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Dr Mahathir sprayed with chemical irritant, attacker identified

2006-07-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

Favourite Quote:

Later at a press conference, Dr Mahathir described the attack as an attempt to stop him from speaking out.

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The Prime Minister also feared that certain quarters would take advantage of the incident by disseminating rumours, especially through the Internet.

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Dr Mahathir sprayed with chemical irritant, attacker identified
Friday July 28, 2006

Update by The Star Newsdesk

KOTA BARU: A man sprayed a chemical irritant in the direction of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad moments after the former Prime Minister arrived at the airport here Friday morning.

In Putrajaya, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he was angry over the incident and ordered the police to conduct an immediate investigation and to take stern action against those responsible for the act.

According to police, former Umno strongman Datuk Ibrahim Ali took the brunt of the spray on his face while Dr Mahathir and his bodyguard were also affected.

The 11am (0300GMT) incident took place just as Dr Mahathir was entering a 4WD vehicle together with Ibrahim.

Dr Mahathir, who was seen taking off his glasses and wiping his eyes, was rushed from the vehicle by his other security personnel to a car nearby, which then drove away.

Dr Mahathir being escorted after the incident at the Sultan Ismail Airport in Kota Baru.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan told The Star that his officers have identified the man who sprayed the irritant and expect to make an arrest soon.

Musa said the police were investigating the incident under Section 328 of the Penal Code.

The section reads: "Whoever administer to or causes to be taken by any person any poison or any stupefying intoxication or unwholesome drug or other things with intent to cause hurt to such person or with intent to commit or facilitate the commission of an offence or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause hurt shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 10 years and shall also liable to fine"

Later at a press conference, Dr Mahathir described the attack as an attempt to stop him from speaking out.

Describing how he felt, Dr Mahathir said: “It felt something like a sore throat, my eys were stinging, I could not see clearly and removed my glasses.”

The former premier said he would continue with his scheduled talks Friday.

Dr Mahathir was on a one-day visit to Kelantan and was scheduled to attend a dialogue and dinner organised by the Kelantan People’s Action Council headed by Datuk Paduka Ibrahim Ali.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he was angry over the incident and ordered the police to conduct an immediate investigation and to take stern action against those responsible for the act.

"I regret and am very angry such an incident has happened," he said, adding that those responsible for the incident should be severely punished.

He said the matter should be immediately resolved to avoid negative implications and misconception among the public.

The Prime Minister also feared that certain quarters would take advantage of the incident by disseminating rumours, especially through the Internet.

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The media more credible than blogs

2006-07-26T01:08:00.000-07:00

Favourite Quote:

“If someone makes a racist remark, do you need to put it in the press, even if it is true?”
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Is there any loss if sensitive news is not circulated?
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He said press freedom came with limitations that had to be observed to maintain peace.
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The media more credible than blogs

Wednesday July 26, 2006

By V.P. SUJATA

vpsujata@thestar.com.my

PUTRAJAYA: The local mainstream media need not compete with Internet news websites and blogs to remain popular, as the public still regarded their news more accurate.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said readers of blogs, Internet news and SMS would always check the accuracy of information against local newspapers and television.

He said the mainstream media was pressured by information and news circulated by certain quarters through other channels – this worries him.

“If someone makes a racist remark, do you need to put it in the press, even if it is true?”

“Such statements need not be given space. Wrong or sensitive news will only bring about disharmony in the country. Is there any loss if sensitive news is not circulated?” he told reporters at the Internal Security Ministry’s Mass Media Conference 2006 yesterday.

He said press freedom came with limitations that had to be observed to maintain peace.

On the ministry’s role in ensuring internal security, he said it would not be hasty in taking action because it was aware of the freedom that had been given.

“But we have to ensure that the media acts with a certain degree of responsibility, too.”

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PM: Discussions will raise tension

2006-07-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

Favourite Quote:

“If the discussions are not kept in check or contained, they are bound to raise tension in our multi-religious society. Religious issues are even more sensitive than ethnic issues,” he told reporters after chairing the Umno supreme council meeting here yesterday.

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If possible such discussions should not be carried out at all.
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He also called on the media to carry out its responsibility not to stir up anger and tension among the masses.

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PM: Discussions will raise tension

By SHAHANAAZ HABIB and IZATUN SHARI
Wednesday July 26, 2006
newsdesk@thestar.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: Article 11 forums to discuss inter-faith issues must stop immediately because they are deemed to cause tension in our multi-religious society, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

The Prime Minister said the Umno supreme council had expressed its utmost concern over inter-faith issues that were being debated by Article 11, an umbrella body of 13 non-governmental organisations, through forums on Article 11 of the Federal Constitution.

Abdullah, who is the party president, said the Government had made the decision to urge all parties concerned to end discussions on the formation of the inter-faith commission (IFC).

“If possible such discussions should not be carried out at all. It has passed the stage where it is worrying all of us. The

FINALISING MATTERS: Abdullah getting ready to chair the Umno supreme council meeting in Kuala Lumpur Tuesday, as Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak looks on.

Government will monitor the situation and developments,” said Abdullah, who is also the Internal Security Minister.

On the Article 11 forum to discuss constitutional protection for all Malaysians which was held in Johor last Saturday, he said: “Those who continue with the activities are those who want the interfaith commission (IFC) to be formed.

“The Government has made the decision to put a stop to the discussions on the IFC. Why must they hold more such activities?”

He also called on the media to carry out its responsibility not to stir up anger and tension among the masses.

On May 14, an Article 11 forum was jointly organised with Aliran in Penang following the concerns raised by the cases of Nyonya Tahir, M. Moorthy and S. Shamala where conversion to Islam by one party led to difficulties for their non-Muslim family members.

The group had also held similar forums in Petaling Jaya, Malacca and Johor.

On another matter, he said the supreme council had been briefed on the projects rolled out under the 9th Malaysia Plan and Mentris Besar and Chief Ministers should be the chief implementers of the projects.

“Mentris Besar and Chief Ministers have been instructed to speed up the application process of land matters for the projects under the 9MP and ensure a fast-track service.”

Abdullah said the council also gave its strong support to the party's anti-drug bureau to intensify anti-drug programmes.

He said Putra Umno members would be roped in to ensure the success of the programmes.

Earlier, he launched an anti-drug campaign jointly organised by the bureau and Ford Malaysia to create awareness on the danger of drug abuse.

Known as the “Ford Anti-Drug Squad”, the campaigners would travel to 1,440 destinations nationwide for one year.

The Prime Minister also launched a website (www.birodadahumno.com) to invite corporate bodies and individuals to support the campaign.

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Yesteryears of Malaysia Blogsphere

2006-07-22T11:24:00.000-07:00

Deep breath...long sigh....

Pondering on the yesteryears of Malaysia blogsphere whereby no one bothers about the copy-n-paste bloggers, google adsense, flame wars, quality of PPS ping, expectation on certain bloggers, etc....

A goodwill post dedicated to Minishorts

2006-07-22T05:01:00.000-07:00

A goodwill post dedicated to Minishorts, due to her post "I am a graduate of UPM".

I would like to pledge to all bloggers whom posted on this UPM matter to rebuke what is wrong and uphold what is right. All of us that posted on this matter should not stereotype or generalize that all UPM or local universities students are like these. We all should know that only those bunch of 50 something students has problems with their thinking and way. Therefore i hope that in our quest of bringing justice, we do not destroy the good reputation of our local universities, but instead uphold the integrity of our local universities. Thanks for your attention.

[Added]
For those whom blog on UPM matters: Bravo!! May our efforts bring positive improvement to our local universities.

For those whom do not blog on UPM matters: You have your right to choose the material or subject to blog, and the posted blog may be criticized or commented. However, NO bloggers should be condemned on subjects they do not blog, whether it is their preference, ignorance or lack of knowledge.

For those whom blog on those whom do not blog on UPM matters: The bullseye is on those 50 bunch of bad apples. Let us get back to the track.

Offical Mainstream Media such as newspapers, TV or radio has the obligation to report news to society. Bloggers; either those created by mainstream media or not; do not bear such OBLIGATION; they may be ENCOURAGED, but shall not be CONDEMNED should they not do it.

Stay cool, students at UPM advised

2006-07-21T18:07:00.000-07:00

Favourite Quote:

“All the students should stay cool,'' said its academic and international affairs deputy vice-chancellor Prof Dr Radin Umar Radin Soladi.
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“I was made to understand that a number of boys involved had just finished a rugby game and were probably pumped up because of this,” he said.
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Stay cool, students at UPM advised
Saturday July 22, 2006

PETALING JAYA: Universiti Putra Malaysia has described the bullying incident at its canteen on Monday as “a very unfortunate incident.”

“All the students should stay cool,'' said its academic and international affairs deputy vice-chancellor Prof Dr Radin Umar Radin Soladi.

“We are very concerned with what happened.”

He added that the student affairs department was investigating the matter.

“The whole sequence and all aspects of the incident will be looked at before anyone is reprimanded,'' he said.

Prof Radin said the students could have discussed the problem with mutual respect.

“I was made to understand that a number of boys involved had just finished a rugby game and were probably pumped up because of this,” he said.

Prof Radin added that from an academic point of view, there would be greater focus on teaching students soft skills such as having mutual respect for one another.

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UPM to deal with fracas

2006-07-21T18:06:00.001-07:00

Favourite Quote:

The Higher Education Ministry views the fracas between two groups of undergraduates at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) as a serious matter that needs to be handled effectively.
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Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said he would leave it to UPM to take immediate action on the matter.
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“We have advised the students involved to be more careful about ethnic relations and to think rationally before taking any action, to ensure that harmony is maintained on campus,” he said.
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Prof Nik Mustapha said UPM would make improvements to programmes that place importance on harmony between undergraduates. These include more sports activities, cultural performances and festivals.
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UPM to deal with fracas
Saturday July 22, 2006

PUTRAJAYA: The Higher Education Ministry views the fracas between two groups of undergraduates at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) as a serious matter that needs to be handled effectively.

Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said he would leave it to UPM to take immediate action on the matter.

“I have given the UPM vice-chancellor authority to deal with this. I received two reports on the incident, one report on Thursday and the other (yesterday),” he told reporters after a memorandum-of-agreement signing ceremony between the University of Nottingham and seven public universities for postgraduate programmes.

“I have also instructed the university to arrange a meeting between the students involved at noon (yesterday).”

Mustapa said the university had rules in place to take action when incidents occur on campus and that the UPM vice-chancellor had the autonomy to act.

It was reported that a group of around 50 students surrounded and pushed seven members of the UPM Student Progressive Front (SPF) at their campus cafeteria on Monday.

It was alleged that the 50 pro-establishment students surrounded the seven students and scolded them for setting up a counter when SPF was not a registered body.

When asked to leave, the seven students declined as they felt they had done nothing wrong. No one was injured in the incident but a few police reports have been filed.

In a statement, UPM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Nik Mustapha R. Abdullah said he viewed the July 17 incident seriously and would ensure that its campus was safe for students.

“We have advised the students involved to be more careful about ethnic relations and to think rationally before taking any action, to ensure that harmony is maintained on campus,” he said.

“UPM has emphasised to student leaders the importance of abiding by the university’s rules.”

Prof Nik Mustapha said UPM would make improvements to programmes that place importance on harmony between undergraduates. These include more sports activities, cultural performances and festivals.

It will also emphasise student-centred and problem-based learning, in which participation by all the races is compulsory.

UPM student council president Ab Manaf Ariffin could not be reached for comment.

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Mustapa: Up to UPM to take action

2006-07-21T18:06:00.000-07:00

Favourite Quote:

"It is up to the university to decide on the type of action because the VC is credible and capable enough. That is why we have appointed him. And there are procedures and regulations on how to solve this kind of problems in campus," he told reporters in his ministry today (July 21, 2006).
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"Students in the university should not be allowed to take matters into their own hands and disciplinary action should be taken on all the 50 who manhandled the seven students," its chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said.
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He said the movement views the matter seriously and is concerned such an incident could be a future trend amongst public university students if no stern action is taken against those responsible.
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Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang said Mustapa should prove his mettle by taking a clear and unequivocal stand by denouncing the rowdy conduct of the UPM students.

"There is no way such incidents can be hushed up, as they have been captured by the videoclip and is being circulated on the Internet," he said in a statement today.
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Mustapa: Up to UPM to take action
Husna Yusop
Updated: 05:05PM Fri, 21 Jul 2006

PUTRAJAYA: The Higher Education Ministry is leaving it to Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to decide the course of action to be taken against a rowdy group of students involved in a mob-like situation in campus on Monday (July 17, 2006).

Its minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said he has received two reports detailing the incident in the university cafetaria and has asked vice-chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Nik Mustapha R. Abdullah to take action.

"We have a VC who is responsible to ensure the university affairs run smoothly. So, I leave it to the university (to handle it). I view it seriously and I have asked for immediate action to be taken.

"It is up to the university to decide on the type of action because the VC is credible and capable enough. That is why we have appointed him. And there are procedures and regulations on how to solve this kind of problems in campus," he told reporters in his ministry today (July 21, 2006).

Mustapa said he has asked public university management deparment director-general Prof Datuk Dr Hassan Said to liaise with the UPM administration office on the matter.

"I was informed by Hassan the university is arranging a meeting between the two groups of undergraduates at noon today. You all (reporters) should go there later," he said.

Meanwhile, the MCA Youth has urged the ministry and university officials to hold an inquiry and report why no immediate action was taken by the campus security when they were present at the time of incident.

"Students in the university should not be allowed to take matters into their own hands and disciplinary action should be taken on all the 50 who manhandled the seven students," its chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said.

He said the movement views the matter seriously and is concerned such an incident could be a future trend amongst public university students if no stern action is taken against those responsible.

"Students should learn to accept differences of opinions and be involved in healthy discourses. They should approach these differences with respect, maturity and openness for one another and not through threats and intimidation," said Liow who is also Deputy Youth and Sports Minister.

Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang said Mustapa should prove his mettle by taking a clear and unequivocal stand by denouncing the rowdy conduct of the UPM students.

"There is no way such incidents can be hushed up, as they have been captured by the videoclip and is being circulated on the Internet," he said in a statement today.

"Mustapa should realise such conduct in public universities are detrimental to efforts to restore public confidence, both national and international, in Malaysian universities as centres of academic excellence.

"We do not want the disgraceful incident to be regarded as a racial issue and this is where Mustapa must condemn it as an act of unacceptable student indiscipline and misconduct," he added.

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Varsity students tell of heckling and intimidation

2006-07-21T18:03:00.000-07:00

Favourite Quote:

At a press conference yesterday, students from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and University Malaya (UM) gave accounts of how representatives of their various organisations, were heckled, shouted at and chased away when they went to help new students.
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“The authorities threatened students with cancelling their PTPTN loans if they were found attending such activities,” he said.
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Varsity students tell of heckling and intimidation
Saturday July 22, 2006

PETALING JAYA: Students from three public universities say they were bullied when trying to help new students during the recent orientation session.

At a press conference yesterday, students from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and University Malaya (UM) gave accounts of how representatives of their various organisations, were heckled, shouted at and chased away when they went to help new students.

UPM's Students Progressive Front (SPF) coordinator and student Ooi Tze Min, 22, described how some 50 members of the ruling student body allegedly humiliated him and six others in one of the canteens.

The SPF had set up a counter to assist new students but was told to leave because they were not recognised by the university and its student body.

A three-minute video clip of the incident has been making its rounds on the Internet.

There are also pictures of Ooi pasted at bus stops around the university with a caption blaming him for the student unrest.

“All we wanted to do was to help new students in financial difficulties, and getting the used to their new surroundings and bus routes,” Ooi said.

“We did not do anything wrong, yet we were shouted at and bullied,” he added.

Ooi admitted that the SPF was not a registered body with the university, but felt that the issue was in how they were treated.

“The students could have acted professionally and just told us nicely that we should leave, and not turn it into an ugly situation by surrounding us, behaving like gangsters and shouting at us,” he said.

In UM, Wong Teck Chi, described how three members of the UMANY association were bullied after identifying and helping new students at the 12th residential college.

“Our members had their bags taken and were prevented from leaving by college and student affairs officers,” he said.

He said they had reported the incident to the safety department.

In USM, Lee Huat Seng claimed that university officials had told first-year students on July 12 not to participate in any SPF activities the next day.

“The authorities threatened students with cancelling their PTPTN loans if they were found attending such activities,” he said.

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Mob heckles seven undergrads in UPM

2006-07-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

Favourite Quote:

She alleged that campus security officers who were present did not offer any help and merely watched.
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"A similar incident took place on July 11(2006) where a group of 'pro-establishment' students tore up our materials at the help desk," she added.
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Mob heckles seven undergrads in UPM
Pauline Puah and Charles Ramendran

PETALING JAYA: Gangsterism reared its ugly head in Univerisiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) when about 50 "pro-establishment" students took the law into their own hands and manhandled seven students who are members of an organisation perceived to be "anti-establishment" last Monday (July 17, 2006).

A video clip obtained by theSun showed the large group surrounding and pushing about six members of the UPM Student Progressive Front (SPF) in the campus canteen.

Giving an account of the incident to theSun today, third-year Chinese Studies student Lim Sok Swan said she and six other friends were manning a help counter for new students when the incident started.

Lim said a group of about 50 students led by a student council leader suddenly surrounded and scolded them for setting up the help counter when the SPF is not a registered body.

"They demanded we leave within 10 minutes, saying we are not allowed to be there to disturb students.

"We replied that we were just helping students' welfare and denied disturbing anyone as it was in a canteen that is open to everyone," she said.

"We had done nothing wrong ,so we declined to leave. They then pushed us away and removed our tables, chairs and flyers," she added.

She alleged that campus security officers who were present did not offer any help and merely watched.

"I was very scared," Lim said, adding she called the police as she felt the tension was escalating.

"They only stopped harrassing us when police officers arrived," she added.

Another student said she was pushed and fell on the floor when trying to take some photographs of what was happening.

The student who said her camera broke when it fell lodged a police report at the Seri Serdang police station.

"A similar incident took place on July 11(2006) where a group of 'pro-establishment' students tore up our materials at the help desk," she added.

Meanwhile, Suaram coordinator Chang Lih Kang urged the Higher Education Ministry, the police and UPM's authorities to investigate and take action against the culprits.

"It's a crime to intimidate someone," he said, adding that at least 15 police reports have been lodged over the incident.

Meanwhile, Subang Jaya police chief ACP Mohd Fuad Talib said police have received five reports from the students.

He said investigations revealed that the incident arose as a result of a misunderstanding over an event organised by the students.

He said apart from some pushing and jostling among the students at the time of incident, no one was reported to have been assaulted.

Mohd Fuad said police have spoken to UPM officials and have left the matter to be resolved internally.

"But our officers will continue monitoring the situation to avoid any untoward incident in future," he said.

UPM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Nik Mustapha R. Abdullah and deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs and alumni) Assoc Prof Dr Azali Mohamed could not be reached for comment today (July 20, 2006).

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Ethnic Relations module withdrawn

2006-07-19T20:35:00.000-07:00

Favourite Quote:

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the Cabinet discussed the matter yesterday and felt that sensitive racial issues should not be incorporated in a book used by students.
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“I feel that while historical facts should not be changed, we must bear in mind that our interpretation of history is also important, that we should not raise matters that can create unhealthy situations.”
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Asked whether the current guidebook would be withdrawn immediately, Abdullah replied: “Yes, (Higher Education Minister) Datuk Mustapa (Mohamed) said so.”
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“We cannot generalise and say that a certain race will do this or that.”
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Ethnic Relations module withdrawn
Thursday July 20, 2006

PUTRAJAYA: The controversial Ethnic Relations module taught at Universiti Putra Malaysia has been withdrawn, and will be replaced with a new one.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the Cabinet discussed the matter yesterday and felt that sensitive racial issues should not be incorporated in a book used by students.

“This book must be seen as an important book because it is a reference for our students, and we need to take into account matters that are sensitive to all the races,” he told a press conference at his office here.

“I feel that while historical facts should not be changed, we must bear in mind that our interpretation of history is also important, that we should not raise matters that can create unhealthy situations.”

Abdullah said a new book would be prepared by a panel comprising local historians who would ensure that the younger generation would not be confused or misled.

Asked whether the current guidebook would be withdrawn immediately, Abdullah replied: “Yes, (Higher Education Minister) Datuk Mustapa (Mohamed) said so.”

The Prime Minister said there was no need to point fingers at any particular race for any action taken by a certain section of that race.

“For example, when there are terrorists who are Muslims, we do not view all Muslims as terrorists. We criticise the action taken by that group,” he said.

“It is the same with a coalition like the Barisan Nasional. Some Chinese might have done something, but the MCA will say 'we will never act that way'.

“We cannot generalise and say that a certain race will do this or that.”

Abdullah said racial issues were still sensitive to the people although Malaysia had almost 50 years of independence.

“Just look at the reaction,” he pointed out. “We are still sensitive (on race matters).

“We are still in the process of getting Malaysians to see themselves as one race that has the same aspiration.”

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No Problem On UPM's Ethnic Relations Module, Says Mustapa

2006-07-19T20:33:00.000-07:00

Favourite Quote:

The Ethnic Relations course guideline module introduced by the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) would continue to be used though some claim the facts are twisted.
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No Problem On UPM's Ethnic Relations Module, Says Mustapa
July 18, 2006 22:47 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- The Ethnic Relations course guideline module introduced by the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) would continue to be used though some claim the facts are twisted.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed while admitting there could be some mistakes in the module said on the whole it was still suitable for use.

"From the 120 pages, only four are disputed and mostly the problem is in its interpretation only," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby here, Tuesday.

Therefore, he said, the question of retracting the module as requested by the opposition doesn't arise and its only a teaching and learning guide.

The ethnic relations course are compulsory for institutions of higher learning beginning from the 2006/2007 session.

He said the actual text book "Basic Concepts in Ethnic Relations" published by the ministry for the students involved would be ready in three months time.

Earlier, Mustapa replied an emergency motion raised by Chong Chieng Jien (DAP-Bandar Kuching) on the module which he claimed had twisted the historical facts.

The debate on the motion heated up when both sides argued on the so called twisted historical facts.

Chong disputed on the May 13 tragedy topic, the Kampung Medan incident in 2001, the Extreme Demands by Suqiu and the freedom of religion and Islam Hadhari.

On the May 13 topic that blamed the DAP for igniting the bloodshed, Mustapa said it was based on facts.

"DAP's involvement in the victory parade in Kuala Lumpur in the May 13, 1969, tragedy is an historical fact known to everyone but the other political parties are free from blame either," he said.

On the Chinese front Suqiu's claim, he said, the group's claim is considered extreme and contradicts Article 153 that guarantees privileges for the Malays and Bumiputeras in Sabah and Sarawak," he said.

He said the tense situation then only cooled down when the front retracted seven of the 83 claims that involved sensitive issues.

Mustapa said, Suqiu's claims would be recast in the text books.

Mustapa said the Kampung Medan riots in 2001 was attributed to a group of Indian youths and this fact was referred from a study report by Yayasan Strategik Sosial.

He however admitted that there is a "typo" error and the word "bukan" (non) to explain the prohibition on preaching religions other than Islam to Muslims (Artikel 11(4) of the Federal Constitution) should be dropped.

He said the word would be deleted from the guideline module.

-- BERNAMA

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Kissing in public ‘unacceptable’

2006-07-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

Favourite Quote:

The case caught wide media attention after Siow and Ooi alleged they were summoned by City Hall officials because they refused to bribe them.
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During the cross-examination yesterday, Selvam grilled the witness with repeated questions on what he deemed to be decent and indecent, stating that there were no guidebooks or rules that clearly defined the matter.
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"Only the Religious Department issues summons to Muslim couples caught behaving in an indecent manner.
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He seated the Barbie doll in front of the Cabbage Patch doll and asked Md Nor to explain why hugging from behind was considered indecent and if he has seen other non-Muslims couples seated that way.
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Kissing in public ‘unacceptable’
20 Jul 2006
R.S. Kamini

KUALA LUMPUR: Eastern values do not encourage hugging and kissing in public places, the City Hall magistrate’s court heard yesterday.

Former City Hall enforcement officer Md Nor Abd Manaf also said such behaviour was against one of the principles of the Rukunegara which advocated good behaviour and morality.

He said in his opinion behaving in such a manner was indecent, wrong and unacceptable.

Md Nor, who was being cross-examined by defence counsel S. Selvam, said these were the reasons why he issued summons to students Siow Ai Wei and Ooi Kean Thong.

He was testifying at the trial of Siow, 23, and Ooi, 25, charged with indecent behaviour at the KLCC Park, at 5.20pm on Aug 2, 2003.

The offence, under the Federal Territories Park by-laws 1981, carries a fine not exceeding RM2,000 or jail not exceeding one year, or both.

The case caught wide media attention after Siow and Ooi alleged they were summoned by City Hall officials because they refused to bribe them.

During the cross-examination yesterday, Selvam grilled the witness with repeated questions on what he deemed to be decent and indecent, stating that there were no guidebooks or rules that clearly defined the matter.

Selvam, in submitting a newspaper clipping as exhibit, said after the Aug 2 incident, the then Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, had expressed his disappointment through the media, over the summons that was issued to a non-Muslim couple.

"Only the Religious Department issues summons to Muslim couples caught behaving in an indecent manner.

"Did that influence or guide you to compound the offence?" asked Selvam.

"No. Their behaviour was not acceptable based on Eastern values and a principle of the Rukunegara," said Md Nor.

Selvam then excused himself from the court for a couple of minutes and returned with a Cabbage Patch doll and a Barbie doll to demonstrate how the couple were seated beneath a tree in the park.

He seated the Barbie doll in front of the Cabbage Patch doll and asked Md Nor to explain why hugging from behind was considered indecent and if he has seen other non-Muslims couples seated that way.

Md Nor admitted to seeing other couples but said it was wrong for them to be hugging and kissing while seated in a public place.

Hearing before magistrate Rasyihah Ghazali continues on July 26.

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Shahrir quits as Backbenchers Club chief

2006-07-09T19:43:00.000-07:00

Friday May 5, 2006

Shahrir quits as Backbenchers Club chief

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad (pic above) dropped a bombshell in Parliament yesterday by resigning as Backbenchers Club (BBC) chairman.

He had earlier walked out of Dewan Rakyat disappointed that his colleagues had distanced themselves from a DAP motion related to alleged interference by an MP in the work of the Malacca Customs Department.

The motion called for a newspaper report containing the allegation that the unnamed MP had asked the department to be lenient with those caught importing sawn timber from Indonesia to be referred to the Parliament Rights and Privileges Committee.

Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang had proposed the motion, which was debated for 20 minutes.

Voicing support for the motion, Shahrir, who is Johor Baru MP, said the matter should be investigated by the committee to clear the air as “integrity should begin in Parliament.”

“The problem with the civil service is that it has become an old body that refuses to take action against itself.

“The committee is a tool to manage our affairs. We will call witnesses from the Customs Department and the said newspaper writer to find out what had happened and whether others are involved. We need to be responsible for our conduct and actions,” he told the House.

His statement received loud thumps from the floor.

However, when Speaker Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib asked the MPs to vote on the matter, there was a resounding “no” from most Barisan Nasional MPs. Shahrir then walked out.

The controversy arose from a newspaper report that the MP had gone to the department on April 14 to “settle the case.”

Announcing his resignation at a press conference, Shahrir said the motion should have been supported as it involved an MP and the report had affected Parliament’s integrity.

He would write to Chief Whip and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak about his decision to resign, he added.

“This is my stand and I will not change my mind. This is a question of principle as it is pointless for me to debate on parliamentary issues if I don’t get the support of my colleagues,” he said at the Parliament lobby.

At a separate press conference, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said the BBC members were shocked over Shahrir’s decision to resign.

“It is not that we disagree with Shahrir but it’s an opposition motion and we usually reject their motions.

“I hope Shahrir does not take this as a slap as there was no question about his leadership.”

Nazri added that Barisan MPs rejected the motion as a newspaper report, which did not even name the MP, could not be referred for action in the House.

“If the Customs director wrote a complaint to the Speaker and named the MP, then we can investigate,” he said, adding that it would be better if the police or the Anti-Corruption Agency looked into the matter.

Several hours later, BBC committee members emerged from a 20-minute emergency meeting and issued a statement urging Shahrir to reconsider his resignation.

Larut MP Datuk Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar, the club’s deputy chairman, said Shahrir was still needed as chairman.

Lim said the rejection of the motion showed that Barisan MPs were hypocrites and had a “third-class mentality.”

“It is a shameful day for Parliament. The motion is not meant to curb the press but it (the report) has cast doubts on all MPs and that needs to be cleared,” he added.

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Incentives for marrying and converting orang asli

2006-07-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

Tuesday June 27, 2006

Incentives for marrying and converting orang asli

KELANTAN will offer RM10,000 to each Muslim preacher who marries an orang asli woman and naturally converts her as part of renewed efforts to propagate Islam among the 3,000-odd community in the state.

State Religious Affairs committee chairman Hassan Mahamood (PAS – Tawang) said the same incentive was applicable if the preacher was a Muslim woman who took an orang asli husband.

Asked if the preacher may court the orang asli as a second or third wife, Hassan said it depended on the individual.

The latest figures show that in the past five years, 2,904 of some 3,000 orang asli who reside in Gua Musang and Jeli districts, embraced Islam on their own free will.

Hassan said the state government was unhappy with the conversion rate of the orang asli, who traditionally did not subscribe to any main religion.

Besides the monetary incentive, the preachers would also receive free accommodation, a four-wheel-drive vehicle and a fixed monthly allowance of RM1,000.

On criminal activities and social ills among youths, Hassan said these were due to the influence of the western media.

“The Federal Government allowed sex-oriented movies, music and magazines to be accessible to the masses.

“Crime can only be controlled through the Syariah Criminal Procedure Code,” he said.

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NRD warns of RM20,000 fine or three years' jail

2006-07-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

Friday July 7, 2006

NRD warns of RM20,000 fine or three years' jail

By M. KRISHNAMOORTHY

krishna@thestar.com.my
PUTRAJAYA: Don’t leave home without your MyKad unless you are prepared to pay a fine of between RM3,000 and RM20,000 or worse, face up to three years in jail.
National Registration Department (NRD) director-general Datuk Abdul Halim Mohamed has advised Malaysians to carry their MyKad at all times as required by law.
“Please do not blame us if you are caught because we are now giving everyone ample warning to carry their MyKad or identity cards,” he told The Star.
Abdul Halim said they had since last month, conducted checks at shopping complexes, roads and highways together with Rela, Road Transport Department and Immigration Department officials.
“Our officers found a few hundred people who did not carry the identity document. The main excuse given by people who did not carry the MyKad was that they had left it at home.
“Ignorance of the law is no defence. We are now warning people... carry your MyKad.”
Abdul Halim said the law would be strictly enforced.
The National Registration Act, he said, was clear on the fine that could be imposed under Section 25 (1).
“Carry your MyKad to avoid any problems. The NRD together with other government agencies will be carrying out spot checks on this as well as to weed out illegal immigrants.
“Apart from our enforcement officials, we will co-opt officials from other relevant authorities to assist in the nationwide operations.”
When contacted, Fomca secretary-general Mohd Sha’ani Abdullah said the reason some people did not carry their MyKad was because of the hassle they would have to undergo if they lost the card, especially due to snatch thefts.
“The hassle of reapplying for a Mykad is why people prefer to leave it at home,” he said.
“I don't think it's because of the contents of the MyKad, which has some personal information that scares people from carrying it around.”
Besides personal information, the MyKad also contain passport details and other applications like MEPS cash, and Touch 'n Go.

“We don't usually need to use our MyKad, so we don't carry it with us. For instance, when I need to leave my document when entering a building I would not give my MyKad or driving licence. Instead I hand over my staff card,” he added.
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Disclaimer

2006-07-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

I will use this blog to post reasons why i love malaysia so much. Yippiiiieeeeeeeee!!