| Daimler recalls Mercedes to fix steering glitch Posted: 10 Oct 2010 06:05 PM PDT  FRANKFURT: German luxury car maker Daimler will recall about 85,000 Mercedes Benz C and E-class autos in the United States to fix a problem with power steering systems, the US traffic authority NHTSA said today. A problem with the system's pump could lead to a loss of fluid and "owners may not have sufficient control of the vehicle in areas, such as parking lots, where maximum power steering is required, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash", the body said on its website Mercedes planned to fix the problem in 2010 and 2011 models by re-tightening a faulty fitting free of charge, it added. On Oct 1, rival BMW said it would recall 350,800 BMW and Rolls-Royce vehicles worldwide because of brake problems that a spokesman stressed were "without danger". - AFP 
|
| Perkasa stung by speech on primitive men Posted: 10 Oct 2010 06:22 PM PDT  By G Vinod
KUALA LUMPUR: Perkasa today demanded an apology from MCA youth chief Wee Ka Siong for his reference to "primitive men" masquerading as national heroes. Wee, who is the MP for Ayer Hitam, stood to lose crucial Malay votes if he was referring to Perkasa or Malay rulers, Perkasa youth chief Arman Azha Abu Hanifah said.
Wee made the remark in his address to the MCA Youth annual general assembly last Saturday. He did not specify whom he was referring to.
"They ... claim themselves to be national heroes," Wee said. "In fact, what they are doing are for their own personal again, and all done at the expense of the country's unity, development and future.
"MCA Youth wants to tell the primitive men this: 'You do not fit in the modern times, and it is better that you go back to the ancient times.'"
Arman told reporters that Wee had put his political career at stake.
He also poured scorn on MCA Youth, referring to the poor attendance at Saturday's meeting.
"Until he can get the Chinese support, he should stop talking tough," he said.
He said Wee had used the word "primitive" without understanding its meaning and had failed to do his duty as a member of Parliament from Johor by not defending his sultan when the latter was criticised by Hindraf leader P Waythamoorthy .
"Is asking people to respect Malay rights and the rulers' sovereignty a primitive act? And why did he not criticise the Hindraf leader despite being a parliamentarian from Johor?"
Last Thursday, Waythamoorthy, upset over the Johor ruler's call for caution in the handling of "sensitive" court cases, called on His Royal Highness to refrain from acting like a spokesman for Perkasa.
|
| Agri sector must stop relying on subsidies, says Johari Posted: 10 Oct 2010 06:00 PM PDT  By Patrick Lee
KUALA LUMPUR: The agricultural sector must stop relying on subsidies in order to succeed, Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Johari Baharum said today. "All industries in Malaysia have asked for help, and we have given so many subsidies," Johari said after opening Aquafair Malaysia 2010 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here.
He said that agricultural businesses and industry players in other countries (including those in Asean) were more than capable of sustaining themselves.
"Only Malaysia is like this," he said, adding that the government would not be able to hand out subsidies forever.
Even so, Johari said that many in the agricultural industry had it easy because of government incentives.
Citing fishermen as an example, he said, "We give each fisherman RM200 a month as well as fuel subsidies and incentives."
"There is no reason why they (in agriculture) cannot succeed," he said, adding that many, including farmers, had access to resources such as seeds and fertiliser.
"You tell me, which country in the world does all this?" he asked, adding that many in the industry blamed Umno when they couldn't succeed.
"What else do you want the government to do for you?"
He also asked why Malaysian fishermen shunned their own tuna stocks when their international counterparts were more than willing to venture into these areas.
Mindset change needed
Johari said that Malaysians needed a mindset change, adding that there were still many in the industry who were guilty of being lazy.
He also said that Malaysia's youth needed to go back to the fields, adding that agriculture was a multi-million dollar sector.
"We need young people to (be interested) in farming," he said, adding that it was important for people to get an education in this area.
On aquaculture, he said that Malaysia had the potential to become big players in the fish-breeding business.
According to a news report, some RM783.2 million was recorded for Malaysia's local production of ornamental fish.
Johari said that many small-time breeders in the ornamental fish industry had the potential to make it on their own.
"There are a lot of ways to do it (succeed in the industry)," he said. "The good ones will survive, but the bad ones (at business) will go."
"Some players (in the ornamental fish industry) don't want to follow the standards," said Johari. "This is a sensitive area, and we want control in this industry. If you can't manage it properly, you may end up hampering it."
Johari also admitted that Malaysia's fisheries were in trouble, and attributed some of the problems to pollution and overfishing.
FMT previously reported that the country's demersal fish stocks (including fish such as tenggiri) were depleted by nearly 90%.
Conservation experts said that because of this, Malaysia's fisheries may experience a near-total collapse. Consequently, thousands of fishermen were in danger of losing their jobs overnight.
Johari said that it was important for all parties and relevant government agencies to work with the ministry to tackle Malaysia's declining fish stocks.
|
| PKR bakal bertanding di Batu Sapi? Posted: 10 Oct 2010 05:56 PM PDT  Oleh Fazy Sahir
PETALING JAYA: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah bersiap sedia dalam menghadapi sebarang kemungkinan bahawa parti itu bakal diletakkan sebagai wakil calon dalam menghadapi pilihan raya di Batu Sapi kelak. Menurut Pengerusi Majlis Pimpinan Negeri Sabah, Ahmad Thamrin Jaini satu mesyuarat akan diadakan esok di ibu pejabat PKR negeri dengan dihadiri anggota parti dan ketua-ketua cabang yang terpilih dalam Mesyuarat Agung Tahunan Cabang (MATC) sebelum ini.
Thamrin juga tidak menolak sebarang kemungkinan PKR bakal diberi mandat itu, namun menyerahkan segala keputusan kepada pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat (PR).
"Lebih 50 orang bakal menghadiri mesyuarat itu di Penampang esok malam dan fokus utama perbincangan berkisar mengenai persiapan PKR negeri dalam pilihan raya di Batu Sapi.
"Walaupun pada 2008 lalu PKR diberi mandat bertanding di kawasan itu, namun segala-galanya bergantung kepada keputusan mesyuarat Pakatan Rakyat Sabah yang bakal dilakukan pertengahan Oktober ini," katanya yang dihubungi FMT.
Kerusi parlimen Batu Sapi kosong ekoran kematian ahli parlimennya Edmund Chong Ket Wah dari Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), yang terbunuh dalam kemalangan jalan raya di Kota Kinabalu Sabtu lalu.
Mendiang menduduki kerusi Batu Sapi sejak pilihan raya umum 2004 apabila memenangi kerusi itu tanpa sebarang saingan.
Kerusi milik PKR
Pengarah Pilihan Raya PKR Fuziah Salleh pula turut memberi andaian bahawa kerusi Batu Sapi masih milik PKR.
Kata Fuziah, melalui perundingan pada 2008 lalu PKR diberi peluang meletakkan calon dalam pilihan raya itu dan sehingga hari ini tiada sebarang perubahan mengenainya.
Maka katanya, perjanjian untuk meletakkan calon PKR bagi kerusi tersebut masih sah, namun segala-galanya takluk kepada pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat kelak.
"Pada 2008 kerusi Batu Sapi diletakkan sebagai milik PKR. Namun di saat-saat akhir kita tidak letakkan calon.
"Maka saya andaikan kerusi itu masih menjadi milik PKR. Perjanjian itu masih sah malah tiada sebarang pindaan dibuat PKR Sabah mahupun Pakatan Rakyat setakat ini.
"Namun segala-galanya masih terpulang kepada pimpinan PR dalam membuat keputusan selanjutnya," katanya yang dihubungi FMT.
Pada pilihan raya 2008, Edmund berjaya mengekalkan kerusinya dengan mudah apabila menumpaskan calon Bebas,
PKR yang sepatutnya meletakkan calon pada pilihan raya 2008 lalu tidak berbuat demikian ekoran masalah teknikal semasa penghantaran borang pencalonan.
Maka pada pilihan raya 2008 lalu, Edmund berjaya mengekalkan kerusinya dengan mudah apabila menumpaskan calon bebas Chung Kwong Wing dengan majoriti 3,708 undi.
Chong memperoleh 9,479 undi manakala Chung pula mendapat 5,771.
Calon pilihan warga tempatan Bercakap mengenai calon sekiranya PKR diberi laluan bertanding, Thamrin berkata persiapan sedang dilakukan membabitkan jentera parti, namun masih terlalu awal bagi membincangkan calon yang sesuai.
"Jika diputuskan PKR akan jadi wakil calon kami menerimanya. Malah mesyuarat yang akan diadakan esok sebagai persiapan seawal bagi menghadapai sebarang kemungkinan yang berlaku.
"Menyentuh mengenai calon, kami cukup ramai calon berpotensi. Kami belum bincang soal calon namun calon tempatan masih menjadi keutamaan," kata beliau.
Sila baca:
Umno man says PBS deserves to defend Batu Sapi
|
| Bakun dam is an economic rip-off, says PKR Posted: 10 Oct 2010 05:22 PM PDT  By Joseph Tawie
KUCHING: The construction of the Bakun and seven other dams plus the coal-fired power plants are economic rip-offs – they are Sarawak's own get-rich-quick schemes. "The massive sums involved in building these large dams would certainly guarantee handsome profits for the privileged project proponents," said See Chee How, Sarawak PKR information chief. "This is not development for Sarawak, but an economic rip-off. Sarawak-owned get-rich-quick schemes have exhausted our timber resources. "Almost all our agricultural land have been leased out," he said when commenting on the astronomical costs of constructing the Bakun Dam. PKR, he said, wants the government to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry or a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry to find out the final costs of the Bakun hydro-electric project and where the money has gone to. "The commission should also re-examine the cost-benefit analysis and the economic viability of the Bakun project," said See. See added that the original cost was estimated at RM3.95 billion in 1983 and RM4.09 billion in 1985. With cost overruns and compensation for delays and interests, the final tag is believed to have escalated to RM15 billion today. "But Malaysians have been kept in the dark as to the final costs and where the substantial additional sums have gone to," he said. India's experience "Even with the cost now estimated by the federal government at RM7.3 billion, double the original estimate, there is a need to re-examine the cost benefit analysis and the economic viability of the Bakun project" said See. "It must be borne in mind that only one out of the originally planned eight hydro turbines will be commissioned next year, reducing its power generating capacity from 2,400MW to 300MW. "Take India's experience: it has more than 3,000 dams but 60% of them are economically non-viable financial disasters because they are not able to recoup their investments." "The Sarawak BN government owes all Sarawakians an explanation. We want Second Planning and Resource Management Minister Awang Tengah Ali Hassan to give us his reason for saying that the Bakun Dam is not a white elephant. "Sarawakians have paid their share of the cost of the RM15-billion project and we now have to fork out another RM7 billion to buy the federal project," he said. "What is the actual cost to all Sarawakians? We have not included the socio-economic and environmental costs which all Sarawakians have to bear. "Bakun was originally projected to generate 2,400MW power. If the state government is convinced that Bakun is economically viable, Sarawakians should be convinced that it can generate the 2,400MW power. "Otherwise, what is the justification for the seven new dams and more coal-fired power plants?" he asked. Also read: Govt defends sale of troubled Bakun dam 
|
| Questions thrown out, opposition MPs cry foul Posted: 10 Oct 2010 05:14 PM PDT  By Rahmah Ghazali
KUALA LUMPUR: Some issues are political potatoes too hot to handle or so it seems when the Dewan Rakyat got down to business today. The wealth of Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud, Perkasa, Biro Tata Negara (BTN) and 1Malaysia concept were all brought up but were never debated.
When the bell rang for the session to begin, 16 Opposition MPs, mostly from the DAP, and an Independent MP, stood up to protest that their questions were thrown out. They claimed the questions on these "hot" issues were rejected "without any apparent reason".
The ball started rolling when outspoken veteran leader Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) said that his question, asking Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to state his stand whether he is a "Malaysian first or a Malay first" was rejected.
"Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had once said he was a Malay first and Malaysian second, while Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Abdul Aziz said he is a Malaysian first and a Malay second.
"I don't understand why my question was rejected. Why give special protection to the prime minister? Can I get an explanation from the Speaker?" he asked.
His colleague, Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timor), also suffered the same fate when his question on "racist" BTN (National Civics Bureau) was not entertained by Najib.
"I asked the prime minister why, after 18 months since 1Malaysia was introduced, a senior civil servant has failed to embrace the unity concept?" he asked, apparently referring to BTN assistant director Hamim Husin.
(Hamim sparked a public outcry recently when he allegedly uttered racial slurs when he labelled the Chinese and Indians "mata sepet" (slitty eyes) and "kaki botol" (alcoholics) respectively in a closed-door meeting with Puteri Umno.)
'Valid question'
Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chien Jen was also not spared when his question on the controversial wealth owned by Taib was rejected.
"I wanted to find out whether the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will take any action (against Taib), based on a report by Sarawakreport.org which alleged that the chief minister owned hundred of millions of ringgit worth of property overseas.
"This is a valid question because the report has been reported... I just want to know whether an investigation has been initiated. But why was it rejected? Is the government too scared of Taib? Is the question taboo?" he asked.
Teo Nie Ching (DAP-Serdang) also got a "red card" when her question on Umno-linked Utusan Malaysia was rejected by the home ministry.
Teo, who was recently embroiled in the controversial surau visit, claimed that Utusan has ignited racial hatred over the incident.
"I asked the home ministry why no action has been taken against Utusan for fanning racial sentiment when it accused me of giving religious talk in a surau.
"The newspaper also published false news, claiming that the main suspects linked to the murder of cosmetics millionaire Sosilawati Lawiya were DAP life members. Until today, the ministry has not taken any action and I am only seeking an explanation from the minister," she said.
Need for clear procedure
Gobind Singh Deo (DAP-Puchong) also protested when his question on Malay right-wing NGO Perkasa was thrown out.
"I merely asked the home ministry whether it would take action against Perkasa and Utusan Malaysia for their racist and insulting statements towards other races. If it has not, I would like the ministry to give a reason. But this question was ignored," he said.
According to Nasharuddin Mat Isa (PAS-Bachok), whose his question was also rejected on technical grounds, Parliament should make clear its procedure for answering questions.
"Who has the final say on these questions, the government or Parliament? If the House is influenced by the ministers' decision not to answer any questions, what is our role here then? There should be check-and-balance in this institution," he said. Upon hearing the complaints, Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia said he would look into the matter and provide the answers.
"I am looking at this matter very seriously and will let you know the reasons... I will be the first person to support any good suggestions proposed by MPs," he said. He, however, did not give a time frame.
Other MPs whose questions were also rejected include Sim Tong Him (DAP-Kota Melaka), P Ramasamy (DAP-Batu Kawan), Nga Kor Ming (DAP-Taiping), Ngeh Koo Ham (DAP-Beruas), Tan Seng Giaw (DAP-Kepong), Wong Ho Leng (DAP-Sibu), M Manogaran (DAP-Teluk Intan), Nizar Jamaluddin (PAS-Bukit Gantang), Loh Gwo Burne (PKR-Kelana Jaya) and Chua Soon Booi (Independent-Tawau).
Also read:
'Racist principals' debate not urgent, says Speaker
|
| Can MCA Be Trusted? Posted: 11 Oct 2010 01:24 AM PDT 
By Angelia Sinyang
In the 57th Annual General Assembly of MCA yesterday, Datuk Seri Najib called for all to give some space and room for MCA to speak out, or otherwise it may cost BN support in the next General Election. Najib also reminded the MCA not to only make demands from the government without giving their support in return. He then stressed that the Malaysian Chinese today are not to be referred to as immigrants as they are also loyal citizens. It is about time that such statement is made about the demanding attitude of the MCA or the Chinese ethnic in Malaysia. It is also high time for the Chinese to be truly loyal citizens of Malaysia and no longer act like immigrants. After years of independence, we are sad that the PM had to make such statement. After years of living harmoniously together, we suddenly have to face the ugly truth that many more Chinese out there whom their loyalty to the country is questionable. Now, whose fault is that? I would say that all is at fault. It is really hard to be one race when we are so different in every way. 1 + 1 + 1 can never be equaled to 1. Never! 3 or more is never equaled to one. The unity and the harmony that we have been enjoying all these years are based on the social contract agreed upon and signed by our former leaders. The Article 152 & 153 is what made the unity and harmony possible. Malaysia is formed out of tolerance, understanding and mutual respect. Though our leaders at the time and throughout the years viewed vernacular schools as unhealthy to the nation, but it is allowed to operate anyway, in the spirit of tolerance, understanding and mutual respect. However, it is sad that these vernacular schools didn't make an effort to instill the same spirit in their students. The social contract and constitution are not being adequately emphasized in these schools. Thus, the students in these schools were becoming more and more ignorant of the historical facts on what made Malaysia a harmonious multiracial country. Bahasa Kebangsaan is also not given special attention in these schools. In fact, priority is given to the mother tongues of the students. The vernacular schools too, tend to not acknowledge the country's history way back from Tanah Melayu. As a result, these students have trouble accepting the ancient historical facts of this country as part of them, part of any Malaysians. By having doubt or hesitation about embracing the country's history especially when involving the Malay ancient warriors and leaders as their own, and the unending selfish demands and questionings of social contract and the constitution, the Chinese and Indians loyalty to the country is automatically doubted. It is hard to consider someone with no ability to speak Malay fluently and no knowledge about the country's history as an equal citizen. It is even harder when he shows hostility towards the country's constitution and openly supports an obvious racist like Namawee. This is what made them, the Chinese especially, being referred as 'immigrants' by the Malays/Bumis even years after their ancestors settled down in Tanah Melayu or Malaysia. In his speech, Najib also pointed out to the leaders of MCA that the Chinese, especially the young, may not believe that MCA is fighting for their interest if the leaders failed to reach out to them and convince them. We strongly hope that the MCA leaders do not look at what Najib is saying from a race point of view. Fighting for the interest of the young Chinese, does not mean fighting for the government to abolish Malay rights and change the constitution or Malaysia as a whole. Fighting for the Chinese does not mean urging the young to become more and more Chinese, downgrade the Bahasa Kebangsaan or dis-acknowledge the Raja-raja Melayu. If MCA wants their young to NOT be referred as immigrants, then they should educate their young about what Malaysia is all about, right from Tanah Melayu, how their ancestors arrived here and how they were eventually being accepted as citizens. The young Chinese should also learn to accept and respect the Raja-raja Melayu as their own and know the basic protocols when dealing with royalties. They should first embrace the true spirit of Malaysia before demanding others to treat them as true Malaysians. True Malaysians should know how to give, be grateful, share and respect. They should not be selfish, bias and racist. It goes both ways. If one is racist and the other is not, you can be certain that you have the oppressor and the oppressed. If one is constantly demanding and the other is constantly giving, without getting anything in return, you can be sure that you have a tyrant and a victim. Now, can MCA prove to the nation that they are not the oppressor and the tyrant?
|
| Asian markets lifted by US easing expectations Posted: 10 Oct 2010 04:09 PM PDT  By Danny McCord
HONG KONG: Prospects of further monetary easing measures by the United States boosted Asian stocks today after data showed the world's biggest economy lost more jobs than expected in September. However, the news put more pressure on the already weak dollar, which was flirting with new lows against the yen after hitting a new 15-year low in late New York trade last Friday. The US revealed last Friday that government payrolls slipped by a larger-than-expected 159,000 last month. And although private-sector employment rose 64,000, that was slightly below expectations and highlighted the sluggish recovery in the United States. The weak figures, however, lifted markets with dealers now expecting the Federal Reserve to announce pump-priming plans to kickstart the economy. "It doesn't seem to matter what economic news comes out in the US because the market is fixated on quantitative easing," said RBS Morgans investment adviser Danny Dreyfus. Hong Kong rose 1.54%, Sydney rose 0.39%, Shanghai soared 2.91%, Seoul was up 0.25% and Singapore added 0.62%. Markets in Tokyo were closed for a public holiday. With the probability of more dollars being flooded into the economy, the greenback last week slipped to 81.73 against the yen, its lowest reading since April 1995, before ending at 82.06. In early Asian trade it picked up slightly to 82.12 yen. "It's a case of carry on selling the US dollar," Phil Burke, head of currency trading at JPMorgan in Sydney, told Dow Jones Newswires. He added that the market has now become comfortable with the idea of imminent quantitative easing by the Fed. Clear signal Recent comments by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) suggest more easing could be in the pipeline. "In our view, recent speeches from FOMC members... provide a clear signal that the Fed will launch a new asset purchase programme in November," analysts from Barclays Capital said in a report. But with the strong yen hurting Japanese exporters, dealers are keeping an eye on authorities in Tokyo to see if they will step into the currency markets for a second time after last month's intervention, the first in six years. The euro traded at 1.3964 dollars, up from 1.3926 in late US trade Friday. A weekend meeting of the International Monetary Fund failed to find a solution to what some see as a looming currency war, with friction between Washington and Beijing continuing over China's currency. The United States and other nations argue that China is keeping its yuan artificially weak in order to give its exporters an advantage, a charge Beijing denies. A statement from the International Monetary and Financial Committee, the policy arm of the IMF, stopped short of a specific call on countries to change policies of using a low currency and accumulation of reserves to boost exports. When asked about the lack of a stronger statement, IMF managing-director Dominique Strauss-Kahn said: "There is only one obstacle, and that is an agreement of the members." Gold opened at 1,351.00-1,352.00 US dollars an ounce in Hong Kong, up from last Friday's close of 1,334.00-1,335.00 dollars. - AFP 
|
| Oil higher in Asian trade Posted: 10 Oct 2010 04:00 PM PDT  SINGAPORE: Oil was higher in Asian trade today on expectations the US Federal Reserve would announce new measures to bolster the world's largest economy, analysts said. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for November delivery, gained 79 US cents to US$83.45 a barrel. Brent North Sea crude for November delivery was 59 US cents higher at US$84.62. Last Friday's employment report by the US Labor Department showed the economy shed an unexpected 95,000 non-farm jobs in September, bolstering consensus the Federal Reserve will introduce new easing measures. "The main factor is really the expectations that the US Federal Reserve will do a second major round of quantitative easing," said Victor Shum, an analyst with energy consultancy Purvin and Gertz. The Federal Reserve indicated last month that if needed it was ready to pump more money into the economy by resuming asset purchases to help support the faltering recovery. Under such a policy, the greenback usually weakens and this tends to boost demand for dollar-priced crude from investors holding other currencies. Meanwhile, oil cartel Opec will meet in Vienna on Thursday to decide its production targets but analysts do not expect it to announce any changes, with prices currently trading at above US$80 a barrel. "Opec will meet on Oct 14 and it is assumed that they will leave things unchanged as the oil price is exactly where" de-facto head Saudi Arabia wants it, said Olivier Jakob, analyst for the Petromatrix consultancy. Oil has traded roughly between US$70 and US$80 for the past year -- a level deemed reasonable by Opec members still faced with an uncertain demand outlook as countries struggle to recover from the global downturn. The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Ooec) has had an official production level of 24.84 million barrels a day since January 2009 after a massive cut in output that was aimed at halting a slide in prices. - AFP 
|
| Fears grow of emerging market 'bubble' Posted: 10 Oct 2010 03:56 PM PDT  By Andrew Beatty
FOCUS WASHINGTON: Fears are growing that the flood of cash into emerging markets could provide kindling for the next economic crisis and has already fuelled simmering currency disputes. Amid sclerotic growth in the traditional strong markets of Europe, Japan and the United States, emerging giants like Brazil, China and India have become an increasingly attractive proposition to investors. Billions have been poured into Brazilian bonds, Chinese real estate and Indian equities, which promise better returns than can be found in New York, Tokyo or London. The Institute of International Finance has projected that around US$825 billion (RM2.6 trillion) will gush into emerging economies this year, up 30% from 2009. While rapidly developing economies might welcome new investors, the sudden rush of cash is poising a host of problems from rising home prices to stronger currencies that make exports less competitive. "Already a very significant amount of money is following into some emerging economies," Haruhiko Kuroda, the head of the Asian Development Bank, said. "If this situation intensifies it may become more difficult to manage," he warned. But it is not just the volume of cash that makes Latin American and Asian countries jittery. "A lot of money flowing into emerging markets is short term, portfolio investment, bank loans and so on, which could quickly be reversed," Kuroda said. If the economies of Europe, Japan and the United States were to pick up or any number of local crises struck, the bubble could quickly pop. Facing these risks, ever-more countries have begun to take matters into their own hands. Success stories Brazil has doubled its tax on foreign inflows, while countries from South Korea to Colombia have tried to sterilise the impact of flows on their currency by buying up dollars. "Measures must be introduced if necessary," said Kuroda, who pointed to some success stories. "In a few countries like China the housing market has gone up quite sharply over the past few years. But even in China with various measures introduced by the government the housing market is adjusting." But the measures are not always successful, according to Guillermo Ortiz a former governor of the Bank of Mexico, who recently addressed an IMF/CNBC forum. "Brazil... raised tax from 2% to 4% on foreign inflows and the real appreciated." As the United States and Japan move to pump more cash into the economy, the rush capital flows, subsequent appreciation and intervention, may increase. "The central banks are pumping huge amounts of liquidity, interest rates are at record lows so all this money is chasing yield and it is going to emerging markets, and everybody is trying to stop appreciation," said Ortiz. "Until these tensions are resolved, emerging markets will have to deal with volatility, high capital inflows and central banks will be under heavy political pressure to intervene, knowing perfectly well that this intervention is probably not going to get them very far." "The only solution of course is to have some renewed spirit of cooperation," he added. Members of the International Monetary Fund's policy-setting panel this weekend vowed to "address the challenges of large and volatile capital movements, which can be disruptive". But that is unlikely to be enough to allay the concerns of countries like Brazil, whose Finance Minister Guido Mantega has pointedly criticised the IMF for being "reluctant to draw practical conclusions from its analysis". According to Ortiz: "We tend to speak globally and act unilaterally." - AFP 
|
| Malaysians the most sociable online Posted: 10 Oct 2010 03:50 PM PDT  HONG KONG: China and the Middle East are racing ahead of the West in embracing the Internet, according to "the largest ever" global study of online habits. The Digital Life study by global research firm TNS also found Malaysians are the most sociable online with an average of 233 friends on social media websites, while the Japanese are the least friendly with just 29.
TNS said the study was the "largest ever global research project into people's online activities and behaviour", surveying almost 90% of the world's online population through 50,000 interviews in 46 countries.
"This study covers more than twice as many markets as any other research," said TNS chief development officer Matthew Froggatt. "It is the first truly global research into online activities."
Online consumers in rapid growth markets have overtaken mature markets in terms of engaging with digital activities, despite the benefit of more advanced Internet infrastructure, the study found.
Egypt and China have much higher levels of digital engagement than mature markets such as Japan, Denmark or Finland, while blogging and social networking are gaining momentum at huge speed in rapid growth markets.
James Fergusson, TNS's global director for rapid growth and emerging markets, said in Asia the Internet was "far more transformational when compared to developed Western markets which are far more functional".
"This is because the Internet reduces cultural, social and political barriers to self expression," he said today. More switching to online media
The research shows four out of five online users in China (88%) and over half of those in Brazil (51%) have written their own blog or forum entry, compared to only 32% in the United States.
And online consumers are spending more time on social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn than on e-mail.
In rapid growth markets such as Latin America, the Middle East and China, the average time spent per week on social networking sites is 5.2 hours compared to four hours on e-mail.
Malaysia tops the list of countries with the most friends at an average of 233 friends in their social network, closely followed by Brazilians with 231.
"Malaysians are very open to establishing friendships online," Fergusson said. "Whereas in Japan people tend to be more selective in choosing their online friends."
The study also reveals a marked global shift away from traditional media, with 61% of online users using the Internet daily against 54% for television, 36% for radio and 32% for newspapers.
- AFP
|
| Heed grouses about Ngeh and Nga, DAP chiefs told Posted: 10 Oct 2010 04:07 PM PDT  By S Rutra
KUALA LUMPUR: A prominent member of Perak DAP has called on his bosses at national headquarters to pay more attention to complaints about the leadership style of Ngeh Koo Ham, the party's top official in the state. But in the same breath, he asked local leaders to practise what he called "self regulation".
Teluk Intan MP M Manogaran, commenting on the current quarrel between Ngeh and his deputy, M Kulasegaran, said he agreed with other critics of the Perak DAP chairman and his cousin, Nga Kor Ming, that they behaved like warlords in the state.
Nga is secretary of Perak DAP.
Manogaran did not go easy on Kulasegaran either, saying his recent outbursts were uncalled for.
Kulasegaran has been at odds with Ngeh and Nga over several leadership issues and have had disagreements on the formation of new branches in Perak.
Ngeh and Nga are accused of forming new branches without endorsement from the state committee while Kulasegaran is alleged to have illegally revived dead branches.
According to Manogaran, party leaders like Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh hardly interfere with issues that they feel can be resolved at local level, preferring to give room for self- regulation as long as no one goes against what the party stands for.
However, he added, the situation in Perak called for greater involvement from them.
Started with state DAP elections
Speaking to FMT, he said the current spat in Perak had its roots in the 2008 Perak DAP election, where Kulasegaran scored the highest number of votes for the 15 state committees available.
Ngeh was in fifth position and Nga was sixth.
Kulasegaran was firm in declining to take over the state chair, according to the Teluk Intan MP. "Let us not rock the boat," he quoted Kulasegaran as saying then.
He said he had expected the cousins to be fair and to give "room and space for everyone," but that nothing of this sort happened in the 10 months that Pakatan Rakyat ruled the state.
"Favouritism and cronyism did take place," Manogaran said. "It's an open secret that the cousins actually behave like warlords in Perak."
He said this could be partly due to the leadership's belief in self-regulation.
"Leaders like Kit Siang will just merely indicate that things are not right and need to improve," he said.
Referring to Kulasegaran's conduct in the past week, he said MP for Ipoh Barat was letting down the party members who had given him their mandate in 2008.
"I can't understand why he called off his press conference and on the next morning he landed in Nepal, apologising for his action," he said.
"He is a seasoned politician, not an amateur."
|
| Racing against time to heal MCA's wounds Posted: 10 Oct 2010 03:33 PM PDT  By FMT Staff
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA, the second largest BN component party, had just conducted its 57th annual general meeting (AGM) on Oct 9 and 10 over the weekend. It was also the first under Dr Chua Soi Lek's leadership since he was elected party president under extraordinary circumstances at an extraordinary general meeting, a solution which ended the open leadership crisis led by former president Ong Tee Keat.
Internally, MCA Youth led by Dr Wee Ka Siong, who was purportedly aligned to former MCA president Ong Ka Ting, has shown signs of reconciliation with Chua while the Wanita wing continues to rumble while bearing the scar following the resignation of its former chief Chew Mei Fun on a matter of moral principle over Chua's sensational DVD sex scandal exposed in January 2008.
Recently, Chua publicly admitted that his efforts towards uniting the party in the aftermath his election victory over Tee Keat are showing results, but he admitted that some "divisional warlords" are thwarting his objective.
Meanwhile, the party leadership is facing tremendous pressure arising from increasing racial polarisation, and incidents of racist remarks made by certain quarters, including Perkasa. With a general election looming, Chua is racing against time to heal the wounds of his party and to woo back Chinese support for BN.
Against this background and challenges, the AGM was held over the weekend with a lot of display of rhetoric and messages of motivation.
STANLEY KOH, who used to head the MCA's research unit, shares with FMT his observations and views on the party's leadership renewal, strengths and weaknesses and on its likely destiny.
How do you read the mood of the just completed AGM of the MCA?
This is the first AGM under Chua's leadership since he was elected president. I think there are several factors which may shed some light on the mood of the 1,700 or more delegates who were present at the event.
While Chua's speech sets the tone and direction of his leadership and his party's relationship with BN-Umno, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's message is also crucial in responding to the grouses of MCA. I think all these would affect the overall mood of the delegates who were present. Don't forget the 25% or so delegates who chose to absent themselves but who nevertheless would be reading about the event from mainstream newspapers and online news portals.
Having said this, I think the majority of the delegates are aware that the "red alert" light is on, that is, the party will be facing a daunting task trying to win back seats in the next general election. Many are unhappy with Umno's leadership in handling some of the more controversial issues or not doing enough to lessen the burden of MCA. But many are also not happy with Chua's tainted past but nevertheless, he is at the helm of the party now.
However, I can say that the delegates, including those from the Youth and Wanita wings, are not in a happy mood.
Chua in his speech said that the wounds would have been healed by now. Does this mean that there are signs of unity that the party is finally moving forward? Or that the party is putting its acrimonious past onto the backburner?
When politicians talk about unity within their parties, you have to take it with a pinch of salt. With hindsight, I remember former president Ong Ka Ting and his deputy Chan Kong Choy openly announcing that the party was healed after they took over following the Ling (Liong Sik)-Lim (Ah Lek) protracted leadership squabbling sometime in 2004. I think the party's history showed they were wrong and it showed up in the party's performance in the 2008 general election.
When Chua used the words, "would have been healed" it could mean two things: either he was not sure (about the healing) or that he was not prepared to tell the truth. I would go further to say that he would rather have the party members guess all the way.
Is unity a crucial factor in MCA's case?
Put it this way: MCA unity is perpetually illusive. The word 'unity' is not in the DNA of MCA blood lifeline. Anybody who is knowledgeable about the party's history can tell you the dozen of party leadership crises which had occurred over the decades. The latest crisis following the departure of Ong Ka Ting involved Chua and Ong Tee Keat. When Chua was squabbling with Tee Keat, he did not give party unity a priority but went ahead with an EGM to challenge the incumbent. Of course, it was also done with the noble aim of saving the party and now that he has won the presidency, he is talking about the importance of party unity. To most politicians, that is logical... even if they have had a hand in causing disunity in the party.
Chua challenged Tee Keat under the banner of 'saving' the party even though in the process it actually split the party. Do you see the paradox of politics? So there is some truth in the saying that politicians deliberately make waves so that they can justify saving lives (to prevent drowning).
What is the significant message from Chua at the AGM?
His message is two-fold: the party must close ranks and the top Umno leadership must walk the talk on the 1Malaysia concept.
Can Chua pull his party through in time to face the next general election?
It is still premature to talk about it. I am sure nobody can give you a straightforward, truthful and accurate answer. Not even Chua's loyal lieutenants at this stage of the political development.
But we have observed Chua's capability in overcoming challenges in the past against all odds. Most will agree with me that the character of a leader is closely intertwined with the type or brand of leadership he wants to project.
In Chua's case, I gather that he is a straight talker in political negotiation and bargaining and loathes beating about the bush. He faces his challenges head on just as he had openly dealt with his sensational DVD sex scandal.
It took him two years since his political downfall in 2008 to climb back to the pinnacle of the MCA hierarchy in 2010, patiently recruiting supporters and sympathisers to support him and instilling their confidence in him.
That involved a lot of conspiring, planning, patience and strategic publicity. After committing a moral wrong, he took a less travelled road that many would have abandoned. But that is not Chua's style of calling it a day.
He joined the Cabinet only in 2004 after having spent decades at the state level in Johor, manoeuvring and climbing up the national ladder.
He is basically a schemer while his detractors labelled him a "cunning" and tactical conspirator. Recently, his open acknowledgement that politics must involve 'fights' and dissension speaks a lot about this man.
Having said all these, I feel Chua can only do so much. His success or failure will only be decided by the voters at the next general election.
Within his party, unless there is no challenge against him from his detractors before the next general election, he may well likely extend his term though he may have given others the impression that his tenure is a temporary one to unite the party. Remember, he pleaded that he wanted to be just an ordinary member but now ended up as president.
The unwritten word is that any changes in the MCA leadership from now on needs the nod from 'atas'. You can guess what that means.
Is there any secret formula Chua will employ to change his public image and that of his party to win back Chinese support?
I don't think a secret formula is necessary. What he does will eventually come out into the open. Based on observations, his political moves and dealings with the BN government is a telling comment on him.
For months, he had been having a very busy schedule holding meetings and dialogues with all quarters. He travelled the length and breadth of the country meeting associations, clans, business community and leaders to listen to their grouses and conveying their requests to the government or through his ministers and deputies.
He is focusing on all outstanding issues pertaining to Chinese education, which previous party presidents had not fully dealt with. If I am correct in my observation, Chua is trying to find ways and means of overcoming the electorate's negative image towards him. He is trying to accomplish it in the hope of pulling in the votes.
For example, during the AGM, the offer of scholarships to SPM students was deliberately announced to give it publicity. Likewise, the entry qualification set for UEC holders to enter teacher training institutions was highlighted. Similarly, a lot of publicity was given about PTPN (National Higher Education Fund Corporation) loans for students of Chinese Independent Chinese schools.
You can see that the issue of Chinese education is the life line of MCA just as Malay rights is to Umno. So, maybe Chua sees this (Chinese education) as MCA's life support when he is gets that sinking feeling.
Perhaps, there are some other 'secrets' in the pipeline. Maybe, there will be more details about New Villages... health fund... MCA cannot run away from some of its pet projects. One thing is for sure: Chua will make more announcements as the general election gets nearer.
Will all these you mentioned suffice to get back Chinese votes or voters in general?
In my opinion, the answer is 'no'. The party leadership has recognised that the mindsets of Malaysians have changed or are changing. But I don't see any improvements in the rhetoric. Instead it is full of contradictions.
Don't forget, MCA has been around for decades. The leadership is plagued with anxieties over its political failure that had contributed to the present state of affairs.
To me the message it conveys is this: 'I have done this wrong. I am not perfect and I admit my mistakes. Let us put this behind and move forward.'
But the problem is that many voters are not willing either to forgive or forget MCA's leadership failure. The party has been around for more than 50 years... but its role in the BN is being gradually eroded.
Do you think the criticisms directed at Pakatan Rakyat by MCA-BN justifiable?
Pakatan has been ruling some states since 2008. Even Najib (Tun Razak) has said he was given only one-and-half years and hence, there was no way he can fulfil the long wish list. In the meantime, the BN has launched all sorts of verbal attacks against Pakatan for its blunders in governance.
Don't you think that the list of MCA-BN's misdeeds is longer and more serious? I am sure many Malaysians are thinking people. When MCA accused DAP of collaborating with PAS, the leadership must also consider its own stormy relationship with Umno. Sometimes I wonder if politicians do suffer from 'Parkinson's disease'.
Till today, there have been no answers as to why the MCA had politically failed, including losing the Penang chief ministership status, and strategic ministerial posts (which are no longer held by MCA). Civil service employment continues to be lopsided and many other outstanding issues have still not been resolved.
Chua chose to mention those things that are more palatable to his audience and hid the past failures of his party over the decades. When he said that Malaysians are better than their forefathers, is he saying their successes came from heaven? In fact, many had worked hard and succeeded despite the New Economic Policy, and not because they benefited from the never-ending NEP.
Those few who were successful and had derived benefits from the NEP were able to do so because of political patronage. Everybody knows that but perhaps not Chua.
Lastly, how do you rate the chances of MCA being able to recover from the next general election?
I am in no position or an expert to answer this with accuracy. I wish I am an alien from outer space endowed with an intuitive capability that can look into the party's future.
Even within the party, there are so many experts who are still unsure of a definite answer. Who are we from the outside to give an accurate rating?
But as an outsider and based on feedback, I think there are certainly some issues which MCA cannot deal with. These are issues which lie beyond the jurisdiction or powers of the party and therefore, it cannot call the shots.
There are also certain realities which MCA cannot reverse, which a two-party system may be able to do.
When the party points an accusing finger at Pakatan, four other fingers are pointing back at MCA. If the party continues to campaign on the fear factor, and along communal line, I think it is heading for more backlash.
I can only say that it (message of fear) doesn't work anymore.
Furthermore, the chances of its recovery are beyond the control of its leadership. I don't wish to make a blanket judgment on the number of seats it will win because it is not realistic unless one conducts an analysis of the seats. Moreover, everything is still fluid. We can only cross the bridge when we come to it. Also read:
Shun racism to aid MCA's votes quest, Soi Lek tells govt
PM tells MCA to curb its communal tendencies 
|
| SMEs expected to grow 8-8.5% in 2010 Posted: 10 Oct 2010 03:16 PM PDT  By Stephanie Sta Maria
PUTRAJAYA: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are expected to recover from the global financial crisis with a projected growth of 8% to 8.5% this year. Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, who launched the SME annual report 2009/10 here today, attributed this recovery to the resilience and agility of Malaysian SMEs in adjusting to changes in market conditions.
Entitled "Transformation to the New Economic Model", the report confirms that SME recovery is firmly established with about 23% of respondents having fully bounced back in 2009. The rest are confident of a full recovery by the second half of this year.
"During the recent financial crisis, SMEs were actually the stabilisers of growth in our economy," he said. "These positive results seen in SME development reaffirm that we are heading in the right direction."
"This year alone a total of 267 programmes are being implemented with a financial commitment of RM6.9 billion. A total of 563,700 SMEs across all sectors of economy will benefit from them. Coupled with the economic stimulus package, the recovery of SMEs by end-2010 is imminent."
Najib also pointed out that SMEs have consistently outperformed overall economic growth since 2004.
"SMEs have averaged around 6.3% compared with 4.5% of the overall gross domestic product (GDP) growth," he said. "I strongly believe that this is an outcome of the government's policy initiatives via the National SME Development Council, which has led to improved coordination among the ministries and agencies involved in SME development."
National agenda on SME development
Najib said, however, that the introduction of new government policies, namely the New Economic Model and the 10th Malaysia Plan, would require a realignment of SME development policies and initiatives.
He outlined two key areas of SME development.
"In the short term, this will include the adoption of outcome-based approach in monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of SME development programmes," he said. "In the long term, the focus will be on creating a business ecosystem to promote SME growth."
"An SME Masterplan is being drafted to chart the policy direction of SMEs in the next decade," he added. "The plan will propose bold measures for SMEs to achieve the quantum leap in GDP growth and for Malaysia to produce regional and global champions to spearhead economic growth."
The draft masterplan is expected to be ready by March next year.
|
| ‘Racist principals’ debate not urgent, says Speaker Posted: 10 Oct 2010 02:28 PM PDT  By Rahmah Ghazali
KUALA LUMPUR: An emergency motion to debate the government's 'inaction' against two 'racist' principals in Parliament today was thrown-out on the grounds that it was not urgent.
Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia, in rejecting the motion submitted by Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur), said that the matter should not be debated as authorities were already handling it. An emergency motion is usually considered if it is specific in nature, involves public interest, and was urgent. Pandikar said the motion was rejected because did not fulfill the third criteria, although it was specific in nature and was of public interest. "Although the motion is specific and of public interest and fits the emergency criteria, I have to reject it because it is not urgent," the speaker told the house after it was tabled by Lim. "Besides, I was informed that the Education Ministry and Public Services Department (PSD) are in the midst of taking disciplinary action against the two principals," he said. Lim had argued that the motion, submitted to Parliament last Thursday, was vital as the government's inaction made a mockery of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's call for zero tolerance towards racism and the 1Malaysia policy. Everyone's in the dark
Two months ago, the principal of SMK Bukit Selambau in Kedah allegedly told a group of Chinese students "to go back to China" when he spotted them having breakfast in the school canteen during the fasting period. Despite being 'temporarily suspended' as reported, he was however reassigned to the district education office in Sungai Petani for a week. In another case, the principal of SMK Tengku Abdul Rahman Putra in Johor drew flak, also for allegedly, making racial remarks when launching the school's Merdeka celebrations. The principal, identified as Siti Inshah Mansor, was alleged to have said that Chinese students were not needed in Malaysia and should return to China, while prayer strings tied around the necks and wrists of Indian students made them look like dogs. Lim, in a media statement later, said Pandikar Amin was unable to reveal what form of disciplinary action was being initiated by the Education Ministry and the PSD against the two principals.
He also added that the inability of Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to convince everyone that proper action has been taken showed the "the lack of commitment and even loyalty of the DPM to the Prime Minister's "1Malaysia. People First. Performance Now" policy".
"MCA/Gerakan/MIC's irrelevance and impotence have also been further highlighted by the episode when even their ministers do not know what form of disciplinary action had been initiated against the two school principals guilty of racial slurs against students in school," he added.
|
| Ladang Rakyat to be a controversial issue for PAS in Galas Posted: 10 Oct 2010 02:13 PM PDT  GUA MUSANG: The opening up of the "Ladang Rakyat" (People's Estates) in Hulu Kelantan is expected to become a major issue for the state PAS government ahead of the Galas state by-election on Nov 4. The affected residents claimed that their land had been taken from them and given to private companies to implement the project.
The issue has now become a hot topic in coffee shops here ahead of the nomination for the by-election on Oct 26.
A settler, Harun Che Anal, 61, said they had been toiling the land since the past two decades and that the move to give the land to private companies had affected their livelihood.
He also said that villagers had planted the land with rubber and oil palm and had now produced yields.
"We will resist any attempt to take the land from us," he said.
Gua Musang Umno deputy division chief Mat Yusof Abdul Ghani said PAS would incur the wrath of voters at the by-election.
"Some of them have lost not only their source of income but their land as well. The people of Gua Musang like to open up land and plant rubber, oil palm and fruit; they should be given grants for the land," he said.
Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah expressed concerns in June that the Ladang Rakyat project would affect the Orang Asli in Gua Musang.
- Bernama 
|
| Saifuddin: PKR will be at a cracking pace at Galas Posted: 10 Oct 2010 02:09 PM PDT  By Hawkeye
GEORGE TOWN: PKR would be at full force at the upcoming Galas state by-election in Kelantan despite the fact that it would be facing a concurrent campaigning for its national party posts. PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said there is a gap between its own elections and at the nomination, campaigning as well on polling day in Galas.
This gap, assured Saifuddin, would allow the party to deploy its full election machinery headed by Fuziah Salleh.
"This by-election is a blessing too, as it allows the party to close ranks, regardless of the protracted contests for posts in the national front," said Saifuddin.
He said the Galas by-election is also a test of the party's capabilities to handle both an internal election and to be an external force within Pakatan Rakyat.
"PAS has assisted us in the past. Likewise, we hope to help them in Galas. Our top guns should be there," Saifuddin said.
He said PKR is also planning for its supreme leader Anwar Ibrahim to be there so he can drum up support for Pakatan in the seat, which is part of the Gua Musang parliamentary area.
Pundits are expecting the by-election to be one which symbolises a contest between Kelantan mentri besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat with Anwar playing a supporting role against the might of Kelantan's revered prince Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.
Razaleigh is the long-serving Gua Musang MP and this also makes him the country's longest serving parliamentarian.
Heated affair
The by-election was called following the death of its incumbent from PAS, Chek Hashim Sulaima from cancer last month.
The Election Commission has fixed Oct 24 for nomination and Nov 4 for polling.
Both dates clash with the campaigning for PKR's national election, which must be completed by the end of November.
Saifuddin does not expect PKR to vary its election processes despite the sudden emergence of two by-elections in Kelantan and Sabah respectively.
He said he has already attended a preliminary meeting on preparations for the Galas by-election and has also activated its Gua Musang area election machinery.
Saifuddin does not expect national issues to dominate the by-election as there are already a host of local ones to keep campaigners pre-occupied.
He acknowledged that Razaleigh's acceptance to lead the Barisan Nasional charge would transform the by-election into a heated affair.
In another development, it is learnt that Kelantan PAS has shortlisted two local members as prospective candidates.
However, the party has also not ruled out placing a 'heavyweight' from outside the constituency if Razaleigh intends to nominate a similar one.
Also read:
No decision on Galas candidate yet, says PM
|
| Women harassed at PKR election lodge police report Posted: 10 Oct 2010 12:56 PM PDT  By Queville To
PENAMPANG: Yet another police report has been made against a supporter of Darell Liking, the winner of the recent PKR's Penampang divisional elections. This time, it was made by a female party member for racist and sexist remarks allegedly hurled against her and her female friend by Darell's supporters on the polling day on Oct 3.
In the report lodged on Oct 7, the complainant identified a supporter of Darell as one of those who insulted her and her friend.
The same supporter was said to have manhandled and punched a contender, Dr Roland Chia, during the elections and he subsequently lodged a police report.
The complainant, who spoke on the condition of anonymity claimed that Darell's supporters had among others called her and her friend "China Dolls, Pelacur Cina (Chinese whores)".
They claimed that the individual also shouted: "Orang Penampang tidak mahu kamu, bagus kamu balik China." (You're not welcome by the Penampang people, you better go back to China).
"The shouts were so loud and disturbing to a point where it became unbearable and we wanted to call it quits and go home. It was really a horrible experience as never in my life have I been called a whore.
"It was totally unbearable for me. I do not need to subject myself to all these racial insults and sexual harassments," she said.
Racist culture in PKR
A new member of the party, she stressed that she just wanted to exercise her right as a party member to elect those who she thought could provide good leadership.
Her friend, who is in her 30s also said she was disappointed over what transpired that day.
"I may look Chinese, but I'm actually a Sino-Kadazan. What has happened to our Penampang community? We used to be a tight-knit, harmonious and tolerant society," she said.
She said the incident showed that a racist culture has crept in into PKR.
"How come some of these candidates could employ such disgusting and intimidating tactics? What difference does PKR make compared to Umno or, were they actually Umno boys in disguise?" she asked.
She regretted that Darell had allowed his supporters to harass the other contenders and their supporters.
She wants the PKR leadership to warn its divisional leaders that they will be punished for the loutish behaviour of their supporters.
The two complainants said they joined PKR early last year as they were inspired by young Pakatan leaders like Hannah Yeo and Elizabeth Wong.
They showed courage and enthusiasm towards making a difference to the people of this country, besides the party's struggle for justice for all, regardless of colour and creed. Also read:
PKR contender lodges report over assault
|
| Police Intimidation Posted: 10 Oct 2010 09:41 PM PDT |
| Najib Mum On Galas Candidate Posted: 10 Oct 2010 09:11 PM PDT 
Datuk Seri Najib Razak met with Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah today, to officially inform the Gua Musang MP of his appointment as Barisan Nasional (BN) Galas by-election director, but no decision has been made on the ruling coalition's candidate.
"On the candidate, we will announce at an appropriate time but not now," the prime minister told a press conference here. Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has touted Tengku Razaleigh as the best candidate for Galas, which is situated within the latter's Gua Musang parliamentary constituency. The Kelantan price had last weekend agreed to lead the BN campaign in the rural state constituency. "Tengku Razaleigh agreed to head the BN machinery and will mobilise our machinery to ensure BN victory," said Najib. "I also gave an assurance that the national machinery will provide full assistance," said the Umno president. Nomination for the Galas by-election has been set on October 26, while polling is on November 4. PAS's Galas state assemblyman Che Hashim Sulaima died of colon cancer on September 27, triggering the country's 12th by-election. He was 48. Che Hashim captured the state seat from BN by a majority of 646 votes in Election 2008. He received 4,399 votes, defeating incumbent Saufi Deraman. The Malays make up 61.63 per cent of the 11,553 voters in the state constituency, while the Chinese have 20.08 per cent, Indians 1.6 per cent, and other communities are approximately 17 per cent of the electorate. Two other state seats in the Gua Musang constituency — Nenggiri and Paloh — were won by BN with majority of 2,090 vote and 2,833 votes respectively. In the 2008 general election, PAS was able to capture 38 of the 45 state seats in Kelantan while BN won six and PKR managed one. 
|
No comments:
Post a Comment