Chaos broke out at the Brickfields police station this morning as the police sprayed chemical-laced water into about 300 supporters of detained Hindraf leader P Uthayakumar.

The Hindraf leader's supporters were demanding proper medical treatment for Uthayakumar.

By 12.15pm, about 12 people have been arrested, including Kapar MP S Manikavasagam and Police Watch and Human Rights Committee coordinator S Jayathas.

Puchong MP and DAP leader Gobind Singh Deo was also present at the police station to show support.

However, at 12.45pm the crowd had dispersed, leaving only the police and some journalists at the scene.

The situation turned chaotic when the crowd was believed to have turned up to lodge “hundreds” of police reports against the authorities for alleged mistreatment of Uthayakumar.

This also came a week after Kapar MP S Manikavasagam had given a seven-day ultimatum to the police to give proper treatment to Uthayakumar, or else “hundreds” of police reports against the authorities would be lodged.

'We will fight'


Previously, Uthayakumar’s friends and supporters had also warned that the authorities would face street demonstrations should he not be given proper medical attention.

“If anything happens to Uthayakumar, the Malaysian Indians won’t keep quiet. We will fight (for his treatment),” Kapar MP S Manikavasagam told a press conference in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur last week.

Uthayakumar, a diabetic, has broken several toes on his left foot on Jan 31 while in the Kamunting detention camp.

According to his fiancee, S Indra Devi, the swelling is worsening by the day and she feared that he may eventually have to amputate his foot.

The police have taken statements from 14 people so far in their investigations into the leaked nude photographs of Selangor Exco member and Bukit Lanjan assemblyperson Elizabeth Wong.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Mohammad Sabtu Osman however said Wong's former boyfriend Hilmi Malik was not one of those whose statement had been taken by the police.

He added that the police were still in the process of locating Hilmi who is expected to be a key witness in the case.

"He is not a suspect in this case. He is just a witness," Mohammad Sabtu told reporters in his office at the city police headquarters today.

He said that although the police had heard information that Hilmi was in Kuala Lumpur, this however could not be confirmed.

"But as for as we know he is in Jakarta," he said.

The police chief said that investigation into the matter was underway and can be wrapped up as soon as strong evidence has been gathered.

He also offered no further details on the 14 people who had given their statements so far.

Last week the KL police team visited the offices of The Malay Mail and The Sun to take statements from journalists and others who had received a copy of the CD containing Wong's nude photographs.

Wong, who is away on a long leave, got caught in the controversy after her nude photographs were posted on the Internet, prompting her to offer to resign from her party and government posts.

Hindraf supporters warned

On another matter, Mohammad Sabtu warned supporters of Hindraf's legal advisor P Uthayakumar not to gather at the Brickfields police station in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow morning.

He said that the police had heard reports that about 500 people had planned to gather at the police station to lodge a report against the government for failing to give proper medical treatment for Uthayakumar, an Internal Security Act detainee.

"Don't gather at the police station. We will allow only three people if they want to lodge a police report," he said.

He also said that the police would arrest anyone who took part in an illegal assembly.

Similarly anyone wearing anything which has the Hindraf logo will also be arrested, he added. The government banned the movement last October.

When contacted for reaction, Hindraf coordinator S Jayathas said the police can't stop people from lodging report.

"We expect about 1,000 people and if they police only allow three persons to lodge a report, we will then send in three persons at a time to lodge reports," he told Malaysiakini.

On the actions by Umno Youth members to mob DAP chairperson Karpal Singh in Parliament yesterday, Mohammad Sabtu said the police had not received any reports from either parties.

He also refused to comment on an accusation by Karpal that the police had not interfered to help him yesterday while he was being surrounded by the angry crowd.

About 20 Umno Youth members had stopped Karpal from entering Parliament, wanting him to apologise to them for making caustic remarks about the movement.

DAP chairperson Karpal Singh today handed over to the King a tape recording of Chief Justice Zaki Azmi’s alleged admission that he had bribed a court staff.

The senior lawyer handed over the audio evidence to a palace staff at 4.45pm. He was denied entry into the tightly guarded Istana Negara.

The Yang di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, and his personal secretary are not in the country.

The veteran opposition leader said that with the evidence, the King should convene a special rulers session to sack Zaki.

"I submitted the audio tape and another letter seeking for the special Rulers sessions to sack Zaki. This is a follow-up to the letter which I gave to the King last month over the same matter.

"Zaki has not denied what I have said nor has he relayed any intention to sue me for defamation. Hence, the tape recording proves that my claim is correct. I state it again, I challenge Zaki to sue me, for what I allege," he said.

Karpal also called on the newly formed Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate Zaki under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1961.

On Feb 18, the DAP chairperson had revealed the audio recording to the media.

The recording was of Zaki's speech at a convention in Kuching last November on 'Integrity - the Catalyst of Sustainable Development'.

The recording, which is of poor quality, was said to consist of the part where Zaki talked about bribing court staff when he was a lawyer.

Ever since his appointment as the head of the judiciary, Zaki has come under constant fire from the Bukit Gelugor MP, who strongly believes that he is not fit to be chief justice in light of this open admission of having indulged in corrupt practices.

Zaki, however, has previously clarified the matter, claiming that the media had misinterpreted his comments at the Kuching conference in November.

Karpal had also lodged a police report against Zaki on Nov 13. However, till today Karpal said he had never been questioned by the police or the MACC.

Investigate Zaki for corruption

"I cannot understand why the authorities practise double standards. Here we have an allegation of corruption against Zaki, with his own voice admitting to it and yet the police and MACC have not began any investigations," he said.

"The CJ is an important and respected position in any country. If the CJ has admitted to corruption how can foreign investors have the confidence of placing their capital here?" he asked, adding that it would be wise for Zaki to step down.

Karpal also disclosed that he expects to meet with Zaki when the chief justice is scheduled to be in Penang tomorrow to officiate the refurbishment of the High Courts there.

"I was invited personally by the CJ, and I will be present," he said.

Asked whether he expects fireworks, Karpal said there could be a war of words but he was a man of dignity and would not be involved in fights with the CJ.

If Zaki attends tomorrow's function in Penang, it would be the second meeting between the two as Karpal and the chief justice were at the Federal court in Putrajaya two weeks ago for a case.

The Bar Council has also called on the chief justice to set the record straight.

DAP chairperson Karpal Singh said police and security personnel did not come to his aid when he was mobbed by a group of angry Umno Youth supporters at the Parliament lobby this afternoon.

"Although I called for the police to come and help, no one came... and my driver Michael called (DAP MP Fong) Po Kuan, who then called (DAP MP) Lim (Lip Eng).

"Lim came with N Gobalakrishnan (Padang Serai-PKR), Fong Kui Lun (Bukit Bintang-DAP) and Chong Chieng Jen (Bandar Kuching-DAP),” he told reporters after the incident.

"I might be in a wheelchair but I will not be cowed or intimidated by anyone," he added.

The DAP chairperson and Bukit Gelugor MP said the Umno Youth supporters were so brazen that some of them had given him their name cards.

"They were very unruly and refused to let me leave," said the veteran politician, who called for urgent action to be taken against the mob.

"Something must be done on a very urgent basis... how were these people even allowed in the precincts of Parliament? Where is the security if we are going to be accosted on our way to the House?

"I want action to be taken by the speaker, a rhetoric statement in the House is not enough, we want action and the speaker could do the necessary afterwards," he added.

'Pinnacle of insolence'

Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim condemned the incident, calling it the "pinnacle of insolence".

"We are fed-up with promises that action will be taken and we don't just want any investigations, we want an assurance from the speaker that the sanctity of this Parliament will not be destroyed," he said.

Also seeing red over the incident was another DAP stalwart, Lim Kit Siang.

"This has never happened before... it is the most outrageous and shameful episode in the history of Parliament," he said, adding that it was also a clear violation of the Houses of Parliament Privileges and Powers Act 1952.

"They should have been arrested on the spot for violating the act... something has become very ugly in Malaysian politics," he said.

Lim also called upon Umno Youth leader Hishammuddin Hussein and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to apologise over the incident.

Issue warrant of arrest

Meanwhile, Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club chairperson Tiong King Sing also expressed regret over the incident and apologised to Karpal.

"No doubt that what they have done is wrong but I want to stress that BN and opposition party members should maintain our cool and not cause provocation in the House.

"The opposition should not blame anybody of a crime until investigations are completed," he said in reference to Karpal's accusation yesterday that Umno Youth was responsible for the death threat and live bullets he received via mail last week.

Tiong said he would speak with the House speaker to ensure that security is tightened and make a ruling to disallow any visitors or friends to enter the premises.

Karpal, who met speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia in chambers later, said he consulted the speaker to pass a resolution under the Houses of Parliament Privileges and Powers Act 1952 to issue a warrant of arrests against the Umno Youth supporters.

"We have explained to the speaker and we want action to be taken immediately... it has to be done today," he said.

His son and Puchong MP, Gobind Singh Deo, said the speaker could take the action under the Act.

Later in the House, Karpal again asked Pandikar to evoke the parliamentary law and issue a warrant of arrest against those who ambushed him.

However, the Dewan Rakyat speaker said that it would be more suitable to establish a special committee to investigate the matter under Section 80(A) under the Standing Orders.

Although Karpal insisted that a warrant should be issued, Pandikar said since no investigation has been done, he cannot issue a warrant and therefore made up his decision to allow the formation a committee to look into the matter.

Committee's deadline: March 26

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Abdul Aziz then read out the motion, which was agreed by the majority of the House.

Members of the committee are Pandikar and deputy speaker Ronald Kiandeee as well as members of parliament Tiong King Sing (Bintulu-BN), Fong Chan Ong (Alor Gajah-BN), Hajah Nancy Shukri (Batang Sadong-BN), R Sivarasa (Subang-PKR), Lim Kit Siang (Ipoh Timor-DAP) and Kamaruddin Jaffar (Tumpat-PAS).

Speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby, Nazri said he suggested the setting up a committee rather than issuing the warrant of arrest because investigation was required to identify the persons involved.

"Karpal's complaint should be looked into as soon as possible... and the committee will do what they have to do - whether they call the police or the people involved - it is up to them," he said.

According to the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952, it is within the powers of the House to conduct investigation without the need for a police report.

He added that committee will have to conclude their investigation and submit their decision by the end of the Parliament seating, which is by March 26.

The Bukit Gelugor MP was however unsatisfied with the decision of the House.

It has almost been a year since Pakatan Rakyat seized control of Penang but MIC president S Samy Vellu said the Indian community there has not benefitted despite the appointment of Prof P Ramasamy as a deputy chief minister.

He said although Pakatan Rakyat could take credit for appointing the first Indian Malaysian to a powerful post, MIC however felt that his appointment was "a sheer waste" based on his "zero performance" so far.

"Although he (Ramasamy) has publicly announced that he was not representing a particular community, the Indians had placed high hopes on him to bring changes," he added.

A year ago, Samy Vellu said, many had hailed Ramasamy's appointment with "a great sense of jubilation and pride with the Indian community thinking he is cut out for the job."

"What good is it to have an Indian placed in a very powerful and influential post but yet he has not done anything for the Indian community, let alone for the other races," he added.

Samy Vellu said Ramasamy had instead only questioned and challenged the economic and social transformation and benefits initiated by MIC for the Indians through the federal government.

He lambasted Ramasamy for taking a swipe at MIC for reportedly urging the federal government not to channel any allocations meant for the Indian community through MIC as the party would only mismanage it.

'Stop harping on trivial matters'

Samy Vellu was referring to the many "goodies" announced for the Indians, including a 7.4 percent quota in civil service and an RM50 million allocation for Tamil schools by Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak last Monday after chairing the Cabinet Committee for Indian Affairs

"I am deeply shocked to see a man holding such a high position being unable to understand the simple theory of how the government machinery operates," said the MIC president.

Samy Vellu also criticised the former university lecturer for "harping on trivial matters and being an armchair critic."

"With his background as a university lecturer for 30 years, Ramasamy could have used his position and experience to bring development and initiate new plans for the Indians, not just in Penang but the whole country.

"Instead, he picks on what we (MIC) do and takes the credit by saying if not for Pakatan Rakyat, there would be no move on the part of the federal government to bring social development for the Indians," he said.

He also chided Ramasamy for talking about the welfare of the Indians when he had publicly told them that he was not representing just one race.

In view of this, Samy Vellu challenged Ramasamy and other Indian elected representatives from Pakatan Rakyat to list out their contributions to the Indian community.

"Don't just take credit for making noise over certain incidents but tell us what have you done economically and socially for the betterment of the Indians," he said.

Samy Vellu said the Indian community had expected "major changes" when Pakatan Rakyat took over Penang "but it looks like all is lost now."

KUALA LUMPUR: The Catholic Herald magazine is permitted to use the word Allah provided the publication clearly states the words “For Christians only” in its masthead.

Herald editor Father Lawrence Andrew said this was stated in the recently gazetted Internal Security Act signed by the Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar on Feb 16.

“The next edition of the Herald will contain the word Allah, and we will print the words “For Christians only” on the masthead so as not to contravene the Act,” he said.

It is learnt the Act also forbids the use of the words Kaabah, solat and baitullah.

Meanwhile, the Home Ministry’s Quran Publication Control and Text Division secretary Che Din Yusoh confirmed the content of the gazetted Act.

The High Court will today hear the mention of the case about the use of the word Allah in the Herald.

The Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, who is the plaintiff, had applied for a judicial review of a Home Ministry directive last year forbidding the Herald publisher from using the word Allah as a synonym for “God.”

The plaintiff’s counsel Porres Royan had argued that the directive was unlawful and that the word was not exclusive to Islam.

On Dec 5, the publisher filed a writ of summons in the Kuala Lumpur High Court to seek a declaration on the use of the word.

The other respondents were the Home Ministry, the Government and the state Islamic Councils of the Federal Territory, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor, Kedah, Johor, Malacca and the Malaysia Chinese Muslim Association.

KUALA LUMPUR: The toll rates for five highways will be increased from March 1, Works Minister Datuk Mohamad Zin Mohamed said on Thursday.

The highways, where road users have to pay more to use, are North-South Expressway (Plus), Sprint, Ampang Elevated Highway, Sg Besi Highway, and New Pantai Expressway.

StarBiz had reported Thursday that the Government was expected to make a decision on road toll rates soon, possibly before the end of the week, as it owes compensation to the highway concessionaires for at least two months and more will be owed without a decision.

“Three groups owned highways with toll rates that were overdue for increases, according to their concession agreements.

“These concession owners are PLUS Expressways Bhd, IJM Corp Bhd and Lingkaran Trans Kota Holdings Bhd (Litrak). While they own a number of tolled highways, several were due, or already overdue, for toll increases on Jan 1.

“These involved the North-South Expressway, New Klang Valley Expressway and Federal Highway Route 2 under PLUS, New Pantai Expressway (NPE) and Sungai Besi Highway under IJM group, and Damansara Link and Kerinchi Link that are stretches of the Sprint highway of Litrak,” wrote C.S. Tan.

It has almost been a year since Pakatan Rakyat seized control of Penang but MIC president S Samy Vellu said the Indian community there has not benefitted despite the appointment of Prof P Ramasamy as a deputy chief minister.

He said although Pakatan Rakyat could take credit for appointing the first Indian Malaysian to a powerful post, MIC however felt that his appointment was "a sheer waste" based on his "zero performance" so far.

"Although he (Ramasamy) has publicly announced that he was not representing a particular community but the Indians had placed high hopes on him to bring changes," he added.

A year ago, Samy Vellu said, many had hailed Ramasamy's appointment with "a great sense of jubilation and pride with the Indian community thinking he is cut out for the job."

"What good is it to have an Indian placed in a very powerful and influential post but yet he has not done anything for the Indian community, let alone for the other races," he added.

Samy Vellu said Ramasamy had instead only questioned and challenged the economic and social transformation and benefits initiated by MIC for the Indians through the federal government.

He lambasted Ramasamy for taking a swipe at MIC for reportedly urging the federal government not to channel any allocations meant for the Indian community through MIC as the party would only mismanage it.

'Stop harping on trivial matters'

Samy Vellu was referring to the many "goodies" announced for the Indians, including a 7.4 percent quota in civil service and an RM50 million allocation for Tamil schools by Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak last Monday after chairing the Cabinet Committee for Indian Affairs

"I am deeply shocked to see a man holding such a high position being unable to understand the simple theory of how the government machinery operates," said the MIC president.

Samy Vellu also criticised the former university lecturer for "harping on trivial matters and being an armchair critic."

"With his background as a university lecturer for 30 years, Ramasamy could have used his position and experience to bring developments and initiate new plans for the Indians, not just in Penang but the whole country.

"Instead, he picks on what we (MIC) does and takes the credit by saying if not for Pakatan Rakyat, there would be no move on the part of the federal government to bring social development for the Indians," he said.

He also chided Ramasamy for talking about the welfare of the Indians when he had publicly told them that he was not representing just one race.

In view of this, Samy Vellu challenged Ramasamy and other Indian elected representatives from Pakatan Rakyat to list out their contributions to the Indian community.

"Don't just take credit for making noise over certain incidents but tell us what have you done economically and socially for the betterment of the Indians," he said.

Samy Vellu said the Indian community had expected "major changes" when Pakatan Rakyat took over Penang "but it looks like all is lost now."

Education Minister and Umno Youth chief Hishammuddin Hussein today refused to drawn into a public debate with his counterpart in PAS over the issue of teaching Science and Mathematics in English.

He also said that the issue on the language to be used to teach the two subjects is yet to be finalised by his ministry.

"The ministry is still reviewing the policy and we are taking feedback from more people," he told reporters this morning.

Hishammuddin said that a debate was unnecessary as the language policy was still under a review process.

"If PAS wants to contribute, they can give us their suggestions," he said.

On Tuesday PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub challenged Hishammuddin for the debate on the issue.

He also proposed that the debate be telecast live so that the people can judge for themselves the issues at hand and gave Hishammuddin seven days to respond to the invitation.

The language chosen for teaching the two subjects has been a thorny issue for the government and the education ministry which Hishammuddin heads.

Malay nationalist movements and others like PAS want the subjects to be taught in Bahasa Malaysia.

Likewise, Chinese and Tamil education groups want the subjects to be taught in the mother-tongue.

The ministry is to decide soon as to whether it will maintain the policy or revert to teaching the subjects in Bahasa Malaysia and mother-tongue languages.

Berminat untuk menceburi bidang perniagaan terutama sekali dalam bidang pertanian dan penternakan?

Seminar Keusahawan Agro & Pertanian Anjuran

Pejabat YB. Senator Tuan T. Murugiah ( Timbalan Menteri Di Jabatan Perdana Menteri ) DENGAN KERJASAMA Jabatan Pertanian, Jabatan Perikanan, Jabatan Veterinar ( di bawah Kementerian Pertanian Dan Inustri Asas Tani dan Kementerian Belia Dan Sukan Malaysia (Bahagian Pembangunan Belia dan Ekonomi )


Pada : 28 Feb 2009 ( Sabtu )

Tempat : Dewan Orang Ramai Taman Chai Leng, Perai, SPT, Penang

Masa : 7.00pagi ( sarapan pagi ) 8.00 pagi hingga - 5 ptg


Jumlah kehadiran peserta dianggarkan 2000 orang.

Pada 25 Jan 2009 seramai 2500 menyertai seminar ini di Sentul dan diikuti dengan 1500 orang di Johor Bahru.

Setakat ini seramai 1956 orang telah mendaftar untuk pelbagai kursus percuma yang akan diberikan melalui YB Senator T Murugiah dan akan dikendalikan oleh Revelation Agro & Farming Industry ( RAFI ) di bengkel Latihan RAFI bertempat di Simpang Ampat, Batu Kawan, Pulau Pinang.

3 pegawai dari Jabatan Pertanian, Perikanan dan Veterinar akan berucap tentang segala produk dan insentif kerajaan untuk usahawan agro tani.

YB Senator T Murugiah yang dipertanggungjawabkan Hal Ehwal Kaum India dibawah Jabatan Perdana Menteri berhasrat untuk membina 10000 peniaga India sebelum 31-12-2010 dan matlamat ini hanya dapat dicapai dengan bantuan dan jasa baik seluruh masyarakat.

Antara kursus percuma adalah penternakan lintah / ikan keli / kambing boer, penanaman cili merah, nenas tissue, sayur - sayuran, dll.

Seminar ini adalah untuk menggalakan lebih ramai orang india untuk menceburkan diri dalam bidang perniagaan. Inisiatif YB Senator Murugiah ini disokong padu oleh RAFI dan akan bertanggungjawab untuk memberi tunjuk ajar kepada mereka yang berminat. Seminar ini nyata telah memberi impak baru dalam meningkatkan ekonomi belia dan beliwanis India.

Sila datang beramai - ramai. Maklumkan kepada rakan - rakan anda mengenai program ini.

Tel untuk dihubungi :

Mr. K. Praba : 012 - 243 4118

Mr.Selva : 019- 5578828

Mr. Rajan : 012- 2290009

Mr. Kanesan : 019 - 388 3261

Mr. Vela : 017 - 542 4118

Mr. Anbu : 012 - 582 5274

Mr.Nathan : 017- 4776923

KUALA LUMPUR: Murder victim R. Gunaseelan and his killer were members of Gang Arikumar.

Kuala Lumpur CID deputy chief ACP Abdul Aziz Zakaria, said the gang, which was busted earlier, was involved in lorry hijacking, drugs, assault, extortion and murder.

Police are probing other cases believed to be linked to the gang in four states.

The gang has been active for several years and was high up on the wanted list by police in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Pe-nang and Johor.

Aziz said members of the gang were formerly with Gang 08. He said Gunaseelan, 35, had once been banished under the Emergency Ordinance.

Gunaseelan, who was unemployed, was shot dead during an argument in an apartment at Cheras here in November.

Aziz said Gunaseelan was murdered because he was not satisfied with the distribution of the loot.

His body was found on Tuesday after police dug up a 50-year-old grave at the Taman P.D. Utama Chinese Cemetery in Port Dickson.

The man suspected of murdering him was arrested in Penang and led police to the grave on Monday.

Aziz said the suspect had also been banished earlier under the Emergency Ordinance and was expected to be charge with murdering Gunaseelan.

The gravedigger who had buried Gunaseelan's body for RM500 is helping police in the investigation.

"He has committed an offence by withholding information on the murder. We will take action against him."

Earlier, police arrested 16 of the gang members including their leaders. Police have charged them with possession of drugs, counterfeit money and wea-pons.

Aziz said several members were also banished under the Emergency Ordinance.

Five of them, including the murder suspect, were arrested in Penang more than three weeks ago. They had escaped to Penang after police arrested 11 gang members, aged bet-ween 16 and 32 and including two women, in two raids here on Jan 23.

The arrests led police to Kepong where they found 3kg of drugs in a Perodua Kembara on the same day.

Police seized two pistols from the 11 suspects.

PETALING JAYA: Police are investigating blogger Jed Yoong Yui Foong, 31, for allegedly posting seditious remarks on her blog against the King.

She was called up by the Bukit Aman Cyber Crime unit on Monday and had her statement taken.

After her interrogation, four police officers accompanied her to her house in Taman Desa and seized her computer and laptop under the Sedition Act. They also took photos and recorded videos in her house.

Yoong is scheduled to meet with police at Bukit Aman again today.

A police spokesman said investigations were ongoing and that Yoong had given her full cooperation.

The DAP today praised the government for abolishing toll collection at two toll booths in Kuala Lumpur, and also for its move to declassify most of the highway toll concession agreements.



Selangor DAP deputy chairman Tony Pua, who is also Petaling Jaya Utara Member of Parliament, said: "The DAP would like to congratulate the Works Minister (Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed) on his efforts to declassify (the agreements) and remove toll collections at two toll plazas in the past two weeks."

He was responding to Mohd Zin's announcement that toll collection at the Salak Jaya toll plaza on the Sungai Besi Highway (Besraya) here would cease from yesterday afternoon.

On Feb 13 collection at the Petaling Jaya Selatan 2 (PJS 2) toll plaza heading towards Kuala Lumpur on the New Pantai Expressway (NPE) was abolished.

Pua said the government should also review the need to abolish other toll collections such as that at the North-South expressway and Butterworth-Kulim expressway by 2016.

Kuala Lumpur High Court judicial commissioner Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof today decided to recuse himself from hearing the case of who is the rightful Perak menteri besar.


Mohamad Ariff, a former senior partner of law firm Cheang and Ariff and a former PAS member, decided to disqualify himself from hearing the case following an objection from the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Perak Legal Advisor Ahmad Kamal Mohd Shahid, who has said he is representing respondent Zambry Abdul Kadir - the menteri besar designated by Barisan Nasional (BN) - had also voiced his client's objection. M Reza Hassan held a watching brief for BN.

In his nine-page ruling this morning, Ariff stressed that the case filed by ousted Pakatan Rakyat menteri besar Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin (photo, wearing striped tie) had been assigned to him not by choice or upon his request.

"It is a normal incidence of case assignment in the Appellate and Special Powers division of the High Court," he explained.

Ariff, a former PAS member, had held posts at branch and division levels and had contested on a party ticket in the 2004 general election for the Kota Damansara state seat.

Maintaining that he had given up all political posts when he took the oath of office as judicial commissioner on Sept 15 last year, he said that - in the interests of transparency and justice - he had declared his interests on Feb 18 when the case was fixed for mention.

Ariff also repeated three times the foundation principle of justice when reading out his decision. This, he said, was the single underlying factor resulting in his decision to recuse himself from hearing this case.

"Justice must not only be done but must manifestly be seen to be done. That was why I decided at the outset, when I informed the parties I was considering recusing myself from hearing the case by reason of my previous involvement as counsel for PAS and PKR on a number of matters.

"For completeness, I also informed the parties that I had previously acted as well for a Barisan Nasional candidate in an election petition case in Sarawak."

Ariff said Kamaludin had advised him on Monday that there is currently public debate on whether he (Ariff) can be impartial when hearing the case, and maintain the standard of public confidence in the judiciary.

"Counsel (Kamaluddin) was careful to explain that the objections were taken not because I would in fact be biased but rather to avoid an appearance of bias in the public interest. Kamaluddin advised that the test to be applied is the real danger of bias," said Ariff.

Test of objectivity

Ariff also referred to objections raised by senior counsel Sulaiman Abdullah, who is leading a team of eight lawyers in representing Nizar.

Ariff said Sulaiman (right) had taken a diametrically opposed position but relying on the same principle of public interest and applying the same standard of "real danger of bias".

He said his position could be summarised in seven points.

The real danger of bias test is not satisfied.
I can sit and must sit, as a matter of constitutional duty.
There is an imperative requirement that I preside and hear this case.
The presumption is that a judge will be fair and impartial.
Recusal will invite unwarranted comments regarding the judiciary.
Recusal will send a wrong message that I cannot decide objectively on a matter of controversy.
I can hear this case because my nexus is merely tangential, not personal or pecuniary.
Saying both sides had presented convincing arguments, Ariff said the question remains as to how a judge in his position is to decide objectively that there is a real danger or possibility of bias if he proceeds to hear the case.

"Learned SFC (senior federal counsel) for the AG's Chambers advised an approach of ‘if in doubt recuse’. That seems as an argument based on expediency, which should figure last in any order of assessment.

"I am of the view, that any decision to recuse in the present circumstances is best rooted in first principles of justice. I had highlighted this point on the first mention date on Feb 18.

“The primary concern must be that justice must manifestly be seen to be done. Not just be done but I stress, manifestly so. The objective fact is my sitting has courted controversy, whether rightly or wrongly.”

The judicial commissioner pointed out that a comment in an authority cited by Kamaluddin becomes highly relevant, citing a passage from the book ‘Judges on Trial’ by Shimon Shetreet:

‘However, where the interest is more than minimal or when his association with a party, witness or counsel might give rise to the appearance of impropriety, of unfairness or bias, he will disqualify himself and not leave the matter dependent upon whether or not the parties will raise objection.’

He then announced that he is recusing himself from hearing the case, saying there are other judges in the Appellate and Special Powers division who are equally qualified to preside “if my earlier suggestion [...] that this case be referred directly to the Federal Court under Section 84 of the Courts of Judicature Act and Article 63 of the Perak constitution is agreed".

In an immediate reaction, Nizar said he respects the judge's decision and that he is not disappointed.

"The legal battle will go on and this is just the beginning of an interesting case. We are confident and optimistic of winning," he said.

"And respecting the judge's decision to recuse himself shows we're law-abiding citizens of a civil society."

Court's interpretation sought

Nizar filed the suit on Feb 13 against Zambry to determine the rightful candidate for the post, following the collapse of the Perak government earlier this month.

The suit seeks an interpretation of Article 16(6) of the Perak constitution on whether the menteri besar’s post can be vacated when:

- The menteri besar had advised the ruler on a dissolution of the state legislative assembly;

- There was no dissolution of the assembly;

- There was no motion of confidence against the menteri besar in the state legislative assembly; and

- The menteri besar did not resign.

In his application, Nizar said Zambry should cite the authority that allows him to legitimately become the menteri besar.

Nizar is also seeking a declaration that Zambry (left) has no right to be menteri besar at any material time plus an injunction to prevent him or his agents from continuing his task and role as the menteri besar.

There is also a claim for punitive, aggravated and exemplary damages together with costs.

The application for recusal will also hear the leave application; whether the Perak legal adviser can represent Zambry; and whether Nizar wants to take the matter up directly with the Federal Court as it involves an interpretation of the constitution.

Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has refused to involve himself in the controversy involving Bukit Lanjan assemblyperson Elizabeth Wong, whose nude photographs have been circulated in public.

In a press statement issued by the sultan’s private secretary Mohamad Munir Bani, the palace expressed sadness over the controversy which has roiled the state.

However, Sultan Sharafuddin (left) said that he could not offer any guidance or advice over the issue because the case is still under police investigation.

"It is His Royal Highness' stance as the Sultan of Selangor to be above politics," said Mohamad Munir.

The sultan added that he believes the decision to be made by Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim on the matter will be “fair and with wisdom” and will take into consideration the interests of the rakyat and the state.

"His Royal Highness is upset and worried as of late the intrusion into someone's privacy and private rights is being used to destroy (the individual's) dignity and reputation," said Mohamad Munir.

"It is a sad thing as one's life and private rights are being made public and subject to public scrutiny by publicising (it) in the mass media."

Royal sympathy for Wong

The sultan expressed sympathy for Wong and hoped that she will "remain calm and be patient in continuing with her life henceforth".

Wong, 37, was thrust into the spotlight following the circulation of her nude photographs, which is now being investigated by the police.

The Selangor exco, who has repeatedly maintained that she is a victim, has since offered to resign from her exco post as well as her state assembly seat.

She left the country last Thursday for a break, saying she could no longer stand the immense stress brought on by the controversy.

Khalid had last week said he would seek the views of the sultan on how to handle the matter.

The menteri besar had an audience with Sultan Sharafuddin today and briefed him on the issue.

Umno is seeking the opinion of a Queen’s Counsel (QC) on the constitutional issues which have bedeviled Barisan Nasional’s takeover of the Perak state government from Pakatan Rakyat.

A senior constitutional lawyer left Kuala Lumpur yesterday for London to engage the services of a QC on behalf of Umno to advise the party on a host of questions that is roiling debate in the country.

BN seized power in the state earlier this month with the help of four defectors who upset the delicate balance of power.

Following the defections, Perak's sultan ordered Pakatan to quit its leadership of the state assembly, and swore in a new leadership, but ousted mentri besar Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin insists he is still in power.

Mohd Nizar has subsequently gone to court seeking an interpretation of the Perak constitution on whether the menteri besar’s post can be vacated when:

(a) The menteri besar had advised the ruler on dissolution of the state legislative assembly;

(b) There was no dissolution of the assembly;

(c) There was no motion of confidence against the menteri besar in the state legislative assembly;

(d) The menteri besar did not resign.

Hearing for the court case kicked off on Wednesday and High Court judicial commissioner Mohamad Arif Md Yusof has set tomorrow for both sides to argue whether he should disqualify himself from the trial.

Mohamad Arif had told the court that he had acted for PAS when he was a lawyer before his appointment as judicial commissioner.

The court will also be considering whether the case should be referred to the Federal Court over question of law on the interpretation of Article 16(6) of the Perak Constitution.

Article 16 (6) states that if "the Mentri Besar ceases to command the confidence of the majority of the members of the Legislative Assembly, then unless at his request His Royal Highness dissolve the legislative assembly he shall tender the resignation of executive council".

In addition to the court case, Perak assembly speaker V Sivakumar's move to suspend new Menteri Besar Zambry Abdul Kadir and all his cabinet members, has caused an uproar, triggering a debate among constitutional lawyers over whether he acted within his powers.

Three high-profile QCs

Sources say the QC that will be engaged by Umno is likely to be someone who has already appeared in the courts here in a span going back almost three decades.

It is believed that a QC who has appeared in cases in Singapore is also on the shortlist.

Three high-profile QCs who have previously appeared in Malaysia and Singapore to argue on complex issues of law have been Michael Beloff, Anthony Lester and Geoffrey Robertson.

Beloff appeared in the Federal Court for proponents of the Merdeka University in 1982. He was unsuccessful in the Merdeka University appeal.

Lester was engaged by the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) as counsel when the late Mustapha Datu Harun sued Sabah governor Adnan Roberts and Chief Minister Pairin Kitingan for restoration as chief minister in 1985. Mustapha lost the case.

The judgment handed down was then viewed as having established the precedents that a ruler can appoint as chief minister a member of the legislative assembly who in his opinion commands the confidence of a majority in the House, and that once appointed, a chief minister is obliged to quit if he loses a no-confidence motion in the legislature.

Robertson appeared for regional weekly magazine Far Eastern Economic Review in a matter arising from a report the journal carried on arrests in Singapore in 1987 when the government there cracked down on social activists – ‘Marxists in clerical collars’, was the pithy description of the late S Rajaratnam, then foreign minister of the island republic.

Robertson, who memorably cross-examined then prime minister Lee Kuan Yew in the case, was like Beloff, unable to shift the court in his client’s favour.

Umno’s engagement of a QC indicates the complexity and gravity of the legal questions involved in the Perak political crisis.

The question of having a by-election in Bukit Lanjan following assemblyperson Elizabeth Wong's offer to quit the post does not arise for now.

Speaking at a press conference in Subang, PKR vice-president Azmin Ali today said the state Speaker Teng Chang Khim has yet to receive Wong’s resignation letter even though she had offered to resign following a nude photographs controversy last week.

"Resigning and offering to resign are two different things. In this case, Wong offered to resign, but she has not resigned. So the question of a by-election in Bukit Lanjan does not arise," said Azmin.

"Besides, the Speaker has no power to decide whether or not the seat is vacant. The Election Commission should just focus on the two up-coming by-elections in Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau."

Azmin said although the party "respected" Wong's decision to quit her post at the state assembly and as executive councillor, it would wait for the Selangor menteri besar to seek guidance from Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah before making any decisions.

"That is why she (Wong) was given some time for a vacation until the menteri besar seeks the sultan's consultation. The sultan will be away until Feb 25 and a decision can only be made after he returns," he said.

The EC had recently said that it was prepared to hold simultaneous by-elections for the three 'Bukit' seats, including Bukit Lanjan, if it is vacated.

Chairperson Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said the commission could consider holding simultaneous by elections for the Bukit Lanjan state seat (Selangor), Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat (Perak) and Bukit Selambau state seat (Kedah) in April.

"There is a possibility (of simultaneous polls) if there is a vacancy (in Bukit Lanjan)... but until now, the seat has not been vacated," he was quoted as saying.

The EC has already decided to hold simultaneous by-elections for the Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau seats on April 7.

MACC has no right to implicate Abdul Khalid

Selangor Pakatan Rakyat leaders also today joined in the chorus of voices speaking out against the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), saying it had indeed acted beyond its powers when it publicly announced that the Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim could be charged on abuse of power allegations.

Yesterday, the MACC said that it had ‘strong evidence’ of Abdul Khalid’s alleged wrongdoing in the maintenance of a luxury car and the purchase of sacrificial cows.

Azmin said only the Attorney-General’s chambers could make such a decision.

"MACC has no right to publicly announce the results of its investigations before a final decision is made by the AG’s chambers.

"This clearly shows that the MACC has acted beyond its powers and this could be seen as an attempt to influence the AG’s decision to," he added.

Azmin, who is also Gombak MP and Bukit Antarabangsa assemblyperson, claimed that it was an "assault planned by Umno and Barisan Nasional to threaten the Pakatan-ruled administration in Selangor".

"We believe that Pakatan’s leadership will be the main target of Umno and BN lies in the coming months," said Azmin, adding that under the MACC Act, the body had no power to prosecute as its powers were limited to conducting investigations.

"When we first debated the MACC bill during the previous Parliament sitting, we had suggested that it should be empowered to prosecute by itself, but they (government) did not agree, saying that the AG’s chambers should decide on whether to prosecute or not."

MB has explained

On Wednesday, Abdul Khalid had filed two suits against former Selangor menteri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo regarding the 'car and cows' allegations which appeared in the New Straits Times and Utusan Malaysia.

Mohd Khir had alleged that the current menteri besar had purchased a Lexus as his official car.

However, Abdul Khalid later clarified that the car was his own but he was also using it for official purposes.

Following this, an anti-corruption watchdog filed a MACC report accusing Abdul Khalid of using public funds to maintain the vehicle.

On the cattle issue, Abdul Khalid was accused of misusing RM110,400 of state funds for the purchase of cattle for his Bandar Tun Razak parliamentary constituency in conjunction with Hari Raya Korban celebrations.

The menteri besar later explained that the arrangements to purchase and donate the cattle were made solely by the state agency, Selangor Development Corporation (PKNS) and the donor companies, without his or his officers' involvement.

Azmin defended Abdul Khalid, saying the matter has been clarified. "Abdul Khalid had filed two lawsuits against Mohd Khir and he has clarified these allegations and we believe he is innocent. MACC which is supposed to be an independent and responsible body, clearly does not act like one," he said.

Member of Parliament for Seputeh and state assemblyperson for Kinrara, Teresa Kok believes the MACC has acted in favour of Mohd Khir because he is contesting for the UmnoYouth chief’s post in the upcoming party polls in March.

"This goes to show that MACC is not free and it acted on petty issues such as the car and cows allegations. It also has become the BN's tool to discriminate against Pakatan leaders".

Azmin also today slammed the newly-minted commission for saying that Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim had "affected investigations" carried out by MACC when he made a revelation on bribe attempts in Parliament recently.

"The commission has been delaying its investigation on the case. Besides, what Anwar said in the House is the truth as it is not something that can be said on the streets. The House is the highest platform in our constitution," said Azmin.

KUALA LUMPUR: The MIC's probe into the running of its education arm, the Maju Institute of Education Development (MIED), is expected to turn up more financial discrepancies.

The first stage of investigations had uncovered the disappearance of RM5.25 million, believed to have been channelled into an individual's account.

MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the MIC had lodged a police report against two people in connection with the missing money and investigations by the police were under way.

Samy Vellu was speaking before handing MIED's Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah 2008 excellent performance awards to 725 students and 202 schools nationwide here yesterday.

"We're still investigating. There are more coming."

He denied a recent report that MIED was being probed by police.

"It was MIC that lodged the report based on our internal investigation about the missing money," said Samy Vellu, who is MIED chairman.

"We are asking police to investigate. Definitely the police would come and see me as I'm the head of MIED. They wanted to find out what happened."

On allegations that the building and maintenance cost of MIED's Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST) had ballooned from RM230 million to RM500 million due to discrepancies in giving out job tenders, he said RM485 million was spent and every sen had been accounted for.

"A project manager and a quantity surveyor oversee AIMST. We don't call for tender. Someone simply made a report that RM100 million was missing."

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu yesterday criticised Gerakan national vice-president Huan Cheng Guan for interfering in his party's affairs.

He said as MIC had never interfered in other parties, it expected others like Gerakan to stop poking their noses into MIC's affairs.

Asked to comment on Huan's call for him to reconsider his decision to defend his president's post and for MIC to merge with Gerakan, Samy Vellu said:

"MIC members know whether they need the president or not. It will be known on April 12."

He questioned why MIC would want to join Gerakan, adding that if MCA and Umno merged, then MIC would join them.

MIC secretary-general Datuk S. Subramaniam, who is human resources minister, also hit out at Huan.

"It is up to MIC members to decide on the leadership of the party and the fate of the president. As such, Gerakan should not meddle in our affairs," he said in a statement.

Samy Vellu also criticised Pakatan Rakyat, in particular Parti Keadilan Rakyat, for misleading the Indians in the country.

He said many youths were swayed by PKR's empty promises. He asked what Pakatan Rakyat had done for Indians after last year's general election.

"We must show them, teach them a lesson in by-elections and other elections. Don't just make empty promises," he said at the launch of the MIC Youth Recruitment and Voters Registration Bureau which attracted some 700 youths from Selangor.

He said MIC would welcome back those who had left the party or campaigned for PKR.

He said MIC would deploy 9,000 youths in Bukit Gantang and 890 in Bukit Selambau for the by-elections on April 7.

Samy Vellu was confident that an MIC candidate would be fielded for Bukit Selambau which the party has contested in four elections and won, until the last general election.

MIC's youth coordinator T. Mohan said about 20,000 youths were waiting to join MIC.

DAP chairperson Karpal Singh has received a handwritten death threat and two live bullets in his mailbox.

According to the veteran politician, the letter originated from Ipoh, the capital of Perak, whose Sultan, Karpal had wanted to sue over the ongoing political crisis.

Karpal said the letter was sent to his house in Penang.

Among others, the letter warned the Bukit Gelugor parliamentarian and renowned lawyer not to challenge the Malays and the royalty.

The envelope also contained a picture of Perak ruler Sultan Azlan Shah.

On Feb 6, Karpal had threatened to sue the Sultan over the appointment of a Barisan Nasional state rep as the new Perak menteri besar.

However, he did not follow through with his threat.

BN leaders and their allies have so far lodged more than 100 police reports against Karpal over the matter.

GEORGE TOWN: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan said that there was strong evidence to show that Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim misused his powers over the maintenance of his personal car and the distribution of 46 cows worth RM110,400 for slaughter during Aidil Adha celebrations in his parliamentary constituency of Bandar Tun Razak last December.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan said the commission had completed its investigations and the matter would be referred to the Attorney-General (AG) for further action.

“We would suggest that legal action and so on be taken, as we have strong evidence for both the cases that abuse of power has taken place.

“Although we can make a decision to press legal charges, but the commission feels that it is better if the AG makes a decision.

“Since it involves a VIP, it is better that the case is referred to the AG, as there might be certain parties not satisfied with the investigation by the commission ,’’ he told reporters after the ground-breaking ceremony of the building of the state commission’s staff housing on Friday.

This follows a report lodged on Feb 6 by Selangor Umno Youth, alleging that Khalid had used state funds to pay for the maintenance of his personal car.

Its Shah Alam head Azhari Shaari, accompanied by the Kuala Selangor, Ulu Selangor and Kota Raja Youth chiefs, lodged the report at the Selangor Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in Shah Alam.

He said they were filing the report on behalf of the state Umno Youth and claimed that they had evidence that Khalid had misused his power.

On Wednesday, Khalid filed two defamation suits against Sungai Besar state assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo over allegations related to his personal car, a Lexus, and the purchase of 46 cattle.

The suits were over “Lexus is my own, says Khalid”, a report in the News Straits Times on Jan 15, and “Lepaskan jawatan MB”, published in Utusan Malaysia on Jan 23.

“On my client’s part, there are no transgressions as he has the documents to back up his purchase of the Lexus and on the purchase of the cattle, which was made solely by PKNS and donor firms, without his involvement,” Khalid’s lawyer Sankara Nair had said then.

Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim will be charged in connection with the allegation that he abused his power over the expense incurred for the maintenance of a luxury car and the purchase of cows.

According to Utusan Online, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Ahmad Said Hamdan said there is strong evidence in relation to the case.

He added that the investigation papers are ready and will be submitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers soon.

Khalid is expected to release a media statement on the matter this afternoon.

On Wednesday, Khalid had filed two suits against former Selangor menteri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo regarding the 'car and cows' allegations which appeared in the New Straits Times and Utusan Malaysia.

Mohd Khir had alleged that the current menteri besar had purchased a Lexus as his official car. However, Khalid later clarified that the car was his own but he was using it for official purposes as well.

Following this, an anti-corruption watchdog filed a MACC report accusing Khalid of using public funds to maintain the vehicle.

On the cattle issue, Khalid was accused of misusing RM110,400 of state funds for the purchase of cattle for his Bandar Tun Razak parliamentary constituency in conjunction with the Hari Raya Korban celebrations.

The menteri besar later explained that the arrangements to purchase and donate the cattle were made solely by state agency Selangor Development Corporation (PKNS) and the donor companies, without his or his officers' involvement.

The move to suspend Perak Menteri Besar Zambry Abdul Kadir and his six executive councillors is tantamount to disrespecting the sultan's decision, said Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today.

"The speaker cannot do it (suspend the seven) - the menteri besar and excos were appointed by the sultan legally. This kind of action can be regarded as not respecting the sultan's decision.

"As elected assemblypersons, they have a right to be in the Dewan (state assembly)," he told a press conference in Putrajaya.

Abdullah also urged the Perak BN government to file a police report over the latest twist to the political turmoil in the state.

"We know their (Pakatan Rakyat) tricks," he said, adding that by suspending the seven, Pakatan Rakyat will have the majority in the state assembly.

The prime minister also disagreed with the suggestion that a fresh elections will be the best solution to resolve the deadlock.

According to him, the best solution is for the BN state government to continue ruling Perak to ensure stability.

7 BN reps to be barred from assembly

Yesterday, the Perak state assembly's committee of special privileges suspended Zambry for 18 months and his excos for 12 months.

In a statement, speaker V Sivakumar said the decision was reached because the seven had failed to provide an explanation for their contempt of the state assembly by declaring themselves menteri besar and excos.

By suspending seven of the BN's 28 state assemblypersons, the numbers have again tilted back to the former Pakatan Rakyat government.

Should the state assembly be reconvened now, it is almost certain that the seven suspended representatives will be barred from entering the assembly, allowing Pakatan to have an edge of 28 seats against BN's 24.

The suspension means that while BN can technically continue to rule, it cannot convene a meeting of a state assembly for fear that Pakatan would move a vote of no confidence against the government.

Should that be passed, then the assembly could be dissolved paving the way for a state-wide snap elections.

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today lambasted the opposition for linking Barisan Nasional to the circulation of Selangor state executive councillor Elizabeth Wong’s nude photographs.


He challenged the opposition to prove its claim and not make wild allegations.

Saying that the BN was not involved in the incident, the BN deputy chairperson said the opposition should not accuse without proof.

"Accuse for what... prove who did it. I don't know anything about the matter, suddenly it erupted in the newspapers.

"One should show proof if one wants to accuse. Don't just talk, don't just accuse wildly," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Several PKR members, including its advisor, Anwar Ibrahim had accused BN of being responsible for the circulation of the nude photographs of Wong, who is also the Wanita PKR information chief and Bukit Lanjan state assemblyperson.

Following the incident, Wong offered her resignation as assemblyman and state executive councillor for Tourism, Environment and Consumer Affairs yesterday.

Privacy a fundamental right

In a related development, the Women's Parliamentary Caucus released a statement expressing sympathy and regret over the incident.

"We are of the opinion that one's privacy is a fundamental right and it must be respected by all parties... taking photographs without her consent is a despicable act and we condemn it," said the caucus presided by 23 women MPs.

The caucus also demanded that stern legal action to be taken against the perpetrators as photographing and distributing such material is akin to sexual harassment.

They also pleaded to the public to avoid distributing the photos and to destroy them in order to protect Wong's dignity.

Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim will meet the state ruler next Wednesday to brief him on the controversy surrounding executive councillor Elizabeth Wong.


Khalid said he will seek the views of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah on how to handle the matter.

"Special secretary to the sultan, Mohamad Munir Bani, informed that the sultan is currently abroad and has informed that he will be ready to meet the menteri besar next week during their weekly meeting," he said in a statement.

Wong, 37, was thrust into the spotlight following the circulation of her nude photographs, which is now being investigated by the police.

The PKR politician, who has repeatedly maintained that she is a victim, has since offered to resign from her exco post as well as the state assemblyperson for Bukit Lanjan.

"The state government hopes that the audience will result in the best solution for the state. Pending the decision, Wong will be on leave and her duties will be carried out collectively by the state exco members," added Khalid.

The mentri besar urged all parties to stop circulating the contentious photos out of respect to Wong’s privacy and called on the police to take stern action against those doing so.

Decision on Wong ‘within a month’

Elaborating on his intention to “seek guidance” from the sultan, Khalid said that it was necessary because he had previously sought royal advice when setting up his exco lineup.

“He has accepted the names, and the least we can do (now) is to get back to him to say one of my excos has decided to tender her resignation and I want to discuss the matter,” he said.

“Most likely, Tuanku would leave it to the exco to decide (on whether to accept the resignation),” he added during a press conference at the Selangor state secretariat building after chairing his weekly exco meeting.

However, he refused to divulge the details of what he intends to discuss with the sultan.

As a matter of courtesy, Khalid said Wong may also need to personally write to the sultan in order to express her intention to quit.

To a question, Khalid said he has personally instructed Wong to go on leave and a decision on her offer to resign would be decided “within a month”.

PAS ‘sympathises with Wong’s predicament’

Khalid also brushed off a Sin Chew Daily report which claimed that PKR was “warned” about the existence of Wong’s intimate pictures several months ago.

Asked on the possibility that more pictures would surface, Khalid said: “That is another speculation.”

Selangor PAS chief Dr Hassan Ali, who was also at the press conference, said that his party symphatises with Wong’s predicament and stressed that all state reps need to be of high moral fibre to safeguard the integrity of the government.

“We will take steps, along with our Pakatan friends, to help clear her name,” said Hassan, who is also a state exco member.

When Malaysiakini visited Wong’s office this afternoon, her staff were working as usual and there were several bouquets outside her office from well wishers and supporters.

Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has filed two defamation suits against his predecessor and current state opposition leader Dr Mohd Khir Toyo.

The legal action follows Khir’s failure to apologise to Khalid for making separate statements to two newspapers on the latter’s purchase of a Lexus car and about the donation of 46 cows for Hari Raya Haji.

The suit was filed by lawyer Sankara Nair at the Shah Alam High court registry about noon today.

Khalid, who is Ijok assemblyperson and Bandar Tun Razak MP is claiming an unspecified amount in compensatory, aggravated and exemplary damages.

He is also seeking an injunction restraining Khir or his agents from publishing or uttering the allegedly libelous statements.

These had appeared in an article in the New Straits Times headlined ‘Lexus is my own, says Khalid’ on Jan 15. Utusan Malaysia published the other article, Lepaskan jawatan MB (Resign as MB) on Jan 23.

Khalid alleged that the two articles directly or indirectly meant that he is dishonest, a liar, an untrustworthy and unfit politician, has committed a criminal offence and has abused his position both in private life and public office.

He claimed that Khir’s actions are malicious and done in bad faith to instigate public hatred and ill will against him. It is also directed at lowering his esteem and exposing him to public ridicule as an elected representative and menteri besar.

Khalid said he had demanded an apology from Khir within seven days, but had not received one.

‘Need to clear name’

Sankara said Khalid had no choice but to file the suit as the seven-day period has elapsed.

"What is clear is that the allegations made against Khalid are not true. Khir made the statement without verifying the facts. Let the court determine the quantum of the damages. What is important is for Khalid to clear his name," said Sankara (right).

On Jan 22, Khir had claimed that he had “documentary evidence” to show that Khalid had given instructions for the 46 cows to be donated to the Bandar Tun Razak constituency, which is in Kuala Lumpur.

A day later, the Bandar Tun Razak PKR division claimed full responsibility for the decision, saying it had “applied to PKNS (Selangor Development Corporation) directly for the cattle”.

Khir also questioned why Khalid had not stopped Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Bhd from buying a luxury car, a Lexus 460, worth almost RM1 million for Khalid’s use in his capacity as chairperson of the state-owned company, after becoming menteri besar.

Khalid responded that the Lexus is his personal vehicle and that he had bought it even before being appointed to the post. However, he has been using it on state business in place of an official car.

PKR will make a decision on the status of Selangor executive councillor Elizabeth Wong when she returns from extended leave, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim said today.


MCPX
Despite being pressed repeatedly, Anwar refused to give a direct answer as to how long the embattled politician will be on leave.

Speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby, he said: "I can only use the strongest possible terms to condemn the smear tactics against her. One can only wonder to what depths the people behind this will stoop to achieve their ends."

This was in reference to the circulation of nude photographs of Wong.

She has since lodged a police report and offered to resign from her exco post and as state assemblyperson for the Bukit Lanjan seat.

Anwar also described Wong as a responsible and courageous leader who has been with the party since 2004.

"She has spoken at length to (Anwar's wife and PKR president Dr Wan) Azizah (Wan Ismail, right) and me. We have discussed the issues and we understand her reasons and the decision she has taken."

“I have said to Eli that we will endeavour to protect her good name because it is already known she is an important leader in Selangor and she has a good working record.

“I spoke unofficially to Pakatan leaders yesterday and a while ago I was consulted by my colleagues and friends from PAS and DAP.”

Anwar said the top leaders of PAS and DAP have expressed their sympathy for her.

Wong (left), he said, has been asked to reconsider her offer to resign and a meeting will be held with her for a decision when she completes her break.

“The (Selangor) menteri besar (Khalid Ibrahim) has said he is giving her space. Like every normal human being she has (come under) strong pressure (in several quarters) including several websites which have tried to humiliate her completely.

“I have noticed that the Agenda Daily website has played up inappropriate photos of Eli and Khalid. This is evil and an attempt to ruin her image,” he said, asking if posting the photos is acceptable in this day and age.

“Don't force us to play the same political game, because I don't think we have come into the political field to smear people (over their) private lives, especially in one’s own bedroom,” he warned.

“I am personally disgusted with this level of gutter politics; you can bribe people, you can threaten, you can kidnap people and you can smear their character (and) it is all tolerated because it is done by Umno.”

'Evil and terrible political ploy'

Describing the incident involving Wong as an “evil and terrible political ploy”, a visibly upset Anwar hinted that it was an attempt by Umno to smear her image and a conspiracy to cause the downfall of the opposition.

“We realise there is a pattern that is attacking our representatives first in Perak, then Kedah and now Selangor,” he said, referring to recent police and graft reports by PKR’s former Bukit Selambau assemblyperson V Arumugam, who has vacated his seat.

“They (police) were very swift when they were looking for the truth in the statutory declaration by Arumugam (left), but the two earlier police reports by Arumugam about threats and attempts to bribe him have not been investigated.”

He called it blatant “hypocrisy and double standards” because “every time (the) opposition (is involved) they (police) are very swift and efficient”.

“The whole episode was turned into a circus. Now they demean and denigrate the character of one of our (most) competent leaders, but why is there no action?” he asked.

“That is why I am saying it is best for her (Wong) to reflect on this and we will invite her again (to discuss) what is best for her and the struggle.”

Asked if Wong's political career has come an end, Anwar noted: “She is a capable and tough lady, I believe she will withstand this.”

Lawmakers were also asked to comment on Wong’s offer to resign.

Ng Yen Yen, Women, Family and Development Minister and Raub MP

Why should she offer to quit? The photos that were taken are an intrusion of her privacy and it could easily happen to you or me.

To resign or not it is her choice because not everybody can withstand this kind of pressure. Nevertheless, we have to know the truth about these photographs.

Hishammuddin Hussein, Education Minister and Sembrong MP

This is a private matter but it has become a norm to use such tactics to bring down and smear the image of leaders.

However, this matter is a lesson to everybody and it shows the difficulty of being a leader.

Abdul Hadi Awang, PAS president and Marang MP

She has been accused of wrongdoing but one is not guilty until proven so. There must fair and just witnesses and investigations into the matter.

Wong should continue to hold onto her post (unless) she is proven guilty.

Lim Guan Eng, Penang Chief Minister and Bagan MP

There is too much attention to an issue of no relevance. Why is there so much interest on the victim rather than the perpetrator?

It is not up to us to make a moral judgement - let that be decided by God.

Dr Lo' Lo' Mohd Ghazali, PAS central committee member and Titiwangsa MP

I don't agree with Wong's offer to resign. This can happen to anybody even to me because we live a glass house as people's representatives.

We all have the responsibility to work together to weed out this irresponsible act of distributing such photos

Kota Alam Shah assemblyperson and Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leader M Manoharan remains under Internal Security Act (ISA) detention after the Federal Court today dismissed his appeal.
MCPX
Federal Court judges Nik Hashim Nik Ab Rahman, Augustine Paul and Zulkefli Ahmad Makinuddin said he had failed to convince them that his detention was illegal.

They made the ruling after unanimously dismissing his appeal against the High Court's decision in refusing to grant him a writ of habeas corpus last year for his release.

This is the second time that Manoharan, 49, has failed in his bid to get out of the ISA detention centre in Kamunting.

Lawyer: He's not a security threat

He was detained on Dec 13, 2007, for alleged involvement in organising a street protest in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25 of the same year, and for making inflammatory remarks against the government.

Manoharan's first bid for the writ of habeas corpus was dismissed by the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Dec 26, 2007. On May 14 last year, the Federal Court also ruled against him.

He filed another application for habeas corpus on Aug 8, 2008, challenging the validity of the detention order, dated Dec 13, 2007, under Section 8 (1) of the ISA.

His application was rejected by the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Nov 12, 2008.

Counsel A Srimurugan argued today that Manoharan could not be a threat to national security as he was elected an assemblyperson in the March 2008 general election.

Deputy public prosecutor Najib Zakaria, for the home minister, replied that the fact that he was elected an assemblyperson was irrelevant to his detention.

Manoharan was among five Hindraf leaders who were detained under the ISA.

The Selangor government will seek the views of state ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah on how it should deal with the controversy surrounding executive councillor Elizabeth Wong.


MCPX
In a statement today, Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said: "I shall be seeking an audience with his royal highness to brief him on the issue and seek his guidance."

"It is most unfortunate that certain elements have resorted to such despicable acts to smear her (Wong's) name and integrity.

"I am sure Malaysians and the people of Selangor will reject the use of such shameful tactics and join me in condemning the people responsible."

This morning, Wong had offered to quit as exco and state assemblyperson for Bukit Lanjan following the circulation of her nude photographs.

The 37-year-old politician revealed her decision at an emotionally-charged press conference at the PKR headquarters in Tropicana.

'Unfortunate turn of events'

According to the PKR leader, she had reached this decision in the interests of the party but maintained that she was an innocent victim.

"I have done no wrong and I am not ashamed of my sexuality as a woman and as a single person. I have broken no law and everyone has a right to privacy."

Meanwhile, Khalid confirmed that he had received Wong's letter stating her offer to resign from her posts.

"This turn of events is unfortunate as Wong has been an exemplary exco member. Over the last 11 months, she had been working very hard in carrying out her duties.

"In view of the trying circumstances and the obvious stress she must be going through, I had advised her to take leave and have a deserved rest," he added.

Wong had lodged a police report yesterday over the matter and the police are investigating the case.

The following is the full statement issued by embattled Selangor exco Elizabeth Wong at a press conference at 11.40am at the PKR headquarters today.

MCPX


The events of the past two days have shown an insidious and underhanded attempt by certain quarters to smear my reputation. My personal life and privacy have been violated.

These people have conspired to undermine my credibility both as a Selangor state exco member as well as a PKR leader. Although the campaign directed towards me has caused me a lot of anguish, I am aware that the real objective is to discredit Parti Keadilan Rakyat.

I have done nothing wrong.

I wish to state that I am not ashamed of my sexuality as a woman and as a single person. I have broken no law. I stand by the fundamental principle in a democracy that has a right to privacy.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat stands for 'new' politics that holds justice and human rights as core values which transcend gender, ethnicity and class. 'New' politics also means we rise above gutter politics.

It is precisely this that I believe that these attacks will continue with greater intensity, and I have no doubt that Umno and Barisan Nasional will continue to manipulate the situation. Accordingly, I have decided to make a stand, in the interest of the party and its struggle for the people.

I have received overwhelming support from my family, my constituents, Pakatan Rakyat colleagues, friends and the general public. However in the interest of my party, I have decided to offer my resignation as a Selangor state exco member as well as the state assembly[person] for Bukit Lanjan.

I will discuss with the menteri besar to arrange for the proper handover of my responsibilities. I will continue to serve the people and fight for justice in Malaysia.

Last but not least, I am very grateful to the people who have placed their trust in me and my party, and I thank them for the opportunity that they have given me to serve.

Words cannot possibly express my eternal gratitude to outstanding staff members and fellow Aduns and most of all, my menteri besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim who has given me his unwavering support and the opportunity to work with him.

If I have let anyone down or offended anyone, I offer my sincere apologies.

Elizabeth Wong
Bukit Lanjan state assemblyperson
Exco for Tourism, Consumer and the Environment

Controversial blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin will have another week of freedom after the Federal Court today postponed his habeas corpus hearing to next Monday.

This is to allow the judges to study the written submissions from both parties.

The court is hearing the government's appeal against the Shah Alam High Court's decision to uphold Raja Petra's habeas corpus application and to free him from detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Should the Federal Court rule in favour of the government, the Malaysia Today editor who is no stranger to controversy could find himself behind bars again.

Acknowledging this possibility in a blog posting yesterday, Raja Petra said: "I pray and hope that the Federal Court will uphold the decision of the Shah Alam High Court to free me from ISA detention.

"But if it reverses that decision then we must be prepared for that as well. And if the Federal Court does what I fear it will do, goodbye Malaysians, my comrade-in-arms. We shall meet again, one day, although not in this world but the next," he added.

Earlier, the court struck out Raja Petra's application to recuse Justice Augustine Paul from being part of the three-member panel to hear the habeas corpus matter.

Paul had removed himself from hearing the recusal application but returned to the bench later after Justices Nik Hashim Nik Ab Rahman and Zulkefli Ahmad Makinuddin dismissed the application.

No to panel of five to seven judges

Previously, Raja Petra's lawyer Malik Imtiaz had argued there were two grounds for the application - that Raja Petra had commented in some articles on the Internet about Paul as the High Court judge in Anwar Ibrahim's corruption trial in 1998; and that Paul, as the High Court judge had dismissed Raja Petra's habeas corpus application in 2001, but the Federal Court later released him.

Malik Imtiaz added that, based on these two grounds, there might be bias against Raja Petra if Paul remained on the panel.

The Federal Court today also struck out another application by Raja Petra to have a panel comprising five to seven judges to hear the habeas corpus matter due to the “complex constitutional nature of the case”.

“I do not know the grounds of the dismissal but I sense, judging from the judges’ argument, that it could also be because they have no power (to decide),” Malik told reporters outside the court after the hearing.

He also said that should the court rule in favour of the government and validate the detention order issued by the Home Minister, it still has no power to order the arrest of Raja Petra under the ISA.

The power to arrest lies with the ministry, said Malik.

About 40 of Raja Petra’s supporters donning t-shirts with “Abolish the ISA” written on it had turned up at the court to show their support.

Parliamentarians like Puchong’s Gobind Singh Deo and Jelutong’s Jeff Ooi were also there to show support.

Raja Petra was however absent. When contacted, the blogger said he did not attend the proceeding after he was advised not to do so by his lawyers.

Six new Perak executive councillors took their oaths of office before Sultan Azlan Shah at Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar today.

The exco lists consisted of two old and four new faces. The three independents - who left Pakatan Rakyat alliance on Feb 3 - were however not on the exco list.

The four newcomers chosen by the BN Menteri Besar Zambry Abd Kadir were Perak MCA Youth head Dr Mah Hang Soon (Chenderiang assemblyperson), Perak Umno Youth head Zainol Padzi Paharudin (Sungai Manik), Hamidah Osman (Sungai Rapat) and Mohd Zahir Abdul Khalid (Kamunting).

The other two were former state executive councillors Ramly Zahari (Manong) and Datuk Saarani Mohamad (Kota Tampan).

They signed their letters of appointment witnessed by Ipoh High Court judge Zainal Adzam Abdul Ghani.

The number of state executive councillors announced today was short of the 10 in the previous council.

No untoward incidents were reported at the palace vicinity, which was heavily guarded by police.

Roads sealed off


Earlier told, the police sealed off roads to Istana Iskandariah in anticipation of protesters at the swearing in of new exco members.

Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel were placed near the main roundabout in Kuala Kangsar, at the road leading to the palace.

Police personnel were also placed at every junction from the North-South Highway exit at Kuala Kangsar to the royal town.


A large group of protesters numbering about 1,000 had staged a demonstration and blocked the road leading to the palace last Friday at the swearing-in ceremony of new Menteri Besar Zambry Abd Kadir.

Nine people were arrested in the aftermath of the protest. The police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse the protesters.

With about an hour to go before the ceremony today, eyewitnesses said that the situation in Kuala Kangsar is peaceful, with no protesters in sight.

Only vehicles with special stickers are being allowed into the road leading to the palace.


Nizar to work today

In another development, ousted Menteri Besar Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin and his exco members have been prevented from entering the state secretariat building in Ipoh.

About 30 FRU personnel stopped them as they approached the premises about 11am. Nizar and his party left about 10 minutes later. Some Pakatan Rakyat supporters were in the vicinity.

The state cabinet members first assembled at the menteri besar's official residence - which is still used by Mohd Nizar - and then headed in a convoy towards the state secretariat.

A similar stunt last Friday resulted in Mohd Nizar and his exco members being booted out of the state secretariat by the state secretary and Ipoh police chief after they had spent 45 minutes at office.

Zambry himself will clock in for work this morning. His first duty however will be to attend the swearing-in ceremony of his exco members in Kuala Kangsar.


Other developments in Perak:


The two ex-PKR state representatives who became Independents have failed to turn up for their corruption trial in Ipoh.

Behrang assemblyperson Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi and Changkat Jering representative Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu face 16 charges, including allegedly soliciting or accepting bribes of between RM400 and RM100,000 during a two-week period between Aug 6 and 19 last year.

They are expected to be at the swearing-in of state exco members at Istana Iskandariah.

It is also leant that a pro-BN group will gather at the state secretariat to oppose Mohd Nizar's presence at work today.


Parliament speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia is expected to officially inform the Election Commission of the vacancy of the Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat following the death of MP Roslan Shaharum yesterday.

Perak DAP has suggested that PAS places Mohd Nizar as the candidate for the seat and has challenged BN to put forward Zambry in what could be termed as a referendum on the political crisis in the state.

The Ipoh Magistrate's Court this morning issued a warrant of arrest against Changkat Jering representative Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu for failing to turn up for his corruption trial.

His sister told the court that he was unwell but failed to produce a medical certificate on his behalf.

Behrang assemblyperson Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi also failed to turn up for the trial. He however produced a MC.

The two state representatives have left PKR to become Independents and have thrown their support behind Barisan Nasional in Perak.

As result BN has been able to take the control of the state, also with the support of a defector from DAP.

Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman face 16 charges, including allegedly soliciting or accepting bribes of between RM400 and RM100,000 during a two-week period between Aug 6 and 19 last year.

Both are expected to be at the swearing-in of state exco members at Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar at 10am today.

Meanwhile the court postponed the hearing to Feb 15 and 16.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng has backed PKR MCPXde facto leader Anwar Ibrahim as Parliamentary opposition leader and to lead the Pakatan Rakyat coalition.
In a contrasting view from his party chair Karpal Singh following Karpal's outburst, Lim said the Pakatan Rakyat leadership has clearly endorsed a position that no individual party policy can be a Pakatan policy unless it is endorsed unanimously by all three parties.

"I would like to state that the DAP reaffirms its support for Pakatan Rakyat to establish an alternative government that is democratic, people-centric and with an ethical leadership based on the five principles of freedom, justice, truth, social welfare and universal moral values," he said.

"In this regard, the DAP supports Anwar as the Parliamentary Opposition Leader, and will remain so, There is no single leader who has ever questioned this during internal meetings."

Different views normal

Lim, who is also the Penang Chief Minister said this in a statement in responding to Karpal's call on Anwar to step down as Pakatan Rakyat leader.

Karpal had blamed Anwar for the disarray in Pakatan which was caused by the PKR leader's continuous rhetoric of forming government with the aid of defectors from Barisan Nasional.

"He has created enough trouble and it is time for him to bertaubat (repent). It's time Pakatan got itself another leader," the DAP chairperson said in his scathing attack on Anwar.

Lim acknowledges there are different view points within Pakatan but all these are taken in stride in the opposition coalition.

Referring to the hudud issue as an example, DAP's view on hudud is crystal clear and regardless of whatever support for hudud and the establishment of an Islamic state, whether from PAS or PKR, this will not be the Pakatan Rakyat's policy as long as DAP does not agree with it.

"Similarly, the DAP leadership has been consistently urging the government to enact an anti-hopping law even before the Perak crisis. We have also expressed support of our MPs to do so. As BN does not have a two-third parliamentary majority, the support of all 28 DAP MPs will be required to effect any constitutional amendment for such anti-hopping laws."

Lim said as party secretary-general, he was duty-bound to execute these policies but should any member wishes to change them, they are required to use proper party channels to do so.

Emploring Karpal to use proper party channel Lim said "I appeal to Karpal as chair of the DAP to use internal party channels and not use the BN-controlled media, should he wish to change these policies or even criticise my leadership."

The DAP secretary-general emphasised the party remains committed towards a multi-racial, multi religious and multi-cultural Malaysia, and its deep conviction in the Bangsa Malaysia concept.

"DAP is inclusive of all races and religions. We represent the interests and fights for the rights of every Malaysian," said Lim.

DAP will have to grow

However, he pledged that the party was willing to undertake a transformational process which may be painful but necessary.

"We have no alternative but to grow without compromising our basic principles," he said.

"As a democratic party, DAP policies can be changed in accordance with the wishes of its members. However until today there has been no requests to question or disturb the basic framework of co-operation between the three parties of DAP, PAS and PKR that makes up Pakatan Rakyat."

Pakatan Rakyat controls 82 seats, compared to 137 BN-controlled legislators in the 222-seat lower House of Parliament.

Commenting on the issue, Penang Gerakan Youh chief Oh Tong Keong has called on Lim to state whether he supports "party-hopping" as a means of forming a government.

"They had different stands on the hudud law issue, yet DAP did not dare leave Pakatan. This is because DAP members want to remain in power and did not dare offend PAS or PKR," the Star quoted Oh as saying.

Kedah Menteri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak today announced that exco member V Arumugam has stepped down as the state assemblyperson for Bukit Selambau, necessitating in a by-election in next 60 days.

"With regret I would like to announce that Arumugam has resigned as the Bukit Selambau state assemblyperson with immediate effect," he told reporters at his official residence in Alor Star.

Azizan said that he received Arumugam's resignation letter dated Feb 8 at 5pm today.

He added that a copy of the letter was also handed over to state assembly speaker Abd Isa Ismail, who will now have to declare the seat vacant and inform the Election Commission to call for a by-election.

According to Bernama, Azizan said, Arumugam had sent two letters through a representative - one stating his resignation as assemblyperson to the speaker and the other to him to inform that he was stepping down from both posts.

Asked about the reasons for Arumugam's resignation, Azizan said the former had mentioned about receiving threats to defect to Barisan Nasional. He added that Arumugam mentioned that he was offered RM5 million to crossover.

"I respect his stand in rejecting the RM5 million offer and according to the letter, he (Arumugam) had been receiving threats since March 2008 and fearing for his and his family's safety, he took the decision to resign," he said.

This was Azizan's second announcement in regards to Arumugam.

First resignation


Earlier today, the menteri besar had said that Arumugam had relinquished his post as the exco member but will continue as Bukit Selambau state assemblyperson.

Arumugam was in charge of trade, consumer affairs, welfare of the estate workers and Indian community affairs.

He was an independent candidate who joined the PKR after the general election.

His decision today comes after weeks of speculation that he would be giving up politics altogether.

He had recently complained that he was being threatened to defect from the Pakatan Rakyat-led state to BN.

In more recent weeks, certain details of his personal life have been used against him to force him to step down as a state representative.

Arumugam, 54, could not be contacted for confirmation. He has been incommunicado since last week.

Letter to sultan

Speaking to reporters in Alor Star earlier today, Azizan said that Arumugam had sent his resignation letter as an exco member to Sultan Kedah Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah today.

"The letter was sent from Kuala Lumpur to the sultan's office at Wisma Darul Aman," he said.

Arumugam had also conveyed his decision to Azizan's aide this morning, citing personal reasons for his decision.

"I tried to call him but he was not contactable. I don't have a copy of his resignation letter," added Azizan.

Azizan said that portfolio would now be taken up by another representative from PKR.

Early this month, Arumugan had lodged a police report claiming, among others, that there was an attempt to kidnap him.

He also claimed that he and his officers have received numerous threats.

"All of this is being done in order to force me to leave PKR and move to Barisan Nasional," he had said after lodging the police report.

He had said that apart from the threats, he was also approached with lucrative offers in order to coax him into leaving PKR.

Last minute candidate

Last week, talks of Arumugam leaving PKR heated up again, especially when he could not be contacted by anyone. His party colleagues then revealed that he was on leave.

Kedah - which was an Umno stronghold fell - into the hands of Pakatan Rakyat following the March 8 general election.

A retired Royal Malaysia Airforce mechanic Arumugam won the Bukit Selambau seat by defeating Barisan Nasional/MIC candidate S Krishnan with a majority of 7,695 votes.

He emerged at the last minute as the independent candidate when the returning officer rejected the nomination papers of Saiful Izham Ramli of PKR on technical grounds.

The by-election in Bukit Selambau means that Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat would have to face simultaneous election campaigns as the Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat also became vacant today following the death of PAS' Roslan Shaharum.

Latest update 5.10pm: The sudden death of Bukit Gantang MP Roslan Shaharum is a big loss for PAS and the people of Bukit Gantang, its information chief Mahfuz Omar said today.
Mahfuz told Malaysiakini that although Roslan was a first term MP, he was an active member who has contributed a lot to the party and people and would not shy away in asking other politicians for guidance.

"His commitment to the party and people was very high. He always put the public interests above self. He was also a traditional Islamic healer subscribing to Darus Syifa, the organisation headed by PAS deputy spiritual leader Haron Din in giving treatment to the people including non-Muslims.

"Having return from Gaza less than two weeks ago, Roslan accompanied PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang in rendering assistance and aid to the Palestinians using his own fund following the Israeli incursion. His death is a big loss to PAS and for me I have lost a personal friend," said the Pokok Sena MP.

Mahfuz is currently on his way to Roslan's funeral at Changkat Lallang scheduled at 6pm.

Roslan was a political science graduate from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia who also held a masters in Human Resource Management.

Bernama reported that Roslan had sent his car for a car wash when he suddenly complained of having chest pains. He borrowed a bicycle to get to the nearest pharmacy but fell after riding a short distance.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Batu Gajah Hospital.

Bernama also quoted Roslan's daughter Norfatimah Zahra, 21, as saying that the family had been in Cameron Highlands for a family outing over the weekend.

Fatimah said her father received a call last night from ousted Perak menteri besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin asking him to attend a meeting at the MB's residence.

"He was there until 1.30 in the morning, and left home for the car wash at 10 this morning," said Nurfatimah.

"My father was healthy but the cardiac arrest could be due to stress and lack of rest," she said.

His wife Safiah Harun, 50, said Roslan had collapsed once about a month ago while on an official visit to Taiwan because of a heart problem.


Early reports 12.30pm, 4.46pm : PAS member of Parliament for Bukit Gantang Roslan Shaharum passed away this morning. He was 50.

PAS Info chief Mahfuz Omar told Malaysiakini that Roslan was out cycling near his home in Changkat Lallang, Batu Gajah, when he suddenly collapsed.

Mahfuz said that the party is now gathering details of his death before issuing a statement. By 1.30pm, the party confirmed that Roslan suffered a heart attack

He leaves behind 10 children. His body is now in the Batu Gajah Hospital

Roslan was formerly the human resource director of Perak Economic Development Corporation, and last July was named chairperson of Perak’s education foundation, Yayasan Perak.

In last March's election, Roslan defeated Umno treasurer Azim Zabidi by a majority of 1,566 votes. Bukit Gantang is a Malay majority seat with 27% Chinese and 10% Indian votes.

The by-election which must be held within 60 days will be a referendum on the political situation in Perak. It comes at an awkward time for Umno, with the Umno general assembly due in late March.

The parliamentary constituency of Bukit Gantang includes the state seat of Changkat Jering which was won by PKR's Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu who recently threw his support behind BN.

PAS is prepared


Meanwhile the Election Commission (EC) said that it was waiting for a notice from Dewan Rakyat Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia on the vacant Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat before taking any action.

"The speaker must give an official notice to the Election Commission chairman before we call for a special meeting to decide on the by-election," EC deputy chairman Wan Ahmad Wan Omar told Bernama.

Meanwhile, PAS deputy president Nasaruddin Mat Isa said the party was prepared to face either a by-election or snap election.

"PAS state election director Asmuni Awi has informed me that the party's machinery has been deployed to face either possibility," he added.

In Ipoh, state DAP chief Ngeh Koo Ham suggested that ousted Perak Menteri Besar Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin is allowed to contest for the seat, adding that it would be a good referendum on what the people think of the removal of his state government.

However he said that he would leave it to PAS to decide on who should contest for the seat.