Boat carrying illegals sinks, at least six drown

PORT KLANG, Sept 30 - A boat carrying suspected illegal immigrants sank off the coast near Westport here early today, killing at least six people.

Rescuers have so far pulled out 107 survivors and six bodies, and are trying to ascertain the actual number of passengers and crewmen who had been on board.

Selangor marine police commandant Deputy Supt Marzuki Ismail told The Star online that police suspected the vessel involved was a barter trade boat that was trying to smuggle Indonesians going home for the Hari Raya celebrations.

“We are currently concentrating our efforts on rescuing survivors and looking for the dead or missing.

“We are still investigating, but the boat could have capsized because it was overloaded as is most often the case with boats carrying illegals,” he said.

Wracked by slow, uncertain leadership change

SEPT 30 - Malaysia, once one of the most politically stable and financially sound countries of Southeast Asia, is being wracked by the uncertainty of a seemingly interminable transfer of power.

Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, a courteous but ineffectual leader, has been on the skids since the ruling coalition led by the United Malays National Organisation (Umno), narrowly retained power in March elections.

Significant factions within Umno want Abdullah to resign soon and hand over the party leadership and government to his deputy, Najib Razak.

These calls for Abdullah's head are driven by the apparent resurgence of Anwar Ibrahim, the previously disgraced Umno deputy leader and now head of the opposition People's Alliance coalition.

Anwar claims there have been so many defections from the ruling alliance since March that he now controls a majority of seats in parliament and should be prime minister.

But despite the economic decline that sees inflation at 27 per cent and capital flight accompanying this political uncertainty, no one will wield the knife on Abdullah. It's a measure of the supreme importance of good manners and respect for power in Malaysian society.

"We want to ensure that the power transition process does not affect Abdullah's honour. It must be done in a dignified manner," Trade Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said last Friday.

Muhyiddin was speaking after Umno's executive committee decided to postpone until March party leadership elections which had been scheduled for December.

After the meeting Abdullah said he will decide by Oct 9 whether he will be a candidate for the leadership.

Abdullah has already offered some compromises to his critics. Recently he offered to hand over the UMNO leadership to Najib in 2010 rather than 2013 when Abdullah's term runs out.

But party dissidents and especially Najib's supporters wanted Abdullah gone before 2010. In advance of Friday's executive meeting it was widely rumoured Abdullah would be tendering his resignation to the committee.

That didn't happen. Courtesy and good manners won out and extending the deadline for a leadership review until March offers Abdullah an honourable exit. He is expected to take it.

But this does nothing to secure the future of Umno, which has been the ruling party for all 51 years since independence from Britain and which, under the firm hand of former prime minister Mahathir Mohammed, became a model of developing country success.

While Najib is clear favourite at the moment to take over Umno and the prime minister's post, there are grave doubts about his suitability for the jobs.

Najib has an impeccable political heritage, in some ways too impeccable and too elitist at a time when very many Malaysians are looking for reforms that will remove the deadening rule of patronage and the bonds of racially structured politics between the majority ethnic Malays and the minority ethnic Chinese and South Asians.

There is also the major problem of the murdered Mongolian model, Altantuya Shaariibuu.

Altantuya was the mistress of Abdul Razak Baginda, an analyst and policy adviser to Najib as defence minister. There are also reports that she played a role when Baginda was negotiating Malaysia's purchase of submarines from France.

But Baginda apparently tired of Altantuya's charms and returned to the bosom of his family.

Altantuya, however, proved to be a fatal attraction and in October 2006 started loudly demonstrating outside Baginda's house. She promptly disappeared and police later found fragments of her body in the jungle.

Investigations led to the arrest and trial of Baginda and two police officers assigned as bodyguards to the office of deputy prime minister Razak. The trial continues.

This ought to be the perfect set-up for opposition leader Anwar to complete his political restoration and engineer the first change of government in Malaysia's history.

But Anwar seems to be running out of steam. A couple of months ago he announced he would have the support of a majority of members of parliament by Sept 16. Then he wanted an emergency sitting of parliament and a confidence vote on Sept 23.

Now Anwar is talking about a confidence vote when parliament resumes on Oct 13 after Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting.

The smell test says Anwar doesn't yet have the numbers and Malaysia is still some way from restored political and economic stability. - Vancouver Sun

Abdullah's silence raises loud speculations

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 - He is not going to defend his party president’s position but Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s silence on the matter is spawning several theories and prompting some division chiefs to nudge him along by openly declaring support for Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak even before the divisional meetings.

At the emergency supreme council meeting last Friday, the Prime Minister announced that the party elections would be postponed from December to March and that he would state before Oct 9 whether he would accept nominations for the top position.

His decision to keep his options open has set off speculation that he is still harbouring a desire to contest the  party polls, a move which will see him face off with Najib.

Senior party officials and his supporters have met Abdullah since Friday and the indication they get is that he is not interested in defending his position, though he believes that the “groundswell’’ of anti-Abdullah sentiment among divisions was manufactured by his political enemies and several highly-placed individuals in the party whom he trusted.

A senior party official told the Malaysian Insider: “Pak Lah is very calm about the situation. He knows that he has been stitched up but he is not going to fling mud or contest the polls knowing that it will lead to a split and weakened Umno.’’

Abdullah has been under pressure to step down since March 8, when the Barisan Nasional lost its two-thirds majority in Parliament and control of Selangor, Perak, Kedah and Penang to Pakatan Rakyat, an alliance of PKR-DAP-PAS. He managed to head off the critics with the support of Najib, and cobbled together a transition plan in July where he would hand over power to the DPM in 2010.

But this plan came unstuck after Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s resounding victory in Permatang Pauh on Aug 26. Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, a persistent critic of Abdullah, urged him to truncate his transition plan. This led to other calls for a speedier handover of power to Najib, culminating in a supreme council meeting where Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Datuk Shafie Apdal and Muhyiddin urged Abdullah to consider the ground sentiment and step down soon.

After consulting his supporters and party officials, including Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Abdullah decided that he was going to defend his party presidency, confident that he would easily obtain the 58 nominations needed to contest the party polls.

This position changed after a series of meetings last week with Najib. It is unclear what transpired, but Abdullah’s camp was stunned that he accepted the March transition plan on Friday.

Since then, there has been roiling speculation over his political future. Datuk Ruhanie Ahmad, posting on his blog yesterday, said he had received information that there was a move to push back the divisional meetings from October/November to February next year.

He also said that there was a plan by Abdullah to ask the supreme council to convene a special assembly to remove the quota system. Under the system, candidates who offer themselves for senior positions in the party must obtain a minimum number of nominations from the divisions.

Ruhanie said the move to postpone divisional meetings and remove the quota system was an indication that Abdullah was prepared to defend his position as party president.

Checks by the Malaysian Insider with several supreme council members show that no such moves for postponing divisional meetings or removing the quota were in motion. Abdullah’s camp also scoffed at this posting, saying that it was based on a false assumption – that the PM was interested in contesting the party elections.

Still, the theories will sprout like mushrooms after rain until Abdullah makes clear his position. Till then, supporters of Najib and Muhyiddin in the party will attempt to apply pressure on him to announce that he is not contesting the party elections.

The decision by Cheras and Titiwangsa divisions to declare publicly that they would nominate Najib and Muhyiddin as number one and number two at their divisional elections should be seen from this perspective.

MIC sends protest memo to Selangor over temple demolition

SHAH ALAM, Sept 29 — About 300 members of the MIC and non-governmental organisations today gathered peacefully outside the Selangor state government secretariat building to protest against the demolition the Sri Maha Kaliaman temple in Ampang on Sept 19.

The group, headed by MIC Youth chief T. Mohan, gathered about 11.30am and displayed banners outside the building that houses the office of Selangor menteri besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

The gathering dispersed around noon when Mohan handed over a memorandum to Abdul Khalid's political secretary Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

Met by reporters, Mohan said the memorandum asked the state government to rebuild the temple at a different site and provide it legal status.

He said the memorandum also called on the state government to honour the Pakatan Rakyat promise that when they took over from the Barisan Nasional (BN)government no temples would be demolished.

"We are aware many temples in Malaysia do not have permits and land has to be applied for to build temples but that does not mean you can demolish temples as you like without following procedures," Mohan said.

He said although in 2002 and 2007 the Sri Maha Kaliaman temple was demolished under the BN state government, the MIC had protested and the temple was rebuilt on the same site. — Bernama

PKR rep quits over temple demolition

UPDATED

By Baradan Kuppusamy

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 — The Indian community is rife with talk that Kapar MP S. Manikavasagam, a vocal defender of Indian rights, has resigned as Deputy Liaison Chairman of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Selangor with immediate effect.

All three Tamil dailies headlined stories today reporting his resignation in protest over the demolition of the Sri Maha Kaliamman temple in Ampang Jaya last week.

His aides said he handed the resignation letter to the PKR Selangor chairman this morning. However, Mike, as he is popularly known, later issued a statement saying his resignation will take effect unless action is taken against the errant municipal officials that demolished the temple.

"I will quit as deputy chairman of the PKR Selangor liaison committee if there is no strict against taken against the Majlis Perbandaraan Ampang Jaya officials who were trained by the Barisan Nasional government and who are not professional in carrying out their duties," he said in the statement, adding he has met the mentri besar's officials on the matter.

Manikavasagam called for an inquiry committee to investigate the incident and take action against the officials involved, adding he also understood that the municipal council has issued notices to demolish other temples despite the orders being cancelled.

But his website had an unattributed breaking news item confirming he has resigned in protest and wants an apology from the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council for demolishing the temple, a small structure that was about 30 years old and sitting on land classified as agricultural.

Manikavasagam's aides said he is demanding an apology from the council for breaking a promise that no temples would be demolished in Selangor without the approval of the PR-ruled state government.

In addition, his relationship with Selangor exco member Dr Xavier Jeyakumar has been heading south over this and other issues. Manikavasagam has previously claimed that Dr Xavier has failed to "defend the temples."

Dr Xavier said last week the Ampang temple was unregistered, but did not say that was the reason it was demolished. However, Indians were infuriated by the "unregistered" remark and that is said to be one of the reasons why Manikavasagam quit today.

Dr Xavier also urged Indians to look at the bigger picture of how PKR was helping Indians and not just attack the party for "failing to defend" temples.

Manikavasagam disagrees, saying "not registered" is unacceptable as that was the excuse given by the BN government to demolish scores of temples in the state and across the country.

"The majority of Indians voted PKR to save their temples and Tamil schools. If the temples are not registered, use your power as the new government and give the necessary registration," an aide told the Malaysian Insider.

"We voted opposition to protect our heritage, not for the new government to give us excuses," he said.

There are over 7,000 "temples" in Selangor - from roadside shrines to the Batu Caves temple complex - and many are deemed "illegal" because they are sitting on public land, road reserves or land classified as agricultural or commercial.

BN leaders want Gerakan to make stand

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 - Barisan Nasional leaders today asked Gerakan to stop dithering and decide whether it wants to stay or leave the ruling coalition, a day after the multiracial party said it was mulling its options.

Penang leaders in BN did not mince words after Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the party was considering to continue staying on, joining the Pakatan Rakyat or becoming independent although 60 percent of its members want to quit the coalition.

"As a leader, he must be responsible to the coalition. He needs to set the course for Gerakan and make his position clear. After all, a fish rots from the head down," said Penang Umno liaison committee deputy chairman Datuk Abdul Rashid Abdullah.

"I regret that we have parti perosak (party spoilers) within Barisan. These factions can leave if they want to," The Star online quoted him as saying.

State MCA deputy chief Datuk Lau Chiek Tuan said Dr Koh should disclose his personal stand.

"Don't hide behind members' opinions. Tell us what you want - you are the party's acting president," he said.

Penang Gerakan Youth chief Oh Tong Keong thinks the party should give Barisan "one or two years" before deciding.

Oh, who is running for the national youth number two post, said important decisions cannot be made in a "hot political" climate.

"All Barisan component parties are going through trying times. Let's wait for the Umno leadership transition to see if the relationship between coalition parties can improve.

"The next general election would probably be in 2012. We can always call for an emergency general meeting in one or two years time if we want to pull out of Barisan - it's not too late," he said, adding that party members should not be hasty.

Koh, who has seen some Gerakan leaders and members join Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) after its massive losses in the March 8 polls, said the decision to leave BN is difficult.

"It's a very trying time and there is need for a lot of rational, objective analysis. It cannot be a straightforward, simplistic decision," he said.

Salleh wants federal government to revamp Sabah NRD

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 29 - Former chief minister Datuk Salleh Said Keruak has called on the federal government to revamp, and appoint a Sabahan to lead the National Registration Department (NRD) in the state.

He said such a move was necessary in order to quash the public's negative perceptions towards the NRD with regard to the issuance of citizenship status.

"If there is no Sabahan officer senior enough in the federal civil service (to hold the post) then they should work with the Sabah government to appoint a senior state officer on a contract basis.

"There should be a mechanism for this and I think if everybody is sincere, this can be done," he said here today.

Salleh was commenting on the United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation's (Upko) unhappiness over the way the NRD handled the plight of 78-year old Yong Lee Hua, a Sino-Kadazan, who was issued with a red identity card, with a status of a permanent resident, when she went to replace her blue IC that had she lost in a supermarket in Penampang last year.

Salleh said that downgrading the status of a native to that of a permanent resident was unacceptable.

"Something is not right. Furthermore, there are accusations that illegal immigrants have acquired MyKad through dubious means and some cases have been proven true in court.

"That's why there is an urgent need to revamp the state NRD. We don't want the public to perceive that members of the Sino-Kazadan community are second class citizens, not natives," he said.

Asked about the recent statement by Upko deputy president Datuk Wilfred Bumburing, who threatened to review the party's position in the BN if the NRD's mistake was not rectified, Salleh said he hoped that Upko would not use the issue to leave the BN.

"Obviously it was not the BN's fault. We don't want a small matter like this to explode into a big issue or a political issue that may undermine the political stability in the country.

"We should look at the root of the matter. If it is because of the error of the officer concerned, then that officer must be removed and, likewise, if it is because of the policy, then the policy must be changed," he said. - Bernama

Kit Siang: PM must be brave to reform before quitting

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi should end his “lackustre premiership in a blaze of glory: by enacting reforms in at least 10 areas, veteran opposition leader Lim Kit Siang said last night.

The DAP supremo said Abdullah should consider the sixth option, apart from the five he had outlined which included not contesting in Umno polls; remain a lame-duck Prime Minister; resign immediately; advise the King to dissolve the Parliament; or cooperate with Pakatan Rakyat to form a new federal government.

“Accept the Umno Supreme Council ultimatum that his premiership ends by March next year but ending his hitherto lacklustre premiership in a blaze of glory in the final six months by leaving a lasting legacy for future Malaysians by being a courageous reformist Prime Minister,” Kit Siang told the crowd at a ceramah in Serdang.

The text of his speech was sent out today.

Kit Siang said Abdullah can begin his six-month programme of reform in the next Cabinet meeting by choosing to act in at least 10 areas, which are:-

1. Police – Establish the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) by the end of the year, based on the Bill proposed by the Royal Police Commission, in order to create an efficient, incorruptible, professional world-class service to restore to Malaysians their fundamental freedom to be free from crime and the fear of crime.

2. No more foot-dragging with judicial reforms by ensuring that a Judicial Appointments Commission is established by the end of the year and that the country is not plunged into another era of judicial darkness and scandal with the appointment of the first Umno Chief Justice in the 51-year history of Malaysia.

3. A total revamp of the Anti-Corruption Agency, which has proved to be an utter failure with Malaysia's Transparency International Corruption Perception Index plunging from No. 37 in 2003 to No. 47 in 2008, when we should have improved to at least No. 30 according to the National Integrity Plan – with the formation of a completely independent anti-corruption commission by the end of the year.

4. Far-reaching parliamentary reforms including the introduction of a full-fledged Parliamentary Select Committee system whereby every Ministry is shadowed by a Parliamentary Select Committee.

5. Repeal of draconian Printing Presses and Publications Act to ensure press freedom and an independent media.

6. Immediate release of Raja Petra Kamaruddin, the Hindraf Five and all other Internal Security Act detainees and the repeal of the ISA.

7. Declaration of Malaysia Day on September 16 every year as a national public holiday.

8. 20% oil royalty to Sabah and Sarawak to be devoted solely for the development of the people in the two states and not for the enrichment of a handful of political parasites.

9. Meritocracy as a national policy to reverse brain drain and to retain the best and brightest to transform Malaysia into a competitive global player in the international economic scene.

10. Full acceptance of “Bangsa Malaysia” as primary nation-building objective and not ketuanan Melayu or any other communal, retrogressive or obsolete concept.

Two divisions to nominate Najib, Muhyiddin for top posts

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 - Days after the power transition deal was torn up, the Umno divisions in Cheras and Titiwangsa have decided to nominate Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for the top two posts in the March party elections.

Umno Cheras division chief Datuk Syed Ali Alhabshee and Umno Titiwangsa chief Datuk Suleiman Mohamad announced their decision at a breaking fast function in Cheras last night, the Agendadaily.com website reported today.

Among those at the function were Muhyiddin, Heritage Minister and Umno supreme council member Datuk Shafie Apdal, Umno Batu chief Datuk Yusof Hamid and several other KL leaders.

Umno Cheras is due to convene its meeting on Oct 12 while Umno Titiwangsa will meet six days later on Oct 18, party officials said.

"With the supreme council's decision to defer the polls, it goes without saying that the transition of power will happen. Our decision is in line with the supreme council's decision although Pak Lah has yet to announce his decision conclusively," Syed Ali was quoted as saying.

Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced the postment last Friday, but said he would only disclose his decision whether to contest or not by Oct 9, when the divisional meetings begin.

"We think we don't have to wait for his announcement as the scenario is quite clear," Syed Ali added.

Syed Ali also dismissed the possibility that Abdullah could decide to defend his presidency. "How can that be... the situation will be complex and chaotic in Umno then," he said, adding the Prime Minister would not defend his post as the polls would otherwise not have been postponed.

Suleiman said Umno Titiwangsa had decided on the Najib-Muhyiddin team at a recent divisional meeting, adding he hoped the new leadership would strengthen the Ketuanan Melayu ideal.

The first Umno division to meet is Besut on Oct 11 while. Apart from Cheras, the others meeting on Oct 12 are Machang, Pontian, Pagoh, Batu Pahat, Kuantan, Shah Alam, Subang and Buki Gelugor and their nominations are eagerly awaited by all as an indication of the party's new leadership.

Only Gua Musang division chief Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has openly said he will contest the party presidency if he gets the required number of nominations. The Kelantan prince, who was Umno vice president and narrowly lost to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for the presidency in the 1987 party polls that led to its deregistration, has criticised the transition deal and postponement of the elections.

Muhyiddin defended the supreme council's decision to defer the general assembly and polls, saying it was their right to do so under the party constitution.

He said all quarters have to put the postponement in the context of solving the problems of leadership change which led to the consensus of deferring the polls and general assembly.

EC 725 Cougar copter enhances RMAF's CSAR capability

SEREMBAN, Sept 28 - The government's decision to replace its ageing Nuri helicopters with Eurocopter's EC725 Cougar helicopters has been hailed as a most appropriate decision.

Marhalim Abas, a local defence analyst and independent editor of the Asian Defence Journal, said Eurocopter already had a strong presence in the commercial market in Malaysia and this would the first time that the company would be selling its military helicopter to the air force.

"Eurocopter had also supplied the Fennec helicopter to the police and navy. The company's helicopters are also being used by the MHS Aviation Bhd," he said.

He expects the EC725 to be equipped with weapons and navigation systems similar to those fitted on the EC725 units owned by the French air force.

This include the night navigation system, which is not available in any of the air force's current fleet of helicopters, he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is also Defence Minister, announced yesterday that the EC725 would replace the Sikorsky S61-A4 Sea Kings or better known as Nuri.

It has been reported that the Malaysian government would acquire up to 12 EC725s.

Marhalim said several of the 12 helicopters could be configured and turned into combat search and rescue (CSAR) helicopters.

He was also confident that another tender would be opened as the 12 EC725s would not be sufficient to cater for the air force's needs, which would amount to at least 40 helicopters.

Eurocopter's representative in Malaysia for the EC725, Salleh Majid, said the helicopter had the speed and armour to enter into war zones as a CSAR helicopter.

"The EC725 is special as it has the ability to become a full-fledged CSAR helicopter and has the agility to move in and out of hot zones," he said when met recently.

He also said that the Nuri was only upgraded for search and rescue mission as it did not have the speed and armour required in a CSAR helicopter.

An industry source says that several international companies had bid hard to win the tender but it was clear that the EC725 was the strongest contender due to its ability to keep on flying even when running out of hydraulic oil.

The EC725 is an upgraded model of the AS532 Cougar and made its maiden flight in 2000 for the French's armed forces.

The EC725 had been involved in several high-profile CSAR operations including in the Operation Baliste, a French aeronaval operation off Lebanon in 2006 to transfer out European citizens during the height of Israeli offensive against Hezbollah positions.

The helicopter was also involved in supporting the French armed forces during the US-led war in Afghanistan.

The EC725 has a maximum speed of 324 kilometres per hour and the capacity of carrying 28 troops in addition to the crew.

Analysts predicted that the air force's EC725 would be fitted, among others, with radar warning receiver, 20mm cannons, rocket launchers and machine guns. - Bernama

Malaysia voices concern over US meddling

NEW YORK, Sept 28 - Malaysia has voiced concern at the United Nations over the recent attempts by the United States to question its national law and administration of justice.

"We could, if we choose to question the legal basis of Guantanamao detention without trial, but we did not in as much as we do not question societal behaviour in other jurisdictions," Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said.

Rais was speaking at the 63rd general assembly of the world body here Saturday, in place of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who had earlier cancelled his trip here.

"It needs to be restated -- we have no right to meddle, in any form of manifestation or under any pretext or circumstances, in the conduct of the internal affairs of other countries," said Rais.

Washington has warned Malaysia against any "politically-motivated" investigation or prosecution of Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, saying that the rule of law needed to stand above politics.

Anwar, who is Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser, is currently being charged in court of sodomising a former male aide.

Rais said that certain societal behaviour might be acceptable in one country or region but not in another, saying, while "same-sex marriage are acceptable in California", sodomy is a crime in many Asian countries.

Rais said that democracy in Malaysia remained vibrant and progressive, and that the rule of law via Parliament remained central to Malaysia's existence as a sovereign and independent nation.

In his address, Rais also compared the present financial crisis suffered by the

United States to the Asian financial crisis in 1997.

"The troubles of Asian companies then was the result of outside forces, while the present troubles of US financial companies are entirely of their own doing.

"It is to be asked, why were the actions taken by the governments of Asia, in particular that of Malaysia, to save our own companies a decade ago deemed so wrong while the present bailout of US financial companies are deemed to be right?" he said.

In Washington, the US Congress and the Bush administration are negotiating a US$700 billion rescue plan for its ailing financial industry, the largest bailout since the Great Depression.

The rescue plan would give Washington the power to purchase bad mortgage-related assets from US financial institutions for the next two years.

To ensure the debacle did not recur, Rais called on the international community to "check the excesses of the so called `financial wizards' whose alchemy has resulted in so much suffering".

He said Malaysia supported the view that corporate captains should not sap their entities by having unbelievably high pay packages.

Rais also urged the Security Council to immediately resolve the problem of piracy in the international waters in which Malaysia and several other countries

have become victims.

He expressed Malaysia's hope that the littoral states in the Gulf of Aden, where two Malaysian vessels were hijacked by pirates, would provide the necessary means to ensure the security of navigation in their waters.

Sixty-five Malaysians and 15 Filipinos onboard both vessels have been held hostage in Somalia.

Pirates, however, had released the crewmen of one of the ships, MT Munga Melati 5, according to reports by international wire agencies.

Negotiation continues for the release of crew members of the other vessel, MT Bunga Melati Dua. - Bernama

Clock is ticking for Anwar and Umno

SEPT 28 - For the first time in many decades, Umno members are now free to nominate anyone they want for the party presidency. There is so far neither a no-contest rule nor a retain-the-incumbent directive this time around.

With Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi exiting the political stage – it doesn't matter whether it's in March next year or anytime after the Hari Raya celebration – his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Razak is set to take over.

To his detractors, Najib's inaction since the general election debacle has proven that he's too safe to bring about the expected change in the party – something to make Umno respectable again, not only for the Malays but also Malaysians at large.

The anti-Abdullah action within Umno had hoped that Najib would oust his boss to pave the way for change. But nothing happened until Friday.

For those who support Najib, they will have started daydreaming about the power and perks that come along with the Umno presidency. For them, it is inevitable that Najib will become the Umno president by March.

The first hurdle for him is to get the nominations, and this time, he has a rival in Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.

Along with the Kelantan prince, there are strong voices of dissent in the party in wanting to abolish the quota system introduced by former leader Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad almost two decades ago.

The quota system makes it difficult for contenders at the top to get the large number of nominations required. This means the top incumbent is assured of nominations, and he too can ensure his number two get the support by indicating his choice.

Some leaders and members are demanding that the party get rid of the system to go back to the basic minimum of two nominations for every post contested. This means no one will know for sure who will be the winner as there will be quite a number of candidates.

At the moment, Abdullah and Najib are silent on the matter. Another hurdle for any challenger is money politics.

It is going to be a tough fight for Tengku Razaleigh. Unless he has the support of the revered Dr Mahathir who still commands a strong influence among members. And the possibility of getting the senior number three Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as his running mate.

These factors will at least help Tengku Razaleigh's almost impossible challenge against Najib who has also been in the government, and who has managed to fortify his position, for more than 20 years.

At the moment, factors that can go against the Kelantan prince are his age and the fact that he holds no position in the party or in the government.

Beyond the reach of the news media radar, Umno division leaders as well as their contenders have been busy campaigning for the past few months. By next week, they will intensify further efforts to go in for the kill.

Contrary to popular belief, Umno members are still unfazed by opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. They are more concerned with the survival of their party to the extent that most of them neglect their BN partners.

But if Anwar can pull off a surprise before the Umno divisional meetings end in November – like persuading BN MPs to jump to his side - it's not just game over for Abdullah and Najib, it will also mean Umno will become the federal opposition party.

If not, it's game over for Anwar; and a new Umno will emerge by March next year.

Pas still insists on Muslim-majority govt

By Adib Zalkapli

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 — Pas wants the formation of a Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government to be backed by a Muslim-majority among its lawmakers.

A little over half of PR's legislators are now Muslim, and there is concern among Pas that a new government could be dominated by non-Muslims, depending on who potentially defects from Barisan Nasional (BN).

Yesterday, Anwar met Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and the party's spiritual advisor Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat.

A Pas official who spoke on condition of anonymity told The Malaysian Insider that it is not surprising if racial and religious composition was raised at yesterday's meeting.

"It has always been our position that the Pakatan government back benchers have to be Muslim majority," he added.

Pas Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad admitted that having a majority of Muslim MPs has always been a condition set by Pas for Anwar to form a new government, but added that it is to ensure stability.

"When we take over the government, and we don't have a Muslim majority, Umno may capitalise on it, and resort to creating social unrest," he told The Malaysian Insider.

He is also worried that the ruling party may not be willing to give up power when the time comes.

"At the state level, it may not be as sensitive when we form the government with non-Muslimmajority," he added.

Terengganu Pas Youth chief Azman Shapawi said that it is necessary for the Pakatan Rakyat government to be supported by Muslim majority back benchers. However, he added that the situation in Perak shows that it may not be necessary as long as there is mutual respect among the lawmakers.

"Of course we are worried if the majority of the MPs are non-Muslims as we may not be able to defend the position of Islam, but in Perak's case it has worked well so far," he told The Malaysian Insider.

The Pakatan Rakyat government in Perak led by Pas's Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin has 31 Assemblymen and only nine of them are Muslims, while BN has 28 Assemblymen including one non-Muslim.

Azman also hoped that the meeting yesterday between Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang had managed to resolve some of the Islamist party's concerns.

Hadi had in the past insisted that the Anwar-led government has to be supported by a majority of Muslim MPs for the Islamic party to remain with Pakatan Rakyat.

Syed Hamid to Murugiah: Don’t butt in

PUTRAJAYA, 24 Sept — It is inappropriate of Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department T. Murugiah to interfere in the affairs of another ministry, said Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.

The home minister said Murugiah's action - in speaking on behalf of Seputeh Member of Parliament Teresa Kok on complaints she was not served proper meals while in detention under the Internal Security Act - was akin to being a spokesman for the opposition.

"What he has done is not right. I hope he knows how to look after his own turf. He should not interfere in another's affairs...that is not his work.

"If there is a problem, he should take the matter to the prime minister," he told reporters after a breaking of fast with staff of the Immigration Department and orphans here today.

On Monday, Murugiah met Kok over her claims that while in detention, she was served meals which comprised just two boiled eggs, cucumber and gravy. — Bernama

Petrol, diesel down 10 sen

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 — The government said today it would cut retail fuel prices for the second time in two months to ease inflationary pressures ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations next week.

From tomorrow, the pump prices of gasoline and diesel will be slashed by 4 percent to RM2.45 and RM2.40 ringgit a litre respectively, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The decision follows the recent sharp drop in global crude oil prices but the government could only afford a minimal price cut because a weaker Malaysian currency has offset the impact of lower global oil prices, he said.

"The government hopes the price adjustment will help to ease the burden on the people" especially during Aidilfitri, celebrated by ethnic Malay Muslims who make up 60 percent of Malaysia's 27 million people, Abdullah said in a statement.

This is the second price cut since the government hiked gasoline prices by a stunning 41 percent and diesel by 63 percent in early June to curb a runaway subsidy bill. The move is aimed partly at curbing public frustrations over soaring inflation and will relieve pressure on the central bank from having to raise interest rates.

The ringgit is currently hovering at 3.40 to the US dollar, down from 3.25 about three months ago.

Inflation stood at 8.5 percent in August, the same level as in July, due to high transportation and food cost but it is believed to have peaked, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad said today.

"I expect this to be the highest level," he told reporters, adding that inflation is expected to be "slightly lower" in September following the fuel price cut.

With the price reduction, he said the government is giving a public subsidy of 33 sen (9.7 cents) per litre on gasoline, he said.

Economists concur that Malaysia's inflation may have peaked but likely to stay above 8 percent until early 2009 given high transportation and food cost. — AP

MCA says no to hasty decision to leave BN

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 - MCA vice-president Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai said today the party should "look at the bigger picture" and not rush into a hasty decision to leave the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, in which it was the second-largest party, despite the thinking of several Chinese community leaders to that effect.

Donald said the Chinese-based party should not think of leaving the BN for the sake of leaving or because its members were angry at one or two persons but instead look at the long-term effect of such an action.

"A country with a multi-racial society like Malaysia needs a mix in order to have a peaceful environment for everyone. So, to have all Chinese-based parties going to the opposition and only Malay-based parties in the ruling coalition would definitely create more tension for the country, which is bad for business and the economy.

"A decision such as this is nice to hear but the silent majority will think that we should reconsider. I will not encourage senior members to speak so much on this matter, knowing that if we want to make some kind of decision we have to wait until the new leadership takes over on Oct 18," he told reporters on the sidelines of the Selangor MCA Convention, here.

The MCA will hold elections next month for a president, a deputy president, four vice-presidents and 25 central committee members.

Current MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting and deputy president Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy have both announced that they would not seek re-election.

So far, Transport Minister and party vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat and senior leader and former MCA deputy president Datuk Chua Jui Meng have announced they would go for the party's top post.

MCA secretary-general Datuk Ong Ka Chuan and former vice-president Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek have announced that they would run for the No. 2 post.

Lim said the March 8 general election, in which MCA suffered a major setback, had created greater political awareness within the party and this augured well for the MCA.

"There are more people intent on contesting in the party elections next month, the numbers are big according to what I know. There are people wanting to contest the number one post, two for the No. 2 post ... vice-presidency would be close to 10 (aspirants)."

"Central Committee more than 50 (candidates). I believe that awareness in politics by members and central delegates is very important for them to pick the right candidates," he added.

Asked on his candidacy, Lim said he would announce his decision by the end of the month, after all the states had completed their conventions.

"I am going around to two more states (Pahang and Johor) and should be able to make my decision by the end of the month.

"But what is important than contesting is to reinvent the party to ensure that it remains united to face the challenges of the future," said Lim. - Bernama

Teng elected new Penang Gerakan chief

PENANG, Sept 21 — Gerakan vice president Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan, 63, has been elected the party's Penang chairman, replacing Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Kon who was not defending the post.

The election's monitoring committee secretary Tan Sri Dr Chin Fook Weng announced today that Dr Teng secured 166 votes to beat Gerakan secretary-general Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye who polled 156 votes and Bukit Gelugor division head Cheang Chee Gooi who obtained 21 votes.

He also said that former Penang Gerakan Youth chief Huan Cheng Guan had withdrawn from the contest.

Dr Koh who is Gerakan acting president, did not contest because he wanted to focus on party work at the national level.

Meanwhile, the six people who were elected Penang Gerakan committee members were Ong Thean Lye (290 votes), Teh Leong Meng (275), Lim Boon Ben (250), Teoh Hang Chong (239), Mohan a/l Apparoo (220) and Lim Kean Guan (218). — Bernama

Mukhriz cries foul over Umno ‘restrictions’

JOHOR BARU, Sept 21 — Jerlun Member of Parliament Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, who has announced his intention to contest the post of Umno Youth chief, today called for an immediate stop to attempts to restrict party members from meeting with leaders or candidates, saying they were contrary to the democratic practice in Umno.

He claimed that some Umno Youth members had been prevented from meeting with him while others had been disallowed at functions he attended.

"I see unhealthy elements (in the campaign for the contest for Umno Youth chief) in the form of restrictions. When I am invited to meet with friends in the divisions, certain (Umno Youth members) people are disallowed there.

"We can gauge the reason for this but the practice is unhealthy, more so when we practise a democratic system in the party," he said.

Besides Mukhriz, former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo, Umno Youth vice-head Khairy Jamaluddin and Padang Besar Umno division chief Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin have announced their intention to contest the post.

Mukhriz said now was the appropriate time for Umno to give ample opportunity to its members to get to know leaders and candidates going for party posts.

He asked how party members would be able to fulfill their responsibility of electing candidates of their choice if they were not allowed to meet with the candidates.

"This practice of restrictions should be discontinued altogether. Open up for all. Give the opportunity to candidates to explain their plans for the party," he said.

Nevertheless, he said, the restrictions also favoured him in the sense that he was the underdog in the contest and had to go against the grain to garner the support of delegates.

On the whole, he said, his campaign in the run-up to the contest had received good response, especially after he had held meetings and interacted with Umno members at the grassroots.

"I notice that they share my views, that Umno needs a drastic renewal among the young people. My 'Dare to Change' campaign tagline has been accepted and is palatable to them," he said.

He said he was confident of obtaining the necessary nominations to enable him contest the post.

Mukhriz said he also agreed with Finance Minister II Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop that Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent actions had slowed down the flow of investments into the country.

He said the main criterion to draw foreign investors was political stability and what Anwar had done was to confuse the people and the international community as well undermine the nation's image.

"So, when we are seen as politically unstable and when compared to countries like Thailand and the Philippines, we lose out because many other countries strive to attract investors," he said.

He said the appointment of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak as the finance minister would help stabilise the situation because as a detail-oriented person, he would study any matter thoroughly before making a decision. — Bernama

Umno works to keep it together

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 — A move is underway to prevent Umno from splitting right down the centre over Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's transition plan.

Since several supreme council members urged the prime minister to consider handing over power soon during a meeting on Thursday, there has been a hive of activity on the ground.

Supporters of Abdullah displeased that some of the critics have gone overboard in their criticism of the prime minister have unsheathed their knives. They are urging him to disregard the pungent comments of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein, Datuk Rafidah Aziz and stick to his original plan of contesting the party presidency in December and handing over the power to Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

These supporters - among them a clutch of supreme council members and political operatives - have been working the ground for the past 48 hours.

Concerned that the public debate is going to split the party, Datuk Hishammuddin yesterday said that the Star's front page report on the supreme council meeting was inaccurate.

"I find it impossible to accept that any person can give an accurate picture of what went on in a two- to three-hour meeting, " he said. The report in the English daily among other things said that pressure was mounting on Abdullah to step down as party president.

It noted that several council members at Thursday's meeting called for a speedier transition plan.

That report and several others in the alternative and foreign media have upset senior party officials who believe that it will be counterproductive for the ruling party to fight among themselves when the focus of their attention should be Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib, aware that the mercury is rising among Abdullah's loyalists and those who want a quick transition of power, has moved to quell the public debate. He said that only several individuals wanted Abdullah to hand over power earlier. The transition plan, he added, was still in place.

Despite these attempts to cool down the temperature, the buzz on the ground is going to continue until Abdullah makes clear his position.

Until then, party officials live in fear that the focus on the transition plan could become a flashpoint in Umno - something the party and none of its leaders can afford.

Bukit Bendera Umno appeals to retract Ahmad Ismail’s suspension

PENANG, Sept 18 — The Bukit Bendera Umno division will file an appeal to the Umno Supreme Council to retract the decision to suspend the former division head, Datuk Ahmad Ismail, from all party posts for three years.

Division secretary Ismadi Abu Bakar said although technically Ahmad was no longer the Bukit Bendera Umno division head, members of the division still regarded Ahmad as their head.

As such, he said the Bukit Bendera Umno division had agreed to appoint Ahmad as the division's advisor.

"The committees of the four wings of the Bukit Bendera Umno division, together with the respective branch heads of the four wings in the division which held their meetings on Tuesday, had unanimously decided to appoint him as the advisor of the Umno division," he said in a statement today.

Ahmad, who created a controversy following his statement in a ceramah in Permatang Pauh on Aug 23, which touched on racial sensitivity, had his party membership suspended for three years. — Bernama

A master stroke in buying time

SEPT 18 - You got to hand it to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Two days after he missed his self-imposed deadline of forcing the collapse of the Abdullah administration through the cross over of Barisan Nasional MPs and seemed in danger of swapping credibility for ridicule, he has managed to put the
government on the defensive. And probably buy himself some more time.

Today, he challenged Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi to convene an emergency Parliament sitting before Sept 23 so that a motion of no-confidence can be tabled against the Prime Minister.
"We have the numbers. If he wants the details and doesn't believe me, then convene the emergency sitting. The numbers are increasing by the hour. But as of now, it is in excess of 31 MPs. This is not empty talk," Anwar said during a press conference today, adding that Abdullah has no choice but to negotiate with Pakatan Rakyat.

This is the first time since Independence that a sitting PM is being asked to convene a special Parliament session to have a motion of no-confidence tabled against him.

Anwar knows that Abdullah will not take the bait and will probably tell the Opposition leader to be patient and wait for
Oct 13 when the House reconvenes.

This answer will:

# GIVE him the time he needs to work the ground and try and persuade some MPs to abandon BN for Pakatan Rakyat. Anwar has been meeting professionals, businessmen, a few former MPs and even members of some prominent Umno families in the past week asking them to join Parti Keadilan Rakyat. He has told a few of them that he has the numbers but was unwilling to share any names of the BN crossovers with them. Some of them have left the meetings - which have taken place at his home in Segambut or at the home of mutual friends - convinced that he does not have 31 BN MPs in his pocket. Others have been willing to give him the benefit of doubt.

# ALLOW him to portray the Abdullah administration as cowardly and unwilling to follow democratic practices. He said as much today noting that any delay to the request for an emergency Parliament session would be seen "as nothing short of a further sabotage of the democratic process and abuse of executive power."

# KEEP alive the prospect of the mass crossover and collapse of the Barisan Nasional. Sure, some seeds of doubt have taken root in the minds of people since the Sept 16 deadline came and went. But in a country where hope in the government is a fast fading commodity, the public still want to believe that Anwar - who has fashioned himself as
the saviour of the country can deliver on a promise.

The Opposition icon knows that failure to deliver 31 MPs and oust Abdullah and BN out of Parliament will hurt him in the court of public opinion. His latest challenge to Abdullah suggests that he needs more time to get the numbers.

Muhyiddin’s head on the block?

ANALYSIS

SEPT 18 — Is there a Cabinet reshuffle in the offing? This question must have coursed through the minds of many ministers yesterday as they listened to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi address them at their weekly meeting.

After stunning them with the announcement that he would be relinquishing his position in the Finance Ministry to his deputy, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, he talked about recent developments and made a startling observation that there were a few people in the room he did not trust.

Several ministers told The Malaysian Insider that no names were mentioned but the consensus was that he was speaking about Minister of International Trade and Industry Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and possibly even Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim.

They believe that it is only a matter of time before the Cabinet is reshuffled, as early as after the divisional elections in October or latest just after the party elections in December.

They also are convinced that Najib will have significant input in the next line-up of ministers.

Top of the list to get the chop or at least suffer the ignominy of a demotion could be Muhyiddin. Several ministers and menteris besar have been canvassing for the Umno vice-president to be sacked from government for insubordination.

They have told the PM that Muhyiddin has undermined him by repeatedly pushing for his ouster, especially after agreeing with the Umno supreme council to endorse the two-year transition plan.

Despite having his ears bent, Abdullah has held off sacking Muhyiddin, knowing that wielding the axe could inadvertently turn the latter into a martyr in the eyes of the party faithful and galvanise support in Umno for him.

Still, if any action is to be taken against Muhyiddin or Rais, it will be decided by the supreme council today. The main grouse among some council members is that Muhyiddin challenged the transition plan publicly instead of discussing the matter behind closed doors. But even they will be wary of upsetting rank-and-file sentiment a few weeks before the all-important divisional meetings.

Teresa Kok to spend 4 weeks under ISA

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 - DAP leader Teresa Kok is to spend 28 days under the Internal Security Act beginning from yesterday, her father Kok Kim Tong quoted her as saying today hours after the Seputih MP filed a habeas corpus application for freedom

However, Kok, who is also Selangor state senior executive councillor, can meet her lawyers this Wednesday, he added after both he and wife Pong Seh Kwan met her at the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman here.

Kok, 44, was detained last Friday night with prominent blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin and Sin Chew Daily journalist Tan Hoon Cheng under the security law which allows for up to 60 days" detention for investigation purposes. Tan was released on Saturday.

The law, which critics call draconian but the authorities say is vital to keep peace and threats against public order and security, was enacted in 1948 by the British for use against the communist threat. Malaysia has widened its use to detain politicians, religious extremists, activists, currency forgers and even a nuclear equipment middleman.

DAP leaders, including Lim Kit Siang and party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, both of whom spent time under the ISA in the 1987 Ops Lalang, accompanied the parents there but were not allowed to meet Kok at 1.40pm, bringing along herbal tea, essence of chicken and some mooncakes for the Mooncake Festival today.

In her habeas corpus application filed today by lead counsel Karpal Singh, Kok said her arrest and detention were unlawful and named arresting officer DSP E Kim Tien and the Inspector-General of Police as the respondents. She also sought to be brought to the court and released and granted any other relief deemed fit by the court.

PM rejects Zaid's resignation

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 - De facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim is not out of the Cabinet just yet.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi rejected the letter of resignation Zaid sent in today, telling him instead to take a two-week break.

Sources told the Malaysian Insider that Zaid informed the PM that he felt compelled to quit the Cabinet on a matter of principle because he disagreed with the use of the Internal Security Act (ISA) on journalist Tan Hong Cheng, DAP MP Teresa Kok and blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin.
He felt that a minister or government official who is at odds with the policy or decision of the administration must offer his resignation.

Abdullah said issues and matters could be discussed and thrashed out in Cabinet.

Zaid, who has been at the forefront of judicial reforms, also said that he felt that his resignation would help the PM politically.

He noted that his opposition to the ISA and his push for reforms did not go down well with certain segments in the ruling party.

"Zaid said he did not want to be a liability to the PM in Umno. Pak Lah thanked him for his concern but said he was committed to the judicial reforms and that he would take his chances with Umno,"" said a source.

The lawyer was a popular addition to the Cabinet following the March 8 general election, with many Malaysians hailing his
appointment as a sign that Abdullah was committed to improving the judiciary.

Zaid pushed for the government to pay ex-gratia payments to judges who were sacked and suspended after the judicial crisis in 1988.

He was also instrumental in proposing the Judicial Appointments Commission. But he has faced major opposition from within his own party as some believe that reforms would result in the government having less control over an important institution and in more non-Malays being appointed to the Bench.

As a result of this opposition, Abdullah has taken his foot off the reform pedal, promising to hit the full speed button after he secures his position as Umno president in December.

Umno's D-day is Sept 18, not Malaysia Day

SEPT 14 - Forget about September 16.' September 18 is shaping up to be a far more important day for Malaysia with far reaching consequences for Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi"s two-year transition plan and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin"s political future.

Next Thursday, the Umno Supreme Council will convene and the top of the agenda is likely to be Abdullah"s plan to hand over the reins of power in the party to Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.

The council unanimously endorsed the transition plan in July. But following the Barisan Nasional"s defeat in Permatang Pauh on August 26 and his meeting with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in early September, Muhyiddin has called for a review of the plan.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Forbes Conference in Singapore last week, he urged Abdullah to step down earlier, saying that the two year timetable was no longer tenable.

He has followed up that call with cutting comments about Abdullah"s ability to lead Umno and Barisan Nasional. The Minister of International Trade and Industry may have moved too fast.

Comments from several supreme council members and ministers show that not everyone believes that the transition plan should be revisited.

Others like Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz, Negeri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Mohamed Hsssan, Works Minister Datuk Zin Mohamed and defacto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim feel that Muhyiddin should be punished for going public with his comments about the transition plan and his criticism of Abdullah.

A key player at the Sept 18 meeting will be Najib. He is under pressure from his supporters on the ground to push for a quicker handover of power.

Their argument is this: Najib could become collateral damage in the current anti-Abdullah mood.

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has also exerted pressure on the DPM, giving him and ultimatum of sorts during a recent meeting: challenge Abdullah or risk having your dirty linen washed in public.

Najib"s comments on Friday where he said that it was up to party members to decide on the transition plan has sparked speculation that he is ready to back Muhyiddin"s idea of reviewing the transition plan.

His opening statement at the September 18 is likely to set the tone of the debate at the council meeting.

If he confirms that he is still committed to taking over the party presidency and the leadership of the country in 2010, this will mark the beginning of the end of Muhyiddin.

It could force the Umno vice-president to resign from the Cabinet and officially declare himself the running mate of Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.

If Najib supports the call for a review of the transition plan, Abdullah"s political enemies and critics will pound and harass him further.

On the ground, the Umno divisions will take the DPM"s change in stance as a signal that he is willing to accept nominations as the party president.

At the moment, the DPM is still committed to the 2010 hand over, telling his friends that he is still more comfortable with Abdullah than he is with Muhyiddin or Dr Mahathir.

But there are still a few more days to go before the defining meeting for Umno, Abdullah, Najib and Muhyiddin.

Syed Hamid says reporter may be out soon, and no more arrests likely

Kuala Lumpur, Sept 13 Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said today that Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng could be released as soon as today.

The minister also said he did not expect any more arrests this weekend under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

His statement appears to represent a softening of the government's position amid widespread expectations of a major crackdown this weekend.

Opposition groups and various non-governmental organisations have condemned the arrests and have urged the authorities to release immediately all those who have been detained.

Tan was believed to have been detained in connection with the report she filed in which Bukit Bendera Umno chief was quoted as calling the Chinese squatters.

Besides Tan, Seputed MP Teresa Kok and blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin were also picked up yesterday.

Tan, who was arrested from her home in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, is believed to have been taken to Bukit Aman federal police headquarters here this morning.

Both Kok and Raja Petra are also believed to be in Bukit Aman, but this cannot be confirmed.

Syed Hamid said that whether any more ISA arrests would be made depended on the public order situation.

Barisan Nasional (BN) parties Gerakan and Umno have been engaged in a war of words for weeks over Ahmad's remarks.

Ealier this week, Ahmad was suspended from his party posts for three years after he openly refused to apologise and called for Gerakan's expulsion from the BN coalition.

A question of insecurity

COMMENTARY

SEPT 13 - Ops Lalang in 1987 ended Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's flirtation with openness and in eerily similar circumstance, polemics of race relations have culminated in a fresh round of Internal Security Act (ISA) arrests yesterday under the watch of handpicked successor Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Abdullah took office and, with a 91 percent majority in 2004, promised transparency and rule of law, but the dismal results of the March 8 elections has made his leadership unstable and untenable as Umno politicians carp at his indecisiveness and Dr Mahathir himself has thrown everything but the kitchen sink to oust the prime minister.

Therefore, the latest ISA arrests appear to be a repeat of Dr Mahathir's act of putting away 106 politicians and activists and shutting down newspapers when leadership is threatened and power appears to be slipping away.

In Dr Mahathir's case, it was the party clash with Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and tense race ties between Malays and Chinese over vernacular education set off by then Education Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's decision to appoint non-Chinese educated administrators in Chinese schools.

In Abdullah's case, an unhappy Umno and Malay ground together with equally unhappy non-Malays coupled with the looming Sept 16 deadline by Anwar to topple Abdullah's government has pushed the prime minister to draw the line and take action.

That action has led to DAP leader Teresa Kok, journalist Tan Hoon Cheng and prominent blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin, being detained up to 60 days for investigations under the ISA while three newspapers have been issued show-cause notices for their reporting.

Ironically, one of the three newspapers - Sin Chew Daily - was closed down in the 1987 Ops Lalang.

The government has given security grounds and threats to public order for the arrest of Raja Petra, a harsh government critic who already faces a few criminal and civil court dates for his articles in the Malaysia Today news portal.

As for Kok, newspapers report it could be related to allegations that she asked mosques in her state constituency to reduce the volume of prayer calls while Tan is being held for her report on Umno Penang warlord Datuk Ahmad Ismail's racist rant that saw him punished with a three-year suspension from party office.

Then and now, those arrested have been far removed from those who stoke the racial tensions and endanger the security and public order of the nation.

Then and now, messengers get shot but not the perpetrators.

Then and now, is it the security of the nation or the insecurity of the ruling politicians that has led to these arrests?

Najib's predicament

Kuala Lumpur, Sept 13 Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is in a dilemma.

If he does not break with the two-year transition plan and move to oust Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, he risks having his dirty linen hung out in public by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Sources told the Malaysian Insider that the ultimatum was given to Najib by the former prime minister at a recent meeting.' In Perlis yesterday, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said his father had told Najib to "go against Abdullah or expect to be finished off".

Najib has reason to be concerned. He served under Dr Mahathir for more than two decades and the latter was privy to all his secrets.

The DPM has supported Abdullah's plan to hand over power to him in mid 2010, saying that it was in the party tradition to have an orderly transition. He has also resisted many attempts by Dr Mahathir, since the Election 2008 debacle, to force Abdullah out of office before the party elections in December.

But yesterday, Najib seemed to be wavering. Asked about Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's call for the PM to leave office before December, he said party delegates should decide on the transition plan.

Umno divisions will have their meetings and elections in October when they will also nominate candidates for senior positions in the party, including the president and deputy president's posts. Najib's statement yesterday is being interpreted by some as a sign that he will be prepared to accept nominations for the top position in Umno.

Dr M blames Pak Lah for rising racism among Malays

By Wan Hamidi Hamid

Political Editor

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 ~ Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today blamed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for letting racial tensions mount to the point where younger Malays are becoming more racial.

-The majority of the Malay professionals and young Malays have hardened their stand on the position of their race since the disaster of 2008.

-They are incensed especially by the arrogance of the Bar Council. They now question the social contract and reject the need to adhere to it. This sounds almost like the Chinese stand. But the difference is startling and disturbing," said the former prime minister.

Dr Mahathir's latest attack against his successor comes amid reports that he will make a return to Umno and back leaders to take on and topple Abdullah as party president and prime minister.

While Dr Mahathir acknowledged the emergence of liberal Malays who are questioning the need for affirmative action and the New Economic Policy, he said they were in a minority compared to the more insular Malays.

He said many younger Malays were now questioning the concessions given to non-Malay communities, especially on education and the use of languages.

Writing in his blog yesterday, the former premier said these Malays were incensed by the Bar Council for what they consider to be the questioning of Malay rights as laid down in the so-called social contract.

"The selective freedoms are stirring up racist feelings everywhere. Hence the remarks made by the State Assemblywoman from Perak and Dato Ahmad Ismail in Penang. And now we see the support given to Ahmad and the condemnation of MCA and Gerakan leaders by all the 13 Umno divisions in Penang.

"I believe racist sentiments among Malays and non-Malays are rising. If it flares up the stability of this country may be affected permanently. We may see political wrangling of the kind we see in several other countries. In the process the economy of this country would be destroyed," he said.

Dr Mahathir said that although Abdullah tried to placate everyone by splashing out funds and projects, no one believed him because they never materialised.

"The fact is that nobody believes him or trusts him. No one has been placated."

Dr Mahathir's solution?

"Right thinking people must make their rejection of Datuk Seri Abdullah's leadership heard. If we don't then whatever racial harmony that exists would be eroded and will destroy this beloved country.

Muhyiddin: Time for Pak Lah to go

SINGAPORE, Sept 10 - Umno vice president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, in what will be seen as a trigger for moves to oust the embattled Prime Minister, said party president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi should consider retiring soon - ahead of his planned two-year schedule.

Muhyiddin, who has been instrumental in moves to bring former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad back into the Umno fold, said Abdullah should consider revising his transition time-table given recent events.

"I have said it before that 2010 is too long away," the International Trade and Industry Minister said at the sidelines of the Forbes conference here today.
Abdullah is facing renewed challenges from within his own party, with significant numbers seemingly backing Bukit Bendera division chief Ahmad Ismail's defiance of the Umno president, and from the Opposition.

"PM may have to rethink whether the deadline is tenable," said Muhyiddin, who also praised Mahathir at the press conference.

Mahathir's intention to apply to rejoin Umno has been receiving strong support from party grassroots and some leaders.

Sodomy II trial postponed

By Debra Chong

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 - Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Sodomy II trial was today postponed to Sept 24 following objections from his defence team over the Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail's involvement.

The objection was a clear sign of how politics will continue to play a major part in this highly-charged trial, in which Anwar has already accused the Attorney-General and the Inspector-General of Police of being involved in a conspiracy against him.

It also showed Anwar's legal team would not be prepared to give an inch to the prosecution and was likely to challenge their every move.

Today, S.M. Komathy Suppiah, the Criminal Sessions Court judge presiding over the case, was supposed to set the dates for his trial to begin.

Instead, she surprised both the defence and prosecution teams when she moved to postpone the mention, pushing it almost two weeks to Sept 24.

It was done, she said, to allow Anwar's legal team sufficient time to prepare their arguments against the prosecution
which had suddenly applied to transfer the case to the High Court.

Though her decision lifted eyebrows and generated a buzz in the gallery, the general atmosphere inside the courtroom was one of casual formality.

Unlike Sodomy I 10 years ago, the atmosphere was relaxed despite the contentious legal arguments between the deputy public prosecutor, Datuk Yusuf Zainal Abiden, and Anwar's lead defence counsel Sulaiman Abdullah.

Pawancheek Marican, who was Anwar's counsel 10 years ago, quipped that whole affair today was an "English tea party."

"Everyone was taking such great pains to be polite and civil to each other," he laughed.

Yusuf had, this morning, produced a certificate, signed by the Attorney-General to transfer the case to the High Court as a matter of "public interest". Sulaiman raised an objection after Yusuf submitted the certificate to Judge Komathy.

"I wish to place on record that the defence has been treated shabbily in this case. We have been asking, up to yesterday, what the prosecution plans to do," Sulaiman stated.

He informed Judge Komathy that he had only received word from Yusuf late yesterday afternoon that the prosecution may move to transfer the case to the High Court. However, the plan was only confirmed 10 minutes before this morning's hearing.

He argued for the application to be rejected on the grounds that the certificate had been signed by the A-G, who was a party with vested interests, having been implicated in establishing false evidence against Anwar in the Sodomy I and corruption trials 10 years ago.

Even as he described how his "learned colleague" Yusuf had been placed in a "difficult and embarrassing position" in carrying out his duty, Sulaiman nevertheless challenged the validity of the certificate, quoting several reports whereby the prime minister himself had issued a directive to Abdul Gani not to involve himself in the Sodomy II case in any way.

"According to Datuk Yusuf, this is something only the Attorney-General can do... For Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail to sign the application for the transfer to the High Court... he's not just a chief clerk to sign any document in front of him," Sulaiman said, eliciting broad smiles and laughter, including from the court officials on duty.

In the middle of his tirade against the public prosecutor's office - witnessed by a squirming Yusuf - for attempting to delay the trial and inconveniencing the trials of "all the people on capital crime cases waiting for remand," Judge Komathy interrupted Sulaiman and asked if he needed more time to do his research.

Despite being caught off guard by the question, Sulaiman quickly recovered his poise and demurred: "Yes, Your Honour, I would be grateful."

Judge Komathy then announced that the hearing would continue in two weeks. "Let them do research to find out whether this court has jurisdiction or not."

Under Section 418 (A) of the Criminal Procedure Code, the certificate of transfer to move a case to be heard in the High Court must be signed by the A-G personally.

According to lawyer Saiful Izham Ramli, one of Anwar's nine lawyers, this is the first time a challenge has been made to the certificate of transfer on the grounds that the A-G has personal interest in the case. It has set a precedent, he added.

"Usually, any judge will accept the certificate to transfer. In this case, the judge wants to hear our arguments. It's very important.

"Previously, in all other cases, there has been no objection from the defence. This time, we want to challenge," stressed Saiful.

Sulaiman is confident that Sodomy II will be heard and decided in Judge Komathy's court.

"Definitely! There's nothing to stop that from happening," he told The Malaysian Insider.

"She's more than capable. She's got 26 years in the judicial service, most of that time on the bench. She's equal to the High Court judges.

"This is a judge who lives up to the court. She is fair to both sides," said Sulaiman.

Anwar himself expressed his gratitude to the judge for the small allowance granted his lawyers. However, he vented his frustration at the delay in his third trial.

Speaking to the media outside the courtroom, he said that he viewed the attempt by the public prosecutor to transfer the case to the High Court as an "ambush".

Small protest outside Umno hq

By Shannon Teoh

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 - Fifteen protestors armed with seven banners lined up at the entrance of the Umno headquarters here in Menara Dato' Onn at 2pm to call for the Umno supreme council not to take action against Datuk Ahmad Ismail.

They chanted "Hidup Melayu! (Long Live The Malays!)" when certain leaders like Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Razak arrived for the supreme council meeting where Abdullah said "stern action" would be decided on.

Although the group initially did not want to reveal their names or which bodies they were representing, a spokesperson, Rahim Harun from KL, finally told reporters that they were here to support the statement by Ahmad that he was speaking the truth of the circumstance before Merdeka.

"We call on the supreme council not to apologise to the Chinese and Indians and not to expel Ahmad from Umno. we have already given in so much to the Chinese and Indians," he said, insisting that he was not an Umno member and the group was not from any organisation.

Their banners read "MT pertahankan maruah Datuk Ahmad Ismail (Supreme Council defend the honour of Datuk Ahmad Ismail)", "MT teruskan perjuangan Datuk Ahmad Ismail (SC continue Datuk Ahmad Ismail's fight" and "Teresa Kok celupar, biadap, kurang ajar! Umno jangan takut!" (Teresa Kok is rude and disrespectful! Do not fear, Umno!)" in reference to allegations that the DAP MP and Selangor exco asked for the azan (call to prayer) to cease in an area in Puchong.

She has however, denied that she has made any such call although it is true that the residents did faxed her a petition.

The group of 15 men left at 2.40pm after Abdullah and Najib had made their way into the building.

Strong wind warning in waters off six northern states

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 — Strong southeasterly winds of 40-50km per hour and rough seas are forecast to occur in Phuket waters in Thailand as well as in waters in Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak and several areas from today until Thursday.

The Meteorological Department said a wave height of up to 3.5 metres in the affected areas would be dangerous to small boats as well as sea recreations and sea sports.

Also affected are the waters around Bunguran, Condore, Reef North and Pulau Layang-Layang.

Meanwhile thunderstorm activities over the coastal waters off Buntulu, Miri, Limbang and Mukan in Sarawak and west Sabah are expected to persist throughout the day today.

"This condition can cause strong wind of up to 40km per hour and rough seas with waves up to 2.5 metres and is dangerous to small boats," it said.

Thunderstorm activities are also forecast to occur in Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak until in the evening today. — Bernama

Tea washes out whisky team in preliminary round

By Shannon Teoh

Sept 7 — In the battle between factions led by the outgoing and previous president, it appears that the former has dealt a psychological blow in yesterday's MCA state-level elections.

The national level polls next month is widely speculated to be a clash of rival running mates whose presumptive Youth chief candidates have earned the teams their beverage-inspired monikers. President Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting's "tea" team is so named due to Datuk Wee Ka Siong's traditionalist attitude while former supremo Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik's son Datuk Ling Hee Leong's "eat, drink and be merry" tag has resulted in his team being dubbed the "whisky" team.

Yesterday's main staging ground for the proxy contests between tea and whisky were being held in the key states of Perak, Selangor and Johor which account for over 40% of delegates to the national level polls.

Ong's foot soldiers completed a clean sweep of their contests while the grassroot leaders for the whisky team had to drown their sorrows after coming home empty-handed.

The biggest blow was the defeat of Hee Leong in the Perak Youth chief election. Dr Mah Hang Soon, who trounced him 366 to 184, is said to be endorsed by Ong's brother and secretary-general Datuk Ong Ka Chuan.

This appears to validate talk that Perak MCA will not support anyone who goes up against Ka Chuan.

The result of this is that it appears Wee has a clear run for national Youth chief as Hee Leong said he would abide by his promise not to contest the post if he lost at state level.

A former aide to top MCA leaders and now a keen observer of the party said that the results showed that despite Ong being a lame duck president since announcing that he would not defend his presidency, he was still highly influential in the party.

This seems to bode well for presidential candidate Datuk Ong Tee Keat, as it is accepted that he has been endorsed by Ong as his successor.

Despite not having declared his candidacy, it is nearly a foregone conclusion that Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek will be whisky team's challenger for the No. 1 seat.

But given that his two supporters in his home state of Johor failed to become the Youth and Wanita chiefs, the swing of the battle appears clear-cut, at least to political analyst Khoo Kay Peng.

"Like it or not, morality is a key issue," he said, referring to Chua's sex DVD scandal, which led him to resign from all political positions in January.

"Delegates don't think that this is time for largesse but to be practical. The voting decision reflects a desire for direction and confidence. It's not that they believe that Soi Lek or Tee Keat is the better leader."

His assessment that the whisky team's image is too big a risk, as it may turn the party into a laughing stock in these uncertain times was shared by several others including a senior party leader.

"Soi Lek has to overcome the DVD scandal. It's tough to pick someone with a sex scandal as your president," he said.

Datuk Theng Book, head of the Save MCA campaign which sought to oust Ong as president, agrees that it is a battle of perception but insists that the national polls will still be a 50-50 fight.

"Youth level is a different ballgame. The delegates here are closer to the ground and today is about individual performances, not about whose team you're on," said Theng, who backed Chua in an interview with The Malaysian Insider.

Ling's team is also said to include a host of other senior leaders like current Wanita chief Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen who will run for vice-president and current vice-presidents Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai and Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn.

Ong's group includes Datuk Liow Tiong Lai, who is running for vice-president.

Disassociating the Malays from Malay supremacy

By Muaz Omar

Sept 7 — The recent conclusion of the Permatang Pauh by-election which saw Anwar Ibrahim's convincing win, has been touted as the beginning of the end for Umno.

Anwar defeated Arif Shah Omar Shah of Umno with an increased majority compared with his wife, Wan Azizah's win in March. Prior to the election, there was no doubt in anyone's mind that Anwar would win — from Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak, to the average man on the street and even the bookies. The question was not if he would win but by "how many votes".

This main strategy of the Barisan Nasional, which was to reduce Anwar's majority at all cost, was their only way of coming close to a win, by claiming a moral victory.

The Umno battalion, with the mainstream media at its disposal, threw everything at Anwar – the swearing on the Quran by his former aide and alleged sodomy victim ; the coterie of former close advisers and friends like Ezam Mohd Nor and Nallakarupan who attacked Anwar from the left, right and centre and not to forget the publicity given to 200 PKR leaders and supporter who defected to Umno.

All of which were thought to be the recipe to stifle Anwar's rise to the premiership.

And not surprisingly, Umno also took a very open communal line of campaigning, accusing Anwar of selling out the Malays through his proposal to abolish the New Economic Plan (NEP) and introducing other liberal policies, alienating further the non-Malay community from Umno and BN .

But what was quite surprising was the rejection of the communal thrust of these camapigns by the Malays themselves.

The outcome was indeed a thumping victory for Anwar and a demoralizing loss for Umno.

Looking back at the March 8 General Election (GE), nothing much has changed. Analysis of the results have shown that 78 per cent of the non-Malays in Permatang Pauh voted for PKR which is similar to the results in the March GE.

But the more worrying trend for Umno is that the Malay support for PKR increased from 59 per cent in March to 62 per cent. So evidently two main facts can be inferred here; firstly, non-Malays support for Pakatan remained and second, Malay support for Pakatan increased since March.

While it was safe to assume that the denial of the two-thirds majority for BN during the GE, which saw five states falling to the hands of the opposition, was more a vote against BN rather than a vote for Pakatan, the same cannot be said with Permatang Pauh.

While it is a fact that Permatang Pauh was only a by-election, minutely small in comparison to the GE, many variables in the political equation indicate that the result is a reflection of the mood and feelings of the nation as a whole.

It is clear that the Malays are slowly but surely disassociating themselves from Umno. The propaganda of a Ketuanan Melayu or Malay supremacy, diminishing under Anwar and Pakatan rule, did not strike a chord with the Malays.

This doesn't mean that the Malays do not care about Ketuanan Melayu, NEP or Malay rights, because the sense of Malay vulnerability without the two, is too ingrained within the Malay psych to just merely diminish.

Many Malays believe that the diluting of Ketuanan Melayu will ultimately mean being subjugated or even “colonized” by the non-Malays.

So, what made the Malays of Permatang Pauh and the roughly 45 per cent of Malays nationwide vote against the Umno doctrine of Ketuanan Melayu?

A few reasons come to mind.

Umno's current image that it is not being sincere enough in pushing for the Malay agenda as result of the overwhelming corruption, cronyism and nepotism culture practiced by its leaders.

Malay perception towards Umno is that of a party where the political leaders are only enriching themselves while the majority of Malays have to toil day and night working 2 to 3 jobs to barely survive.

Since the March general elections, Umno is slowly creeping back into its cave of 'Ketuanan Melayu', Malay rights and NEP rather than addressing the core problem which is their inability to see a united Malaysian race.

They are slowly becoming a face that only knows and cares for one race – the Malays.

Umno today is being guided by leaders implicated in corruption, abuse funds meant for the poor, embroiled in sex scandals but most of all people see Umno as a vehicle to enrich themselves, not as a platform to serve the community.

Umno and BN have lost its appeal. It is unable to project a leadership that inspires people. Its handling of the economy and social policies has been wobbly, uninspiring but most importantly worrying. It is unable to overcome problems surrounding religion and race convincingly.

In short, the present government, dominated by Umno, has provided zero leadership. Pakatan, in response to this vacuum, has filled this need for leadership.

Malaysians, for the first time, see on the opposite side, a breath of fresh air and greener pastures ahead. They see a three-party loose coalition, called Pakatan Rakyat, led by one charismatic former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, as a solution.

This Pakatan talks about equality whilst preserving the Malay preferential treatment, that espouses meritocracy but at the same time is determined to improve the quality of the Malays, fight corruption and stands for a just and equitable society.

While this Pakatan has yet to convincingly answer fundamental questions on Islamic or a secular state for Malaysia, people are not afraid and are willing to give them a shot.

If this loose coalition succeeds to outperform BN, albeit by a even small margin, it might well be doom for Umno and its partners.

Muaz Omar is a political communications consultant at a management firm based in Kuala Lumpur