Najib: Projects to stimulate economy must take off soon

KUALA LUMPUR: Programmes under Budget 2009 and the RM7bil stimulus package must preferably take off by the first quarter of next year.

Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said it was important for the programmes, which were introduced to reinforce the economy, to be implemented soon.

“Right now, that’s our priority,” he told reporters yesterday after attending the Economic Council meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, at Parliament House.

Najib said the Government would introduce several measures to insulate the country’s economy from the global financial crisis.

Among them were making structural changes to encourage better and competitive economic growth, encouraging more investments from the private sector in the local economy and implementing progressive liberalisation of the services sector.

To a question, Najib said the Govern-ment would only come up with additional stimulus packages if the situation warranted them.

“We have the capacity to make capital injections, but at the same time we cannot allow the Government’s fiscal deficit to become too high,” he added.

Najib said more effort would also be made to encourage additional foreign direct investments in certain economic sectors and sub-sectors.

He said the meeting also decided that more skilled or knowledge workers were needed, especially for the main growth corridors.

Earlier when addressing the inaugural Asean Infrastructure Financing Mechanism Conference, Najib said Asean was inviting the private sector and multilateral organisations to assist in implementing and developing infrastructure projects, which were essential in accelerating the region’s economic growth.

He said the Asean Finance Ministers were inviting the private sector to engage with the Asean Infrastructure Financing Mechanism (AIFM) Task Force set up to facilitate the establishment of the best frameworks and mechanisms to attract greater private sector participation and investment.

Malaysia chairs the task force.

Abdullah, in his welcoming speech to the Economic Council, said Malaysia was not completely insulated although it had strong macro-economic fundamentals and a resilient banking and financial system.

He said that while the stimulus package announced by Najib last week was a short-term policy response, the Government believed it should also take the opportunity to address medium and long-term structural issues and formulate a strategic package to ensure rapid growth of the economy.

By ZULKIFLI ABD RAHMAN and JANE RITIKOS

Hubby: Missing wife was being blackmailed over naked photos

JOHOR BARU: A 39-year-old waitress went into hiding after a man threatened to distribute her nude photos.

Tan Chui Peng took her three children aged between 9 and 11 when she left her house in Taman Ehsan Jaya on Oct 31.

Her husband, Wang Ban Soon, 51, said the problem started when Tan befriended a customer, known as Ah Kiong, three months ago.

“I told her not to entertain this man because I had a bad feeling, but she did not listen to me,” the lorry driver told a press conference at the Johor MCA Youth Public Service and Complaints Bureau.

“She finally admitted she was having an affair with him. When I pressed further, she explained that the man had threatened to distribute her nude photos on the Internet if she didn’t continue with the relationship,” he said.

Wang said his wife quit and went to work in Singapore but the man kept bothering her by sending SMSes.

“On Oct 31, my wife complained of having a headache and told me that she was going to the clinic. I discovered that she had taken the children with her when I returned home from work at night,” he said.

Wang, who has made a police report, said he was worried for the safety of his wife and children.

Those with information can contact the police hotline at 07-221-2999 or the nearest police station.

By The Star

Duo nabbed by Johor cops after 2-hour, five-car chase

KLUANG: Two men were arrested after a two-hour chase involving four patrol cars from Johor Baru to Simpang Renggam.

Police tried to stop the men at least four times by blocking their vehicle’s path but they managed to evade capture.

During the chase, the suspects also rammed their car against one of the patrol cars.

Police fired shots at them twice but missed.

The incident began when a policeman ordered the suspects to stop their vehicle in Jalan Tebrau, Johor Baru, at 1.50am yesterday.

Police gave chase when the suspects sped away.

They were later spotted by another patrol car when they threw away a bag believed to contain drugs.

The second patrol car then joined the chase.

Johor CID chief Senior Asst Comm II Amer Awal said the suspects rammed a third patrol car, which was waiting for them in Kulaijaya, at 2.30am.

A fourth patrol car from Kluang then joined in the chase.

“The chase ended at a dead-end street at 4am when all four patrol cars blocked the area preventing any escape,” he said.

The suspects, aged 24 and 30, were brought back to Johor Baru. Police seized a pistol holster and a laptop from the vehicle.

The 30-year old suspect has been previously held for illegal firearms possession.

SAC Amer urged anyone with information to contact the police hotline at 07-2212999 or the nearest police station.

By FARIK ZOLKEPLI

Little Miss Sunshine

Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries series, chooses to escape the darkness of her past by writing only about the bright side of life for now.

MEG Cabot might be jet-lagged and exhausted, but the American author is the image of chic when you meet her in her suite at the Ritz-Carlton.

The 41-year-old, who easily looks 10 years younger than her age, was in Singapore last month as part of a month-long publicity tour that includes Britain, Sweden, South Africa, Hong Kong and Thailand.

She had just spent the morning at Singapore Chinese Girls’ School, where she took questions and signed books.

“Every single kid there had a mobile phone and wanted to take a picture, and like five pictures, and pictures with their friends, and they all had, like, every book I ever wrote. It was fun but very exhausting,” she says with a laugh.

The slim, pixieish writer talks exactly like her teenage characters, peppering her speech with a lot of “like”, dramatic whispers and even squeals.

For example, when you ask her about the fact that her hit series The Princess Diaries was inspired by her widowed mother dating her former high school teacher (as the title character Mia’s mother does), her eyes widen and she leans forward confidingly: “They were set up on a blind date, and this is what’s really sick – are you ready?”


»I had a really hard time getting it published« MEG CABOT

A theatrical pause, and then, in a stage whisper: “He’s my ex-boyfriend’s godfather.”

Smiling at your suitably shocked expression, she exclaims delightedly: “I know, you almost threw up there, didn’t you? You almost threw up a little bit in your mouth.”

Then, somewhat more maturely, she adds: “But whatever, he’s so nice and he’s a really great guy, so it’s really good for her. I’m totally happy for them.”

Besides the fact that it is “totally gross”, this bit of family history has clearly paid off for the author.

When it was first published in October 2000, The Princess Diaries spent 38 weeks on the children’s books bestsellers list of The New York Times, and was sold to publishers in 37 countries.

The 2001 film adaptation, starring Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, also helped raise her profile. She has since sold more than 15 million copies throughout the world.

The global appeal of her books is something that still obviously amazes the author.

“It’s totally bizarre and it freaks me out because I don’t know what it is about the books that speaks to all of them,” she says, gesticulating animatedly. “But I think it is basically the fact that being a teenager kind of sucks universally, so the problems are all the same.”

That said, it is somewhat ironic that she had actually written the first draft of The Princess Diaries with older characters and an older audience in mind.

“I really thought it was for adults, and I was really surprised when my agent said it was for teens,” she says, adding that she had originally envisioned it along the lines of British author Sue Townsend’s satirical Adrian Mole series. However, on the advice of her agent, she rewrote her book with a younger protagonist.

Darker story

Beneath Cabot’s light-hearted books and sunny image is a darker story. Her father, a business professor, was an alcoholic, and the author recalls that he often passed out on the floor of the living room.

He also verbally abused Cabot and her two younger brothers.

“As a teen, I had a hard time finding books that were accessible for me.

My father was an alcoholic, so my family life kind of sucked and I didn’t want to read the books geared for teens at that time, as they were all about kids whose parents were alcoholics,” she says, grimacing.

“I was like, I already have that in my life. I wanted to escape from that. It was just really hard to find a book about a girl, a strong heroine who wasn’t getting pregnant, getting molested or having something horrible happen to her.”

Thus, she started writing her own stories as a teenager, which ranged from science fiction to mysteries to fantasies.

“The reason I write the kind of books I do is because I remember what it was like to grow up in a family that was really messed up and not being able to find books that were for girls like me.”

However, when she entered Indiana University, she decided to major in art instead of writing as an older friend named Benjamin Egnatz – himself a writing major who would, years later, become her husband – advised her not to study writing “because they will make you hate it.”

He now manages the business side of her career and the couple live in Key West, Florida, with their two cats.

After graduation, she went to New York to try and get art jobs in the media, but after little success started working at New York University as the assistant manager of a dormitory.

The job gave her plenty of time to write, especially during the long summer vacations. She started seriously trying to get published in 1994, when her father died from throat cancer.

Her first published books were Victorian romances, a genre she had decided to focus on as she had read that romances make up more than 50% the publishing market.

However, her real breakthrough came in 2000 with The Princess Diaries, though it was rejected multiple times before being picked up by HarperCollins.

“I had a really hard time getting it published because a lot of the people I sent it to were like, ‘This isn’t children’s fiction, this isn’t appropriate because there’s no great big huge moral lesson’,” she says, rolling her eyes.

“I even got a rejection letter from a very prominent children’s book editor which said that The Princess Diaries was unfit for children, or anyone.”

She continued to work at the dormitory until 2001, when her earnings from the books and Princess Diaries movie meant she was financially secure enough to concentrate on writing full-time. She now has 10 different series under her belt, including a new one for readers aged eight to 12, which she admits is intended to capture the younger fan base of The Princess Diaries movies. Titled Allie Finkle, it is about a nine-year-old girl who moves to a new neighbourhood.

Meanwhile, even though the 10th and last book in The Princess Diaries series is out in January, she says it is not farewell forever to Princess Mia.

“I have met so many Princess Diaries fans who started out with the books when they were 10 or 11, and now they are going to college and they are like, ‘We really want to read about Princess Mia in college.’ I think that would be fun – I have lots of good ideas,” she says, though she hastens to add that there will be “a long pause” before that happens.

As her readers grow up, does she think she will ever seek inspiration from her past to write about, well, the darker side of life?

“Someday I might do a memoir, but I don’t think I could write about it from a fictional character’s point of view. I’ve just tried tonnes of times and have never been able to finish it.” – The Straits Times, Singapore / Asia News Network

By STEPHANIE YAP

Mahathir can’t swim, urges parents to ensure their kids can

PUTRAJAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad can do many things but take him to a pool and that’s where his human frailty will begin to show

The former Prime Minister can’t swim.
For a deserving cause: Dr Mahathir launching the charity triathlon event near the Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya yesterday. Among those present are Salman, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar (right) and ESQ leadership centre founder Dr Ary Ginanjar Agustian (left).

Launching a charity triathlon event for an 11-year-old who will also swim 8km across the Putrajaya lake, the former Prime Minister spoke about his “weakness”.

“I confess that I can’t swim. I am astonished that humans can swim.

“I used to worry that when I sailed on ships, I would sink to the bottom in case anything happened to the vessels,’’ he said.

He acknowledged how important it was to learn to swim, and urged parents to ensure their children could do so.

“It is a bit too late for me but I have tried to learn swimming many times,” he added.

Salman Ali Shariati Abdul Halim will also cycle for 360km and run 84km to raise funds for his attempt to swim across the English Chan–nel next year.

If successful, the boy will be–come the youngest swimmer to cross the English Channel.

Dr Mahathir praised Salman — a student of the Anglo Chinese School in Ipoh who is dubbed the “Iron Boy” — for his grit and determination at such a tender age.

He was recognised as the country’s youngest long distance swimmer by the Malaysia Book of Records last year.

Bt TheStar

RPK unfazed by ISA ‘sting’

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamarudin will not be cowed into ending his controversial writing.

“Malaysia Today is meant to provoke society, but when you touch on sensitive things, you will be detained .... It is like poking at a beehive, sometimes, you get stung.
Raja Petra: ‘I am also sure there was no political intervention to get me out’

“But that is the only way to invite society to be united and to correct what is wrong,” he said when interviewed by The Star’s online Malay news portal mstar yesterday.

On his release from ISA detention, Raja Petra, also known as RPK, said he believed that the judge had acted independently without any outside influence.

“I think Pak Lah (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) did not interfere and he left it to the court.

“I am also sure there was no political intervention to get me out. It was left solely to the court and that is why I was released,” he said.

On Friday, High Court judge Justice Syed Ahmad Helmy Syed Ahmad freed Raja Petra after finding that his two-year detention order under the ISA was unlawful.

When asked if the police had informed him why he was detained, Raja Petra replied they told him it was because he had insulted Islam through an article which demeaned Prophet Muhammad and also because of another article entitled “Let’s send Altantuya’s murderer to hell.”

“The strange thing is, I am already being charged under the Sedition Act for the article on Altantuya, but I was also detained under the ISA for writing it.

“Do they want to charge me or do they want to detain me. I don’t understand.”

On the political winds of change sweeping through the country, he said young leaders needed to be given opportunities.

“I like what is happening in Umno now, where they have young leaders such as Khairy Jamaluddin and (Datuk) Mukhriz (Mahathir).

“Although Khairy does not like me, he agrees with the abolition of the ISA. This a common ground for change that the rakyat wants.

“I do not mind if he does not like me. A tourist asked me: if Khairy becomes prime minister, will I support him?

“I said yes. I will support him because he is smart. I will continue to attack him, but I do not hate him.

“We have to be realistic. They are future leaders, and they include (PKR MP and Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s daughter) Nurul Izzah Anwar and Subang Jaya assemblywoman Hannah Yeoh,” he said.

On what he had been doing after his release, Raja Petra said he met friends and relatives, as well as did some writing.

“During my detention in Kamunting, I managed to write about seven articles and I am waiting for the right time to publish them in my website,” he said.

Asked about his detention, he said he was placed in a solitary cell and allowed out from 7am to 7pm.

To pass time, he read books.

“I never touched any of the food they served. I only drank the milk brought by my wife, Marina, every day.

“I would only eat rice once a week when my family visited me, usually on Saturdays,’’ he said.

By G. MANIMARAN

Angkasawan denies being paid RM1.2mil for seminar appearances

PETALING JAYA: Angkasawan Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor who is embroiled in a controversy over claims that he has collected RM1.2mil in fees for talks has vehemently denied the allegations.

The Angkasawan, whose family has also come out in support of him, also denied that he had made appearances and given talks to 150 companies.

“I am a millionaire? I wish I were,” he said in reaction to a report claiming that he had made a total of RM1.2mil by charging RM8,000 per hour.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar also denied making appearances at 150 corporate functions, saying that so far, he had given talks at 200 schools and less than 10 companies.

“The report is absolutely untrue,” he said in an interview yesterday.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said the ministry had not received any official complaint about the allegations made in a news portal.

Dr Ongkili said that if the allegations were true, a complaint could be lodged and the ministry would investigate.

He said the Government’s contracts with the two Angkasawan — the other is Dr Faiz Khaleed — expires on Dec 31, adding that under the contract, they were obliged to take part in all promotional programmes arranged by the ministry.

They are also prohibited from receiving any rewards other than those from the ministry, he said.

Ongkili’s deputy Fadillah Yusof, in response to the allegations, said: “I’ve asked him (the astronaut) to meet me to discuss the matter on Monday.”

The Angkasawan’s father, Datuk Sheikh Mustapha Syed Shukor, and brother Sheikh Taufik (who often accompanied him for talks around the country), also vouched for Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, saying he had never demanded fees and added that he was a victim of jealousy and backstabbing.

Sheikh Taufik said: “He does not get paid for programmes organised under the Angkasawan programme like roadshows and school visits.

“Sometimes at the schools, he brings along his book (Reaching for the Stars) but all proceeds from sales are meant for the children of our brother (Sheikh Mustapa who died not long after Dr Sheikh Muszaphar landed on Earth).

“He is not fussy about money. He regrets leaving the matter for third parties to arrange and now wants to personally deal with such invitations,” Sheikh Taufik added.

The father expressed disappointment with the way his son has been treated.

He said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar did not get much from the ministry, adding: “He was only given a car to use and paid a RM5,000-plus salary. He even has to pay for a driver and a bodyguard to see to his safety as he has to travel around a lot to give motivational talks.

“When he is invited to give talks overseas, such as in the United States, he has to pay for lodging and flight tickets. So, if the organisers offer payment, he accepts them for these purposes,” Sheikh Mustapha said.

He claimed that many organisers wanted to make money out of his son by inviting him to give talks. He also said that Dr Sheikh Muszaphar was not given monetary rewards like other sportsmen who made the country proud.

“All he gets is his monthly salary.

“He was also warned not to accept any datukship,” he said, adding that Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, however, accepted his datukship from the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, his home state.

“He did not want to accept but I told him that the Yam Tuan Besar will murka (be angry).”

By JANE RITIKOS

Workers and employers rail against EPF directive

PETALING JAYA: EPF’s move requiring contributors who wish to maintain their existing contribution at 11% to fill up a form has drawn protests from employee and employer associations.

Cuepacs and Fomca regard EPF’s arrangement as tantamount to forcing workers to comply, while the MTUC and Malaysian Employers’ Federation (MEF) feel it implies that the move was mandatory instead of voluntary.

“This seems like force. Those who are interested to reduce their contribution should fill up the form; not the other way round,” said Cuepacs president Omar Osman.

Omar said he believed the majority of contributors from the private sector were not in favour of the move and called on the EPF to come up with the best arrangement that benefited workers for their long-term investments.

According to an EPF statement on Thurs­day, contributors who wished to maintain their 11% contribution rate were required to fill up Form KWSP 17A (AHL) and hand it to their employers for submission to the EPF.

EPF will automatically adjust employees’ contribution to 8% from January if they failed to fill the form.

On Nov 4, Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced a voluntary reduction of employees’ contribution from 11% to 8% as part of the Government’s stimulus package for the economy.

Fomca secretary-general Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah said: “Automatic reduction cannot be regarded as voluntary. The principles of justice should be applied as promised because the change is voluntary.

“Those who want to maintain it at 11% should not be required to apply.”

MTUC deputy president Mohd Khalid Atan said EPF’s directive was not practical.

by The Star

Mukhriz throws down the gauntlet at his accusers to prove money politics

THE UMNO INTERVIEWS
This is the first in a series of Umno interviews. Next on the pipeline are Q & As with ex-Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Khir Toyo and deputy youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin.
Mukhriz: Walking the talk.

BESIEGED by claims that he is not walking his talk on the issue of money politics, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, in an interview with The Star, has thrown down the gauntlet at his accusers ... prove it and he will back out of the race for the Umno Youth chief post.

Q: What is your view on the five months campaign period.

A: This gives us ample time to meet the delegates. But it can also be abused because it gives certain parties more time to buy votes. If money politics is not resolved, it does not matter what we want to bring to the party, it will come to nought because Umno will lose the trust of the people in the next general elections.

Q: Since you are an interested party, the option to go by the book or join the game is also opened to you.

A: I have a clean track record and I am not about to ruin my reputation by indulging in money politics. People know that I lost in Kubang Pasu in 2004 (for the division Umno Youth chief) with my honour intact because I did not use money. I also won the national exco seat with the highest votes. Until now, people still come to me and say that they respect me because I do not indulge in this kind of nonsense.

Q: But lately many people are saying that all your talk about eradicating money politics are just rhetoric and that you are equally involved in such acts.

A: Then they should bring this up. People who were offered money under my name should report it. I know that some people are saying that I am dua kali lima (meaning the same) when I speak about these ills, but people on the ground who really know me will tell you that I am not like that.

Q: There are claims that you have appointed agents, that so and so who are close to you, travelled all over the country to buy nominations on your behalf since the division meetings started.

A: They are not representing me. I have to admit it is easy to be framed. All it takes is for someone to bring money bags and say “please vote for Mukhriz.”

Q: How do you plan to protect yourself against such political manoeuvring?

A: Just by being me so that people can judge me by my deeds. I pride myself with the kind of integrity that is much needed in Umno. I will do nothing that can bring disrepute to the party.

Q: Some people believe that you don’t have what it takes to be an Umno Youth leader. They say that your are too soft and you lack the fiery temperament normally associated with Umno Youth leaders.

A: Look at my track record, I have always been consistent and have been so for the four years I was active in politics. I may not have ‘in your face’ type of approach, but my firmness and steadfastness on important issues is well known. I have been going against the grain when it was not a politically correct thing to do and I am not the type who toady to anyone. I am not about to shout in someone’s face and call for rally. I may not be the type that demonstrates in public to get front page news coverage. But I concede that each man has his own way and means. Our performance in March and the results of the Permatang Pauh by-election have shown that our present method may not be the best. Maybe my style is more acceptable.

Q: Do you think Umno Youth is ready for the kind of change that you are trying to promote?

A: I qualified to contest within three days of the start of the division meetings. I believe the resounding support that they have shown thus far is not so much for me but more for what I stand for. They understand that change is critical for Umno if it is to rule the Government next term.

Q: You have the highest nominations thus far. How confident are you that this will translate into real votes come March.

A: Figures don’t lie. Should I lose, it would mean that grassroots obviously want me but not the delegates. If that is the case, are we certain that this is the best way for Umno to conduct its election?

Q: What do you see as your greatest challenge in the next five months.

A: Money politics. I we don’t rectify the perception that Umno is fraught with money politics, we will definitely lose in the next elections. It will not be due to the Opposition being stronger, but because the people are disgusted with us. I find it disturbing that Umno is no longer associated with good values which is the key to winning back the people’s support.

Q: Among the three contenders for Umno Youth chief post, you are seen as the most politically naive. Will that cost you votes?

A: I’d rather be naive then be dirty. When I tell people not to take that RM200, they say, come on its only RM200. This is the point where the system breaks down. If being naive means standing up for your principles then I am willing to be naive. I will back off if people say that I use money.

Q: What will your strategy be in the next five months.

A: By being myself. Talking is fun, but I don’t go about accusing others. I hope people have the good sense to judge me by my deeds. I would like to win, but I am not that desperate to the extent of setting aside my dignity and principles. We lost Kedah (to the Opposition) we lost the state, yet the intensity of the competition for party posts was unprecedented.

Q: Does being Tun Dr Mahathir’s son help you in your political quest?

A: Much as I respect my father for his sacrifices for this country, I am not beholden to him and I don’t necessarily have to agree with him all the time. In fact, when he left Umno he was implying that I should do the same. He was quite disappointed when I decided against it. People told me that my ratings fell after that. He also said that he supported Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah (as Umno president) when I had clearly said that Najib is the best successor. We have had differences in opinions.

by The Star

Raja Petra surprised at being freed by High Court

SHAH ALAM: Blogger Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin said he was surprised to be released from detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

“Not many people who challenged Section 8 of the ISA have succeeded, so I did not give much hope to it. It is a sort of 50-50. I was surprised actually,” said the 58-year-old.

Asked about his feelings, Raja Petra said, “I am just too tired”.

To a question on what this experience taught him, he said, “I suppose we have to fight all-out to get the ISA abolished. I suppose the cause has been recognised.”

He also said that the ISA was not a valid law to be used against political dissidents.

“The court decision has made very clear the message that ISA cannot be used for political reasons.

“I am not a terrorist. I am not a dangerous person. I am just a writer,” he said.

Asked if he was looking forward to having Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as the Prime Minister, Raja Petra said, “I am waiting for Anwar (PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) to become the Prime Minister.”

The scruffy-bearded Raja Petra was given a hero’s welcome and garlanded with flowers as he walked out of the Shah Alam High Court a free man.

Smiling broadly, he spoke briefly to reporters before greeting the horde of supporters who were at the court since morning in anticipation of his release.

His supporters, clad in various colours with different slogans on their T-shirts saying, “Free RPK, Abolish ISA, We Want Our Rights, No to ISA and No Holds Barred,” clapped and cheered in and outside the courtroom.

Raja Petra left for home in a maroon Rolls-Royce car at 3.35pm.

He was accompanied by wife Marina Lee Abdullah. Also present was DAP’s Ronnie Liu, who is also a Selangor state executive councillor.

by The Star

Umno elections: Ali Rustam qualifies for deputy race

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam is set to take on Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in the fight for the Umno deputy presidency.

The Malacca Chief Minister qualified to contest the post when he received nominations from Pasir Salak, Tumpat, Pendang, Ketereh, Sandakan, Sg Petani and Kubang Kerian bringing his tally to 39.

A candidate needs to secure at least 39 nominations from the 191 divisions to be eligible to contest the party’s number two post in the Umno elections which are scheduled for March.

Muhyiddin was the first to qualify and remains the favourite.

The International Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister continued to pick up nominations from Wangsamaju, Kuala Nerus, Jerai and Kangar.

His total as of 7pm Saturday stands at 82 nominations.

Not to be left out is the third aspirant, Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib.

The Rural and Regional Development Minister is close enough to the finishing line to qualify to run for the post.

With 36 nomination already in the bag, he needs only another three to make it a three-cornered fight.

His nominations on Saturday came from Baling, PJ Selatan, Pensiangan, Sg Besar, Sik and Hulu Langat.

By convention the Umno deputy presidency becomes the Deputy Prime Minister.

Therefore the contest for the deputy presidency is particularly exciting this time around because Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had already said he would be handing over power to his successor after the party elections.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is the anointed successor and has already won the Umno presidency uncontested.

Despite this, he continues to pick up nomination after nomination.

His own division, Pekan, met Saturday and gave him their endorsement to be the next party leader.

The Pekan division however played it safe by opting to stay neutral for its other nominations. It did not nominate anyone for the deputy presidency nor for the vice presidency.

The Kepala Batas division which is the Prime Minister’s division is expected to do same when it meets on Sunday.

For the vice-presidency, Datuk Seri Dr Jamalauddin Jarjis is just one nomination short of qualifying, while Datuk Seri Rais Yatim needs two more.

A candidate needs a minimum of 20 nominations to be able to contest for the vice-presidency.

So far, six have already qualified for the contest. They are Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar and Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad.

by The Star

Only minimal medical test done on Anwar, says lawyer

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was arrested by the police, refused to give a sample for a DNA test when he was brought to Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

His lawyer R. Sivarasa said that police requested for a full medical examination at the hospital but only a minimal one was done.

“I can confirm no DNA was taken. At this stage, we are not prepared to agree to that,” Sivarasa told reporters.

Anwar was brought to the hospital after his statement was taken yesterday afternoon.

He was arrested at 1pm just outside his house in Segambut Dalam.

His lawyer Sankara Nair said Anwar, who had finished his appointment with the Anti-Corruption Agency in Putrajaya in the morning, was heading home to refresh himself and say goodbye to his family before going to the police headquarters.

“But as we neared Anwar’s house, we were stopped by policemen and members of

the Special Ops Units (UTK) wearing balaclavas,” he told a press conference in the afternoon.

“At 11.20am, we told the ACA we had to stop. The officer was reluctant and wanted to finish everything off but we said we had to meet the police,” he added.

Sankara said Anwar had no intention of skipping his meeting with the police.

“We promised the ACA we would return on Monday,” he said.

Sankara said that at around 12.45pm, he received a call from the police asking if Anwar would be present at the station later, to which Sankara said yes.

“But a few minutes later, he was arrested,” he said.

Anwar, together with his driver, were in the car with Sankara and his other counsel R. Sivarasa at the time. Sankara said one Supt Taufek, who was in uniform, made the arrest under Section 377C of the Penal Code, although no warrant was produced.

The section is for the offence of carnal intercourse against the order of nature without consent.

The lawyer confirmed that the police did not use weapons or handcuff Anwar during the arrest.

Sankara said he was disappointed with the police for arresting Anwar when they had given him a 2pm deadline.

Sankara, who left the police station at 6pm. said Sivarasa stayed on to advise Anwar, as police allowed only one counsel to be present.

He said there was nothing much the lawyers could do for Anwar at this point in time.

“Police can detain him for 24 hours before requesting a remand order from the magistrate for a maximum period of 14 days.

“All we can do at this stage is to argue our case with the magistrate on why the remand should not be granted,” he said.

About 11.15pm yesterday, PKR supreme council member Badrul Hisham Shaharin addressed the crowd which had gathered outside the police headquarters and told them that Anwar would be held overnight.

He also urged the crowd, which held a candlelight vigil, to remain calm.

CID chief explains why Anwar was arrested earlier

KUALA LUMPUR: Police arrested Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim an hour before the 2pm deadline as they feared that he would not show up.

Federal CID director Commissioner Datuk Mohd Bakri Zinin said Anwar was supposed to go directly to the Kuala Lumpur headquarters immediately after giving his statement to the ACA in Putrajaya.

“However, we were informed that after he left the ACA headquarters in Putrajaya he re-routed and headed back to his house in Segambut,” he said.

“He was arrested as we had reason to believe that he was not going to show up at the KL police headquarters,” he said.

Anwar, who had left the ACA headquarters at 12.20pm, was arrested for investigation under Section 377C of the Penal Code for carnal intercourse against the order of nature.

He was there from 10am yesterday in connection with reports he had lodged against the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General.

Comm Bakri said police arrested him near his house as they wanted to avoid any untoward incident or commotion had they arrested him at his house.

“We wish to point out that Anwar had initially agreed to meet us on Monday but he failed to keep his appointment,” he said.

Anwar will be taken to the hospital here for a routine check-up which was a required procedure, Comm Bakri added.

He said that besides the check-up for record purposes, the police had also extended other facilities including allowing his family members and lawyers to visit him.

“He is also allowed to go for his prayers. We will accord whatever facility the law allows ... that we can assure.

Early arrest surprises Bar Council chairman

PETALING JAYA: The Bar Council said there was no reason to believe that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would not show up at the police headquarters to give his statement at the appointed time.

Its chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenivasan said: “We are particularly surprised (about the early arrest) as he had been given until 2pm to show up at the police headquarters.”

“Furthermore, he had been at the ACA office in Putrajaya all morning.”

She said the council hoped there would be no repeat of 1998 when Anwar was tried on allegations of sodomy.

“Our criminal justice system is once again under public scrutiny and we hope that it can stand up to that scrutiny,” she said.

I fear for him, says Wan Azizah

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has a sense of déjà vu over her husband Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's arrest.

Anwar was arrested in 1998 on charges of abuse of power, corruption – and sodomy. This time, he has again been arrested over an allegation of sodomy,

“It is a feeling of déjà vu. Of course, now my children are big and I am in Parliament now. But I feel it should not have happened this way,” she told reporters yesterday outside the KL police headquarters after meeting Anwar.

“I have a fear. Although they guarantee his safety, it was the same thing they said before, but it didn’t happen.”

She also expressed regret over the way police handled Anwar’s arrest yesterday.

“It now has political connotations,” she said.

The Permatang Pauh MP was with her daughters, Nurul Izzah and Nurul Nuha, son-in-law Raja Ahmad Shahrir Iskandar Raja Salim and Anwar’s lawyer, Sankara Nair.

She had arrived at the police headquarters at about 1.30pm.

The PKR president also said her husband told her and Malaysians to remain calm.

“He is doing well, so far,” she said.

“I regret the way he was detained. After all, he had given his assurance that he would be here. He will act within his legal rights.”

Dr Wan Azizah said she was at Parliament when one of their lawyers informed her of Anwar’s arrest.

Nurul Izzah, PKR's Lembah Pantai MP, said her father was ready to give his statement.

“My sisters and I had already agreed to accompany our father and to be here by 2pm. How am I supposed to feel safe?”

She arrived with her husband Raja Ahmad at about 1.55pm and handed over her marriage card for a visitor’s pass to enter the building as she had left her MyKad in Parliament.

Nurul Izzah said her father was arrested by Special Action Unit commandos, as in 1998.

Najib: I am not weak or scared

ALOR STAR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said his outstanding track record of giving priority to the people cannot be denied.

Stressing that he was neither a weak nor a scared leader, Najib said his achievements reflected his credentials, capabilities and commitment to safeguard the interests of the people.

He said his track record should not be disputed.

“Look at my track record. I am not neglecting the people’s interests.

“I would not have clinched such high votes in the (recent general) election if I had disregarded public interest,” he told reporters after a meeting with Kedah Umno division leaders and the state Umno liaison committee here.

He said this in response to former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s statement that people were disenchanted with Najib whom they perceive as a weak leader who could not make his own stand.

Najib said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s decision to hand over the mantle to him by June 2010 was made with the consent of the Umno supreme council.

“It was not a decision that was reached between me and Pak Lah (Abdullah) but it was a plan accepted by the Umno supreme council.

“Transfer of power should be done systematically,” he said.

On Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah’s plan to challenge Abdullah for the party president’s post, Najib said those vying for the post should have enough support.

On the PAS-Umno talks, Najib said there should be no pre-conditions for the muzakarah (dialogue).

He said such dialogues could be used as a venue to discuss what is best for the country and the people.

Najib said this in response to PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat’s statement that such muzakarah could only be held if the request came from Umno grassroots during the branch and division AGMs.

However, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang had reportedly expressed interest in discussing with Umno issues related to the Malays and Islam.

Raja Petra ordered to report to police

PETALING JAYA: Blogger and online editor Raja Petra Kamarudin is expected to be charged today with criminal defamation over his statutory declaration on the murder of Mongolian translator Altantuya Shaariibuu.

The Malaysia Today editor said in a posting on his website that he had been ordered to report to the ninth floor of the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters at 10am today.

In his June 18 declaration, Raja Petra claimed to have knowledge that two lieutenant-colonels and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Najib Tun Razak's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor were present when Altantuya's body was blown up on Oct 19, 2006.

When contacted, Raja Petra confirmed that the police wanted to charge him with criminal defamation and said he was not surprised.

“I expected that they would do that. I am not worried. I am well prepared,” he said.

He said he expected to be taken to the Kuala Lumpur court complex in Jalan Duta.

Raja Petra also discouraged people from gathering today to protest the charge or arrest, as he did not want to give the police an opportunity to arrest anyone.

“This is exactly what they want us to do. The action (of gathering) may be unintentional, but they want to provoke reaction from the supporters to take part in a street protest,” he added.

Raja Petra reiterated that he would stand by his statutory declaration and stressed that he would not reveal the identity of his informer.

On Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s arrest an hour before his (Anwar's) 2pm deadline yesterday, Raja Petra said it was uncalled for.

“Not only did he give his word that he would be at the police station sharp at 2pm, he also reconfirmed it when a police officer called him,” he added.

Ruckus in Dewan over Mukhriz’s comment on Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat erupted in a war of words after Jerlun MP Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said that he believed Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was involved in “doing such things.”

While the House was debating the Supplementary Supply Bill yesterday, Mukhriz stood up and said the people wanted to know whether Anwar had committed sodomy as alleged by his former aide.

At that time, Gombak MP Mohamed Azmin Ali had stood up and demanded an explanation from Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar on the action by the police to arrest Anwar before the 2pm deadline given to him to turn up at the city police headquarters.

Mukhriz said the Opposition should not be raising other issues aimed at deflecting attention from the basic question.

“People want to know the truth. Was there sodomy or not? Be brave and show proof whether this incident was true or otherwise.

“The truth is that I believe Anwar had behaved in such a way,” he said.

Mukhriz was then interrupted by shouts from Pakatan Rakyat MPs for a good 15 minutes. Several demanded that he withdraw what he said.

Titiwangsa MP Dr Lo Lo Ghazali, who is from PAS, said Anwar was a victim of lies while Shah Alam MP Khalid Abd Samad, also from PAS, said Muslims were taught that an accused person was innocent until his crime was proven.

Dr Lo Lo asked for Mukhriz to withdraw what he had said about Anwar because it was qazaf (slander) and those found guilty could be whipped according to Islamic Law.

Khalid said the Opposition MPs would accept Mukhriz's arguments if they were facts.

“But Jerlun had made an open and unproven statement that he was convinced that Anwar was guilty.

“This is an irresponsible statement. Please discipline these young MPs and stop them from uttering such statements,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pasir Salak MP Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said the Opposition practised double standards by accepting the accusations made against the Deputy Prime Minister or his wife.

Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia then put a stop to the bickering and told the MPs to keep to debating the bill.

Cops arrest Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived at the city police headquarters here at 1.15pm Wednesday in a white Pajero after being arrested by the police.

He was earlier arrested in front of his house in Bukit Segambut.

His lawyer Sankara Nair said the police told Anwar that he was being arrested for investigations under Section 377C of the Penal Code for alleged "carnal intercourse against the order of nature."

On June 28, his 23-year-old former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan had lodged a police report alleging that Anwar had sodomised him.

Asked if Anwar was handcuffed, Sankara said he was not.

Anwar's wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said he had called her from the police car to say he had been arrested.

"He asked me to go home to look after the children," she said when met in Parliament lobby earlier Wednesday.

Wan Azizah was at the city police headquarters by 1.30pm, followed 25 minutes later by Anwar's daughter Nurul Izzah and her husband Raja Ahmad Shahrir.

"I don't believe this is happening. We will seek to get him released as soon as possible," said DAP chairman Karpal Singh, who had joined other PKR members and supporters gathering at the headquarters.

The police had on Tuesday given Anwar a 2pm deadline to answer allegations of sodomy.

Anwar was at the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) headquarters in Putrajaya earlier Wednesday. He left the ACA headquarters at 12.10pm, saying he was satisfied with the ACA's line of questioning.

He said the ACA had not completed its interview, but he had to cut it short to make his 2pm appointment with the police to answer questions over the sodomy allegation made against him.

The former deputy prime minister said he had produced all the information required, but there just wasn't enough time.

"If I am arrested, I guess the ACA can do their follow-up interview at the lock-up," the de facto opposition leader joked.

Anwar had arrived at the ACA headquarters at about 10am over the reports he had lodged against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney-General (A-G).

He was accompanied by his lawyers and a group of PKR supporters.

In his report lodged on July 1, Anwar had alleged that IGP Tan Sri Musa Hassan and A-G Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail had fabricated evidence in the “black eye” investigation in 1999.

Musa was the investigating officer and Abdul Gani led the prosecution in the case in which Anwar had been beaten up by the IGP then, Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Noor.

Musa and Abdul Gani were questioned by the ACA on July 11.

Anwar and Shabery trade facts, pot shots

KUALA LUMPUR: Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek took on PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a rarely seen debate on live television last night.

The one-hour debate, entitled “Today we form the Government, tomorrow the fuel prices will go down” proceeded smoothly with both speakers backing their points with facts.

The event was organised by online news portal Agenda Daily and was broadcast live over TV9, Astro Awani and Bernama TV.

Invited to be the first speaker, Anwar started off by saying that fuel prices would be reduced by 50 sen a litre to alleviate the economic burden faced by the people if Pakatan Rakyat formed the Government tomorrow.

Anwar said it would only cost the Government RM5bil to bring down fuel prices by 50 sen.

He said RM2bil could be saved by reducing the country’s electricity buffer of 40% to 20%, as the extra capacity only benefited independent power producers (IPP).

Anwar hit out at the recent increase in fuel prices, saying such drastic measures within a short period had pushed inflation up.

“It was said that while prices go drastically up, inflation levels would not rise. Who was the one who taught that economic theory?” he said.

In response to that point, Shabery stressed that the inflation faced now could not be attributed solely to fuel prices.

He said major oil producers such as Venezuela and Iran experienced higher inflation than Malaysia although their fuel prices were much lower.

“In Venezuela, inflation is 30%, while Iran is one of the eight nations worst hit by inflation.

“It is not just oil prices that have gone up, but food as well. Our rice is cheaper than Thailand and that is because of our policies.

“We do not have to demonstrate on the streets or organise improper concerts,” he said.

On claims that as an oil producer, Malaysia stood to profit with from higher crude oil prices, Shabery said Malaysia was only a minor oil producer.

“In 2015, Malaysia will become a net importer of oil. By then, will we be forced to raise the price of fuel drastically?” he said.

Both Shabery and Anwar managed to squeeze in a few pot shots at each other.

Before leaving, Shabery told reporters that he was satisfied with the debate but would leave it to the Government to decide how he had performed.

Shabery had earlier said he would resign as Information Minister if he failed to defend the Government’s fuel policy.

Anwar said he was disappointed that several personal attacks had been made on him.

Anwar to give statement to cops Monday

KUALA LUMPUR: PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who is alleged to have sodomised his former aide has agreed to give his statement to the police tomorrow.

CID director Comm Datuk Mohd Bakri Zinin said police have advised Anwar through his lawyers to assist them in their investigations.

“Lawyer Sankaran Nair told us that Anwar has agreed to meet us on Monday at 2pm at the city police headquarters.

“All the talk and SMS spreading around claiming that we have arrested Anwar and his daughter Nurul Izzah are all lies.

“The SMS are propagated by irresponsible people who want to create trouble and chaos,” he said.

Comm Bakri said police had to follow procedures when carrying out their investigations that started when a report was received from the accuser.

“We are still investigating the case and have to record statements from several other people.

“We have not forwarded our investigation papers to the Attorney-General contrary to news reports that we have done so,” he said, while urging the media to stop speculating.

Dr M: Najib will never become PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will never become Prime Minister, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.

Writing in his blog chedet.com, Dr Mahathir predicted that more accusations would be thrown at Najib to put him down until he would be deemed unfit to serve as Deputy Prime Minister.

“Someone who is considered more loyal to Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi will be replacing him (Najib). However, the replacement candidate will not take over the top post in 2010 as he is inexperienced.

“Abdullah will be more than willing to remain in the post until the 13th general election,” wrote Dr Mahathir.

He also wrote that Abdullah did not practise what he preached when he gathered Umno division leaders and told them not to challenge him for the presidency.

“As usual, as in Umno administration under Abdullah, when a directive is given to obstruct an action, the president does not see himself subjected to it,” he said, adding that Najib would be assured that there would be no challengers for his job.

Abdullah to contest Umno top post, Najib to go for No. 2

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will step down as Prime Minister in June 2010 and hand over power to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Abdullah, who is Umno president, said he would seek nomination to contest the party’s top post in the December party elections and Najib, who is his deputy, would go for the number two party post.

He, however, said he would not be leading Barisan Nasional into the next general election because by that time, the country would have Najib as its new Prime Minister.

“I appreciate his friendship and co-operation and we work well together in the party and Government.

“I chose Najib to be my successor because I am confident that he will be able to lead the party well,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Abdullah made the announcement after chairing an Umno supreme council meeting and a briefing with division chiefs and leaders from the Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings.

He believed the Umno divisions accepted his transition plan well because “they gave me a standing ovation.”

On his decision to quit as Prime Minister, Abdullah said: “I feel a bit of sadness of course but nothing more than that because I feel more a sense of achievement.”

He said he felt that the transition should be carried out through a process which was well accepted by Umno so that the successor “can be the leader of the whole party and not to half a party or to geng dia saja (only his gang of supporters).”

Explaining why he chose the two-year time frame, Abdullah said this would give him enough time to carry out the various projects and programmes which he had planned together with Najib.

It would also give him time to strengthen and restore the party.

“It will also give Najib ample time to prepare and be ready for the general election which must be held by 2013,” he added.

Abdullah denied he was bowing out due to pressure. He also denied his decision to step down was a victory for the opposition.

“One day, I have to hand over my post to my successor and this is the way I choose. It is a process and this process takes some time and it is comfortable for all.”

Abdullah brushed aside suggestions that his plans to hand over power to Najib would be affected by the case of the murdered Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu.

To a question whether his successor would continue all projects started by Abdullah, he said he believed that those that produced good results would go on.

“But I will not insist. Once someone else takes over and runs the government, he (the new Prime Minister) will be running it the way that he thinks best.”

Asked if he would change his mind about quitting, Abdullah said: “No. I have made my decision.”

On party elections in December, Abdullah said the supreme council meeting did not make any “no-contest” ruling.

He said divisions were still free to nominate whoever they wanted.

Kedah became the first state to endorse the transition plan during its state liaison meeting in Kuala Lumpur last night chaired by its chief Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.

Muhyiddin: Leave it to Umno members to decide on leadership

TOKYO: Some people consider the succession date in 2010 as too long, Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.

“Some have expressed concern that if the duration is that long the situation will not become more convincing. This needs to be taken into account,” he said.

He said there were party members who believed that it would be better for the members themselves to decide on the party leadership.

“But never mind, the elections start in October; so at that time each Umno division will reveal whether they like the decision or that they have their own views,” he said.

Muhyiddin, who is leading a six-day trade and investment mission to Japan, was commenting on Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's announcement to hand over the posts of Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in June 2010.

Muhyiddin said he hoped that any decision made by the Umno supreme council would not stop others from making decisions deemed best for them.

He said that if Umno was still practising the democratic system, it surely would not prevent party members from voicing out on what was best for them and the party.

He said decisions made by the supreme council should be respected.

But no less important were the views of each Umno member representing the branches and divisions. They have wants, they have aspirations, they also have hopes and expectations,” he said.

Asked whether he had decided on the post he would be contesting, Muhyiddin replied: “We have to see the members' reaction to the supreme council's decision first. My decision is not important.” – Bernama

Bala’s house broken into

GOMBAK: Private investigator P. Balasubramaniam's house in Taman Pelangi here has been broken into but police have yet to ascertain whether anything was stolen.

According to a neighbour, M. Eswary, a Form Four student, she noticed the back grille gate of Balasubramaniam's house was ajar at 2.30pm yesterday.

“I went to inspect and found the gate and a door leading to the kitchen opened. There was a set of keys each hanging on the padlock gate and the door,” said Eswary, who alerted her father M. Sadasuvam, who later lodged a police report.

Balasubramaniam is said to have taken refuge in a neighbouring country with his wife and children.

Gombak police chief Asst Comm Abdul Rahim Abdullah said police have yet to ascertain what was stolen from Balasubramaniam's house and that the burglars used a duplicate set of keys to gain entry.

He urged anyone with information to contact the Rakan Cop hotline at 03-21159999 or the nearest police station.

On Wednesday, police started recording statements from Balasubramaniam. However, police declined to reveal his whereabouts for security reasons.

Investigator in Malaysian murder case located in SEAsia

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9, 2008 (AFP) - A private investigator who went missing after linking Malaysia's deputy premier to a murdered Mongolian woman has been traced to an unnamed location in Southeast Asia, police said Wednesday.

Criminal Investigation Department director Bakri Zinin said Balasubramaniam Perumal and his family had left Malaysia on their own accord after the investigator last week made the claims and then swiftly retracted them.

"Through our close cooperation with our conterparts in Aseanapol and Interpol, we managed to locate him," Bakri told AFP.

"But I will not reveal his whereabouts as it will jeopardise our ongoing investigations on his sworn statements," he said.

"I cannot say if he is safe but he gave us the impression that he was safe and sound. According to the information we have, he left on his own accord."

Bakri did not say if Balasubramaniam will be brought back to Kuala Lumpur to help with the investigation into his statements, which have deepened a political crisis in Malaysia.

"We are looking into all angles of legality, if we intend to bring him back. He is a free person and he is free to travel, we are just doing an investigation on the statements he made for now," he said.

Balasubramaniam's claims are linked to a political brawl between opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak, which could decide who is the next leader of Malaysia.

At a press conference organised by Anwar, Balasubramaniam released a sworn statement accusing Najib of having an affair with 28-year-old model Altantuya Shaariibuu.

She was murdered in 2006 and her body blown up with explosives in a remote forest.

Najib's close friend, who had hired Balasubramaniam in the days leading up to the woman's death, is on trial for abetting the murder.

The deputy premier angrily denied the allegations, saying he had never even met Altantuya. In the next surprise development the investigator then withdrew the accusations, which he said had been made under duress, and disappeared.

Balasubramaniam's nephew, who reported him missing, said his uncle had contacted him late Monday to say he and his family were safe.

"When I repeatedly asked them where they were, my uncle told me that they could not talk freely and ended the call," R. Kumaresan said according to The Star daily.

Anwar makes religious case against accuser

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday lodged a complaint with the Federal Territories Islamic Affairs Department against the man who accused him of sodomy.

Anwar is accusing his former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, of committing qazaf or false accusation of fornication.

Anwar, who was accompanied by his wife and Parti Keadilan Rakyat president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, denied that his action was to divert attention from police investigation into Saiful's sodomy claim.

He said the police probe could continue but he had to protect his and his family's reputation.

Anwar said his religious advisers told him that there was no need for him to swear on the Quran.

Last Friday, Anwar was challenged by Putera Umno to swear on the Quran to prove he never sodomised Saiful.

Anwar and his lawyer met with Jawi enforcement chief Mohd Ajib Ismail at 10.15am yesterday to complain that Saiful's allegation against Anwar was done without proper witnesses, which resulted in Saiful committing qazaf.

Under section 41 of the Federal Territories Syariah Penal Code 1997, the offence of qazaf is committed when a person accuses another of fornication without evidence from four male witnesses.

If Saiful cannot produce four male witnesses (not necessarily Muslim but must be credible) to prove his allegations against Anwar, he can be sentenced to three years in jail or fined up to RM5,000, or both.

It is learnt that this is the first case in Malaysia where a man is accusing another man of qazaf.

Special Umno briefing today

PETALING JAYA: The issue of leadership transition in Umno will be one of the topics discussed at a special briefing today by the party’s top two leaders.

There is tremendous anticipation that Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will talk about the rather sensitive issue of transition and succession when they address the closed-door meeting of some 900 divisional grassroots leaders.

An Umno official close to the party president said the meeting was for Umno’s top two to put into perspective some of the issues affecting the party and country in the last few months. It is also to set the tone for the party’s branch AGMs and elections that begin next Thursday. The branch elections are the first stage of the party elections in December.

“The priority of the leadership is that members must rally together to face the political and economic turbulence. Issues related to the stability of the party will be discussed and the leadership transition is one of these issues,” he said.

Abdullah and Najib also want to use the meeting to clear the confusion created by the sodomy allegations against PRK de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the political storm that followed.Many who will be attending are hoping that the top leadership will provide a more specific timeframe for the transition, but this is unlikely to happen.

Abdullah is expected to be a little direct about his plans for a smooth and stable transition of power but is unlikely to go into specifics beyond saying that he may not be leading the party into the next general election.

All eyes will be on how Najib presents his stand because he is torn between his loyalty to Abdullah and pressure from the grassroots for change.

The Umno supreme council will meet at 3pm prior to the briefing which will be attended by 191 divisions division chiefs, deputy heads and vice heads, as well as their Wanita, Youth and Puteri chiefs.

Some 13,000 Umno branches will hold elections between July 17 and Aug 14 and the division elections will take place from Oct 9 to Nov 9. All these will culminate in the Umno general assembly and elections between Dec 15 and 20.

All set for fuel debate between Shabery and Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek is confident of doing well in his debate on the fuel price increase with PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on July 15.

“I have always prepared my mind. Do you think it’s tough? I don’t think it’s tough at all. I’m very confident about it,” he told reporters at Parliament lobby.

On whether the debate was brought up at the Cabinet meeting yesterday, Ahmad Shabery said it wasn’t discussed, adding: “The Prime Minister has already issued a statement that it (the debate) is good.”

He said Anwar would be putting himself and his party at risk in the debate.

“He is a leader and he always assumes that he can become the Prime Minister.

“But I’m nothing. I’m just a local leader in Umno,” he said.

Ahmad Shabery also clarified that the debate was organised by Agenda Daily and not him or his ministry.

In Taiping, Anwar said he would unveil a mechanism on how Malaysians could enjoy a lower price of petrol and diesel during the debate.

He said he would debate with Ahmad Shabery even though he preferred to do it with the Prime Minister and his deputy.

Anwar repeated his pledge that if Pakatan Rakyat were to take over the Government, the price of fuel would be reduced the next day.

He said it was irresponsible to compare the rise in the fuel and diesel prices in countries such as India and China unlike Malaysia which produces oil.

He also denied that he was eroding Malay interests as alleged by Barisan Nasional.

“I am only speaking as their rights had been sidelined by Malay leaders who have betrayed them,” he told a gathering in Batu Gantang.

Earlier Gopeng MP Lee Boon Chye, a PKR vice-president, said there was no need for the Government to increase the oil price by 40% as it had given traders a good excuse to raise their prices.

“The increase is a case of too much, too fast and made at a wrong time,” he said.

Saiful dares Anwar to swear

PETALING JAYA: Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan who alleged he was sodomised by PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently is daring the latter to swear on the Quran to prove his innocence.

The challenge posted as a link in his fiancee’s blog said: “Dear Anwar the hypocrite! I challenge you to swear on the Quran. Set the place and time! I will come. The truth will prevail. Falsehood will surely be exposed. I am not afraid to die. God is mighty!”

His fiancee Janna Mohd Zaki included the link from Friendster in her newest posting on her blog in conjunction with Mohd Saiful’s 23rd birthday on Sunday.

The blog titled “A Step in My Pink Mary Janes” can be visited at http://jannamohdzaki.blogspot.com/.

In it she said she still looks up to Mohd Saiful as a hero despite all the public scoffing he is facing.

“In my eyes, Saiful is a hero. We have no power to make people stop making spiteful remarks about us but we know the truth will prevail some day,” she said.

Mahathir: There’s a concerted campaign against Najib

KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is convinced that there is a concerted campaign against Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and that “somebody is behind it” besides Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The former prime minister said he could not understand why the Deputy Prime Minister was coming under constant attack, adding that he believed the allegations against Najib were all hearsay.

“There is a concerted campaign against Najib. I don’t know why. Not just by Anwar but also by this other chap (Malaysia Today editor) Raja Petra (Kamaruddin) and also a number of others.

“Somebody is working behind this, maybe to undermine Najib’s possibility of challenging the Prime Minister,” he said after calling on Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is here to attend the 6th Developing Eight Nations Summit.

Dr Mahathir said there was no proof to the allegations against Najib.

“You can’t just say that I heard somebody did this. This is not proof,” he said.

Dr Mahathir said he could not understand why his former deputy (Anwar) was “going after Najib” when it was not the latter who reported on Anwar’s behaviour.

“I think he has always been attacking Datuk Najib. Maybe he thinks that Najib is standing in his way of becoming the Deputy Prime Minister or even the Prime Minister,” he said, adding that Anwar could never join Umno again as the party would not accept him.

Australian Prime Minister decides not to meet Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR:

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who is scheduled to arrive here for an official visit Thursday, has decided not to de facto leader of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, according to a news report published by The Australian” today.

The report said Rudd, who will be visiting Malaysia for the first time as prime minister “has opted to stand by existing Malaysian and Australian government protocols” and will not meet Anwar or PKR president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

It was reported earlier that Rudd had considered meeting Anwar as part of the preparation for his trip and had sought advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Australian High Commission here on the political ramifications of meeting Anwar during his visit.

However, it was decided later that he would not be meeting Anwar or his wife during the eight-hour visit after attending the G8 meeting in Japan. Rudd is expected to fly directly to Malaysia from Hokkaido, Japan, before returning to Canberra.

Rock singer’s show upsets crowd

PETALING JAYA: A singer pulled down his trousers and showed his boxer shorts during a concert at the anti-fuel price increase rally in Kelana Jaya Stadium yesterday.

The lead singer of rock band Carburettor Dung was halfway through a song when he dropped his pants and showed his boxer shorts.

His antics saw the audience hurling abuses and throwing bottles at him.

In the 7pm incident, PKR Youth security volunteers had to escort the singer and his band members off the stage while event organisers tried to calm the crowd.

It is learnt that prior to his strip performance, the singer was singing a song that included lyrics poking fun at the sodomy allegations against PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

A member of the audience who did not want to be named described the act as inappropriate as there were children present at the event.

Another man, who also wanted to be anonymous, said it was very unprofessional of the singer, adding that he was very upset because many VIPs, including Anwar would be present.

As the situation came under control, event coordinator Hishamuddin Rais came out to apologise for the incident.

The organisers then called for a break for Maghrib prayers.

Protection for Saiful until probe completed

KUALA LUMPUR: Police revealed yesterday that Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan had sought protection after his explosive sodomy report against Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"He asked for protection. He has the right to do so as a citizen," said the federal Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Bakri Zinin, adding that Saiful feared for his safety following the report which has shaken up the country's political scene.

"He will remain under police protection until the investigations are completed."

Bakri denied that Mohd Saiful was given protection because he faced threats from certain parties.

Since the report on Saturday, Mohd Saiful has been seen only once in public when he was taken to the Brickfields police station on Wednesday.

Looking calm and composed, the 23-year-old former aide even waved to reporters and cameramen when he was taken to one of the offices at the police station.

Police, who have been tight-lipped about the investigations, yesterday said they had recorded statements from 18 witnesses, including doctors who had examined Mohd Saiful.

"We expect to call more witnesses soon and we urge those who are called to cooperate," he said, warning that court orders would be obtained to compel witnesses to come forward to assist in the investigations.

Police, however, have yet to record a statement from Anwar. "We will definitely talk to him but we cannot give a specific time-frame for it," said Bakri.

The case has been classified as carnal intercourse against the order of nature without consent, a charge which carries a jail sentence of between five and 20 years, with whipping.

The alleged offences took place at the Desa Damansara condominiums in Damansara Heights. At the time the report was lodged by Mohd Saiful, Anwar and top officials from Parti Keadilan Rakyat were at the Quality Hotel in Shah Alam for a two-day meeting.

After news of the report reached Anwar, he sought refuge at the Turkish Embassy early the following day, claiming his life was in danger.

He left the embassy about 36 hours later after being assured by the government of his safety.

Anwar then embarked on a nationwide offensive to discredit the allegations, alleging they were a plot to kill his political career.

Mystery of the missing private eye:

KUALA LUMPUR: Private investigator P. Balasubramaniam could have been detained by "interested parties", say police.

While not explaining "interested parties", Federal Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Bakri Zinin said Balasubramaniam could also be in hiding as he was afraid of police action.

Bakri, however, in stressing that they need to speak to him, assured him of his safety.

"If he is afraid that we will arrest him if he turns up, then he can come with his lawyer.

"We need his help to investigate both his statutory declarations (SDs)."

Balasubramaniam, a former Special Branch detective, is being sought after he filed two contradictory SDs within four days.

On Thursday, in the company of Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and lawyer Americk Singh Sidhu, he linked Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to murdered Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu.

Fewer than 24 hours later, however, he filed another SD retracting the earlier document.

Then, accompanied by a new lawyer, M. Arulampalam, he distributed copies of the second SD at a news conference at a hotel here.

On the same day, he went missing with his wife and three children from their home in Rawang.

The family has been unreachable since then, prompting Balasubramaniam's ne-phew, R. Kumarasan, to lodge a missing person's report at the Brickfields police station on Saturday.

Bakri said police were investigating whether Balasubramaniam and his family were in the country.

"There are no indications that they have left the country. We will seek help from Interpol and Aseanapol to track them if they have left our shores.

"We will also speak to the two lawyers (Americk and Arulampalam) who dealt with Balasubramaniam in his two SDs to help our probe".

Balasubramaniam was one of the early witnesses in the Shaariibuu murder trial. Before the case went to court, he was arrested for almost a week and investigated for her murder.

Bakri appealed to those who know the whereabouts of Balasubramaniam and his family to contact the RakanCop hotline at 03-21159999.


'Better if he is under police custody'

KUALA LUMPUR: "I would be glad if he was under police custody because, that way, I would at least know that he was safe." This was the reaction of P. Ramakrishnan, 60, the brother-in-law of P. Balasubramaniam, who is now at the top of the police wanted list.

"There has been no news from him or his family since Friday. I have checked with all our relatives but none of them has seen the family."

Ramakrishnan's son, Kumaresan, had on Saturday lodged a report at the Brickfields police station about his missing uncle and his family.

Kumaresan had spoken to Balasubramaniam's wife S. Sentamil Selvi on Thursday after the private eye released his first statutory declaration at the PKR headquarters.

He had said that she sounded fine then but almost immediately after his uncle made public his second SD on Friday, he had tried calling the couple numerous times but they did not respond.

At Ramakrishnan's house in Batu Caves yesterday, Kumaresan's elder sister R. Premavathy, 34, said she had been calling the couple every hour since Friday but her calls got diverted to voice mail.

"I left voice messages asking them to call back but to no avail."

Balasubramaniam and Sentamil Selvi have three children: Kishen, 11, Menaga, 9, and Rishi, 6.

The two older children go to a vernacular school in Rawang while the third attends kindergarten where Sentamil Selvi teaches.

Premavathy said: "Tomorrow (Monday) is a school day and I'm worried about their children."

Checks at the family's house in Taman Pelangi, Rawang, revealed it was locked, with a car parked in the porch and two dogs in cages.

A neighbour who only wanted to be known as Raja said only reporters and photographers had been to the house since Friday.

Balasubramaniam is from Slim River, Perak. He has one sibling, who is Ramakrishnan's wife.

Samy Vellu slams former protege

KUALA LUMPUR: Former MIC Youth chief S.A. Vigneswaran was good at chairing meetings but failed to come up with clear programmes and policies to uplift Indian youths, said party president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu yesterday.

In his first attack after his former protege asked him to step down, Samy Vellu said Vigneswaran had failed in his responsibilities, as there were more cases of Indian youths involved in juvenile problems and murders reported in the newspapers.

“He (Vigneswaran) should have focused his attention on the problems faced by the Indian youth apart from resolving the problems within the MIC Youth,” he told reporters after the joint opening of the MIC Wanita, Youth, Puteri and Putera MIC wings' annual general assembly.

Vigneswaran, who was asked to relinquish his Youth chief post after having passed the age limit of 41 years, announced his resignation from the party on June 29.

He had said that he would only rejoin the party after Samy Vellu steps down as the president.

Samy Vellu said that he would not be cowed by threats from people who want to disrupt his functions in the various states.

“I know who is behind this. It is coming from Selangor. We are not be afraid of their sandiwara,” he said, adding that elected leaders were required to work for the community.

He said that he had picked Vigneswaran from the streets, appointed him to the youth chief's post and recommended him to contest for a parliamentary seat and made him a parliamentary secretary.

Samy Vellu said Vigneswaran was now the loser as he could have waited and contested for a higher post in the party elections.

Earlier in his speech, Samy Vellu said certain leaders of the party's youth wing were only interested in achieving their political ambitions through cheap publicity.

“These leaders refuse to thrash out matters involving the party and the community through discussions but prefer to engage in cheap publicity stunts that could only damage and weaken the party.”

He said the 41-year age limit was imposed to provide more opportunities to capable and eligible younger generations to serve in various capacities in the youth wing at the divisional and state level.

Anwar challenges PM and DPM to debate on fuel prices

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has challenged the Prime Minister and his deputy to a live debate on July 15 to discuss how to tackle the oil crisis and reduce the local price of petrol and diesel.

He said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak kept saying that there was no way that prices could come down in view of the high international oil prices.
“They don’t know how to bring down the prices.

“I am prepared to take on the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister and even the whole Cabinet to debate the matter live on television,” he told a rally to protest the fuel price hike at the Kelana Jaya Stadium.

Anwar is already slated to debate the issue live with Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek on July 15.

“There are some people who ask me ‘Anwar are you sure you can conclusively bring down the fuel prices’. My answer is yes,” he said.

He repeated his belief that if Pakatan Rakyat were to take over the government, they would be able to bring down the oil prices the following day.

DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang said the increase in petrol and diesel price had triggered a total crisis of confidence in the leadership of Barisan Nasional.

He said the Government had pledged reforms in the police, judiciary and the Anti-Corruption Agency but so far nothing had come out of it.

“Last time too, there was corruption but at least things got done. But now there is still corruption but the difference is that things do not get done,” he said.

At the end of the event, a man who tried to climb on stage when Anwar was delivering his speech was cornered and beaten up by supporters.

The man was said to have shouted Anwar’s name before attempting to get close to Anwar.
The day-long event had a carnival-like atmosphere with traders setting up stalls, cultural shows and a concert.

Traders registered brisk business selling food and drinks, T-shirts, CDs, perfumes and souvenirs outside the stadium. There were rock bands and cultural shows and even a lion dance.
The huge turnout did not give the police much trouble and only a few patrol cars were seen at strategic locations.