Kuala Kubu Baru : A Litmus Test for Malaysian Indian Support and Political Allegiances Kuala Kubu Baru : A Litmus Test for Malaysian Indian Support and Political Allegiances

  From the Lungitaiment (News & Politic Division-The Free Press) Editorial table

Source :Suara Keadilan 

In the heartland of Kuala Kubu Baru, a small town in Selangor, lies the stage for a political showdown that could potentially redefine the landscape of Malaysian politics. The upcoming by-election in this constituency is poised to serve as a litmus test, not just for the competing political parties, but also for gauging the sentiments and allegiances of the Malaysian Indian community.

Historically, the Malaysian Indian community has been a significant power base for political parties, particularly for Pakatan Harapan (PH) led by Anwar Ibrahim. However, recent waves of dissatisfaction have been palpable within this community, casting shadows of uncertainty over established political affiliations.

One of the primary grievances voiced by many within the Indian community is the perceived neglect and marginalization they have experienced under the PH administration. Despite lending unwavering support to Anwar Ibrahim and PH in the past, there is a growing disillusionment stemming from the absence of adequate representation at the highest echelons of power. The absence of a full minister from the Tamil community, the largest subgroup within the Indian demographic, has been a sore point, indicative of a larger systemic issue of underrepresentation.

The controversial removal of Ramasamy in the last state election by DAP, purportedly to appease Malay sentiments, has left a bitter taste among many Indian voters. The perceived double standard, exemplified by the retention of figures like Nga Kor Ming, known for his polarizing statements, has only served to deepen the disillusionment.

On the flip side, the entry of Perikatan Nasional (PN) into the fray presents an alternative, albeit contentious, option for the Malaysian Indian community. PN's track record of espousing hardline Malay nationalism has raised concerns about their commitment to multiculturalism and inclusivity. The recent incorporation of the Malaysian Indian Peoples Party (MIPP) into their coalition has been met with skepticism, with many fearing a repeat of history akin to the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) under the previous regime.

As the by-election looms large, the Malaysian Indian electorate finds itself at a crossroads, torn between historical allegiances and the pursuit of genuine representation and progress. The outcome of this electoral battle in Kuala Kubu Baru will not only determine the immediate political landscape but will also resonate as a barometer of the evolving socio-political dynamics within Malaysia.

In the quest for a truly inclusive and representative democracy, the Malaysian Indian community stands poised to make a defining statement, echoing far beyond the boundaries of Kuala Kubu Baru. The by-election serves as a poignant reminder to political stakeholders that the voices and aspirations of all communities must be heard and heeded, lest the fabric of unity and harmony be frayed beyond repair.

From the Lungitaiment (News & Politic Division) Editorial table

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குழந்தைகளை இஸ்லாத்திற்கு மாற்றுவதை லோ வின் முறையீடு செய்தார்

 மலேசியா: ஒற்றைத் தாயான லோ சிவ் ஹாங்கின் மேல்முறையீட்டை மேல்முறையீட்டு நீதிமன்றம் ஒருமனதாக அனுமதித்து, நான்கு ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்பு பெர்லிஸில் தனது மூன்று மைனர் குழந்தைகளை ஒருதலைப்பட்சமாக இஸ்லாத்திற்கு மாற்றியது அரசியலமைப்புச் சட்டத்திற்கு உட்பட்டதாக அறிவித்த உயர் நீதிமன்றத் தீர்ப்பை ரத்து செய்தது.

நீதிபதி ஹதாரியா சையத் இஸ்மாயில் தலைமையிலான மூன்று பேர் கொண்ட பெஞ்ச், மதமாற்றங்கள் மத்திய அரசமைப்புச் சட்டத்திற்கு எதிரானது என்று கூறியது.

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"Sizzling Controversy: Halal Assurance from Viral Claypot Maestro?"

Ahmad Muzakin Mohd Amir, a viral claypot chicken rice seller, has been accused of using non-halal ingredients, specifically rice wine, in his cooking. In response, he has come forward to clarify that the two bottles in question actually contain sesame oil, which is commonly used in Chinese cooking. He acknowledges that the factory producing the sesame oil does not have a halal certificate but believes the ingredients are not prohibited.

Ahmad Muzakin expresses his commitment to his responsibilities as a Muslim and insists that he does not use any prohibited substances in his cooking. He also emphasizes that the chicken he uses is from a halal source. While his restaurant does not currently have a halal certificate from the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (JAKIM), he plans to apply for one and will be attending a course for this purpose.

Despite facing criticism and potential defamation, Ahmad Muzakin remains steadfast in his commitment to running a halal business for the well-being of his family. He acknowledges his Indonesian ancestry and expresses readiness to answer any questions from customers.

It's important for individuals and businesses to be transparent about their ingredients and adhere to halal standards, especially in a multicultural society like Malaysia. Applying for a halal certificate from JAKIM would be a positive step toward providing assurance to Muslim consumers

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அமைச்சராக தேர்ந்தெடுக்கப்பட்ட திரு. குலா அவர்களுக்கு வாழ்த்துகள்

அமைச்சராக தேர்ந்தெடுக்கப்பட்ட திரு. குலா அவர்களுக்கு வாழ்த்துகள்.

இந்தியர்களுக்குத் தேவை கல்வி மற்றும் வேலை வாய்ப்புகள். அரசாங்கம் மற்றும் அரசாங்க சார்புடையை நிறுவனங்களில் இந்தியர்களுக்கு வேலை வாய்ப்புகளை அதிரிக்க வழி வகை செய்யுங்கள். அடுத்து PPRK வீடுகள் நகர்புற இந்திய ஏழைகளுக்கும் கிடைக்கும் வண்ணம் ஏற்பாடு செய்யுங்கள். சிறிய நடுத்தர தொழில்துறைகளில் இந்தியர் மேம்பாடடைய வழிவகைகளைக் காணுங்கள். ‘செடிக்’ வழி கொடுக்கப்படும் மாநியங்களை மறுசீரமைக்கப் பாருங்கள். அவற்றைப் பெறுவோர் மக்களுக்கு எவ்வகையில் நேரடிப் பயனைச் சேர்க்க முடியும் என்பதனைக் காணுங்கள்.

தொழிளாலர் துறை அமைச்சில் உள்ளதால் இன்னும் தோட்டங்களில் வாழும் மக்களுக்கு அத்தோட்ட நிறுவங்கள் குறைந்த விலையில் வீடுகளைக் கட்டிக் கொடுத்து விற்கும் திட்டத்தை துரிதப்படுத்துங்கள்.

இவ்வாறு செய்வதை அவ்வப்போது பட்டியலிட்டு இந்தியர்களுக்கு பொது ஊடகங்களின் வழி தெரியப்படுத்துங்கள். அரசியல் விளம்பரம் இங்கே அவசியமாகின்றது. இல்லையேல் தங்கள் அரசாங்கம் இந்தியர்களுக்கு என்ன செய்தது என்று தெரியாது போகும்.

மாமன் மச்சான் என்று ஒட்டிக் கொண்டு வருபவர்களிடமிருந்து சற்றே ஒதுங்கி நில்லுங்கள். இல்லையேல் தாங்கள் வேண்டாத பிரச்சனைகளில் சிக்கிக் கொள்ள நேரிடும்.

–தேனீ

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பல்லக்கு தூக்கும் குணம் மாறாத மின்னல் வானொலி!

அந்த வகையில் அரசாங்கத்திற்கும் அதிகாரத்தில் உள்ளவர்களுக்கும் காலமெல்லாம் பல்லக்கு தூக்கியே பழக்கப்பட்டுவிட்ட மின்னல் வானொலி, மலேசிய தேசிய அரசியலில் ஏறக்குறைய இருபது ஆண்டுகளாக துடிப்புடன் செயல்பட்டு வரும் அரசியல்வாதியும் சமூகவாதியுமான மு.குலசேகரனை இத்தனைக் காலமும் கடுகளவும் கண்டு கொள்ளாத வானொலி, அவர் அமைச்சர் ஆனதும் கொஞ்சம் கூட மனங்கூசாமல் வரவேற்று உச்சி முகர்ந்து பாராட்டி மகிழ்ந்துள்ளது.

குலசேகரன் தான் சார்ந்துள்ள கட்சியின் அடிப்படையில் எதிரணியில் நின்று காலமெல்லாம் செயல்பட்டு வந்தாலும் இந்திய சமுதாய நோக்கிலும் பொதுவாக மலேசியக் கூட்டு சமுதாயத்தின்பால் கொண்டுள்ள அக்கறையில் எத்தனையோ கருத்துகளை நடுநிலையுடன் சொல்லி இருக்கிறார்.

(கலைக்கப்பட்ட)தென்னிந்திய தோட்டத் தொழிலாளர் நலநிதி, தமிழ்ப் பள்ளிகளின் நிர்வாகப் பணியாளர்கள், மாநில மற்றும் தேசிய இந்து சமய அறவாரியம், வெளிநாட்டுத் தொழிலாளர்கள், மதமாற்றச் சிக்கல், ஆரம்பப் பள்ளி மாணவர்களின் புத்தகப் பை சுமை, இருமொழி கல்வித் திட்டம், இதற்கு முன் கணித-அறிவியல் பாடங்களை ஆங்கில மொழியில் பயிற்றுவித்தல், வெளிநாட்டுத் தொழிலாளர்கள் முதலாளிகளாக செயல்படுவது, சங்கப் பதிவகம், தேர்தல் ஆணையம் போன்ற அரச அமைப்புகள் பக்கசார்புடன் நடந்து கொள்வது, ஆளுந்தரப்பினரின் கருத்தை மட்டும் ஒலி பரப்புவது, எதிர்க்கட்சியினரின் கருத்தை இருட்டடிப்பு செய்வது, இந்திய இளம் ஆண்களும் பெண்களும் உரிய காலத்தில் மணம் முடிப்பது, உயர்க்கல்வி நிலையங்களில் இந்திய மாணவர்களுக்கான வாய்ப்பு, அதைப்போல இந்தியர்களுக்கான அரசாங்க வேலை வாய்ப்பு உள்ளிட்ட ஏராளமான பிரச்சினைகளைப் பற்றி நாடாளுமன்றத்திற்கு உள்ளேயும் வெளியேயும் பேசி இருக்கிறார்.

அப்பொழுதெல்லாம் அரசியல் வட்டத்தில் குலா என்று செல்லமாக அழைக்கப்படும் குலசேகரனைப் பற்றி தூசி அளவுக்குக்கூட பொருட்படுத்தாத மின்னல் வானொலி, இப்பொழுது அவர் முழு அமைச்சரானதும் அவரை வருந்தி வருந்தி அழைத்து மணிக்கணக்கில் அவருடன் குலாவி மகிழ்ந்துள்ளது.

குலசேகரனும் கொஞ்சம் நிதானித்திருக்கலாம். இத்தனைக் காலமும் கைம்மாறு கருதாத கடப்பாட்டுடன் அவர் ஆற்றிய பணியால்தான் சமூகத்தில் அவர் மதிக்கப்படுகிறார். அரசாங்க வானொலியான மின்னல் அவரை அடியோடு புறக்கணித்தாலும் அவர் அரசியலில் மிளிர்ந்து கொண்டுதான் இருந்தார்.

இப்பொழுது அமைச்சர் ஆனதும், இதே மின்னல் வானொலியினர் சளைக்காமல் அழைத்தபோது, கொஞ்சம் காலம் கடத்தி இருக்கலாம். பணிச் சுமையும் நேரமின்மையும்  சூழ்ந்துள்ளதால் கொஞ்ச காலம் போகட்டும் என்று தள்ளிப் போட்டிருக்கலாம்.

இப்படி யெல்லாம் இன்றி அவர்கள் அழைத்த மாத்திரத்தில்  புன்னகை மாறாத முகத்துடன் மின்னல் வானொலி நிலையத்திற்கு ஓடோடிச் சென்று “அப்பா ம.இ.கா. காரர்; படிப்பறிவில்லாத அம்மா விசாலாட்சி பால் கணக்கில் கெட்டிக்காரர்; வீட்டில் இருந்தால் சளைக்காமல் வேலை கொடுத்து பின்னி எடுத்துவிடுவார்கள்; அதனால் பள்ளிக்கு தவறாமல் ஓட்டம் பிடித்து விடுவேன்” என்றெல்லாம் மாய்ந்து மாய்ந்து தன்னைப் பற்றி குலா சொல்லிக் கொண்டது அத்தனைப் பொருத்தமாகப் படவில்லை.

அதேவேளை, இத்தனைக் காலமும் தேசிய முன்னணியினரையும் மஇகா-வினரையும் மாய்ந்து மாய்ந்து புகழ்மாலை சூட்டி வந்த மின்னல் வானொலி, தற்பொழுது அவர்களை மருத்துக்குகூட கண்டுகொள்வதில்லை.

அடிபட்டு அதள பாதாளத்தில் கிடக்கும் மஇகா, காலமெல்லாம் இப்படியே இருந்துவிடப் போவதில்லை; நாளைய காலத்தில் அது எழுச்சி பெறலாம்; புது வடிவில் புத்தெழுச்சி பெற்று புதுப்பாங்குடன் செயல் படலாம்; மீண்டும் மக்களின் மதிப்பைப் பெறலாம்.

எனவே, கடந்த அறுபது ஆண்டுகளாக அதிகார நாற்காலியில் தொற்றிக் கொண்டிருந்த மஇகா-வின் தற்கால நடவடிக்கை; எதிர்காலத் திட்டம்; இந்திய சமுதாயத்தின் தாய்க்கட்சி என்னும் பிம்பம் சிதைந்துள்ளதா?; இதை செம்மப்படுத்த முடியுமா? கடந்த ஐந்து மாமாங்க காலமாக அரசாங்கத்தில் இந்தியர்களைப் பிரதிநிதித்தக் கட்சியின் தற்போதைய பரிமாணம் என்ன என்பது குறித்தெல்லாம் அதன் தேசியத் தலைவர், இளைஞர் தலைவர், மகளிர் தலைவி ஆகியோரிடம் கருத்து கேட்டு நாட்டு மக்களுக்கு, குறிப்பாக இந்திய சமுதாயத்திற்கு சொல்லலாம்.

அதையெல்லாம் விடுத்து, அவர்களை அடியோடு புறக்கணித்து ஆட்சியிலும் அதிகாரத்திலும் உள்ளவர்களுக்கு மட்டும் பல்லக்கு தூக்குவதும் பரிவட்டம் கட்டி மரியாதைக் கொடுப்பதையுமே வழக்கமாக கொண்டிருக்கும் மின்னல் வானொலிக்கு முதுகெலும்பு உள்ள நிருவாகி தலைமை ஏற்க வேண்டும்.

தன்னல நோக்கில் தேயிலைத் தூள், காப்பித் தூள், மசாலைத் தூள், மெத்தை, கட்டில், கல் வியாபாரிகளுக்கு ‘லாலி’ பாடியும் ஒத்தூதியும் வெண்சாமரம் வீசி வாலாட்டும் இழி போக்கை இந்த வானொலி நிலையப் பணியாளர்கள் விட்டொழிக்க வேண்டும்.

அதேவேளை, ஆட்சியில் இல்லை என்ற காரணத்திற்காக அம்னோ, மசீச, மஇகா, கெராக்கான், பாஸ் ஆகிய கட்சிகளின் தலைவர்கள் வெளிப்படுத்தும் நியாயமான கருத்தைகளைப் புறக்கணிக்காமல் அவற்றையும் அரசாங்க தகவல் சாதனங்கள் பிரதிபலிக்க வேண்டும். அந்தக் காலப் புலவர்களைப் போல அவர்கள் அரசாங்கத்தை இடித்துரைக்கும் நியாயமான விமர்சனத்தையும் அரசாங்க தகவல் சாதனங்கள் ஒளி-ஒலி பரப்ப வேண்டும். இதற்கான ஊக்கத்தையும் துணிவையும் இன்றைய புது அமைச்சர் கோபிந்த் சிங் டியோ சம்பந்தப்பட்டவர்களுக்கு அளிக்க வேண்டும்.

காலமெல்லாம் அடிமைத் தனமாக செயல்பட்டவர்களுக்கு விடுதலைத் தன்மை வெளிப்பட சற்று காலம் பிடிக்கும்.

எல்லாவற்றுக்கும் மேலாக, அரசாங்க தகவல் சாதன முனையங்களை, தேசிய முன்னணியின் பிரச்சார மையங்களாகப் பயன்படுத்தி வந்த அந்த முன்னணியின் தலைமைப் பீடத்தினர்தான் இத்தனைச் சிறுமைக்கும் அடிப்படைக் காரணம் என்பதையும் நாம் ஏற்றுக் கொள்ளத்தான் வேண்டும்.

அத்தகைய கீழானப் போக்கு இந்த அரசால் மாற்றி அமைக்கப்பட வேண்டும்.

source ; https://www.semparuthi.com/163444

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Malaysia need more women in politics

Syahredzan Johan 


SOME say that we are more likely to see a non-Malay/Muslim Prime Minister than a female Prime Minister. 

Legally, there is nothing in the Federal Constitution that restricts the gender of the Prime Minister. In fact, Article 8 of the Federal Constitution guarantees equality and non-discrimination.

Compared to some other countries, the status of women in our country is arguably better. Women have reasonable access to education, for example. They are given opportunities in employment, although not as many or as favourable as men. We do not have the same degree of sexual discrimination as places such as Saudi Arabia, for example. The women of Malaysia, unlike in India, do not face the same 'subculture of oppression' (as described by a committee set up by the government of India to investigate sexual violence in the country), at least not to the same magnitude.

But the reality is that women do face discrimination in Malaysia. Maybe not overtly or codified in our laws, but certainly through a plethora of hidden and subtle forms of gender discrimination.

The root of the problem is our attitude towards women. We only accept women of a certain mould because to us, this is how a woman should be. We view women who are opinionated, assertive or 'strong', negatively. We think that women are incapable of shouldering certain responsibilities, usually connected with top leadership positions.

This patriarchal attitude is most obvious in our political culture. Politicians usually have to take up some form of leadership role. Our patriarchal mindset when it comes to leadership means female politicians have a tougher time than male ones. Female politicians are relegated to specific portfolios, which are usually seen as ‘lightweight’ ones, or those relating to women, children or family. Anything more would be unthinkable because to us, women are just not capable of being at the top of the leadership hierarchy.

It is fine for women to be ministers or excos; but only a man gets to be the prime minister, chief minister or mentri besar. The irrational objection that certain quarters had to a female mentri besar in last year's political crisis in Selangor is the perfect example of this.

On top of this, female politicians in Malaysia are expected to conform to certain established 'sensibilities'. They are expected to speak, dress and act a certain way. They are expected to only champion certain causes. Their public lives are under greater scrutiny than male politicians. We are generally less forgiving of the transgressions of female politicians compared to their male counterparts. A male politician caught in a scandal is far more likely to survive than a female politician in the same position.

The culprits are not only the men, unfortunately. When Dyana Sofya, the young DAP politician uploaded a photo on her instagram account as part of the 'Wake Up for a Good Cause' campaign to raise funds for an organisation helping abused women, a female leader from another party was alleged to have accused Dyana of 'exploiting her body'.

This politician was reported to have said that young women should not 'pose like that' to attract attention, when in actual fact there is nothing inappropriate or indecent about the photo. Some female politicians themselves perpetuate this patriarchal mindset when instead they should stick up for each other.

Yes, most major political parties here in Malaysia have a dedicated women's wing. Presumably, the formation of a women's wing was to encourage the participation of women in politics. But the existence of women's wings in politics has resulted in limiting the opportunities of women in these political parties.

The political pinnacle for a woman leader in a political party is realistically the position of the head of the women's wing, as the chances of a woman succeeding outside of the wing and within the main leadership hierarchy of the party are slim.

In spite of these challenges, a lot of women have succeeded in politics. Women such as the late Tan Sri Aishah Ghani, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz and younger politicians such as Nurul Izzah Anwar and Hannah Yeoh have managed to carve a name for themselves at the highest level of politics, a realm usually dominated by men.

These women are role models for other female politicians and women in general.

But one Nurul Izzah here and one Hannah Yeoh there is not enough. We need to have more women in more meaningful roles in politics. To help achieve this, we need to discard our old mindset and attitudes toward women in politics. We need to start seeing the participation of women in politics beyond mere tokenism and to accept the fact that women are as capable of political leadership as their male counterparts.

At the same time, there must be bi-partisan cooperation of both sides of the political divide to change the patriarchy in politics. They can start by not attacking each other on trivial issues that actually perpetuate patriarchy. 

Only then, can we truly entertain the possibility of a female Prime Minister, Menteri Besar or Chief Minister. Happy International Women's Day!

> The views expressed are entirely the writer’s own.
Source :Star Online

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Malaysia's controversial “Kita Lawan” has crossed borders and expanded into international territories.

GeorgeTown,Penang- It seems that the controversial “Kita Lawan” Assembly that will take place in Kuala Lumpur this Saturday has crossed borders and expanded into international territories.

The assembly, which is meant to protest Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent imprisonment, will make its way into several overseas locations, staging similar protests for the PKR de facto leader.

In Australia, there will be two “Kita Lawan” assemblies. The first will be held in Canberra where the starting location will be in front of the Australian Parliamentary Building, while another one will take place in Adelaide. The public has been asked to gather at 4 pm local time at both locations.

Meanwhile in London, the assembly will begin at 11 am local time at the Old Palace Yard, and in Taipei, Taiwan, the gathering will take place at the Liberty Square beginning 7 pm.

Other locations of the protest include New York City and several other cities in the U.S, Japan, New Zealand, and Europe.-MalaysianDigest

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Theories on MH370 keep rotating.

SYDNEY: Speculation about what happened to Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 ranges from sober, science-based arguments to outlandish conspiracy theories. Here are some of the most prominent:

Crashed in Southern Indian Ocean

Official investigators used analysis from British firm Inmarsat of “pings” to its satellite from MH370, combined with data direct from the plane before it stopped transmissions, to conclude the plane had flown south after it dropped off Malaysian military radar and crashed in the southern Indian Ocean.

The well-respected Independent Group (IG) has done its own analysis and believes the plane is probably near the current search zone, but not necessarily within it.

Just why MH370 ended up there is contested both within IG and others who support the official findings. Some plump for a hijack scenario, others point to technical or pilot error. A British captain, Simon Hardy, says the plane did a fly-by of the pilot’s home island of Penang before flying repeatedly in and out of Malaysia and Thailand to confuse air traffic controllers.

It was accidentally shot down

This theory was the thrust of the first book published on the incident, ‘Flight MH370 The Mystery’. London-based author Nigel Cawthorne said the plane may have been accidentally shot down during joint U.S.-Thai military exercises in the South China Sea. Such accidents have happened before: Korean Air flight 007 was shot down by the Soviet Union in 1983, and the U.S. Navy downed an Iranian airliner in 1988. Aviation experts are skeptical about a U.S. and Thai cover-up, proponents argue the very nature of a “cover-up” is that it is hard to disprove.

It was brought down near Diego Garcia

The former head of France’s Proteus Airlines, Mac Dugain, put forward the theory that the plane may have been shot down by the U.S. military, fearing a Sept. 11 style attack on the U.S. Navy base on the remote Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia. Dugain pointed to the testimony of residents in the Maldives who reported seeing an airliner traveling towards the island, although their claims were widely dismissed.

It is in Russia

Former pilot and regular CNN aviation expert Jeff Wise speculates that MH370 flew north along national borders to avoid radar before landing in Kazakhstan as part of a Russian-engineered plot. Wise’s theory is dependent on somebody on board the plane tampering with key satellite transmission data to give the impression it flew south. He noted the relevant instruments could be accessed by a panel in the cabin and that there were three Russians on board. Wise acknowledges he can offer no motive to explain why Russia would want to steal a Malaysian jetliner.

It is in Pakistan for use in terrorism

A retired US lieutenant general spread the theory the plane was flown to Taliban-controlled Pakistan, to be used to carry weapons of mass destruction for an attack on Israel. The idea was given a boost by newspaper mogul Rupert Murdoch, who tweeted: “Maybe no crash but stolen, effectively hidden, perhaps in Pakistan, like Bin Laden”.

MH370 and MH17 were the same plane

This theory is based on photos of the MH17 crash site in Ukraine, which proponents argue shows that the second crashed plane was in fact MH370, a later 777 model that had some small changes to its body. How MH370 could have been hidden for six months before being substituted for MH17 – and what happened to the bodies – is not explained.

It was abducted by aliens

Self explanatory.

- Reuters

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Singapore-Malaysia finger pointing on rail delay

The bottomline is that the rail line is unlikely to be operational by 2018 as originally planned.

SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Transport Singapore (MOTS) has clarified that it was not the island but its Malaysian counterpart that was delaying plans for the Rapid Transit System (RTS), a cross-border train line.

It’s unclear who is telling the truth.

The bottomline is that the rail line is unlikely to be operational by 2018 as originally planned.

“Once Malaysia decides where they want their end of the train line, the two countries can then proceed to start a joint engineering study,” said MOTS in a statement carried by The Real Singapore. “It’s not true that MOTS is holding back the RTS plans by failing to finalize plans for where the station is going to be on the Singapore side.”

The MOTS statement was apparently blaming the Malaysian side for pointing fingers at it on the same issue. The Johore Executive Committee Member for Public Works and Rural and Regional Development, Hasni Mohammad, had earlier spoken up on the same issue but blamed Singapore.

“The suggestion that Singapore has been delaying progress on the RTS link is incorrect,” said the MOTS statement. “Singapore informed Malaysia in June 2011 that the RTS terminus in Singapore would be located at Woodlands North near Republic Polytechnic.”

However, to date, Singapore has not received official confirmation of the location of Malaysia’s RTS terminus in Johor Bahru, it added. “We look forward to official confirmation from the Malaysian government on the location of the RTS terminus in Johor Bahru.”

“Singapore remains committed to working closely with Malaysia on the RTS link, which will provide a boost to cross-border connectivity.”

 

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Malaysian Prime Minister's wife criticized for her luxury lifestyle

KUALA LUMPUR: The wife of Malaysia's prime minister, who is widely mocked over reports of her taste for luxury, drew fresh scorn on Tuesday after she complained about the rising cost of house calls from hairdressers and tailors. 

Rosmah Mansor, 63, is a controversial figure in Malaysia, where she is routinely portrayed by critics as out of touch with ordinary citizens struggling to make ends meet. 

The wife of Prime Minister Najib Razak handed her critics new fuel with comments on Monday lamenting the 1,200 ringgit ($330) she has to spend on house calls by stylists to dye her substantial head of hair, and 500 ringgit for tailored dresses. 

"We have to make beautiful clothes to attend functions, but the prices are way too high. For those who can afford, it's all right. But what about housewives like us, with no income?" she was quoted as saying by the Malaysian Insider news portal. 

Malaysia's minimum wage is 900 ringgit per month, though critics say it is seldom enforced. 

Rosmah made the comments at a public event to discuss the introduction of a new consumer tax in April. 

"Is this woman for real? Some families have to live on what she pays to have her hair dyed," said one Facebook user, among a flood of social media postings poking fun at her on Tuesday. 

Said a post on Twitter: "I hope to become a poor housewife of a civil servant just like you Rosmah." 

Since her husband took office in 2009, Rosmah has faced periodic criticism over reports of luxury overseas shopping sprees. 

The New York Times ran a report earlier this month detailing purchases of high-end US real estate by people close to Najib, and said it also had obtained documents showing millions of dollars in jewellery purchases for Rosmah. 

In a statement to AFP after the New York Times report, the prime minister's office said "We prefer not to comment on unsourced speculation concerning the private finances and spending of the prime minister and his family." 

Malaysian police on February 14 seized a shipment of books lampooning Najib and Rosmah by one of the country's best-known political cartoonists. 

Last year an opposition lawmaker was charged with sedition for producing a satirical video that included a character widely viewed as representing Rosmah.-The Economic Times 

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Malaysian's Opposition Leader,Lim Kit Siang questions foul play among judges

KUALA LUMPUR: Questionable dealings among judges were aired after a former judge resurrected a controversial 1995 dispute over company shares, prompting the DAP’s Lim Kit Siang to demand an explanation from the chief justice, Ariffin Zakaria.
Lim asked whether a vengeful former chief justice, Eusoffe Chin, had twice blocked the promotion of an appeal court judge who stood up to him.
In a statement today Lim demanded an explanation from the current chief justice, Ariffin Zakaria, who heads the Judicial Appointments Commission, which decides on appointments to the three superior courts.
Lim said Ariffin should explain whether the controversial Ayer Molek v Insas case of 1995 was one reason for Justice Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus being twice by-passed and denied elevation to the Federal Court.
Lim wanted to know if Justice Hishamuddin’s promotions were thwarted by Eusoffe Chin exacting vengeance on the judge, who had declared as invalid a decision by a superior three-man federal court bench headed by Chin.
Justice Hishamudin had ruled that the bench of Chin, an appeal court judge, and a high court judge, was improperly set up because the third judge, Pajan Singh Gill, was not legally competent to sit on the federal court bench as he was only a high court judge at the time.
Lim also referred to an article by retired appeal judge Justice K.C. Vohrah last year that Chin had tried to influence an unnamed appeal court judge who was about to hear a shares dispute between the Ayer Molek Rubber Company and Insas Bhd in 1995.
In the article, published in a Court of Appeal 20th anniversary booklet last year, Justice Vohrah had stated that Eusoff had called the judge into his chambers before the appeal was heard and when the judge entered, the CJ pointed to a pile of files on his table. “He (Eusoff) said the papers were related to the Ayer Molek case and he (the CJ) indicated that the appeal had no merit,” Malaysiakini quoted Vohrah as saying.
Vohrah was on the bench that heard the Ayer Molek case, with appeal judge NH Chan and co-opted high court judge Siti Norma Yaakob, later the first woman chief judge of the high court of Malaya.
The three judges held that lawyers for Insas had abused the High Court process, creating grave injustices; the lawyers had “brought the administration of justice into disrepute” which might “give the impression that litigants can choose the judge before whom they wish to appear”, the appeal judges held.
Lim said the Ayer Molek case was one among other cases and events in the eighties and nineties which “marked the downfall of Malaysia’s reputation for judicial independence and just rule of law”, starting with Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s sacking of the head of the judiciary, Tun Salleh Abbas, and two Supreme Court judges in 1988.
Vohrah had written that Court of Appeal decision in the Ayer Molek case was overturned by the Federal Court bench one week later; the Malaysian Bar, aghast at the Federal Court decision, said the panel headed by Eusoff was illegally constituted because the third judge on the panel, Pajan Singh Gill, was not legally competent to sit on that bench as he was only a High Court judge then.
The matter was raised in a RM100 million libel suit brought by Insas lawyer VT Lingam over an article in a foreign business magazine about the Ayer Molek case.
When the Lingam libel case came up before Justice Mohamad Hishamudin, the judge dismissed Lingam’s suit; he “stood his ground saying the Federal Court panel by Eusoff was not legally constituted” and had upheld the earlier appeal court judgement by Chan, Siti Norma and Vohrah.
Lingam and Chin later gained notoriety after photographs were published showing the pair on holiday together, leading to a royal commision of inquiry when a video tape was published apparently showing Lingam arranging for judges’ appointments. The royal commission censured both Lingam and Chin and four others including Dr Mahathir Mohamad, but no action has been taken since.
Lim questioned whether Eusoffe Chin had extracted double vengeance on Justice Hishamudin by twice denying him promotion, first in September 2013 and again in the latest batch of judicial elevations this year.-February 28,2015. Free Malaysia Today.

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Malaysian's Prime Minister approval rating slips to 44% :Merdeka Center

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's approval rating dropped to 44% last January from 48% in October 2014 as more people felt his government was headed in the wrong direction in economic issuez, according to the latest Merdeka Center poll.

The independent pollster said Najib's Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition's approval rating remains at 38% in January, the same as the last poll done last October. – February 27, 2015.The Malaysian Insider

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Price Of RON95 Petrol in Malaysia To Go Up!!

Kuala Lumpur- As the price of crude oil has risen to US$60 (RM216.50) from the previous price of US$48 last month, the price of petrol in Malaysia will likely reflect the higher price in the coming month. 

The current price for RON95 petrol stands at RM1.70 a litre, RON97 petrol at RM2.00 a litre and diesel sharing the samce price as RON95.

With the new hike in prices, it is estimated that the price of RON95 will likely climb higher, as the price is now derived from a managed float system that is reviewed on a monthly basis. 

This comes as the government slashed fuel subsidies two months ago, which peaked at RM20 billion ringgit per annum when the price of crude oil was high.

However, with the US producing oil at a higher rate, demand has slowed and with OPEC, the cartel of major global oil producers, having decided not to cut out the supply of crude oil produced daily, prices have dropped sharply since June last year. 

Despite the increase in price, a report by the BBC estimated that the price will recover slowly to around US$70 by 2019 market experts forecasting a price range of US$40 - US$80 in the next few years.  

- Malaysian Digest 

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Malaysian State,Penang, to roll out RM27b transport master plan in 2017

Georgetown :The RM27 billion Penang Transport Master Plan will be rolled out in stages beginning 2017, the state government said.

Penang traffic management exco Chow Kon Yeow announced today that the state government had received proposals from six bidders to be project delivery partners (PDP) of the master plan.

Of the six, two are foreign consortiums and three are local public-listed construction giants, he said, without revealing the companies.

The state has appointed consultancy firm KPMG to lead the evaluation of the bids.

“By May, we should be able to decide which firm to pick and sign an agreement with.

“After that, there will still be work to refine the plans before tenders can be called to appoint companies to start the physical work. They will need to take a couple years to finalise engineering plans before rolling out the projects.

“We expect that the first project from the master plan will be able to roll out in 2017,” he said at a press conference at his Komtar office.

The closing date for bidders to submit their proposals was yesterday.

The Penang Transport Master Plan, completed in 2012, aims to resolve traffic woes in the state, especially on the island.

It involves massive infrastructure works and a comprehensive public transport system incorporating light rail transit (LRT), trams, buses and catamarans, expanding roads and building new highways.

It also includes an ambitious undersea tunnel linking George Town and Butterworth.

Instead of appointing only one PDP as initially planned, Chow said due to the size of the master plan and the many projects and packages involved, two PDPs may be appointed and split up the projects for better management.

Bidders must propose implementation plans as well as financing for the projects, he said, adding that this may include land swaps and land reclamation rights.

“This is the method used by Konsortium Zenith BUCG Sdn Bhd, which is undertaking the undersea tunnel project.

“We will have to study the proposals by the bidders first to see what funding method is viable,” Chow said.

Konsortium Zenith BUCG was awarded a 30-year concession on the tunnel. The company will also get 44.5ha of reclaimed land from the Penang government for building the tunnel.

The feasibility study for the 6.5km undersea tunnel reportedly started last month and work on the multi-billion ringgit project could begin next year.- TheEdgeMarkets.com

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Another victim of Sedition Act in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Ten policemen descended on Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM,Socialist Party of Malaysia) secretary-general S. Arutchelvan’s house on Thursday night and held him under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act reportedly for a statement he issued on Feb 10 following Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim’s conviction on a sodomy charge, according to malaysiakini.

The police also seized his computer, mobile phone and modem.

Under the section, anyone who prints, publishes, sells, offers for sale, distributes or reproduces any seditious publication shall be guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine of up to RM5,000 or jail up to three years, or both.

PSM’s Feb 10 statement:

Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) is appalled with the disgraceful Judgment by the highest court in the nation on Anwar’s sodomy II case. Any person following the trial in the Federal Court would have made a overwhelming foregone conclusion that Anwar is innocent and he will be free man today. This hope was dashed and now in shambles.

The Judgment today further deepens our conviction that the courts are not independent and are politically driven. The Prime Minister department in normal circumstances responds late to any issues but on this issue has already issued a statement very promptly and efficiently. Was this statement already ready before the judgment? One would not need a genius to answer this.

The highest court has unanimously put to shame our criminal justice system and Judiciary beyond repair. It is time people wake up that something is seriously wrong.

The decision today besides creating a political crisis as well as leadership crisis in PR; will also derail real issues faced by the normal rakyat such as the serious increase in prices of goods, the Floods, the dengue epidemic, the implementation of the GST and other real issues. The decision is designed to keep us away from addressing the real issues while the culprits continue to reap huge profit and immense huge power.

It is time to unite against this corrupt system. We stand in unity with PR and Anwar’s family on this.

When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes a duty!

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Malaysia's Inspector-General of Police Warned Pro Anwar Protester

Kuala Lumpur- Malaysia's Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar has warned that action will be taken against the organisers of the “Kita Lawan” (We Fight) rally being planned for next month.

The rally is being planned in support of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim who was sent to jail for five years last week, the Malaysian Insider reported.

Several peaceful protests were held in Kuala Lumpur after the Federal Court upheld Anwar’s sodomy conviction.

“We have laws in this country… if the law is not being observed, be prepared to face police action,” said Khalid after launching a road safety campaign in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

“I want to remind those who try to hold gatherings or rally we will not stay silent, we will take action.

Khalid Abu Bakar widely criticize by Malaysian and law maker for his pro-government action. Until now, there are many opposition MP were arrested under the Sedition act.    

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Malaysian MP says Prime Minister, Najib may have just check-mated himself by rubbishing Sirul's claims that he was acting on orders in the Altantuya murder

Kuala Lumpur: MP for Puchong, Gobind Singh Deo has said the prime minister must tell the people the truth behind the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu now that he has publicly denied Sirul Azhar Umar’s claims that he acted under orders.

In a statement Gobind asked, “If Sirul’s claim isn’t true, then what is?

“Najib may have just check-mated himself with that answer.”

Gobind said that whether Najib Razak knew what happened that night in 2006, he must answer three important questions namely “what did investigations reveal as motive for the killing?” and “Who directed the killing and why?”

Corporal Sirul and Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri of the Special Action Unit (UTK) were both convicted of shooting, then blowing up Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu and are now facing the death sentence. However Sirul, who fled the country before the verdict and is in detention in Australia, revealed recently that he was only acting on orders.

The MP also said that if Najib was in the dark about certain aspects of the murder, then he must find out the truth.

“He (Najib) would until then, be in no position to say whether Sirul is telling the truth or not.

“So why has he as Prime Minister denied it publicly?” Gobind asked of Najib’s statement this morning that Sirul’s claims were “total rubbish”.

Gobind also said, “Would he be, in those circumstances, prepared to retract that statement and direct an open and transparent inquiry into the matter?”. - FMT. Feb 19. 2015

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Anwar Ibrahim's Wife for Permatang Pauh by-Election

Kuala Lumpur : Looks like PKR’s president Wan Azizah Wan Ismail will be having her hands full, juggling her commitments as assemblywoman in Kajang with campaigning for a Parliamentary seat in the upcoming Permatang Pauh by-elections.

Her party’s political bureau endorsed her candidacy late last night and will now seek opposition leader Anwar’s Ibrahim’s views on it, The Star Online reported a source as saying.

PKR leaders however have remained mum about her candidacy, preferring only to say, “We have not decided (who shall run for Permatang Pauh).

“What was decided at the meeting was that Datuk Seri Anwar is going to be consulted regarding the candidacy.

“R Sivarasa (PKR vice-president) will be going to prison either today or after Chinese New Year to seek his opinion,” said PKR vice-president Tian Chua.

The Parliamentary seat in Permatang Pauh became vacant after its MP Anwar Ibrahim  (Leader of Opposition) was sentenced to five years in prison upon his conviction of sodomy on February 10.

A familiar face in Permatang Pauh, Wan Azizah won the seat in 1999 and 2008

Source : Free Malaysia Today. 

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