RM500,000 for reps accounted for, says Khir

(STAR) PETALING JAYA: All disbursements of the RM500,000 annual allocations to Barisan Nasional assemblymen in the previous state government are recorded and accounted for at the district offices, said former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo.

The RM500,000 was Selangor Barisan’s annual allocation to each state assemblyman to be used for mesra rakyat (people friendly) projects.

“It saddens me that the new government chooses to go on with wild allegations. Mosques, churches, temples and other places of worship benefited from this allocation.

“We are not worried about such punches that are below the belt because the records are with the various district offices,” said Dr Khir, who is the Sungai Panjang state assemblyman.

Former Teluk Datuk state assemblyman Datuk Ei Kim Hock, who is the Selangor MCA secretary, confirmed his annual allocation was used before the general election in March.

“The money was used to settle outstanding allocations promised in previous years and also for mesra rakyat programmes, including buying computers for poor students, and helping to pay for gotong royong events.”

Ei said that the amount was used up very fast because people expected the state assemblymen to help out financially in various projects.

“The money is not enough every year but we try our best to accommodate all financial requests,” he said.

The RM500,000 never reached the state assemblymen in cash. Instead, the amount was allocated to the district office and the state assemblymen would inform the district officers where the money should be dispersed.

“All payments are accounted for. You can check with the district office,” said Ei.

Former Pandamaran assemblyman and Klang MCA chief Datuk Teh Kim Poo said the new government should move forward and not start a witch-hunt on a non-issue.

“Sending letters asking for an explanation from present current and former Barisan state assemblymen is a waste. All the records are with the district offices,” he said.

Former Seri Andalas assemblyman Kamala Ganapathy said her conscience was clear and that the money reached the intended groups of people – schools and associations.

Penang wants toll cut if bridge is late

By CHRISTINA CHIN

(STAR) PENANG: The state government wants a “toll discount” to be given to Penangites if the Second Penang Bridge is not completed by Jan 1, 2011.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state would ask for the punitive provision to be enforced as a “guarantee that the delivery of the project is on schedule.”

“The bridge is a federal project but is on state land. Ultimately, the cost of the building will be borne by Penangites, so we will discuss this matter privately with the Federal Government and the contractor involved,” he said after Vaisakhi prayers at the Gurdwara Sahib yesterday.

Lim said the state wanted to know the toll rates for the 24km second bridge, which would link Batu Maung on the island with Batu Kawan in Seberang Prai.

“For example, if toll charges are RM9, a discount of 15% should be given if the project is late. Otherwise, they can take forever to complete the structure. If this cannot be done, we will have to explore other possibilities,” he said.

Asked to comment on the bridge cost escalating from RM3.5bil to RM4.3bil, Lim said he would wait for an official report before commenting.

At a meeting held on April 11 between the Finance Ministry, bridge builder UEM Builders Bhd and main contractor China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd, the Federal Government had finalised the cost of the second bridge at RM4.3bil.

Earlier at his Komtar office, Lim said the state government had agreed in principle to allow all non-profit educational institutions in Penang, including independent schools, to pay a nominal RM1 fee for quit rent.

The new ruling was expected to be gazetted soon, he told newsmen.

Liu: RM27mil gone in 50 days

(STAR) KLANG: All the 54 Barisan Nasional assemblymen in the previous state administration finished their combined annual allocation of RM27mil for 2008 in the first 50 days of the year, Selangor exco member Ronnie Liu revealed.

“There was shock and disbelief when the state executive councillors found out that the allocation of RM500,000 each meant for repairing roads and drains had been used up by February,” he said.

The state government would ask the 36 former Barisan assemblymen and the 18 who retained their seats to explain how the allocations were used, the State Local Government, Study and Research Committee chairman told reporters after visiting the Klang Municipal Council here yesterday.

Liu said Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim decided last week to seek an explanation from the assemblymen to ensure accountability.

“Letters will be sent out to the assemblymen within the week, and they must give a detailed account on how the allocation was used and who the contractors were,” he said.

“We want to know how the ratepayers’ money was used.”

Liu said the assemblymen in the present government were forced to ask for another RM500,000 each to give the services in their constituencies.

“We're going to come out with a new method where every sen spent will be accounted for,” he said.

Anwar: 20% royalties for Sabah if Pakatan forms govt

(STAR) KUALA LUMPUR: If Pakatan Rakyat forms the Federal Government, Sabah will get up to 20% of royalties from oil and gas and timber, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

More schools would be built and help would be given to the poor there, he told reporters after a rally to celebrate the end of his exile from active politics at the Sultan Sulaiman Club field here last night.

Asked if he would run for Parliament, he said it was too premature to talk about it because the MPs had not been sworn in yet.

He said he needed about a couple of weeks as defections could only take place after the swearing-in.

He reiterated that the Pakatan Rakyat government is ready to form the Federal Government and was now waiting for the right time and the right numbers.

He said they had already secured the number of MPs but Pakatan Rakyat wanted to form the Federal Government with a strong majority and that none of the MPs had been bought over.

As to who from Pakatan Rakyat should be the Prime Minister, he said he did not see why PKR president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail could not be the first Malaysian woman Prime Minister.

However, he cautioned that any decision made by Pakatan Rakyat would be done through consensus.

He added that it was not a priority for him to enter Parliament but to ensure that all the states under the Pakatan Rakyat government were administered well and to continue negotiations with those who believe in their agenda.

At about 10.30pm, the police interrupted Anwar's speech to tell him that it was time to wind up.

Earlier, Anwar, who arrived at 9pm, was greeted with cheers and chants of reformasi.

Thousands of supporters turned up at the celebration with heavy presence of Federal Reserve Unit personnel and water cannon trucks but there was no untoward incident.

The crowd dispersed around 11.30pm.

City CPO Muhammad Sabtu Osman told reporters at the police contingent headquarters here later that no arrest had been made.

“However, we will review whether we could arrest anyone for attending the rally which was held without a permit,'' he said.

Anwar: We can form govt but we're not in a hurry

(NST) KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim marked his return to active politics last night by claiming that the Pakatan Rakyat could easily form the next government.

However, he said the tripartite coalition of opposition parties would only do so provided it had a healthy majority, instead of a majority of only "two or five seats".

Speaking after attending a rally at the Sultan Sulaiman Club by Parti Keadilan Rakyat to welcome him back, he said: "We are saying here for the first time that we are ready (to rule the country). But we will only enter when the majority is comfortable."

The de-facto leader of PKR said, however, that Pakatan Rakyat would not pay Barisan Nasional MPs to cross over in order to achieve its aims of forming the federal government.

"We are not in a hurry," he said, adding that any Pakatan Rakyat's decision would be reached in a democratic manner.

On his immediate plans, now that the ban on his holding public office was over, Anwar said he was in no hurry and would focus on strengthening Pakatan Rakyat.

"The priority now is to administer Pakatan Rakyat states as incorruptible and financially transparent, fulfil our promises to the people and give meaning and essence to participatory democracy."

Anwar had been banned from electoral politics for five years after his release from jail after being convicted of corruption and abuse of power.

Asked about comments about him by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Anwar said he had for a long time refrained from replying against the personal attacks.

"He is obsolete, despite having gone through numerous medical treatments. He is getting crazier."

Anwar also blamed Dr Mahathir for the current state of the judiciary as well as the Internal Security Act.

Present were PKR president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is Anwar's wife, his daughter and Lembah Pantai MP, Nurul Izzah, Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, PKR deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali and vice-president Azmin Ali.

Several DAP and Pas leaders were also among the 10,000 who turned up yesterday.

Anwar arrived at 8.50pm to shouts of "reformasi" and later spoke for about an hour before he was stopped by Dang Wangi police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Zulkarnain Abdul Rahman, who explained that since there was no permit for the gathering, it would have to be stopped.

Anwar: We have the numbers to form govt

By ROYCE CHEAH & RASHITA ABDUL HAMID

(STAR) KUALA LUMPUR: The Pakatan Rakyat coalition is ready to form the Federal Government and is now waiting for the right time and the right numbers, said Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The PKR-PAS-DAP alliance had already secured the required number of MPs but wants to form the government with a strong majority, the de facto opposition leader claimed at a rally Monday night.

He said none of the MPs had been "bought over."

"There have not been discussions about dollars and cents but discussions about sense.

"The door will be closed to anyone who wants money," he told reporters after the rally to celebrate the end of his exile from active politics, held at the Sultan Sulaiman Club in Kampung Baru here.

Thousands of supporters turned up at the rally. There was a heavy presence of Federal Reserve Unit personnel and water cannon trucks, but no reports of untoward incidents.

The opposition had gained 82 seats in Parliament against Barisan Nasional's 140 in the March 8 general election, which allowed Barisan to form the government with a simple majority.

Pakatan Rakyat also won four new states and retained Kelantan in what was the worst-ever showing by Barisan in 50 years.

Anwar said that most of the MPs waiting to cross over were from Sabah and Sarawak, as well as from Umno in peninsular Malaysia.

He said it was too premature to talk about him running for Parliament because MPs have yet to be sworn in.

As for whom from Pakatan Rakyat should be the prime minister, he said he did not see why his wife PKR president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail could not be Malaysia's first woman PM.

However, he cautioned that any decision made by Pakatan Rakyat would be done by consensus.

Anwar, who arrived at the rally at 9pm, was greeted with cheers and chants of "Reformasi."

At about 10.30pm, the police asked him to wind up his speech. The crowd dispersed peacefully at about 11.30pm.

Pak Lah Tak Tau Malu

Pak Lah tak tau malu

Letak jawatan tak mahu

Dia diam terus membisu

Najib jenuh menunggu

Rosmah sudah berbulu

Lantik cepat laki aku

Aku geram jadi No.Two

PakLah ikut cakap menantu

Menantu ikut cakap Kalimutu

Negara lingkop jadi haru-biru

Duit dibawa keluar ikut Johor Baru

Park kat Singapore 1-3B Euro

Entah macam mana rakyat dapat tahu

Marah kat Pak Lah baling ketui batu

Terkena juga kepala FRU

Lebam macam Anwar kena dulu

Allah balas perbuatan kejam mu

Apa dah jadi ngan Badawi

Cucu ulama imam hadari

Tapi perangai tak ikut selari

Ini mesti ikut cakap Khairi

Jadi apapun papa jangan berenti

Habislah saya dengan Nori

Kamal akan lingkop bersama Skomi

Patrick dan Kali lari luar negeri

Sebenarnya Pak Lah tak sedar diri

Dia ingat dia boleh pulihkan parti

Parti lingkop pasal PM softy

Parti lingkop pasal dia ngan Khairi

Habis kau nak duduk buat apa lagi

Baik saja engkau berhenti

Serah kat Najib atau kat Ku Li

Itupun bersifat temporary

Sebab tidak lama lagi

Muncul seorang wira Makkal Sakhti

Membawa obor People Justice Party

A new dawn for this country

PM for all regardless of race identity

Anwar Ibrahim sebagai Perdana Menteri.

Keris Silau

14 April 2008

Ribuan sambut Anwar bebas berpolitik

(Malaysiakini) Kira-kira 20,000 penyokong pembangkang menyertai perhimpunan di Kelab Sultan Sulaiman, Kampung Baru malam ini walaupun polis tidak menyediakan permit.

Program yang digelar "Menghitung Masa dari Black 14 ke Arah Kemenangan Rakyat" dianjurkan sempena tamatnya larangan berpolitik terhadap penasihat parti itu Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim esok.

Selepas muncul pada 9.15 malam, Anwar menyampaikan ceramah lebih satu jam sebelum polis mengeluarkan larangan.

Dalam ucapannya, Anwar berkata tunggu dua minggu sebelum beliau mengumumkan sama ada akan bertanding atau tidak selepas larangan selama lima tahun.

Perhimpunan sempena 'Black 14' dan pidato perdana Anwar malam ini pada awalnya dijangka disertai 10,000 penyokongnya.

'Black 14, atau pernah disebut 'Gelita 14', disambut setiap tahun sebelum ini bersempena tarikh Anwar dijatuhkan hukuman bagi kes pertama pada 1999.

Sambutan ini pada tahun-tahun awal 2000-an biasanya bersifat demonstrasi besar-besaran di Kuala Lumpur anjuran aktivis Gerakan Reformasi dan penyokong PKR.

Ketua polis Kuala Lumpur Datuk Muhammad Sabtu Osman semalam berkata PKR tidak memohon permit untuk perhimpunan tersebut.

Parti itu, tambahnya, hanya menghantar surat pemberitahuan kepada polis mengenai majlis makan malam pemimpin PKR bersama rakyat.

Beliau berkata polis menerima surat mengenai majlis makan malam itu bertarikh 8 April lalu yang ditandatangani Yahya Shahri, iaitu pegawai khas kepada menteri besar Selangor Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Kelab Sultan Sulaiman yang bersejarah - termasuk menganjurkan perhimpunan persatuan-persatuan Melayu untuk menubuhkan Umno - kini dipengerusikan oleh Abdul Khalid, selaku menteri besar baru negeri Selangor.

Menurut Muhammad Sabtu, walaupun majlis makan malam itu di buat di tempat persendirian, polis tetap akan mengambil langkah berjaga-jaga dengan mengadakan rondaan dan kawalan lalu lintas di sekitar kawasan itu.

"Sekiranya mereka hanya menggunakan dewan itu dan tidak mengganggu kawasan sekeliling serta tidak menarik perhatian umum (dengan menggunakan pembesar suara), kami tidak akan menghalang tapi jika sebaliknya kami akan ambil tindakan sewajarnya," katanya kepada media semalam.

Babi... Ooooi Babi

From an economic perspective it is better to rear pigs than cows or goat. It is simply more profitable. The pregnancy duration is about 112-115 days compared to goat which is about 150 days or a cow 290 days. At the end of each pregnancy the pig produces between 12- 15 piglets, the goat about 1-2 kids and the cow 1 calf.

I have been following the story of the construction of a centralized and modern pig farm in Kampung Tumbuk in Kuala Langat and how the issue of religious sensitivity and racial cards has been played by the Opposition (i.e. The BN people) in Selangor. The issue also appears to have been made worst by the lopsided reporting by the Malay newspaper which obviously is trying to incite racial sentiments. Please allow me to share my views as a Muslim on the matter.

The religion perspective of pork.

From the bible

Both the Bible and the Quran prohibit the eating of pork. Muslims are aware of this prohibition and observe it strictly. However, most readers of the Bible say they do not know where they can find this in the Bible.

In the book of Leviticus, chapter 11, v. 7, it is recorded that God declares the pig to be unclean for believers. Then, in verse 8, God says: “You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you”. This command is repeated in Deuteronomy 14:7-8. Then, in Isaiah 65:2-4, and 66:17, God issues a stern warning against those who eat pork.

Some Christians are aware of this prohibition from God, but they say that they can eat pork because St. Paul said that all food is clean in his letter to the Romans 14:20. St. Paul said this because he believed (as he wrote in his letter to the Ephesians 2:14-15) that Jesus had abolished the Law with all its commandments and regulations. He seems, however, to have misunderstood what he heard about Jesus.

In the Gospel According to Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus is reported to have said quite the contrary, as follows: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law . . . .” Jesus then went on in that passage (in verse 19) to denounce anyone who would break the smallest commandment and teach others likewise. He also praised his true followers who will practice and teach even the smallest commandment. One of the commandments, as we have seen, is to stay away from pork.

This is why the true followers of Jesus, holding on to his teachings, did not let unclean food such as pork enter their mouths, so that Peter, the chief disciple, can say, “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean” (Acts of the Apostles, ch. 10, v. 14)

Five chapters later in the Acts of the Apostles, 15:29, we find that the original disciples still differentiate between clean and unclean foods, and this time Paul is in agreement with them. Six chapters later, in ch. 21, v. 25, their decision to impose food regulations on believers is mentioned without regret, and this time Paul is challenged to prove that he is in agreement with them; and he demonstrated his full agreement with them.

What remains, then, is that Jesus, on whom be peace, upheld the prohibition against pork. His disciples also upheld it, and so must all his followers. Those who fail to uphold it need to be informed and reminded of this rule from God. For the same argument many orthodox Jews don’t eat pork.

Islamic perspective

In Islam, the eating of swine is forbidden. This is clearly demonstrated in many verses of the Quran. Among others this includes: [1] 5:3, 6:145, 16:114-115; [2] 2:168-169, 3:93-94, 6:119, 10:59; [3] 5:90-91. My research has failed to find any evidence that suggest that the religion do not allow muslims to be standing next to or to look at or to smell a pig. Maybe some people in authority can highlight further on this issue.

The Scientific perspective

Dr. E. Kazim. M.D. in his article “Medical aspects of forbidden foods in Islam” (July 1981 issue of Muslim Journal has described diseases carried or caused by the flesh of the swine.

He wrote: The pig is a scavenger. It is an omnivorous animal. It eats everything. There are many diseases carried from swine to man, particularly parasite infestations. Lately extensive research has been focused on senility-old age is characterized by hardening of inner lining of the blood vessels of the heart; brain etc. a process called atherosclerosis. When a clot forms, it results in coronary thrombosis or a heart attack, cerebral thrombosis or stroke.

Different dietary factors are responsible for atherosclerosis. Gross atheroma may be produced in rabbit by feeding it with cholesterol, but when you add lard (derived from hog fat) to the cholesterol, the incidence of atheroma is increased and thus you would produce coronary thrombosis, and myocardial infraction.

Besides, lard contains 2800 units of vitamin D per 100 grams and no vitamin A at all. Lately vitamin D has been held responsible for atheroma, by causing increased absorption of calcium in the blood vessels. In human beings, serum cholesterol is not dependent on the intake of cholesterol in the diet, but depends upon the proportion of animal fats in the diet, which elevates the beta-lipo protein level in the blood. Animal fats contain saturated fatty acids and these saturated fatty acids have been found to be as one of the causes of atheroma in man.

Medium fat bacon contains 25% proteins and 55% fat.

According to medical research, the fat content in pork is more than any other meat (beef, mutton etc.) and it takes longer to digest. Dr. M Jaffer in an article in the Islamic Review (London) of January 1997 issue has listed 16 kinds of harmful germs, which have been discovered in pork in modern researches and the diseases, which could be caused by them. The number of patients suffering from tapeworm disease is the highest in the world among pork eating nations.

Other diseases attributed to pigs are caused by tri-chinelia spirates and intestinal worms occupy first place among such nations too.

Dr. Glen Shepherd wrote the following on the dangers of eating pork in Washington Post (31 May 1952). “One in six people in USA and Canada have germs in their muscles - trichinosis 8 from eating pork infected with trichina worms. Many people who are infected shows no symptoms. Most of those, who do have, recover slowly. Some die; some are reduced to permanent invalids. All were careless pork caters”.

He continued “No one is immune from the disease and there is no cure. Neither antibiotics nor drugs or vaccines affect these tiny deadly worms. Preventing infection is the real answer.”

The Babi and the narrow minded politicians who called themselves Muslims.

First of all, I am appalled at the narrow minded politicians who made the issue of building a centralized and modern pig farming an issue. It is beyond doubt that the real issue here is economy, environmental pollution and improving quality of life in the surrounding community.

The opposition (BN) are making a mockery of this just because of political mileage. I feel when something good is being done; it should promoted by all parties. I have travelled to St Louis , USA where it is also known capital pork of the world. I have visited and stand 3 feet away from a pig pen. There was no smell. It was so dam clean. It is even cleaner than public toilets in Malaysia .

How many of this politician has visited such a farm and how many are involved in goat farming in Malaysia . While goat is Halal in Malaysia , please enter many farms there is in Malaysia and you will see how dirty it is. Islam only prohibits the eating of pork. There is no prohibition of looking at eat or standing next to one. In fact I have yet to find anywhere in the Quran that prevent Muslims from rearing it. During my 15 months tour of duty with UN in Cambodia, many Malay Champa who are strong Muslims rear pigs under their house for economic reason even though they don’t eat them.

From an economic perspective it is better to rear pigs than cows or goat. It is simply more profitable. The pregnancy duration is about 112-115 days compared to goat which is about 150 days or a cow 290 days. At the end of each pregnancy the pig produces between 12- 15 piglets, the goat about 1-2 kids and the cow 1 calf.

From an environmental perspective, it is definitely better to have a central farm where small farmers join hands and run one big and clean farm. This way the cleanliness of our water way will be maintained. Waste management will become the epicentre of the operation. It is more economical to run one big farm than many small farms that is polluting. Overall it is a win win situation for everyone.

It is insulting the way some politician look at the issue. I believe from Islamic perspective it is quite clear. It is the narrow minded politicians that played up the issue that makes it into a Muslim and non Muslim issue and trying to create a bigger racial divide among Malaysians. Sometimes I wonder, which has the lower image , the babi or these politicians. For that aspect, I respect the position taken by PAS on this matter. It has shown that it has handled the issues properly.

I ask all level minded Malaysian and to re look at the “Babi” issue again. Study the real issue properly and make a proper judgment. Overall it will benefit Malaysian from the economic, environmental and quality of life perspective.

Dr Mohamed Rafick Khan bin Abdul Rahman

How honest are our Malaysian Banks

Have you ever chomped at the bit and grumble when a bank staff says you can use the funds of a local cheque that you just presented in THREE WORKING DAYS?

And do you sigh and be resigned to the statement that the outstation cheque you just banked in will have funds available only in EIGHT WORKING DAYS?

Now to count "working days" – the first working day is based on the time of day you banked in your cheque. Some banks use 11:30 am as the cut-off time, others at 12:00 noon (or have all banks now pakat to shorten the cut-off time to 11:30 am!)

What it means is if you bank in a local cheque by 11:30 am Day 1 starts from today, otherwise Day 1 starts from tomorrow.

However, your cheque issued to a supplier takes superspeed time to reach your bank account - within 24 hours! Your supplier, though, will have to wait the pre-conditioned three working days for a local cheque to clear and eight working days for an outstation cheque.

How does this impact on your cashflow? The following is a true event:-

My company current bank account is with RHB Bank Berhad, Labuan.

I.

09-04-08, 15:27

Banked our RHB Labuan cheque no. 573445 into the account of a KK supplier at MBB, Labuan Branch, amount RM452.00.

10-04-08, 15:45

Call from RHB Labuan, insufficient funds. Put in cash, pay penalty RM50.00.

This showed that the banks do clear local cheques within 24 hours but do not allow us to use our money. The Drawee has to wait 3 working days for funds to be available to her/him:

- 10-04-08 Thurs 1^st working day

- 11-04-08 Fri 2^nd working day

- 12-04-08 Sat Bank close

- 13-04-08 Sun Bank close

- 14-04-08 Mon Available RM452.00

Remarks:

4 nights over-night interest earned by bank on RM452.00

II.

10-04-08, 10:54

Received in payment from client an MBB Labuan cheque no. 160666 and banked into our RHB Labuan account, amount RM3,323.00.

Forced to wait 3 working days:-

- 10-04-08 Thurs 1^st working day

- 11-04-08 Fri 2^nd working day

- 12-04-08 Sat Bank close

- 13-04-08 Sun Bank close

- 14-04-08 Mon Available RM3,323.00

Remarks:

4 nights over-night interest earned by bank on RM3,323.00

And during this period we are charged RM50.00 / RM100.00 for insufficient funds.

III.

02-04-08, 10:42

Received in payment from client two Citibank, KL cheques, nos. 830779, 872786.

Banked into our RHB Labuan account, total amount RM3,740.00.

Forced to wait 8 working days:-

- 02-04-08 Wed 1^st working day

- 02-04-08 Thurs 2^nd working day

- 04-04-08 Fri 3^rd working day

- 05-04-08 Sat Bank close

- 06-04-08 Sun Bank close

- 07-04-08 Mon 4^th working day

- 08-04-08 Tues 5^th working day

- 09-04-08 Wed 6^th working day

- 10-04-08 Thurs 7^th working day

- 11-04-08 Fri 8^th working day

AND MORE ……..

On Friday, 11^th April, 2008 I wanted to withdraw the funds but NO, it is only available that NIGHT and not that DAY!!!

How’s that – to be cheated and have no where to turn to! Let’s continue with this saga:-

- 11-04-08 Fri 8^th working day but cannot use funds, only available at NIGHT

- 12-04-08 Sat Bank close

- 13-04-08 Sun Bank close

- 14-04-08 Mon Available RM3,740.00 less bank commission for outstation cheques

Remarks:

14 nights over-night interest earned by bank on RM3,740.00!!

And during this period we are charged RM50.00 / RM100.00 for insufficient funds.

I wrote a letter of complaint to Bank Negara Malaysia and passed a copy to RHB Bank Labuan.

Of course, I was ignored.

I am over 1,000 km away from Semanjung Malaysia. Sabah, Labuan and Sarawak bank customers are so conditioned to accept this “working days” rule. But we cannot continue to accept this any more. Prices are spiralling upwards, the economy is nose-diving. We need to have cash in our hands. We cannot afford the generosity of allowing banks to withhold oodles of cash from circulation while they reap interest on what is rightfully ours.

Our cries, appeals, screams can be conveniently ignored. So far away, tak dengar lah!

Now I ask you again How Honest are Our Malaysian Banks? Why is Bank Negara Malaysia so placid and accommodating to the “requirements” that the banks impose on us – millions of Malaysians who must use banks.

For all victims like me, do not remain a silent majority, write to Bank Negara Malaysia and let them know what you think. Their fax number is 03-2691 2990, also available at their website.

By RC

20,000 defy police to celebrate Anwar's ban expiry

(Malaysiakini) About 20,000 people attended a rally in central Kuala Lumpur tonight to mark the expiry of Anwar Ibrahim ban from public office, a decade after he was sacked as deputy prime minister.

The crowd defied a ban on the event which was held in Kampung Baru despite scores of riot police were deployed in the futile attempt to stop the illegal gathering.

"We have not issued any permits for the gathering. I advise all the supporters not to attend it. The gathering is banned," city police chief Muhammad Sabtu Osman told AFP earlier today.

At about 9.15pm, Anwar took the stage to tell his supporters to wait two weeks on whether he would be running for parliamentary seat and return to active politics.

PKR bagged 31 seats in last month's general elections and Anwar had said that one of the parliamentarians would resign so that the party de facto leader could contest in a subsequent by-election.

In his speech, Anwar also attacked his nemesis, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and accused him of abuse of power.

"He has made the judiciary worse. He is worried that I'll be the next PM," he said.

Anwar also lambasted Najib Abdul Razak, saying that the prime minister-in-waiting was "not fit" to assume the post.

After speaking for one hour, Anwar was told by the police to stop the gathering.

He subsequently told the crowd that he would "lead by example" and requested the crowd to disperse.

Once seen as the heir apparent to long-time leader Mahathir, Anwar was subsequently convicted on sex and corruption charges and spent six years in jail, before storming back to prominence in March elections.

With Anwar at the helm, a reinvigorated opposition seized a third of parliamentary seats and five states in the worst ever showing for the Barisan Nasional coalition that has ruled for half a century.

Now the 60-year-old maverick is once again being touted as a future prime minister, but this time for his Pakatan Rakyat opposition alliance which he has described as a "government-in-waiting".

The sodomy charges were later dropped but the corruption count prevented him from standing for public office until tomorrow.

Surprise in store

Anwar had been expected to re-enter Parliament quickly through a by-election in one of the seats held by his party, and to challenge Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in a symbolic no-confidence vote soon after.

But in light of the stunning and unexpected gains, he has said he is in no hurry to act and will instead focus on building up the opposition.

Meanwhile, party's deputy president Syed Husin Ali had earlier rejected the police objections to the rally, but said PKR had made confidential alternative arrangements for the celebration.

"We will go ahead with it for the simple reason that that area is a private area, it is not a public area," he said of the proposed venue.

"We can't understand why there is this sudden change of mind on the part of police... in fact, they were originally involved in discussions to control traffic and ensure security."

Pressuring the police

Syed Husin said he suspected the government, which has been badly rattled by the unprecedented election setback, may be putting pressure on police.

"They might fear that there might be some strong political influence that this gathering might have on the public," he said.

Abdullah has refused to stand down despite the electoral debacle, insisting he has a mandate to rule and promising to introduce long-heralded reforms that voters punished him for never delivering.

But the opposition and many political commentators believe the coalition will continue to flounder and that Anwar could seize power within a few years, or perhaps even a few months.

"I think they are very likely to form the next government and it's a matter of timing, of when this will take place, whether it's at the next elections or before then," said Tricia Yeoh of the Centre for Public Policy Studies.

Penang govt to gazette RM1 quit rent for all non-profit educational institutions

(The Sun) PENANG (April 14, 2008): The Penang state government has decided to gazette, as a policy, a RM1 nominal fee in annual quit rent for all non-profit educational institutions in the state.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said some schools were still paying quit rent according to market rates.

"As far as education is concerned, there should be no discrimination and the state government will accord the same treatment to all schools, regardless if it is a Chinese, Tamil or religious school.

"Education is the key to the future of this country and for the younger generation and we should not discriminate against institutions or schools which provide them with education.

"Just like religious freedom and right to mother tongue, education for all is also enshrined in the federal constitution.

"Some of these schools are government aided but the land does not belong to the government but they are not aware that they are actually eligible for the exemption which is meant for facilities which are for educational, charitable and public purpose.

"I urge these schools and institutions to do the needful so that they would not have to pay market rates in quit rent," Lim told a press conference after receiving a delegation from the United Chinese Schools Committees Association of Malaysia (UCSCAM).

Lim said these institutions or schools can apply via their respective district offices to be eligible for the RM1 nominal fee for quit rent.

Once the schools are given approval with the land titles being stamped with the exemption, they would only be subjected to a review of the rates after 10 years, Lim added.

Lim said the RM1 nominal fee will be brought to the state executive council to be gazetted as a policy decision so all these institutions can enjoy the exemption in future.

The UCSCAM or Dong Zong also proposed that the Penang state government study and amend the structure plan to make the necessary changes to the way land is allocated for schools.

"Allocation of land for schools should be planned for schools of all mediums of instructions.

"Land allocated in housing estates can also be allocated to build schools which are not for profit," said chairman Dr Yap Sin Tian.

He also urged the Penang government to allocate a piece of land which can be developed and proceeds used solely for the purpose of financing privately-run Chinese secondary schools in the state in the long run.

Hopes revived for Orang Asli

(The Sun) PUTRAJAYA (April 14, 2008): A directive from Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim to the state legal adviser to review its stand on the land rights of the Orang Asli has given the indigineous people a new ray of hope.

Datin Paduka Zauyah Loth Khan, in seeking a postponement in the Federal Court here yesterday, told the three-member panel of judges, the instruction from the Selangor state government came late yesterday.

"The state government needs some time to study the matter," said Zauyah to the panel which was headed by Chief Justice Datuk Abdul Hamid Mohamad and assisted by Chief Judge of Malaya Datuk Alauddin Mohd Sheriff and Datuk Zulkifli Ahmad Makinuddin.

Senior federal counsel Datuk Mary Lim Thiam Suan, who represented the government ,requested that the appeal be heard at the earliest possible date, after a two-week adjournment.

Lawyers representing the Orang Asli, Datuk Dr V.Cyrus Das and his team and Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia (LLM) and United Engineers (M) Bhd did not object to the postponement request.

Abdul Hamid then said the panel decided to postpone the case to a date to be fixed.

Outside the courtroom, more than 50 Orang Asli men and women appeared cheerful with the sudden twist of events.

Zauyah declined to elaborate on the latest move by the state government except that the instructions came from Khalid at 9pm yesterday.

Das, meanwhile, said the postponement is an indication the state government wishes to review the case.

"We look forward to a more favourable review of the land rights of the Orang Asli," he added.

Newly elected state executive councilor, Elizabeth Wong, who is in-charge of the Environment, Tourism and Comsumer Affairs portfolio, said Khalid had proposed the Orang Asli deserved a fair compensation.

"He has indicated that the Orang Asli should be treated like any other citizen," said Wong.

She said Khalid has also instructed a meeting be organised with the Orang Asli in the state to look at long lasting and comprehensive solution to their problems.

"We are not committing to anything, but to say that it is important to listen to their grouses," said Wong.

She added the Orang Asli in Selangor remain marginalised and it is the state government’s position that no one should be left behind in development.

She spoke to reporters after attending the appeal hearing of the case in the Palace of Justice here yesterday.

Sagong Tasi and six other Orang Asli had sued the Selangor state government, the Malaysian government, UEM and LLM.

The seven plaintiffs belong to the Temuan tribe. The first defendant, the Selangor state government, evicted them and their families from their land in Kampung Bukit Tampoi in Dengkil.

The second defendant, UEM is the contractor building the highway. The third defendant, LLM is the Malaysian Highway Authority, while the fourth is the Federal Government.

The Sepang District Office executed the land acquisition exercise.

The plaintiffs claimed adequate compensation on the basis that the land they had been occupying for the last two centuries was customary land.

They also claimed damages for illegal eviction from the first defendant, damages for trespass from the second and third defendants and special damages.

The defendants refused to pay, apart from a small amount for damage caused to the plaintiffs’ houses and crops on the grounds that the land was, in fact, state land.

In the Court of Appeal, the appellants submitted that the respondents had been over-compensated by the Shah Alam High Court.

They further argued the respondents were only entitled to compensation provided under the 1954 Act, and not under the Land Acquisition Act 1960.

The Orang Asli, meanwhile, argued they were treated shabbily when evicted from their land. They were only given 14 days to vacate the land that they had been occupying for more than 200 years.

The Court of Appeal, on Sept 19, 2005, upheld the Shah Alam High Court’s decision to declare Sagong Tasi and six others as customary owners of the 15.32 hectare plot in Kampung Bukit Tampoi, Dengkil, Selangor.

The appellate court affirmed the High Court decision that the Orang Asli of the Temuan tribe owned the land under a customary community title of a permanent nature.

Since their constitutional rights had been violated, the court ordered that the Orang Asli be paid the market value as prescribed under the Land Acquisition Act 1960.

The court also ruled that it was wrong for the Selangor government to pay compensation for the loss of livelihood and damage to property when the land was taken to construct the Kuala Lumpur-Nilai highway.

The Court of Appeal also ordered UEM and LLM to pay damages to the Orang Asli for trespassing on the land.

The case was monitored closely, especially by the federal and state governments, in relation to their jurisdiction under the Federal Constitution, Aboriginies Peoples Act 1954 and other subsidiary laws.

On Nov 22, 2006, the Federal Court allowed an application for leave to appeal against the Court of Appeal decision which ruled in favour of the Orang Asli.

Succession talks after party polls

(The Sun) KUALA LUMPUR (April 14, 2008): Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said today he will work out the leadership succession plan with his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak after the party elections in December.

Speaking to reporters after meeting with Barisan Nasional (BN) parliamentarians and state assemblymen in the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) today, Abdullah declined to give a timeframe for the transfer of power because he wanted a smooth transition.

“Of course, I want the transfer to be smooth,” said Abdullah. “The party has to be in good condition and not in disarray. That is the way. If not people will ask - where is Pak Lah, did he stop suddenly?”

Abdullah said this was also the way it was done during former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s time. Mahathir had taken nearly a year from the time he announced his intention to step down before he actually handed over power to Abdullah in October 2003.

Asked about calls by some division leaders for the succession to be expedited, Abdullah said: “Some say it should be soon, some say there should not be any hurry. There are many opinions and I’m not deaf, I have two ears and I hear them.”

When commenting on party vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin's call for an immediate change to the party leadership, he said: “They can say anything they like, the decision is mine. If people have some things to say, let them say it, this is democracy.”

Asked if he will contest in the December party elections, Abdullah retorted: “Why shouldn’t I contest, you tell me.”

Asked if the transfer of power will be done anytime before 2010, he said: “I can’t comment on that, sorry.”

On the Johor delegates' meeting over the weekend, he said they had pledged their support for him.

He said he had received a standing ovation in today's meeting with the parliamentarians and state assemblymen, adding that the meeting was a briefing for the BN representatives on their roles in parliament and to the rakyat.

Abdullah said the parliamentarians should be well versed in the policies of the government, and equip themselves with in-depth knowledge on the topics being debated on in parliament and in the state assemblies.

Najib, when approached for comments later, said anything to do with the transition of power will be discussed with Abdullah when time comes.

"Most importantly, we must ensure the transition takes place in a good and arranged situation, so that the party will not have any problems in the process of transition and the strength of the party will continue to be guaranteed."

On whether the transition should be speeded up, Najib said "the prime minister has the wisdom to decide the time and method."

Syed Hamid: Johor Umno did not call for Abdullah's resignation

(The Sun) PUTRAJAYA (April 14, 2008): Johor Umno did not call for party president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to step down as Prime Minister but would like to know how he would work out the succession plan which he had mentioned before.

Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said the party is now faced with a very serious situation; therefore, it is important for all party members to work together and ensure a smooth transition of power.

“My interest is to see that the transfer is not done in an upheaval or it will cause Umno to lose power forever and just become a name in history. I would like to see Umno strengthened so that the people who succeed will succeed with the party still in power. You can become president, deputy president, vice-presidents, supreme council members but what is the use if we lose political power in this country?” he said at the National Registration Department (NRD) today.

Speaking to reporters after his first visit to the NRD, Syed Hamid, who is also Home Minister, said Johor Umno people’s representatives had brought up the issue in a meeting with Abdullah on Friday (April 11) and were told he would discuss it with his deputy.

He said they did not intend to force Abdullah to quit but it was Abdullah who brought up the issue of succession plan when he openly named Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak as his successor.

“It is important that we follow what is the custom and tradition within Umno. We never force or bring down our leader,” he said, adding Johor Umno wants a smooth transition to strengthen the party and regain people’s confidence.

He said although some blamed Abdullah or certain people for what had happened to Umno today, he was of the opinion many people are equally to be blamed.

Now is our time to bring back unity within Umno and then the succession is done smoothly. The most important thing is don’t think that you can simply succeed if you just leave something in pieces. We must do it properly. Let’s not rush quickly to say you must come down,” he added.

Asked whether he planned to contest in the party election, Syed Hamid said it did not matter at this point of time.

On the issue of MyKad, he said the government did not plan to make the old identity card invalid even though Malaysians are encouraged to change to MyKad.

“That is your identity. We suggest that you change to the new one, but we are not going to tell you that your IC will be invalid because we cannot do that. We cannot invalidate it because it is legal. It is the status of one’s citizenship,” he said. To date, only 190,000 Malaysians have yet to change to MyKad.

He also reminded Permanent Resident (PR) status holders to change their old IC to MyPR before June as after that, the old IC will no longer be valid.

To date, only 171,344 of the total 376,245 PR status holders have complied.

Ong: We oppose K'tan Tengku Mahkota's statement

(The Sun) PETALING JAYA (April 14, 2008): MCA strongly opposes remarks that "it is inappropriate for Non-Malays to request for equal rights".

MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said in a statement yesterday that he disagreed with the statement made by the Tengku Mahkota of Kelantan Tengku Mohammad Faris Petra that "it is inappropriate for non-Malays to request for equal rights".

"Such a statement will destroy the unity and harmony between the various races and it will not benefit our multi-racial society. For the past 50 years, the various races have worked hard together to attain the goals of nation building, for which they have also contributed vastly to the country’s development. As such, they too have equal rights as enshrined in Constitution."

"Article 153 of the Federal Constitution states the special position of the Malays and the natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak. However, this should be read alongside with Article 153(7) which also reads that 'Nothing in this Article shall operate to deprive or authorise the deprivation of any person of any right, privilege'".

"The statement by Tengku is inconsistent with the Barisan Nasional’s stand on racial unity which stands for fair and equal partnership."

MCA: M'sia is not an Islamic State

(The Sun) PETALING JAYA (April 14, 2008): MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting says MCA will not accept an Islamic State as it is contrary to the Federal Constitution.

"All levels of leaders from PAS including, Kelantan PAS Youth Mohd Zaki Ibrahim, PAS Deputy Spiritual leader Datuk Dr Haron Din, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, Kelantan Deputy Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yaakup have made assertions that they want to create an Islamic state.

"This indicates that PAS’ ambitious goals have been revealed. There is no doubt that they intend to establish an Islamic state for Malaysia."

"All political parties or organisations should stand together to stop PAS from building an Islamic state. Any organisation or party that co-operates with PAS will only help PAS to work towards its agenda of forming an Islamic state."

"These parties should re-evaluate their relationship with PAS as it is already creating a lot of uneasiness among the people."

Nik Aziz: PR will eventually accept Islamic state ideology

(The Sun) PETALING JAYA (April 14, 2008): PAS spiritual leader and Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat is convinced that Pakatan Rakyat (PR) will eventually accept the Islamic state ideology.

In a recent interview with Sin Chew Daily, he stressed that Islam has been "hypnotised" for over a century in Malaysia under the colonial rule, and has even been maliciously described as a negative religion.

The recent anti-Islam film "Fitna" created by Dutch far-right-wing member of parliament Geert Wilders is such an example, he said.

He said Pakatan Rakyat needs some time to accept the Islamic state ideology.

As such, he urged DAP leaders to come to Kelantan to see for themselves what Islam really is; to try to find fault with the state and "tell me where the flaws of Islam are?"

"Are there really problems with Islam? Have I killed the Chinese for Islam? Did I take away Chinese's business licences because I am a Muslim (and they are not)? Or have I chased the Chinese out of Kelantan in the name of Islam?

"I invite them (DAP leaders) to take a trip to Kelantan, (they) don't have to see me, but talk to the Chinese, Indians and Thais here and let these people tell them my misdeeds (if any)."

On PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang's recent remark that "Islamic state ideology can be implemented but that some controversial aspects of it, such as the hudud law, will be set aside", Nik Aziz pointed out that the state government had already passed hudud when Kelantan was administered by the PAS-Semangat 46 coalition government (in the early 90s).

"PAS can only formulate the hudud (Islamic criminal law), but has no power and rights to execute it and play judge. These we have to leave to the judges.

"In the trial (under hudud), the judge will make a decision based on submissions by both the defendant and the plaintiff's lawyers. The hudud trial is no different from the civil (criminal) court trial, it cannot be conducted anyhow," he said.

In the interview, Niz Aziz touched on a number of issues, including on:

> Gambling

He urged non-Muslims, especially the Chinese in Kelantan, to forget about gambling as the PAS state government will never lift the gambling ban.

He said the Chinese should not resort to gambling as a means to gain riches. On the other hand, they should make good their business acumen.

"The Chinese are good in business. Go make a living from doing business, be it sundry, food and drinks, textiles, fruits, agro products etc, sell anything but just don't gamble."

> Succession

For the first time Nik Aziz has given three names - Deputy Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob, state exco members Datuk Husam Musa and Nik Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah - as likely candidates to succeed him as mentri besar.

The question of 77-year-old Nik Aziz's successor first cropped up several years ago when he was admitted to hospital following a heart attack.

The PAS Tok Guru, who has helmed Kelantan since 1990, said all three candidates are capable of taking over but there is no indication that he will relinquish power during his current term of office.

> The prime minister

Nizk Aziz said he will not be drawn into calling for Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's resignation as prime minister, as to do so tantamounts to "personal attack".

Commenting on calls, including by former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, for Abdullah to step down to take responsibility for the dismal showing by Barisan Nasional (BN) in the general election, Nik Aziz said: "it is Umno's family affairs, it is up to them (its leaders) to resolve the problem".

> MCA, Gerakan and MIC

Nik Aziz agreed with the views (of some people) that the three BN component parties should leave the coalition.

He believed that if they leave BN, they would join PR without waiting for PR's invitation.

> Chinese support

He said the political scenario has changed so much that Chinese are voting for PAS, Malays are supporting DAP, and Indians are support both. Everyone shares one aim - to reject Umno.

He said he wanted to thank the Chinese for their support.

"I actually like to get close to the Chinese, unless they don't welcome me."

He recalled an occasion when he was invited to a durian feast in a Chinese kampung.

He said he has attended funerals of Chinese friends but he was most impressed with the openness of the Chinese when they joined the Malays in "Bubur Syura" activities.

Nasaruddin: It's Haron's personal opinion

(The Sun) PETALING JAYA (April 14, 2008): PAS deputy president Nasaruddin Mat Isa says a remark by deputy spiritual leader Datuk Dr Haron Din that "PAS will implement hudud once the party takes control of the central government" is his personal opinion.

He said currently PAS wants to focus on fulfilling its election manifesto to show that it is concerned with the people's welfare and cares for the people.

Speaking to the press after attending a PAS central committee meeting in Ipoh last night, he said the people has given their mandate to Pakatan Rakyat (in several states), the coalition's priority is to fulfil its manifesto.

Asked if PAS would make Malaysia a practising Islamic state and implement the hudud, Nasaruddin said PAS' policies are formulated along the religious line and it pledges to look after the welfare of the people.

He said non-Muslims need not be afraid of PAS as in the 18 years of PAS rule in Kelantan, the non-Muslims and Chinese had no fear of the party.

Mr Uthaya Kumar's mother's appeal to the PM – A mother's anguish

On 15^th April 2008 at 11am, Mrs Kalaivani mother of Mr Uthayakumar Human Rights defender and a Prisoner of Conscience is going to personally appeal to the PM YAB Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in Putra Jaya to seek a thorough medical check-up at IJN for her son.

Mr Uthaya Kumar has been detained at Kamunting Detention Center according to Wikipedia "It is alleged that this is the site where the Malaysian authorities would hold up political prisoners, usually from the opposition, and conduct torture against detainees". Mr Uthaya Kumar has been interned here with four other lawyers, since 13^th December under the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) which allows for imprisonment without trial.

Now knowing the track record of our Prime Minister one can very well guess the outcome of this meeting, lets trace back a bit to when little 5 year old Vaishnawi daughter of Waytha Murthy asked to meet up with the PM to give him a rose, and ask for the release of her 5 "uncles' in jail. Remember what our PM said said, "what for? why should I meet up at any Hindraf event?

Then when Vaishnawi, her friends along with their Moms met up on Saturday 16^th February, how well they were treated with heavily armed FRU, women and children were gassed in the face with tear gas and sprayed acid waters jetted from the water cannons? This rally did not get its name Guns and Roses for nothing!!

Almost 2 months down the line, we now see Vaishnawi's Grandmother and Uthayakumar's mother, Mrs Kalaivani, going out to meet up with our PM, wonder what treatment he will grant her? As a mother, I am trying to imagine the agony, pain and grief she must be going through each day!! Infact as his mother she must feel as tortured as he is since he was taken into custody that fateful day of 13^th December 2007. To make matters worse he's a diabetic and has been in hospital twice and released without adequate medical care.

What administration, what government will deprive, its citizens, even if they are prisoners, the most basic and humane medical treatment? After all Mr Uthaya Kumar is not a criminal, he has not caused murder or harmed anyone. Legally speaking and by virtue that Uthaya Kumar has not even being accorded a trail in court, unless proved guilty, he is as innocent as a baby!!

For the past month Mr Uthaya Kumar's diabetic medication and diet has been wilfully withheld from him by the prison authorities. This has resulted in his sugar levels shooting up and being erratic, his heartbeat is not at all normal and his brother Mr Waythamurthy believes that he could have suffered a silent heart attack.

Now, lets examine the fears of this mother. By depriving Mr Uthaya Kumar of his medication and diet, his uric acid and protein levels are rather high and he could even end up going blind or go into kidney failure and really no one would want him to land up with a stroke, without proper medication and diet with such high sugar levels anything could happen.

His mother is probably fearful that the government and prison authorities are deliberating trying to murder her son, due to the fact that he has garnered so much support for the Hindraf Movement. Surely in the back of the mind of this sixty four year old mother is the fear that this is a plot for revenge taken by the Government for its poor showing in the 12^th General Election? We all know that Hindraf played a major role in the downfall of the MIC and likewise the incumbent coalition ruling party.

Really, the public are now crying foul, yes you don't see this in the main stream newspapers, but the blogs are discussing this and people have even made police reports and are now mulling on taking the Doctor assigned to Mr Uthayakumar, to court for negligence, likewise the Superintendent of the Prison and the Internal Security minister.

Hey, you guys better know that by deliberately refusing medication and treatment, you are putting Uthayakumar's life in danger. Do you realise that you are placing yourself in the line for premeditated murder?

One good Samaritan has even volunteered to pay for Uthaya kumar's medical expenses at IJN. Though by right he is being kept in custody, courtesy of the government, it is only fair that his medical treatment should be borne by them.

However by virtue that the majority of the Rakyat (not counting those foreigners with fake ICs whose votes got counted by default in East Malaysia) have lost all faith, trust and confidence in this government, it is best that we the people, pay for Uthaya Kumar's medical treatment.

Now will the authorities be more humane and allow for Mr Uthaya Kumar to be thoroughly checked at IJN and be given proper medical treatment?

There is no point of talking of Guantanamo Bay when we have one right here in our midst. Otherwise we people will have to follow Mrs Kalaivani to Putra Jaya on 15^th April 2008 at 11am.

But really, isn't it time for you to release all ISA prisoners, do something now Mr Prime Minster, be the leader the people elected you to be and prove to us that you are a leader of good conscience and release all prisoners under ISA.

For those of you who are not acquainted with what happens to our ISA prisoners, you can read the full account here

For Mrs Kalaivani, mother of Uthaya Kumar, the prayers of many are with you M'am, for only you will know the anguish of a Mother whose sick son is in the hands of the merciless authorities.

From:

Jabins - Seeking Humane Treatment for Prisoners of Conscience