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.

Military on Anwar's claims

KUALA LUMPUR: The country's military intelligence yesterday denied it had been a source of information for Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim concerning threats to his safety and that of his family members.

Its director, Lt-Gen Datuk Mohd Salleh Ismail, also denied it had a report on the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder case, as claimed by blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin in his statutory declaration made at the High Court here on June 18."Statements made by Anwar that military intelligence had warned him about threats to his safety are not true. "He might have other sources of information but certainly not from my department," he said after opening a basic digital photography course at Kolej Multimedia Telekom here today.

He said this when asked to comment on Anwar's claims on Sunday that he had received information from government sources and military intelligence that Barisan Nasional agents planned to harm or assassinate him and also harm his family members and supporters.

Touching on Raja Petra's statutory declaration, he said: "Since I took over (as director of military intelligence) I have no knowledge that such a report exists." In his declaration, Raja Petra had alleged that a copy of the report was in the possession of Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin, who is also the member of parliament for Rembau, and that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had knowledge of it.

The declaration contained information about the alleged presence of Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, the wife of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, at the murder scene when Altantuya's body was blown up with explosives in Puncak Alam, Selangor, in October 2006.He further alleged that the report said acting colonel Aziz Buyong, a bomb expert, and his wife Norhayati, who was said to be an aide of Rosmah, were with Rosmah on the night in question.Rosmah has since denied her presence there while Aziz and his wife are pursuing legal action against Raja Petra for making false allegations.

Salleh added that their (Anwar and Raja Petra) linking military intelligence to the two matters was irresponsible and immoral as it had caused confusion among the people and also cast doubts on the credibility of the agency."There is no involvement of the military intelligence in the nation's political scene. "The claims made by the duo are mere assumptions in trying to give added credibility to what they want to say. "They might also be pushing their own agendas in making the claims," he said, adding that military intelligence was keeping close tabs on the security situation in the country.

Perak PR govt will 'fall by Aug 31'

IPOH: Come National Day on Aug 31, the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government in Perak will fall, claimed Perak Barisan Nasional chief and former menteri besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali.

"It's not easy, (but) I'm very confident," he said, predicting that BN would resume its rule over the state, but declined to reveal details.He said several PR assemblymen were approached and given the chance to join BN, adding that they should be crossing over.When asked about his confidence, he said: "Have I ever spoken (of this) before?"PR has 31 assemblymen to BN's 28, with 18 from DAP, seven from PKR and six from Pas.

It was only a matter of waiting for the first state representative to join BN, he said after a closed-door meeting dubbed "An Evening with Ezam Mohd Noor" here yesterday.Ezam, the former PKR youth chief who rejoined Umno, would give courage to other PKR members to do the same, he added.Meanwhile, Ezam said he was informed by sources in PKR that the PR alliance would fall apart earlier than expected."I have many friends in PR and they have voiced discomfort and suspicion concerning the state government."

He said he placed more confidence in Tajol Rosli's prediction rather than PKR adviser Anwar Ibrahim's claim that PR would form the federal government by Sept 16.He said Anwar was not fit to lead the country as he no longer had the spirit of a statesman, where one would put the nation's interest ahead of his own.PKR's efforts to hold a gathering of one million people to protest the hike in fuel prices today was only a cover for the party's weakness.

"Everyone knows PKR has a weak structure and many problems at branch and division level. "To cover it up, they are organising demonstrations because demonstrations are easy to do."

Anwar challenges PM and DPM to debate on fuel prices

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

He said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak kept saying that there was no way that fuel prices could come down in view of the high global oil price.
"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 said at a protest rally at the Kelana Jaya stadium Sunday night.

The de facto leader of PKR is already slated to debate the issue live with Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek on July 15.
Anwar said the Prime Minister should not give excuses why his government had to hike up the prices drastically.
"I challenge him to a debate. There are some people who ask me: Anwar, are you sure you can conclusively bring down fuel prices? My answer is yes," he said.
He repeated his belief that if Pakatan Rakyat were to take over the country tomorrow, it would be able to bring down the oil prices the following day.

DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang said in his speech earlier that the increase in petrol and diesel price had trigged a total crisis of confidence in the leadership of Barisan Nasional.
He said Pak Lah's government had pledged reforms in the police, judiciary and the anti-corruption agency but so far nothing had come out of it.

He said the proposal for the judicial commission was still hanging in the air, while the proposal to set up independent police conduct and misconduct commission (IPCMC) had fallen into deaf ears and it questionable how independent the proposed anti-corruption commission would really be.
"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.

Lim hoped the message at the gathering would get across to the Barisan government.
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 out Anwar's name before attempting to get close to the leader who was on his way out.

PM: I know that people are fed-up with politicking

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is aware that the people are fed up with the political bickering that is going on in the country and has pledged to give priority to the needs of the people.

"I also know that the people are becoming fed up with the political manoeuvring taking place currently.

"Slandering has become more rampant. One no longer cares whether the accusations are true or otherwise," Abdullah said to Bernama Sunday.

He was commenting on the Sunday Star front-page report on the reaction of the people and community leaders over the political exchanges in the past few weeks.
"My main priority is to pay attention to important issues like the rising prices of fuel and goods, and to continue with the development programmes for the people," he said.

"The government wants to ensure a situation where the people need not worry or be afraid. They should be able to concentrate on their priorities in ensuring they can overcome their current problems and can do their best for themselves, their families and companies or organisations they represent,"

"I hope the people will join me in focusing on efforts to overcome all the problems and challenges faced today so that we can ensure peace, security and prosperity for the people," he added.
Commenting on the demonstration organised by certain groups as well as the current political developments, he said that he was perturbed by what was happening now "but I am aware of and understand the current situation."

"The general election is over. The people have already given their trust to the political parties of their choice. The people have chosen Barisan Nasional to continue to rule.

"As such, I don't see the rationale for the continued demonstrations, or to play politics purely to create instability that could jeopardise the people's safety and it is also aimed at toppling the government elected by the people," he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Sunday pledged to ensure that Malaysia will continue to be peaceful and

PUTRAJAYA, July 6 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Sunday pledged to ensure that Malaysia will continue to be peaceful and safe despite perception to the contrary.

"The government wants to ensure a situation where the people need not worry or be afraid, and that they should be able to concentrate on their priorities in ensuring they can overcome their current problems and can do their best for themselves, their families and companies or organisations they represent," he said.

Abdullah, who was commenting on the demonstration organised by certain groups as well as the current political developments, told Bernama that he was perturbed by what was happening currently.

"But I am aware of and understand the current situation," he pointed out."I also know that the people are becoming fed up with the political manoeuvres taking place currently," Abdullah said."Slandering have become more rampant. One no longer cares whether the accusations are true or otherwise," he said.

The prime Minister pointed out that his priority in facing the current situation was to focus on the main issue which was to tackle the increase in the prices of fuel and other goods as well as development for the people."The general election is over. The people have already given their trust to the political parties of their choice.

The people have chosen Barisan Nasional to continue to rule."As such, I don't see the rationale for the continued demonstrations, or to play politics purely to create instability that could jeopardise the people's safety and it is also aimed at toppling the government elected by the people," he said.

"I hope the people will join me in focusing on efforts to overcome all the problems and challenges faced today so that we can ensure peace, security and prosperity for the people," he added.

Najib: The truth will prevail

PEKAN: Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday pledged he would carry out his responsibilities as an Umno member, elected representative and deputy prime minister to the letter, irrespective of the challenges that come his way.

He said he would not let challenges, including slander, keep him from his responsibilities."My wife and I will face these challenges. "The truth will prevail," he said at the joint opening of the meetings of the 139 branches of the Pekan Umno division yesterday.Najib also said that he would not shy away from helping anyone who sought his help.

"I will continue to receive people at my home to help them in whatever way that I can, including signing a letter of assistance and giving allocations." He called on party members and leaders of the division to continue helping the people and strengthen the party.He also told them not to just seek positions in the upcoming party elections."The struggle does not end with you gaining positions, but what you do with that position." Party members, Najib said, should not be satisfied with whatever they achieved, but must continue to help the people.

Party members must accept the way the political pendulum swung, Najib added. At an earlier function, he described P. Balasubramaniam's initial statutory declaration which linked him with Altantuya Shaariibuu as a "political ploy".Najib acknowledged the allegations could have a negative impact on him, but said he had to face the fallout from the statutory declaration.

"I have to accept the fact that politics in the country has become dirty. " Najib added there were people willing to do anything to achieve their aims. He said he would not seek an injunction to prevent issues relating to the statutory declaration."I will not hide behind an injunction."All this was done not to find out the truth, but to influence public opinion against our leaders."That is why I had to reply to it (initially) in a political manner."

Private investigator Balasubramaniam had, in a statutory declaration on Tuesday and announced in a press conference two days later, stated Najib had introduced murdered Mongolian Altantuya to Abdul Razak Baginda.He claimed that Najib had told Abdul Razak that he (Najib) was in a sexual relationship with Altantuya and that she was to be "looked after" so that she did not harass him now that he was the deputy prime minister.

Balasubramaniam, who was employed by Abdul Razak at the time of Altantuya's death, had, alleged that Abdul Razak had told him that Najib had sent him (Abdul Razak) a text message saying the deputy prime minister would meet with the inspector-general of police to resolve the matter.

However, the day after the press conference, which was called by Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Balasubramaniam called another session with the media where copies of another statutory declaration retracting the previous one were distributed.In the second declaration, Balasubramaniam claimed he had been under duress when he had made the first declaration.

Najib, who said he did not know why Balasubramaniam had revoked the original declaration, added that he would not take any legal action against him."Even before I could think of the next step, he has withdrawn it. "I leave it to the authorities to take action," he said.Najib also said that he was disappointed that an opposition leader was involved in the press conference involving the first statutory declaration."This is something which should not have arisen as it involves three people facing serious charges in the courts. "Why is there a need to involve a political aspect? "This not a question of politics. This is about the law which we have to respect." He said laws, regulations and legal institutions should be respected. "Whether they are government or opposition leaders, all should follow the laws."Najib said although defamation had always been around in the form of poison pen letters, these days it was more widespread through information and communication technology.

He said the government had the option of imposing censorship instead of leaving it to the people to evaluate.However, he said, this would lead to the belief that the government was not democratic nor open."Therefore, it is better for the people to be left to decide on the various issues."

On whether the issue would affect the Umno branch meetings and elections to begin this month, he said: "Umno members understand what is happening. "They can evaluate. Umno members have become smarter."

Nephew: Bala is missing

KUALA LUMPUR: The nephew of private investigator P. Balasubramaniam yesterday reported him and his family missing.

R. Kumaresan, 27, said he was concerned about the safety and whereabouts of Balasubramaniam, his wife and three children -- two sons, aged 6 and 11, and 9-year-old daughter.He said he had gone to their home in Rawang on Friday.

He decided to lodge a missing persons report when he found he couldn't contact them via their mobile phones.Kumaresan said he had tried to call his uncle on Thursday after seeing the television news about the press conference that was held to highlight Balasubramaniam's first statutory declaration."However, I could not get through to either of his mobile phones.

"I then called my aunt (Balasubramaniam's wife) and told her to inform me if anything goes wrong. Her voice sounded fine, so I did not suspect anything."The next day, however, I found out my uncle had given a second press conference withdrawing his first declaration. I tried to call both my uncle and aunt, but to no avail," he said."I have asked that my uncle and his family be located immediately and that I be informed of their whereabouts. If they have been detained, I want to be informed immediately."Kumaresan, accompanied by brother Segar and lawyer N. Surendran, lodged the report at the Brickfields police headquarters at 5pm.

Also present were Batu and Kapar members of parliament, Tian Chua and S. Manikavasagam, and Hindraf coordinator S. Jayathas.Brickfields police chief Assistant Commissioner Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid said the case would be forwarded to Gombak police as the family home in Rawang was in that police district.

LATEST! 18 give statements on sodomy report

KUALA LUMPUR, SUN:
Police have recorded statements from 18 people concerning the report alleging that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had sodomised his aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan.

“To date, we have recorded statements from 18 witnesses including several doctors who had examined the complainant (Saiful),” said CID Director Datuk Bakri Zinin at a media conference at the Kuala Lumpur Contingent Police Headquarters (IPPKL), here today.

He said the case was being investigated under Section 377c of the Penal Code.“Police are still in the process of identifying several other individuals believed to be involved in the case and they will be called up very soon to assist investigation,” he said.Bakri said a court order would be issued against anyone failing to turn up to record their statement on the date and time stipulated by the police.

Asked when police would record Anwar’s statement, he said: “It’s all up to the findings of the police investigation.”

10,000 at price hike rally at Kelana jaya Stadium

PETALING JAYA:
Some 10,000 people turned up at the rally at the Kelana Jaya Stadium against rising prices today.The rally, organised by the Coalition Against Inflation (Protes), began at 10am.
The morning’s programme included entertainment and speeches by representatives of non-governmental organisations such as Tenaganita.

Also there were representatives of the unregistered group Hindu Rights Action Force.Youth leaders from Pakatan Rakyat are scheduled to speak in the afternoon, while DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim will take the microphone later.

The MBs of Kelantan and Perak will not be attending but have sent representatives to speak for them.Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is only expected to arrive at 9pm.

So far, there is no police presence outside the stadium, although policemen have been put on standby in case of any untoward incident. Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar is said to be at the district police headquarters, keeping abreast of developments.

Groups: Stop the bickering

» Leaders accusing each other of immoral conduct certainly does not boost public confidence « REV WONG KIM KONG

Noor Nirwandy: ‘The country should move forward’

Syed Shahir: ‘Focus on helping low-wage workers’

Ramon: ‘People expect quality leadership'

PETALING JAYA: Stop bickering and get cracking! This is the overwhelming call by Malaysians who are getting increasingly concerned with latest developments in the country.

Various groups have expressed frustration, what with all the unfolding political drama, and have demanded that the Government and the Opposition put public interest above everything else.

Transparency International president Tan Sri Ramon V. Navaratnam said the country risked facing “stagflation” (inflation and stagnant growth) if the current situation was not resolved.

“There is too much politicking and too little performance. People expect quality leadership from elected leaders but instead are being served with a great deal of polarisation and there is a poverty of ideas,” he said.

Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud lent his support to the calls, saying low-wage workers were facing the onslaught of rising costs.
Efforts must be focused on helping this group overcome their plight, he added.

Fomca secretary-general Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah said the public were entitled to speak up against the political bickering that was getting out of hand.
“Let the police and enforcement authorities investigate the allegations,” he added.

National Evangelical Christian Fellowship Malaysia secretary-general Rev Wong Kim Kong called for clear-thinking and dynamic leadership.
“The latest political development where leaders accuse one another of immoral conduct certainly does not boost public confidence and it gives Malaysia a bad international image,” he said.

Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia project director Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin said the people had chosen their leaders and the country should move forward.

Even the disabled have been troubled by the latest events, to the point that they are feeling even more neglected with too much focus on the political twist of events.

“Nobody is bothered about our suffering,” charged Disabled Persons’ Integrated Family Services chairman Chris S. Kali Thasan about the political power play gripping the nation.

Too much politicking, say Malaysians

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are frustrated with all the politicking that has resulted in the people's welfare being not attended to.

University student Nur Izza Mohd Ezani, 24, said she no longer knew what to believe and was “tired of reading about the political drama, especially online.”
“I don't know what to believe any more. Everyone is accusing the other. I feel that things have been blown out of proportion and the rakyat's welfare is forgotten.
“They are so concerned with party issues and the mud-slinging that all else is forgotten,” she said.

A legal secretary, known only as Hajar, 26, said the politicking should end as it was not good for the country and economy.
“They (politicians) should solve the problems among themselves before making it a public issue,” she said.

Those interviewed also lamented over the rising costs of living that was more difficult to manage now.

“The higher income group do not really have to worry about the rising costs of living, but it is the lower and middle-income groups who will be affected,” said a manager, identified only as Chin, 32.

Karigalan, who is the Section 19 MIC branch chairman, said the Government must be transparent and outline the political and economic plan for the public to erase unnecessary fears.

Anwar has no hope of becoming PM, says Ezam

IPOH: PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has no chance of ever becoming prime minister, said former PKR Youth chief Ezam Mohd Nor.

Ezam, who was Anwar’s political secretary when he was deputy prime minister, dismissed claims that Anwar had managed to convince 30 MPs to leave Barisan Nasional for Pakatan Rakyat.

“If he had the numbers today, he would be going to the Istana tonight.
“He just doesn’t have the numbers,” he told reporters after a closed-door ceramah at the Perak Umno building here yesterday.

Ezam, who left PKR last year and rejoined Umno last month, said if Anwar was really serious about forming the next government, he could have done so quietly instead of “making noise”.
“The focus should have been on strengthening the party. Instead, they (Pakatan) hold demonstrations to sidetrack the people.

“But you make noise because it’s a psychological war to bind together (a party) that is not strong. Only people who are not strong will make noise,” he added.
“The problem with Anwar is that he is self-centred. His one goal is to be prime minister at all costs and that is dangerous,” he said.

Ezam added that Perak Barisan was more likely to win the state back from Pakatan before Aug 31 than Anwar would ever be of reaching Putrajaya by Sept 16.
He said he knew this because he had friends in Pakatan and that there was a feeling of “uneasiness” among Pakatan assemblymen about the leadership and administration of the state.