a massive rebranding exercise to shed its 60-year “old generation” image.

However, party president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu remained adamant the move would not affect its top leadership as yet.

“Talking about MIC's leadership is a step backwards. I don’t want to answer your question anymore,” he said, after being pressured by newsmen over leadership changes during a press conference at MIC headquarters here yesterday, after he chaired a central working committee meeting.

He said MIC's physical, operational and structural image had to accommodate the new needs of the rakyat, especially the Indian community, to remain relevant.

He said the results of the general election indicated that the party did the “right thing but in the wrong way,” by not fully utilising electronic media to its advantage when campaigning. This, he said, resulted in the loss of votes from the young generation.

In this context, he said the primary change was a 50% quota of young members in the party.

MIC has 630,000 members comprising 40% women, 30% youth and the remaining include leaders and other members.

MIC will also carry the new tagline, “A New Generation Party,” while maintaining its “MIC Cares” theme, with a new party logo, new song, and new uniforms for the women and youth wings.

A call centre will be established to entertain problems, and a new portal to replace the party’s current website will also be launched.

An MIC discount card will also be given to members for use at selected outlets.

“We are expecting total penetration of this image change within a two-year period.

“A detailed action plan will also be communicated to all grassroots leaders via some 140 meetings to be held in all branches from district to district,” he said, adding that the complete exercise would cost some RM500,000.

On queries if the party had been approached by Pakatan Rakyat to defect, Samy Vellu said: “We will continue to stay in Barisan, contribute to its objectives and also continue to serve the Indian community.”

KUALA LUMPUR: The MIC is unhappy with the low percentage of Public Service Department overseas scholarships allocated to Indian students, party president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said.

He said only 34 Indian students were successful in their application last year.

The party received 194 appeals from students, some of whom obtained 12 1As in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination, Samy Vellu said in a statement.

The party has prepared a list of the 194 appeal cases including two students with 12 1As, three students with 11 1As and 41 students with 10 1As.

"I will request the MIC representative in the Cabinet (Human Resource Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam) to bring up the appeal cases in the next Cabinet meeting (on Friday)."

Samy Vellu said he had also discussed the matter with the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Sidek Hassan and would follow up with him.

"I hope the government will consider the appeals by the students, especially those with excellent grades," he said, adding that some students came from poor backgrounds.

He said the department should set a minimum requirement similar to that for matriculation courses in selected universities and Form Six in fully-aided schools, in which it offerred scholarships to all students who scored 9As in their SPM. - Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, WED:The Federal Court today dismissed the appeal of the five Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders who are being held under the Internal Security Act.

In upholding the decision of the Judicial Commissioner, the three-man bench - Datuk Allaudin Mohd Sheriff, Datuk Ariffin Zakaria and Datuk Hashim Yusof - ruled that the decision to detain the five under the ISA was legal.

The ruling was made after reading the affidavits of the respondents, including that of the Prime Minister’s, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who was then the Internal Security Minister.

The Hindraf five - lawyers M. Manoharan, 46, (who is also the Kota Alam Shah assemblyman), P. Uthayakumar, 46, V. Ganabatirau, 34, R. Kengadharan, 40, and Hindraf coordinator T. Vasantha Kumar - were represented by Karpal Singh who said that he would file for a review of the ruling on Monday.

The respondents were represented by Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail.

Family members and relatives of the five were present at the Federal Court. Several were seen sobbing after the decision.

Politics ,politics and politics.. what happen to the stability in our federal government?

The interesting thing about politics is how it never fails to amaze. The truth is, back home, politics is beginning to turn ugly. Politicians from both sides of the isle are losing sight on what matters. Instead of debating on issues relevant to the people they debate on matters relevant to themselves. So let's go through a list of what I think are important issues.

Item 1: Party Hoping / Crossing Overs

The floated anti-hoping law was finally shot down over the weekend. There will be no anti-hopping law. But one side claims 30 are prepared to cross over, the other says no and the person in question suggests it depends and gave an ultimatum. The truth is, it should not happen since it causes more harm than good. Look at parliament these days. Instead of tackling or debating on relevant issues, gaining political mileage seems the order of the day. When the opposition forms the government, the roles will be reversed and we'll spent the next 12 months with a parliament debating on mundane issues like who is right and who is wrong. More time will be spent name calling, and nothing gets done at the end of the day. Then they say money politics will never be involved. But here you have promises of more oil subsidies if cross over. More money, more representation, more power , more glory and the promise of more “gifts” if something happens is in itself a form of corruption. How people can choose to focus on the actual giving of money as the only form of corruption is beyond me. It’s like America. Just look up Pork Barrel or lobbying, courtesy of the West Wing drama series. Its the worst form of corruption since it claims to be legitimate and done out in the open.

Item 2: Of Subsidies

The truth is, the country really should start reducing subsidies. While many argue subsidies are necessary, by design, subsidies are wasteful. They represent wastage never recovered or spending that never earns a profit. Its always a loss because that's what subsidies do. So should we reduce subsidies? Yes. Many people don't realize the amount of subsidies that run through our economy. The true cost of subsidies is beyond the RM billion on petrol. It's so ingrained in our economy we no longer count the cost of subsidies but has made it our divine right instead. If we don't adjust this today, things will be much much more painful come D-Day. In conclusion, better to suffer now, a bit at a time then take a big hit when the day comes. Instead of saying things like "it's tomorrow's problem" we should say "it's a problem".

Item 3: Of Responsible Economic Management

The truth is, both sides made diabolical promises. Everyone promised a pork barrel project when there's no money even for the simplest project. After election? Where's the free education? And while I agree minimum wage is a necessary adjustment and allows for the gradual easing of subsidies, I disagree with free education, continued subsidies, reduce taxes, etc. Then the government announced the scrapping of major projects in states the opposition won and the truth is, it has become a blessing in disguise. By scrapping huge multi billion projects, we channel funds into more productive areas and ensure funding for priority projects are secured. Then there are states asking for increased oil royalties. Now as far as I'm concerned, should states demand higher royalties, then they must accept lower subsidies. Don't forget, each passing day, a larger chunk of said royalties is diverted to funding the oil subsidies we take for granted. Since we are all best pals, all 14 of us, should 2 demand more money, the 12 must take a pay cut. In other words in exchange for higher royalties, we expect you to spend your money wisely and so you must accept that your 12 other good pals will be made worse off. Furthermore, you will have to fund your own North South Expressway, East Coast Expressway, upgrade of rail tracks, double tracking, etc. There's no free lunch. In the end of the day, it maybe a blessing in disguise since it encourages we Malaysians to be more responsible and less wasteful.

Item 4: Get the Job Done

I applaud the Prime Minister's call on everyone to stop harping on issues of little importance and start focusing on the real issues. Both sides should stop the finger pointing and "showing off". The government once said they understood why they performed poorly. Yet now, they don't seem to understand why. What happened to judicial reform, anti-corruption, free speech and crime? The same is true of the opposition. Why has it become a witch hunt? Why has it become a pursuit of greater power (forming the government)? The opposition has been demanding a Royal Commission on every thing. The truth is, do we really need yet another commission? In the midst of all these, the PM has been going around pursuing issues he promised. Yet instead of helping him, both sides have been pursuing an agenda designed to undermine him and take the glory for them. Mountains don't move overnight. Major changes happen in painful increments. To move a mountain overnight, you need lots of help. The same is true of judicial reform, anti-corruption, etc. Work together since its for the benefit of all.

Item 5: Of English and its Role in Our Education

Time and again the rational group has said, for such changes to really bear fruit, you need one generation of students, who have gone through the entire 11 years of Maths and Science in English before we can truly evaluate the impact of English. I'm all for maintaining English for Maths and Science since I don't think Bahasa Malaysia will ever be a major language in the study of Maths or the sciences. In my opinion, countries like China, Japan and Europe has shown that in spite of the increasing use of English, national languages will never disappear. The erosion of languages come about when languages don't adapt and learn. The English language is so widely used because of England's dominance in the past and its flexibility. Its ability to adapt and learn is the key for its continued success. China and Japan both have extremely complex languages that revolve more on object rather than vowels. Yet both have managed to maintain their languages uniqueness because they were willing to adapt. They did not cannibalize and simply adopt foreign terms but tailored it to meet their own standards. The problem with Bahasa Malaysia is the audio visual media using it has been cannibalizing it in favour of a more "English" oriented Bahasa therefore eroding its uniqueness. So back to the point, yes English should stay since the main problem isn't teaching Maths and Science in English but why should we switch back to Bahasa Malaysia when the words are adapted from English dictionary.

So there's just a few items I think it’s important. If PARLIAMENT solves the 5 items over the next 4 years, I think all of Malaysia will be made better off. I think the country will be on much better foundations and we would have matured politically. In the end less name calling, witch hunts and more "walk the talk" is good.

(AFP) - Malaysia's ethnic Indian activists Sunday warned the government to provide medical aid to one of its leaders and free those detained under tough internal security laws or face more street rallies.More than 50 protestors from Indian rights group Hindraf blocked the entrance to a shopping mall at the iconic Petronas twin towers in downtown Kuala Lumpur to demand medical attention for P. Uthayakumar, who is diabetic.

Uthayakumar and four other members of the rights group Hindraf have been detained under the tough Internal Security Act (ISA) since December after holding an anti-discrimination rally."This gathering is to send a clear message to the government," Hindraf coordinator S. Jayathas told reporters."If (the government) deny (treatment to Uthayakumar and do not release the ISA detainees), then we will have a bigger gathering, that is definite," he said.

Hindraf leaders angered the government last November with a mass rally alleging discrimination in Malaysia, which is dominated by Muslim Malays.Mounting anger within the Indian community was said to have been a factor in the government's drubbing in March 8 polls where it lost its two-thirds majority in parliament.

Opposition lawmaker Sivarasa Rasiah, who turned up to support the event, said the government should release ISA detainees unless they had proof to charge them in open court."As far as I am concerned, one day under ISA detention is too long, one ISA detainee is too many," he added.Close to 300 policemen were deployed outside the busy shopping mall to control the protestors, with watercannon vans and riot police waiting nearby.

Hindraf supporters carried posters showing a weak-looking Uthayakumar behind bars as the crowd yelled, "Abolish the ISA" and "Freedom."Similar protests were held in six other locations through the country, organisers said.Rights groups say 70 people, mainly alleged Islamic militants, are being held under the ISA.Parts of the ISA date back to the British colonial era, when it was used against communist insurgents. It provides for two-year detention periods that can be renewed indefinitely.

DAP Kota Alam Shah assemblyperson M Manoharan was sworn in at 9am today in front of Selangor Speaker Teng Chang Khim at the Kamunting detention camp in Taiping.

The last among the 56 Selangor state representatives to be sworn in. The swearing-in ceremony lasted just 10 minutes.Other state representatives of Selangor were sworn in at the Dewan Undangan Negeri in Shah Alam on April 22.

Among those present to witness the ceremony were his wife and three children, lawyers and legal advisers from the state, Home Ministry and the Prisons Department. A simple lunch was served after the ceremony.

Teng told reporters that Manoharan looked healthy and was in good spirits.

Lately our local news media have been publishing lots of articles concerning Malaysia politicians, which politician said what and what others politician do in reply to that statement. This situation is more obvious after the Malaysia General Election on 8th March 2008 and 5 states have been taken over by the opposition parties .

Malaysia politicians are watching each other back now, waiting for opportunity that each of them make mistake and then they can make a big havoc out of it. Watching each other back is good as these politicians will be more careful to carry out the duties that the people have entrusted. Nevertheless, too much of ‘watching back of each other’ is not good as it ended up as ‘gossip’.

It should be done in a moderate way and not too excessive like the current situation. One of these days, people will get tire of it. They will find that these politicians have been talking too much and lack in carry out the duties as they expected, these politicians will soon lost their support from the people. Malaysia politicians are putting their position in risk without realizing. Don’t these Malaysia politicians know ‘actions speak louder than words’?

Justice in handcuffs

A sad day for Malaysian Justice

Thanks to Malaysian Today for the sources.


PLEASE we only need RM1 from you, nothing more.
RPK expresses his sincere thanks to all of you in helping him to get through this.

"ONE RINGGIT ONE PERSON" RPK's court bail donation can be deposit into this account:
Bank: CIMB
Account No.: 1403 0214 3340 50

Actually we can bank in more than that RPK :)

My heart missed a beat. I find him as a person whom well, not the kiss ass type to any political party and covers any political parties misdeeds.. his website malaysian today @ http://www.m2day.org/ provides latest information and personal views of anyone around the world.

RPK or Raja Petra Kamarudin runs a flaming political portal, Malaysia Today. The cops recently quizzed him on May 3rd, 2008 over an article - Let’s Send Altantuya’s Murderers to Hell - he authored and published in the said website.

Wikipedia has a whole host of information pertaining to Malaysian Sedition Laws enforced via the Sedition Act (1948).

As Walski had postulated in an earlier post, this comes under Walski's Third Law of Governmental Physics: "For every civil liberty guaranteed in the Federal Constitution, there is an equal and opposite law enacted to totally negate it".

In fact, the Federal Constitution itself opens up a loophole (via Article 10) to allow laws to be enacted to purposely circumvent the civil liberties it guarantees. Nice, huh? It's just like owning a bicycle, but being disallowed to pump its tires with air.

So, what exactly constitues being Seditious? According to Section 3(1) of the Sedition Act, actions that are deemed seditious are those that have a tendency to:

1)to bring into hatred or contempt or to excite disaffection against any Ruler or against any Government;

2)to excite the subjects of the Ruler or the inhabitants of any territory governed by any government to attempt to procure in the territory of the Ruler or governed by the Government, the alteration, otherwise than by lawful means, of any matter as by law established;

3)to bring into hatred or contempt or to excite disaffection against the administration of justice in Malaysia or in any State;

4)to raise discontent or disaffection amongst the subjects of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or of the Ruler of any State or amongst the inhabitants of Malaysia or of any State;

5)to promote feelings of ill-will and hostility between different races or classes of the population of Malaysia; or

6)to question any matter, right, status, position, privilege, sovereignty or prerogative established or protected by the provisions of part III of the Federal constitution or Article 152, 153 or 181 of the Federal Constitution