Teo accepted by Muslim community but attacked by Umno-owned Utusan!!!

Teo says will continue visiting mosques despite Utusan attack

By Boo Su-Lyn

December 30, 2010

Teo: If they think it is okay for non-Muslims to attend, why should I close the door?

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 30 — DAP’s Serdang MP Teo Nie Ching says she will not skip mosques despite renewed attacks by Umno’s Utusan Malaysia today for participating in a mosque event.
The first time parliamentarian took part in an aerobics exercise session at Masjid Taman Cheras Jaya in her constituency recently.
Teo admitted that although her act may cost her party Malay votes, she said she would continue engaging Muslim voters through community functions.
Utusan Malaysia published a front-page story today with the headline “Teo Nie Ching makes trouble again” along with a picture of her exercising with men and women in the mosque compound during a recent Maal Hijrah carnival.
The newspaper also accused her of wearing tight-fitting clothes. She is pictured wearing a white T-shirt and track pants, as were the other Muslim participants.
In August, the first-term MP was criticised by Barisan Nasional (BN) politicians and conservative Muslim groups over her controversial surau visit, after Utusan Malaysia published a front-page picture of her addressing those who were praying at the Al-Huda Surau in Kajang Sentral.
“When I get an invitation from a mosque, then I will go,” Teo told The Malaysian Insider today.
“If their (Utusan Malaysia)’s attack is without basis, there is no way I should give in. It is a small and low-profile community function. This is an opportunity to foster closer ties with my constituents,” she added.
In today’s story Utusan Malaysia also criticised Teo for taking part in the mixed-gender exercise programme at the mosque.
In August, Teo was similarly lambasted for entering the Al-Huda Surau with her hair uncovered.
Women are required to cover their hair when entering a mosque.
The DAP MP was also accused of delivering a “takzirah” (sermon) during her surau visit.
The surau committee chairman, Azemi Ahmad, however, had insisted that Teo merely spoke about Selangor’s education loan scheme.
Teo’s controversial surau visit had allegedly displeased the Selangor Sultan and sparked a warning from the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), who banned her from entering the prayer areas of any suraus or mosques in Selangor without its permission.
Malay rights group Perkasa had demanded that Syariah laws be enacted to ban non-Muslims from entering mosques and suraus.
However, Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders, including PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat, had defended Teo over her mosque visit.
Teo said today she was invited by the Masjid Taman Cheras Jaya to take part in the aerobics exercise.
“If they think it is okay for non-Muslims to attend, why should I close the door?” asked Teo.
“It was a function organised by the mosque...at the outside compound of the mosque,” she added.
Despite a potential backlash from the Malay electorate, Teo expressed confidence that Utusan Malaysia’s readership would eventually decline due to its “biased” reporting.
“We may lose some Malay votes. But I do believe that eventually, Utusan Malaysia will lose its credibility,” said Teo.
“It is a biased newspaper that always plays up dangerous racial and religious issues,” she added.
The recently-elected Selangor DAP state committee member also pointed out that several Malays had backed her during the uproar over her surau visit.
“Many Malay voters or friends visited my Facebook page and blog and showed their support,” said Teo.
“The response from the crowd there was very good. They welcomed me. I think I was doing the right thing.”

A Member of Parliament is elected by people of all races and religions - hence he or she has the duty to fulfill their wishes.

This Friday a public holiday. Thanks to the AFF Suzuki Cup Malaysian team

Friday a public holiday, says PM

December 30, 2010

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 29 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has declared Friday, December 31, 2010 as a public holiday to celebrate the national football team’s win at the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2010 championships tonight.

Before the year ends: Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever amen

Just want to thank God for a year of blessings. Indeed, God is the Giver of all good things.

Firstly, thanks to God for His protection. He has blessed all my travels on the road throughout the year. I remember one morning, while I was driving to work with my wife and kid in tow, I looked into the rear-view mirror and saw a big bee (or wasp!) crawling on the ceiling. It was coming nearer to the front. I was terrified. Quickly, I alerted my wife, turned on the hazard light and had to wind down all four windows. Trying to  be as calm as possible, I slowly drove to the emergency lane. Cut the story short, the bee had flown away before I could look for it and probably kill it. Thank God that He protected us from being stung by the bee!

There are many more things that I can thank God for - His faithfulness in good and bad times, health and healing,  sustenance, financial providence and the list goes on.

Hebrews 13:20-21 (NKJV)

 Now may the God of peace

who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead,

that great Shepherd of the sheep,

through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

make you complete in every good work to do His will,

working in you what is well pleasing in His sight,

through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Drop in crime rate?? Senior citizen robbed and beaten to death in Gopeng!

Senior citizen beaten to death with iron pipes in Gopeng robbery

December 29, 2010

IPOH, Dec 29 — A 67-year-old man died after he was attacked by four intruders armed with iron pipes in a robbery at a house in Jalan Mulia, Taman Gopeng Jaya in Gopeng, 35km from here, early today.

Kampar district police chief Supt Abdul Aziz Salleh said the victim V.Perumal, who suffered facial and head wounds, died at the scene.    

The four robbers, believed to be in their twenties, also took away cash and jewellery worth about RM5,000 from the victim’s house before fleeing.

“The incident was said to have occurred at 2.30am but police received the report only two hours later when contacted by a member of the public,” he said.

Aziz said police who arrived at the scene, found Perumal lying on the living room floor. His body was sent to Kampar Hospital.

According to the initial investigation, the victim was attacked by four men who partially covered their face with a towel and were each carrying an iron pipe.

The victim’s hands and legs were tied up by the intruders while his wife, in her sixties, was threatened with a knife but was unhurt in the incident.

Perumal was hit with the iron pipes several times and his face smothered with a pillow before the robbers escaped with the cash and jewellery.

The victim’s wife then got help from a neighbour to call the police.

So far, no suspects have been arrested and police are asking those with information on the robbery to call the Kampar district police headquarters at 05-4652222 to assist in the investigation. — Bernama

This crime happened just four days after Bernama reported:

Drop In Crime Rate Brings Relief To Society

I guess the drop in crime rate does bring relief to society but strangely and sadly, in this case, it has brought death to a senior citizen!

Still want to play, play? Nizar predicts Selangor coup similar to Perak grab!

Nizar predicts new state secretary could cause Selangor coup

By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal

December 28, 2010

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28 – Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin warned the Selangor government today of a possible repeat of Barisan Nasional (BN)’s takeover of Perak in the country’s wealthiest state with the appointment of Datuk Mohd Khusrin Munawi as the state secretary.

The ousted Perak mentri besar urged the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government to do all that was ‘humanly possible’ to prevent the state Islamic Religious Department (Jais) director from carrying out his new duties come January 1.

“S,gor MB and Xcos, prevent Khusrin from entering SS office. Written instruction 4 him 2 stay at home. Get the SFO to assume/tanggong jawatn (Selangor MB, and state excos should prevent Khusrin from entering the state secretary office. Written instruction for him to stay at home. Get the State Financial Officer to assume his duties)” said Nizar in a message posted on popular micro-blogging site Twitter today.

When contacted by The Malaysian Insider, the PAS leader reiterated PR’s stand that Mohd Khusrin’s appointment was not official, as it had not been agreed to by Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.

“The appointment must be sanctioned by the MB. The state secretary is effectively the number two man in the state government? How can the MB work with someone that he cannot get along with? It’s well known that the Jais director has not been cooperative with the Selangor PR government.

“I stress what I said earlier – the Selangor government should prevent Khusrin from going to the state secretary office, lock up the office if possible. Bar him from gaining any access to state government affairs. If he is allowed to enter the office, and attend most of the exco meetings, I fear that BN is on its way to sabotaging Selangor from within, just like what happened in Perak,” he told The Malaysian Insider.

“During the Perak episode, I did humbly request for help from the Perak Sultan/ Regent to replace the current state secretary true, but to no avail ... The coup there was staged by Datuk Seri Najib Razak as well as the state secretary,” said the former Perak MB.

Nizar was ousted from his post when three PR lawmakers turned independent and threw their support behind a BN government in February 2009, just 11 months after PR captured the state in Election 2008.

According to Nizar, Mohd Khusrin’s appointment contained “telling signs” that Najib was preparing for a possible takeover in the near future.

The recent appointment of former Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Tan Sri Isa Samad as Felda chairman was also another sign, said the PAS man.

“They have already elected a corrupt official to head Felda. Now in Selangor especially Hulu Selangor, there are many Felda areas. Can you put it past a corrupt official to do anything to get voter support? It also seems convenient that the Jais director is appointed to the state government more or less at the same time. There is danger lurking, forced coup is imminent in Selangor.

“What I am saying is, the Selangor MB has the full power to prevent Khusrin from coming to office ... until they get another replacement,” added Nizar.

The Selangor palace has, however, confirmed Mohd Khusrin as Selangor state secretary, even though a debate rages on over his appointment.

Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani, who is private secretary to the Sultan of Selangor said Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has blessed the decision by the Public Services Department, to appoint Khusrin.

“In my view, the decision has been confirmed as His Highness has given his blessings to the appointment,” Sinar Harian quoted Mohamad Munir as saying today.

He added that according to the state constitution, the appointment of the state secretary was under the purview of the Public Services Commission.

Mohd Khusrin’s appointment is seen as a direct contradiction to the stand of the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government, where it claimed yesterday the appointment of a new state secretary had not yet been finalised despite Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan’s announcement. The Chief Secretary to the Government had announced yesterday the appointment of Mohd Khusrin to the post, effective January 1.

The state government insisted, however, that Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has to be officially informed of this development.

It is understood that the Selangor MB has sent an official letter to the Sultan of Selangor informing him of the state’s stand on the matter. The state government had gone through a “selection process” for the post by assigning a panel of judges to interview potential candidates. The panel has already shortlisted three names most suitable for the post.

“The mentri besar has sent the three names to the Sultan of Selangor for his approval. In light of this, the mentri besar will also be having an audience with the Sultan on December 29,” the statement said yesterday.

Kampung Tunku state assemblyman Lau Weng San claimed today that the Selangor palace’s confirmation had no “constitutional basis” as the Selangor state secretary was answerable to the Selangor MB and not the Sultan of Selangor.

“The state secretary along with the state financial officer and state legal advisor has to sign and abide by a secret oath in front of the MB, not the Sultan of Selangor, according to the 1959 Selangor constitution. This means that the state secretary reports directly to the MB,” said Lau in a statement today.

He also said that the appointment of the Selangor state secretary need not be done by the Public Services Commission, as it could also be done by Selangor’s own Public Services Commission, according to Section 52(1) of the 1959 Selangor constitution.

“I would like to stress that this appointment should be referred to the Selangor government as it is an important position ... Whoever is appointed must not be a controversial character,” said Lau.

The announcement by the federal government yesterday also stated that Mohd Khusrin would be taking over state secretary duties from Datuk Ramli Mahmud, who leaves on December 31.

The post of Jais director, vacated by Khusrin, will be filled by Sabak Bernam District Officer Marzuki Hussin, 56, also on January 1, according to the Chief Secretary.

Mohd Sidek had also said the appointments of Mohd Khusrin and Marzuki had received the consent of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

RPK had already on 4 November 2009 talked about a possible takeover of Selangor by January 2010. Read the article 'Will Selangor fall in January?' Of course, it didn't happen but that does not mean it will not happen. Umno is desperate. Watch out!

Still want to play, play?

WTF! WTF! WTF! Wikileaks made famous again! Wikileaks Task Force CIA

Not long ago, I learnt from two colleagues that besides the universal understanding of WTF acronym, it could also mean:

1. What Time Finish? (This definition comes from a joke that tells of a father asking a child what WTF means. Not wanting the father to know its real meaning, the child says, 'What Time Finish'.)

2. Where To Find (commonly used in forums if one wants to find stuff)

Now WTF has a whole new meaning!

Story @ The Washington Post

CIA launches task force to assess impact of U.S. cables' exposure by WikiLeaks

By Greg Miller

Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 22, 2010; 12:24 AM

The CIA has launched a task force to assess the impact of the exposure of thousands of U.S. diplomatic cables and military files by WikiLeaks. Officially, the panel is called the WikiLeaks Task Force. But at CIA headquarters, it's mainly known by its all-too-apt acronym: W.T.F.

Palace confirms Khusrin as Selangor state secretary: So what to do now??

Palace confirms Jais director as Selangor state secretary

December 28, 2010

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28 — The Selangor palace has confirmed Datuk Mohd Khusrin Munawi as Selangor state secretary, even though a debate rages over his appointment.

Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani, who is private secretary to the Sultan of Selangor said Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has blessed the decision by the Public Services Department, to appoint Khusrin — the state Islamic Religious Department (Jais) director.

“In my view, the decision has been confirmed as His Highness has given his blessings to the appointment,” Sinar Harian quoted Mohamad Munir as saying today.

He added that according to the state constitution, the appointment of the state secretary was under the purview of the Public Services Commission.

Mohd Khusrin’s appointment is seen to be against the stand of the the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government, where it claimed yesterday the appointment of a new state secretary had not yet been finalised despite Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan’s announcement. The Chief Secretary to the Government had announced yesterday the appointment of Mohd Khusrin to the post effective January 1.

The state government insisted however that Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has to be officially informed of this development.

It is understood that the Selangor MB has sent an official letter to the Sultan of Selangor informing him of the state’s stand on the matter. The state government had gone through a “selection process” for the post by assigning a panel of judges to interview potential candidates. The panel has already shortlisted three names most suitable for the post.

“The mentri besar has sent the three names to the Sultan of Selangor for his approval. In light of this the mentri besar will also be having an audience with the Sultan on December 29,” the statement said yesterday.

The announcement by Mohd Sidek also stated that that the Jais director would be taking over the state secretary duties from Datuk Ramli  Mahmud, who leaves on December 31.

The post of Jais director, vacated by Khusrin, will be filled by Sabak Bernam District Officer Marzuki Hussin, 56, also on Jan 1, according to the Chief Secretary.

Mohd Sidek had also said the appointments of Mohd Khusrin and Marzuki had received the consent of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

And I thought  Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said he wanted 'neutral' civil servants. Is he in the dark? Does he not know that Khusrin is an 'Umno man'? I am sure Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah is a 'neutral' sultan but why has he consented to the appointment of Mohd Khusrin?

Alleged rape of an Indonesian maid by a Malaysian Cabinet minister in 2007

At least three 'pro-Umno' bloggers have blogged about the alleged rape of an Indonesian maid by a Cabinet minister in 2007. They are Rocky Bru, Sakmongkol and Another Brick in the Wall.

So, the question is WHODUNIT?

Some suspect Rice Orphan while some suspect someone from the state that produces the most rice.


Who cares if a Cabinet minister is an alleged rapist?


Do we not have a PM who is an alleged 'murderer'?!

‘Something In The Air’ Process GIFs by Richard Wilkinson - Simply Lovely!

 

(Source)

Royal gain, rakyat loss: Four more Raja Yg Bergelar in Perak upper house

Referring to the furore raised by the opposition members on Dec 3 claiming that Perak Menteri Besar Zambry Abdul Kadir had moved to amend the state's constitution  to accommodate four more Raja Yang Bergelar with the titles Raja Kechil Besar, Raja Kechil Sulong, Raja Kechil Tengah and Raja Kechil Bongsu into the Upper House of the state assembly, state assembly speaker R Ganesan said it did not require the approval of a two-thirds majority as the amendment was not a major one.

Ganesan, who is the fomer Sungkai assemblyperson, told Malaysiakini that when he chaired the assembly, he called the legal adviser who was also a member of the Dewan Negeri to give an explanation that according to Article 3(a) of the state constitution, a bill did not need to be brought to the Dewan Negeri and the amendment could  be moved by other means.

Two cops arrested for alleged brutality: Police treat suspects like criminals!!

Two police officers, believed to have beaten and rob a businessman for allegedly carrying drug and for driving a car without a valid road tax last Saturday, were arrested today. Both were police constables aged 25 and 27, from the Damansara police station were arrested after Chia Buang Hing identified them in a parade of six people.

Selangor police chief Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah told reporters at the Petaling Jaya police headquarters, "Police view this case as serious because it concerns abuse of power among policemen and there will be no discrimination (against the accuser) if they are found guilty."

Tun Hisan said the arrest of the police officers, who had served the police for four years, did not mean that they were guilty, but was made after the case was being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft and Section 323 of the same Code for causing hurt.


Tun Hisan added that the investigation papers had been sent to the public prosecutor for further action, and the two policemen would be remanded from tomorrow.

Now even govt complex is not safe! Who says there is a drop in crime rate?!

Published: Sunday December 26, 2010 MYT 8:21:00 PM

Man stabbed at govt complex

KUCHING: A man in his 20s was attacked by seven men at a government complex in Petra Jaya while he was chatting with his cousin.

The incident happened at around 2am yesterday when seven men and a woman confronted the man and his female cousin and started attacking him with motorcycle helmets and broken bottles.

One of the attackers stabbed the victim in the abdomen. The group then fled.

The cousin, who was unhurt, drove the man to the Sarawak General Hospital emergency unit where he was admitted. He is reported to be in stable condition.

Two days ago, Bernama reported:

December 25, 2010 11:29 AM

Drop In Crime Rate Brings Relief To Society

By Kurniawati Kamarudin dan Norazurra Aziz

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24 (Bernama) -- The out-of-the-box measures and approaches under the National Key Result Areas' initiatives have contributed to a drop in crime rate in the country in the first eight months of 2010, which has indeed brought relief to the people.

1 Malaysia is not political, yes but 1 Malaysia is only in name. Not in reality

1 Malaysia is not political, says Najib

By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani

December 25, 2010

Najib: Religion teaches us to be tolerant, caring and respectful of the beliefs and practices of others.

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 25 — 1 Malaysia is not a political tool, but rather a tool to foster unity among the different communities for nation-building, Datuk Seri Najib Razak declared today.

The prime minister used a Christmas Day gathering to defend it after Selangor's Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government banned 1 Malaysia billboard for allegedly breaching local council rules.

“Gatherings such as this are a reflection of 1 Malaysia where we are able to come together for a single purpose of demonstrating unity and togetherness. After all that is the raison d’etre and rational for the clarion call of 1 Malaysia," he said at the Christmas Day tea party organised by the Christian Federation of Malaysia.

“Although some might like to think it is for a political purpose but actually it is for nation-building. It is for us to come together and feel that we belong to one nation, one people with one vision and that is for us to march forward together to develop a truly prosperous harmonious and successful 21st century nation,” he added.

Najib said the message of Christmas is not only for its followers but for all Malaysians.

“Religion teaches us to be tolerant, caring and respectful of the beliefs and practices of others. In our multi-racial society, we must constantly remind ourselves of the values that bind us together. We are bound by our common destiny. We are bound by our common heritage. We are bound by our need to forge ahead as one nation to face the challenges that lie ahead.

“Let us not forget the message of Christmas which is of peace, hope, charity, love and goodwill towards all men. This message is not only for Christians. This message is for all people,” the prime minister said.

The Star daily had reported that state housing and local government committee chief, Ronnie Liu calling the 1 Malaysia billboard ads political messages from the Barisan Nasional (BN) federal government and disallowed under local laws.

The prime minister said 1 Malaysia is a reflection of the country’s multi-cultural and religious society.

He also warned the public to not be influenced by small groups that want to undermine the country’s nation building.

“Our forefathers saw the need for tolerance, understanding and unity. These values are equally, if not more, important in today’s context when suspicion, wild accusations and distortions are circulated as universal truths. The behaviour of a small group may undermine efforts to build a united nation based on trust and tolerance,” he said.

The relationship between Muslim and non-Muslim communities appeared to have soured further after YouTube videos of two preachers — one belittling Islam and the other, Buddhism as well as traditional Chinese beliefs — went viral on local political blogs. Last October, a video of a Malay Christian convert accused of insulting Islam — Malaysia’s official religion and one held by some 60 per cent of the population — in a Sarawak church six years ago, created an uproar among Muslims after it was highlighted by a Malay-Muslim blogger.

Najib said that unity and stability are important for the country’s economic development.

“All our developments, achievements and plans will come to naught if there is no peace, stability and unity in the country. History is full of examples of communities, societies and nation-states that did not survive because there was no unity. Unity is the cornerstone of a nation’s progress. And together as a united force, Malaysia can achieve even greater heights and levels of development,” he said.

He was also confident that the country will be able to become a high-income nation.

“With respect to the economic transformation programme, I am delighted to say that economy is not only back on track but we are on the right trajectory towards achieving our aspiration of a fully developed and high-income nation.

“Foreign direct investments in the first nine months of this year rose to RM17.1 billion compared with just RM5 billion for the whole of last year. Having achieved an average of 8.1 per cent GDP growth from January to September this year, the economy is on track to register a growth of about 7 per cent for the whole year,” he said.

The Malaysian Insider reported today that BN is considering snap polls in the second quarter of 2011, contrary to speculation that the 13th general election could be held during the March school holidays.

It is understood that Najib wants to see more results from his new policies before calling for an election.

Umno also has toned down its race rhetoric while a BN convention was held recently to chart the ruling coalition’s strategies ahead of elections.

What a beautiful Christmas sermon by none other than 1-Malaysia-and-Umno-appointed PM! ;-)

Mahathir balik kampung: To head to Kerala, the last stop on his tour of India

December 24, 2010 16:40 PM

Mahathir Has Date With Shah Rukh On Christmas Day

NEW DELHI, Dec 24 (Bernama) -- When former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad arrives in Mumbai on Christmas Eve, he will be a special guest of Bollywood hearthrob Shah Rukh Khan.

Dr Mahathir and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, both on a private visit to India, will be arriving in the Indian financial capital on Friday, where the famous actor will play host to the elder statesman.

"When he heard I was coming to India, he said I must go to Bombay (Mumbai).

"Well, he is more a friend than fan. I have known him for quite some time. His last movie I watched was 'My Name is Khan'," said Dr Mahathir.

Khan is expected to host a special high tea for the couple at his Mumbai residence on Christmas Day.

During his two-day visit to Mumbai, Dr Mahathir is slated to visit the Yash Raj Film Studio, India's premier film studio.

Dr Mahathir is the second luminary to meet Khan in less than a week, after Russian President Dmitry Medvedev met the actor in Mumbai last Wednesday.

Medvedev was on an official visit to India last week.

Malaysian Consul-General in Mumbai Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah will also host a special dinner for the visiting dignitaries.

Dr Mahathir will conclude his Indian tour with a visit to Kerala after Mumbai.

On Thursday, he met Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Delhi.

-- BERNAMA

Handel: Messiah, For unto us a child is born (Sir Colin Davis, Tenebrae, LSO)

Blessed Christmas to Everyone!

Jesus was born on Christmas Day for you and me.

Joy to the world the Lord is come. Let Earth receive her King!

Merdeka Centre poll: Two-thirds of Malaysians against Warisan Merdeka!!

A survey by independent pollster Merdeka Centre has revealed that almost two-thirds of Malaysians are against the federal government's plans to build the Warisan Merdeka 100-storey tower.

The survey involving 1,005 respondents from peninsular Malaysia saw 65 percent of them disagreeing with the plans while only 25 percent of the respondents were supportive.

Amongst those who disagreed, ethnic Chinese respondents constituted the highest , at 75 percent, followed by ethnic Malays (60 percent) and Indians (58 percent).

Prime Minister Najib Razak had announced the controversial project during his budget speech in October and the announcement drew immediate fire from both opposition members and the public alike, sparking an anti-tower Facebook project to protest the plans.

Down to two for McLaren MP4-12C: Wearnes Automotive and Sime Darby

Dec 18, 2010

Down to two for McLaren

The fight for the supercar brand is now between Wearnes Automotive and Sime Darby

By christopher tan, senior correspondent

The winner for the bid will be able to sell the MP4-12C, a carbon-fibre supercar, here. -- PHOTO: MCLAREN

The long-drawn race to clinch one of the sexiest brands in the world has come down to a two-party fight.

McLaren, the British supercar maker that is also behind one of the most well-followed Formula One teams around, could announce its Singapore representative in a few weeks' time.

'We are at a shortlist stage, and we hope to appoint a dealer in January,' a McLaren Automotive spokesman told Life!. 'But we will take as long as it takes to make the right decision.'

Life! understands that the competition - which has dragged on for over a year and had involved half a dozen bidders - is now between two multi-franchise groups: Wearnes Automotive and Sime Darby.

Wearnes represents high-end brands such as Bentley, Bugatti and Jaguar. It is also a Volvo and Renault dealer.

Sime is synonymous with BMW. But it is also a Ford and Peugeot dealer.

The two are the only ones standing, from a field of contenders that included Lamborghini agent EuroSports Auto, Maserati agent Hong Seh, Audi agent Premium Automobiles and Porsche agent Stuttgart Auto.

Industry watchers reckon both Sime and Wearnes are equally matched in the final lap.

Sime, a diversified Malaysian conglomerate, is said to have clinched the McLaren franchise for Hong Kong, which is seen by some as a stepping stone into the enormous Chinese market (in which Sime has a presence with its BMW dealerships).

Wearnes has a strong track record with high-end marques. It represents the hyper-sports marque Bugatti in South-east Asia. Earlier this year, it took over the Land Rover franchise from Sime Darby. And most recently, it landed the rights to represent Infiniti, Nissan's high-end brand.

McLaren, which is part-owned by Mercedes- Benz, has been actively seeking fresh funds to finance its future product line-up. Sources say the winner of the Singapore franchise could well hinge on an equity participation in the manufacturer.

Currently, McLaren has only one model lined up: the MP4-12C, a carbon-fibre supercar that is expected to retail for well over $1 million here.

The company was widely expected to announce a Singapore representative at the Singapore Grand Prix in September. But the decision was postponed to October, and then November.

Mr Andre Roy, group managing director of Wearnes' automotive division, said he had not had any recent updates from McLaren, but had told Life! earlier that Wearnes would be 'very glad to have this brand'.

Mr Simon Rock, Sime Darby Motors managing director for Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, could not be reached for comment.

christan@sph.com.sg

---

'We are at a shortlist stage, and we hope to appoint a dealer in January. But we will take as long as it takes to make the right decision'

A McLaren Automotive spokesman

If BN can pay Apco, Pakatan can pay teachers

Pakatan Rakyat has defended its proposal to provide a RM500 special monthly allowance for those in the education service in an effort to reform the education sector. 

In a statement today, PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim said the formula to achieve this was by simply doing away with the BN administration's excesses.

Anwar explained, saying, "For example, the cost for the prime minister's international trips so far (RM8.7 million) could have paid for the special allowance for 1,450 teachers. Payments of RM77 million made to Apco Worldwide for 2009 can pay for the special allowance for 12,800 teaching personnel, equivalent to the total workforce entrusted to train our teachers."

Time: Top 10 Fashion Statements of 2010 - Lady Gaga suffering from ADHD

The one WORD that defines 2010 - SUSPENSION and OVERRUN

The one WORD that defines 2010

'Austerity' was picked as the most-looked-up word in 2010 by Merriam-Webster dictionary. But if you're asked to pick a word to describe 2010, what word will that be? Malaysiakini asks several personalities to sum up 2010 in just one word and among them are Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, Minister in Prime Minister's Department: and Lim Lip Eng, Segambut MP.

For Nazri, the one WORD is SUSPENSION. Nazri said that he would like to end his year with a bang and he believed he was instrumental in kicking out the four (Pakatan MPs) and suspending them for six months. He was happy that they were suspended as they were such a nuisance in Parliament, flouting rules and the Standing Order. He was of the opinion that they should be taught a lesson.

For Lim Lip Eng, Segambut MP, he chose the OVERRUN. Reason being 'overrun' may refer to because it may refer to:

1. 'To go beyond the normal or desired limit' as in cost overrun, which is common in the government's mega-projects.

2. 'To seize the position of (a rival) and defeat conclusively' as in the position of Pakatan Rakyat state government in Perak, which was undemocratically overrun by the BN.

3. 'To spread swiftly throughout', as in corruption overrunning the country.

4. 'To spread destructively' as in cronyism overrunning government projects.

5. 'To run or extend beyond a limit' as in Abdul Taib Mahmud has overrun his term as Sarawak CM.

Jamil Khir against those who want a society that is peaceful, calm, and caring as well as one that upholds justice, truth, freedom, welfare and fear of God

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom today reminded certain quarters against disputing the citizenship status of Malaysians regardless of their political affiliation. 

Commenting on Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's remark labelling some Malaysians as pseudo-Malaysians, Jamil Khir (right) said all the people should ensure that they did not toy with the citizenship issue and was reported as saying by Bernama, "Who are we to determine all this? It is improper to toy with the citizenship issue and it should cease at once."

Meanwhile, Lim was flabbergasted that his speech could have been misconstrued by certain Umno politicians as questioning the citizenship of Malaysians and asked everyone to refer to the text of his speech at the Pakatan Convention in Kepala Batas on Sunday.

“The real Malaysians are those ordinary people who are concerned with their economic rights and their future, not only will their be future be easier but so will the future of their children be brighter and better.

“Real Malaysians are those who want a society that is peaceful, calm, and caring as well as one that upholds justice, truth, freedom, welfare and fear of God.

“Those not real Malaysians only know how to sow hatred through the use of extremism, whether on issues of race, gender or religion, who in their greed are willing to indulge in corruption, to sell everything, and to slander and lies. 

“Those who indulge in these (matters) are not real Malaysians. They are fake or pseudo-Malaysians.”

Harga barang naik! Harga susu naik! Evaporated milk to cost 30 sen more!

From the Official Website of Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia:

20/12/2010 - Evaporated milk to cost 30 sen more from January

KUALA LUMPUR: Evaporated milk will cost 30 sen more from Jan 1.

The price increase will be for the 400gm and 500gm cans, said Federation of Sundry Goods Merchants’ Association president Lean Hing Chuan.

He said the federation received a notice from the suppliers on the price adjustment.

“Right now, the price of evaporated milk ranges from RM2.40 to RM3.20,” he said, adding that the price adjustment was due to increasing costs.

In April, the price of evaporated milk and sweetened creamer increased by 5 sen. Another increase of 10 sen was announced in October.

Lean did not deny speculation that the price of sweetened creamer would increase by 20 sen next month but said he had yet to receive any notice from the manufacturers.

Malaysia-Singapore Coffeeshop Proprietors’ General Association president Ngo Soo Boon said he believed the price of drinks were likely to be adjusted next year due to the price increase.

“This is not only because of the price increase for evaporated milk. Other costs like wages and rentals have also gone up,” said Ngo yesterday.

“It is a chain reaction following an increase of prices for other items.”

Asked on the margin of increase, Ngo said it would be difficult to predict as the association has affiliated bodies in all states.

However, he said there would not be another round of price increase for milk after Chinese New Year.

“A member in Sarawak said the increase could be up to 50 sen per glass of drink but we have yet to discuss this,” he said.

Federation of Hawkers and Petty Traders Association vice-president Chin Yoke Weng said most traders would be cautious about price increases as it could drive customers away.

--THE STAR

Ex-Sime Darby official claims assault: What's new?! MACC 'murdered' TBH!

A former senior manager at Sime Darby Engineering Sdn Bhd was charged in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today with receiving a RM200,000 inducement to propose a company for a multi-million ringgit contract.

Charged under Section 11(A) of the Anti-Corruption Act 1997, Mazhazmi Jamaludin allegedly received the money from MLC Shipbuilding as payment for proposing the company for a US$132.2 million (RM421.15 million) contract from Sime Darby and faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of not less than five times the value of the bribe upon conviction.


Mazhazmi who is represented by Shamsul Sulaiman told the court that his client had been stripped naked, blindfolded and made to stand on one foot by MACC officers during interrogation.

Najib plumps for Penang despite political differences: Najib has no choice la

Najib plumps for Penang despite political differences

December 20, 2010

The prime minister said it was important to draw on common strengths rather than trying to split the nation. — file pic

GEORGE TOWN, Dec 20 — The Najib administration is going ahead with 10 infrastructure projects in Penang in what the prime minister called encouraging “economic growth in the national interest”, despite being political foes with the state’s Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak broke the ground for the Bayan Lepas International Airport here, where he said Penang had many unique advantages which positioned the state well to become a hub for the northern corridor and the growth triangle comprising Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
Also present at the ceremony was Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
Najib used a major gathering of Chinese editors here to push forward his economic agenda and inclusiveness where he promoted moderation for a “rational, secure and equitable world”.
There is mounting speculation that Najib will call for snap polls next year, but government officials say the prime minister wants to reap results from his economic reforms before seeking his own mandate.
It is also understood that the country’s ethnic Chinese agree there is better direction in Malaysia’s economy although most are not in favour of Najib’s Umno, the dominant party in the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) federal government.
Najib noted that several development strategies designed to stimulate the state’s economy and provide jobs were driving the federal government towards that goal.
“These initiatives will not only facilitate economic activities but also support our nation’s objective to increase tourism revenue from the RM53 billion in 2009 to RM168 billion by 2020,” he said at the ground-breaking ceremony.
The prime minister said 10 infrastructure projects had been identified for implementation, and they included the expansion of the airport, Penang Port, and the Penang Bridge; construction of the second bridge; and the creation of a multimedia super corridor in the state.
“For example, Penang already offers the highest economic density and the shortest distance to market for a city in the growth triangle,” he said.
The total development of the airport expansion project, targeted to be completed by 2012, will cost RM250 million and is provided for under the RM60 billion fiscal stimulus package announced by the federal government last year.
According to Najib, the project was yet another federal government initiative to enhance facilities and services as Penang was a catalyst for growth of the tourism industry.
From the commercial perspective, airports enjoyed a competitive advantage and a captive market and, today, the modern airport offered much more than just a place to catch a flight, he explained.
He said that following the example of successful airline hubs around the world, Malaysia envisioned its airports as a platform to drive commercial business.
In today’s interconnected world, the abilities to offer high-quality, reliable air travel services and facilities served as a catalyst to attract trade and investment into any country, he said, adding that this directly supported employment and wealth generation which in turn would help Malaysia’s drive to become a high-income nation.
Najib said the Penang international airport had seen encouraging traffic growth, receiving more than 3.4 million passengers this year up to September, up by 30.5 per cent from the corresponding period last year.
“As such, I am sure the expansion of the airport will enable Penang to achieve greater economic growth,” he said.
The prime minister later said that Malaysians should draw on common strengths and not try to divide the nation.
He said this was in line towards becoming a truly successful 21st century nation, which was a dream founded on strong footing that could be attained if everyone worked together.
“We should not be doing things to divide the nation. If we divide this nation, we would all be losers,” he said when opening the 43rd International Convention of the World Chinese Language Press Institute, also here today.
Najib said the Chinese media had enormous reach and influence both in China and in the many Chinese-language communities around the world, including Malaysia.
“This means Chinese writers can potentially influence nearly one-fifth of the total population on earth. This is truly staggering,” he said.
Najib proposed three roles for the media community — as a promoter of good values especially moderation, as a watch tower for change, and as catalyst for development.
“The global movement of the moderates can marginalise the extremists. With collective determination, we can build a more rational, secure and equitable world,” he said.
He said by keeping watch in a steady and resolute manner, the media could hold governments, companies, communities and individuals to account.
As a catalyst for development, he gave as an example Malaysia, where the government introduced programmes to accelerate economic growth through the New Economic Model (NEM) and the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).
“This is not just a plan, there is actually a road map in very specific terms,” said Najib, adding that there were 18 ETPs on the ground and many more in the future.
About 200 delegates from 100 media organisations all over the world are taking part in the two-day convention at the Bayview Georgetown Hotel. This is the fifth time that the convention is held in Malaysia.