Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Lelaki 86 isteri ditangkap
ABUJA – Polis di utara Nigeria menangkap seorang pendakwah Muslim yang memiliki 86 isteri dan 107 anak kerana melanggar undang-undang perkahwinan Islam.
Seorang jurucakap polis, Richard Oguche berkata, pendakwah itu Mohammed Bello Masaba yang berumur 84 tahun ditahan kelmarin.
Setakat ini masih belum jelas bila lelaki berkenaan akan dihadapkan ke mahkamah atau hukuman yang akan dikenakan terhadapnya. – AP
http://www.kosmo.com.my/
Krisis kewangan di luar jangkaan
KAHERAH – Ketua Dana Kewangan Antarabangsa (IMF), Dominique Strauss-Kahn menyatakan krisis pinjaman antarabangsa yang dihadapi sekarang berlaku di luar jangkaan tetapi menasihati orang ramai supaya tidak panik.
“Kita sedang berdepan krisis kewangan tanpa dijangka kerana ia berpunca daripada pusat sistem kewangan iaitu Amerika Syarikat (AS) dan bukannya sistem-sistem sokongan. Krisis itu memberi kesan ke seluruh dunia secara serentak,” katanya.
Kenyataan ketua IMF itu dibuat ketika timbul kebimbangan berhubung kesan domino dalam sistem kewangan global selepas firma utama pelaburan AS, Lehman Brothers memfailkan perisytiharan muflis.
“Beberapa tempat di dunia akan berasa kesan berbeza sama ada terjejas teruk atau sebaliknya namun secara umum, kegawatan ekonomi akan dirasai di seluruh dunia,” jelas Strauss-Kahn.
Beliau yang dalam lawatan ke Kaherah, Mesir menyatakan ekonomi global akan menguncup di China dan Eropah. – AFP
http://www.kosmo.com.my/
“Kita sedang berdepan krisis kewangan tanpa dijangka kerana ia berpunca daripada pusat sistem kewangan iaitu Amerika Syarikat (AS) dan bukannya sistem-sistem sokongan. Krisis itu memberi kesan ke seluruh dunia secara serentak,” katanya.
Kenyataan ketua IMF itu dibuat ketika timbul kebimbangan berhubung kesan domino dalam sistem kewangan global selepas firma utama pelaburan AS, Lehman Brothers memfailkan perisytiharan muflis.
“Beberapa tempat di dunia akan berasa kesan berbeza sama ada terjejas teruk atau sebaliknya namun secara umum, kegawatan ekonomi akan dirasai di seluruh dunia,” jelas Strauss-Kahn.
Beliau yang dalam lawatan ke Kaherah, Mesir menyatakan ekonomi global akan menguncup di China dan Eropah. – AFP
http://www.kosmo.com.my/
Bagaimana Bank Lehman Brothers muflis
SEORANG lelaki melihat papan tanda elektronik yang menunjukkan nilai saham jatuh di Tokyo semalam.
NEW YORK – Bank Lehman Brothers yang menggegarkan sistem kewangan Amerika Syarikat (AS) dengan mengisytiharkan muflis kelmarin mengalami kerugian AS$3.9 bilion (RM13.47 bilion) dalam suku ketiga fiskal sehingga akhir Ogos lalu.
Bank itu turut rugi AS$2.8 bilion (RM9.6 bilion) dalam suku kedua.
Nilai saham bank itu merosot daripada AS$66 (RM228) pada Februari lalu kepada hanya kurang AS$10 (RM34.50).
Nilai saham bank itu merosot daripada AS$66 (RM228) pada Februari lalu kepada hanya kurang AS$10 (RM34.50).
Firma Lehman Brothers Inc., yang memiliki bank itu ditubuhkan pada 1850 di Montgomery, Alabama, AS apabila Henry Lehman, seorang imigran Jerman disertai adiknya, Emanuel dan Mayer memulakan operasi perdagangan kapas.
Pada 1858, ketiga-tiga mereka membuka sebuah pejabat di New York.
Richard Fuld menjadi Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif (CEO) sejak tahun 1993 dan pengerusi lembaga pengarah sejak 1994.
Richard Fuld menjadi Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif (CEO) sejak tahun 1993 dan pengerusi lembaga pengarah sejak 1994.
Firma itu mempunyai 28,500 pekerja pada akhir 2007 tetapi mengurangkan 1,500 pekerja bagi menghadapi krisis ekonomi dan kewangan.
Selepas ibu pejabatnya musnah akibat serangan pengganas pada 11 September 2001 ke atas bangunan World Trade Centre (WTC), syarikat itu membeli ibu pejabat baru di Seventh Avenue dekat Times Square.
Ia juga mempunyai pejabat di London dan Tokyo.
Firma itu gagal untuk mencari rakan pelaburan untuk meneruskan hayatnya.
Lehman Brothers menjadi mangsa terbaru krisis gadai janji subprima yang bermula akibat satu gelombang perampasan harta oleh peminjam berisiko tinggi di AS yang kini mengancam sistem kewangan global.
Subprima bermaksud memberikan pinjaman-injaman ke atas individu yang berisiko tinggi tetapi mereka mungkin gagal untuk melunaskan pinjaman.
Firma itu melupuskan hutang AS$13.8 bilion (RM47.67 bilion) berkaitan krisis gadai janji subprima AS.
Firma itu melupuskan hutang AS$13.8 bilion (RM47.67 bilion) berkaitan krisis gadai janji subprima AS.
Pengisytiharan muflis itu dilakukan selepas Simpanan Persekutuan AS enggan menggunakan wang pembayar cukai untuk menyelamatkan bank berkenaan. – Agensi
Panik, panik di seluruh dunia
SEJUMLAH orang berjalan melepasi ibu pejabat firma Lehman Brothers di New York semalam.
NEW YORK – Pasaran saham di Eropah dan beberapa negara Asia semalam mencatatkan penurunan terendah dalam sejarah berikutan suasana panik selepas bank pelaburan keempat terbesar di dunia, Lehman Brothers memfailkan pengisytiharan muflis.
Kelmarin, indeks pasaran saham Dow Jones di New York menurun secara purata 504 mata ketika ditutup iaitu turun 4.5 peratus - yang terburuk dalam sejarah sejak serangan pengganas pada 11 September 2001 di AS.
Indeks di Dow Jones juga jatuh 58.70 mata kepada 10,858 dalam tempoh hanya 10 minit ketika dibuka pada waktu pagi semalam.
Indeks di Dow Jones juga jatuh 58.70 mata kepada 10,858 dalam tempoh hanya 10 minit ketika dibuka pada waktu pagi semalam.
Firma Lehman Brothers Inc., yang memiliki Bank Lehman Brothers mengumumkan memfaikan pengisytiharan muflis di Mahkamah Bankrap AS di New York pada pagi kelmarin sekali gus mencetuskan kegemparan dalam pasaran kewangan di seluruh dunia.
Berikutan pengisytiharan itu, indeks pasaran saham di New Zealand, NZX-50 jatuh 2.87 peratus semalam iaitu yang terbesar dalam tempoh enam tahun.
Di Tokyo, indeks pasaran saham Nikkei jatuh 4.95 peratus kepada 11,609.72 iaitu yang terendah sejak 8 Julai 2005.
Pasaran saham di London pada waktu tengah hari juga terus menunjukkan penurunan berikutan runtuhnya institusi kewangan Lehman Brothers.
Pada waktu tengah hari semalam, pasaran saham di London jatuh 153.1 mata dan mencatatkan indeks 4,997.2 mata iaitu yang terendah sejak Jun 2005.
Pada waktu tengah hari semalam, pasaran saham di London jatuh 153.1 mata dan mencatatkan indeks 4,997.2 mata iaitu yang terendah sejak Jun 2005.
Pasaran saham di Rusia turut tidak terkecuali menerima nasib yang sama apabila indeks jatuh lebih 10 peratus kepada 1,149 mata.
“Panik sudah mengenggam pasaran saham Rusia,” kata tajuk agensi berita Interfax.
Suasana cemas itu juga menyebabkan Bank of England menyuntik tambahan £20 bilion (RM123 bilion) ke dalam pasaran semalam.
Bank of Japan turut berbuat demikian dengan menyuntik 2.5 trilion yen (AS$82.95 bilion) ke pasaran dan pegawai-pegawai cuba menenteramkan kebimbangan berhubung krisis kewangan. – Agensi
Mati dengan rantai leher dalam mulut
Oleh MEGAT RAMLI MEGAT RAOF
megat@kosmo.com.my
ANGGOTA polis memeriksa barang kemas yang ditemui daripada seorang lelaki yang mati ditembak di Bukit Tinggi Klang malam tadi.
KLANG - Seorang wanita yang berada di dalam kereta tidak menyangka, bunyi tembakan yang didengarinya telah meragut nyawa suaminya dalam kejadian di pasar raya Giant di Bukit Tinggi, di sini malam tadi.
Dalam kejadian pukul 7.45 malam, lelaki yang berusia 30 tahun mati ditembak seorang pengawal keselamatan selepas mengesyaki lelaki itu mencuri seutas rantai leher dari sebuah kedai emas di pasar raya tersebut.
Pemilik kedai cuci kereta tersebut mati akibat terkena tembakan di bahagian belakang badan.
Isteri mangsa berkata, dia terkejut apabila mendengar bunyi tembakan dan hampir pengsan setelah terlihat suaminya telah rebah akibat ditembak.
"Suami saya suruh saya tunggu di dalam kereta jaga empat anak saya dan dia kata mahu masuk sekejap ke dalam Giant untuk membeli barangan anak-anaknya.
"Tak sampai 15 minit saya dengar bunyi tembakan dan nampak seorang lelaki jatuh dan terkejut ia adalah suami saya," kata wanita berusia 28 tahun.
Cerita isteri lelaki itu lagi, dia akan membuat laporan polis selain akan mencari peguam bagi membela kematian suaminya kerana dia sama sekali tidak percaya suaminya mencuri.
http://www.kosmo.com.my/
megat@kosmo.com.my
ANGGOTA polis memeriksa barang kemas yang ditemui daripada seorang lelaki yang mati ditembak di Bukit Tinggi Klang malam tadi.
KLANG - Seorang wanita yang berada di dalam kereta tidak menyangka, bunyi tembakan yang didengarinya telah meragut nyawa suaminya dalam kejadian di pasar raya Giant di Bukit Tinggi, di sini malam tadi.
Dalam kejadian pukul 7.45 malam, lelaki yang berusia 30 tahun mati ditembak seorang pengawal keselamatan selepas mengesyaki lelaki itu mencuri seutas rantai leher dari sebuah kedai emas di pasar raya tersebut.
Pemilik kedai cuci kereta tersebut mati akibat terkena tembakan di bahagian belakang badan.
Isteri mangsa berkata, dia terkejut apabila mendengar bunyi tembakan dan hampir pengsan setelah terlihat suaminya telah rebah akibat ditembak.
"Suami saya suruh saya tunggu di dalam kereta jaga empat anak saya dan dia kata mahu masuk sekejap ke dalam Giant untuk membeli barangan anak-anaknya.
"Tak sampai 15 minit saya dengar bunyi tembakan dan nampak seorang lelaki jatuh dan terkejut ia adalah suami saya," kata wanita berusia 28 tahun.
Cerita isteri lelaki itu lagi, dia akan membuat laporan polis selain akan mencari peguam bagi membela kematian suaminya kerana dia sama sekali tidak percaya suaminya mencuri.
http://www.kosmo.com.my/
Dakwa dah 5 tahun tak dapat nafkah
KUALA LUMPUR - Penyanyi Hawa atau nama sebenarnya, Wan Salamiah Meor Abdul Rashid (gambar) mendakwa tidak diberikan nafkah oleh suaminya sejak mereka tinggal berasingan lima tahun lalu.Hawa yang juga adik kepada penyanyi terkenal 80-an, Wann berkata demikian ketika perbicaraan tuntutan fasakh yang difailkan terhadap suaminya, Izzat Abdul Malek, 42, di Mahkamah Rendah Syariah Gombak Timur dekat sini semalam.
Menjawab soalan peguam Syarie, Fakhrul Azman Abu Hassan yang mewakilinya, Hawa berkata, sebelum tinggal berasingan, suaminya ada memberikan nafkah seminggu dan sebulan sekali berupa wang minimum RM400 selain membelikan keperluan dapur.
"Namun, selepas kami tinggal berasingan pada 1 Januari 2004, defendan tidak lagi memberikan sebarang nafkah," tuturnya tenang di hadapan Hakim Syarie, Wan Mahyudin Wan Muhammad.
Hawa juga memberitahu, sejak itu suaminya tidak pernah menghubunginya untuk memberikan nafkah dan hanya ibu bapa mentuanya sahaja yang bertanyakan khabar.
Menurut penyanyi itu, kehidupan dia dan anaknya kini ditanggung oleh kedua ibu bapanya dan ibu bapa mentua.
Keterangan tersebut turut disokong oleh bapanya, Meor Abdul Rashid Meor Abdul Salim, 60, serta bapa mentuanya, Datuk Abdul Malek Ahmad, 70.
http://www.kosmo.com.my/
'Tolonglah, kami perlu makan'
Oleh SUHANA YUSOP dan SHAWKATH AZDE
khas@kosmo.com.my
WARGA Bangladesh berkongsi makanan ketika berbuka puasa di bawah jambatan di tepi Sungai Klang berhampiran stesen LRT Damai, Kuala Lumpur semalam.
KUALA LUMPUR - "Tolonglah ambil kami bekerja. Kami perlu duit nak beli makanan agar kami dapat terus hidup sementara menunggu bantuan untuk selamatkan kami".
Itulah rintihan Soyful yang mewakili rakan-rakan Bangladesh yang lain yang tidak lagi memikirkan kesenangan yang dijanjikan ejen ketika datang ke negara ini dulu.
Tak ubah seperti pengemis, mereka tiada pilihan selain meneruskan hidup dengan memakan sisa buangan yang dikutip dan meminum air sungai yang telah tercemar.
Hidup merempat bukan kehendak mereka tetapi selagi tiada siapa yang membantu, selagi itulah hidup mereka terpaksa merayu simpati orang ramai.
"Dapat beli nasi sebungkus, kami makan ramai-ramai dan cuma boleh makan sekali sehari sebab mahu berjimat kalau tidak kena berlapar.
"Dalam bulan puasa ini kami pergi makan di masjid-masjid bila waktu berbuka, dapatlah makan sedap sikit," katanya yang ditemui di bawah jambatan Sungai Klang berdekatan dengan stesen LRT Damai, di sini bersama-sama rakannya.
Kosmo! sebelum ini pernah melaporkan kehidupan mereka yang terpaksa menjadikan kawasan tersebut sebagai tempat tinggal setelah terkandas akibat didakwa ditipu ejen pekerja di sini.
Menurut seorang rakannya yang hanya dikenali sebagai Mejin, 27, mereka tidak ada pilihan selain memohon ihsan sesiapa sahaja yang sudi mengambil mereka bekerja.
"Kami benar-benar terdesak sekarang dan apa sahaja yang boleh mendatangkan duit, akan kami lakukan asalkan halal.
"Duit bukan untuk bersenang-lenang tetapi hanya untuk mengisi perut bagi meneruskan hidup," jelasnya lagi.
Bagi rakannya yang dipanggil Ashraful pula, halangan untuk mendapat kerja ialah kerana mereka tidak mempunyai pasport.
"Kami ke sini dulu ada pasport tetapi apabila ejen sudah tipu kami, semua dokumen perjalanan kami turut lesap.
"Sekarang ini, siapa pun tak berani hendak ambil kami bekerja kerana bimbang akan ditangkap polis," katanya.
Tinjauan Kosmo! ke 'perkampungan' warga Bangladesh ini menyaksikan mereka kembali mendominasi kawasan tersebut yang satu masa dulu menjadi milik mereka.
Mangsa culik dibunuh - Gara-gara cinta tak berbalas pelajar pintar dibakar
nanhidayat.nanazmie@kosmo.com.my
TUN HISAN (tengah) menunjukkan sebahagian duit yang dirampas daripada suspek-suspek yang ditahan berhubung kes culik di Johor Bahru semalam.Lai Ying Xin, 16 (gambar kecil)
JOHOR BAHRU - Angkara dendam kerana cinta tidak berbalas?
Itulah motif yang mungkin menyebabkan Lai Ying Xin, 16 (gambar kecil), diculik sebelum mayatnya ditemui mati rentung berhampiran Taman Putri Kulai, Kulai Jaya di sini semalam.
Semasa ditemui, mayat pelajar yang mendapat keputusan cemerlang 7A dalam pemeriksaan Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) tahun lepas telah mereput.
Mayat tersebut ditemui pukul 2 pagi semalam di kawasan semak selepas empat suspek dalam kes menculik pelajar malang itu ditahan.
Salah seorang daripada suspek disyaki menaruh hati kepada mangsa, tetapi mangsa menolak.
Kematian Ying Xin lebih menyayat hati apabila penculik-penculik tersebut telah memperolehi wang tebusan berjumlah lebih RM30,000 daripada keluarga mangsa.
Mangsa yang merupakan pelajar tingkatan empat Sekolah Menengah Kulai Besar di sini dipercayai telah dibunuh dan dibakar sejak Jumaat lalu iaitu kurang 24 jam selepas dia diculik.
Difahamkan, keluarga mangsa yang berterusan diugut oleh penculik telah bersetuju memberi wang tebusan yang diminta dengan harapan anak mereka dibebaskan.
Wang tunai yang diisi dalam plastik berwarna biru kemudiannya diletakkan berhampiran pondok telefon di sebuah kawasan perumahan di Bandar Kulai pada pukul 3 pagi Isnin.
Bagaimanapun, suspek-suspek itu tidak 'memulangkan' mangsa seperti dijanjikan.
Tiga daripada tiga suspek itu ditahan semasa mereka menaiki sebuah kereta Perodua Kembara di sebuah kawasan perumahan di Kulai pukul 6.15 petang kelmarin.
Seorang lagi suspek ditahan di rumahnya sejam kemudian. Mereka yang ditahan berusia 16 hingga 22 tahun.
Turut ditemui bersama tiga suspek yang ditahan dalam kenderaan ialah dua pertiga daripada wang tebusan.
Tainted milk sickens 6,000 babies in China
Agence France-Presse - 9/17/2008 5:55 AM GMT
China said Wednesday that more than 6,000 babies had fallen ill and three died from drinking contaminated milk powder as it promised a sweeping check of every dairy producer across the country.In a developing scandal that has reignited global fears over the safety of its products, China's quality watchdog chief said two of 22 companies found to have the chemical melamine in their milk powder were exporting it abroad.
Melamine, an industrial chemical normally used to make plastics and glues, appears to have been added to make the products look as rich in protein.
"We will finish the melamine-focused testing on dairy products at all dairy producers as soon as possible and release the results in a timely manner," Li Changjiang, head of the quality watchdog, told a briefing in Beijing.
A total of 6,244 babies have fallen ill after consuming the product, Health Minister Chen Zhu told the same briefing -- five times the figure of previous estimates.
While many had now recovered, 1,327 remained in hospital, of whom 158 were suffering from acute kidney failure, Chen told reporters, in the government's first comprehensive account of the crisis.
Three babies had died, Chen said, updating the previous toll by one. They were from northwest China's Gansu province and Zhejiang province in the east, suggesting a problem spanning the entire nation if 1.3 billion people.
Most families struck by the tragedy, which has been brewing for months but only emerged on the public agenda last week, are farmers, but it also has the potential to spread overseas.
The two companies which exported the powder sent it to Bangladesh, Burundi, Gabon, Myanmar and Yemen.
Li, head of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, confirmed melamine was also found in a yogurt ice-bar made by Yili, one of China's biggest dairy producers, which was sold in the southern Chinese territory of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong supermarket chain Wellcome has recalled the Yili Natural Choice Yogurt Ice-bar and Li said authorities would investigate how melamine got into that product.
Sanlu Group, the company initially fingered as the alleged chief culprit, has fired its chairwoman and its general manager, state media said earlier.
Four local officials, linked with agriculture and quality control, were also sacked on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency said.
China's Mengniu Dairy, another of the 22 firms involved, suspended trading of its shares on the Hong Kong stock exchange Wednesday, but did not spell out a reason for the move.
The scandal is the latest to rock China's food industry, which has already been tarnished in recent years by a series of health scares over dangerous products, some of which have been exported.
Melamine was also found in Chinese pet food exported to the United States last year that killed dogs and cats.
Chinese fish contaminated with banned drugs, cough syrup made with poisonous chemicals and dumplings laced with pesticide have also been found on sale in other countries.
Officials at Wednesday's briefing did not give any firm guarantees that the milk issue would not grow larger as more examinations were carried out.
"We're carrying out comprehensive tests to find out if dairy products made after September 14 contained melamine," said Li, adding the results would be announced later.
"As to whether dairy products from before that date contained melamine, I think it's better to answer with facts and figures."
http://news.my.msn.com/
Malaysian PM says may step down earlier than planned
Agence France-Presse - 9/17/2008 7:33 AM GMT
Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is facing an opposition bid to seize power, said Wednesday he might step down before a planned handover to his deputy in mid-2010.
Abdullah also said he was giving up his finance portfolio, which will go to deputy premier Najib Razak with immediate effect.
"I will decide when I want to go... I will not be staying more than 2010," Abdullah told a press conference.
"If I should want to go earlier, that is flexible. That is the flexibility we have arranged," he said of the transition plan forged with Najib after disastrous March elections that triggered calls for him to quit.
"It depends on the progress of the role I am giving to Najib. Let's see what he can do. At the same time I'm looking at things I need to do -- reform measures, social measures to deal with the poor."
Abdullah, who will take over Najib's responsibilities as defence minister, said that both he and his deputy were committed to the transition plan, which has been criticised within the ruling party as undemocratic.
There had been speculation that Najib and other figures in the ruling party were preparing to challenge Abdullah, whose popularity has tumbled due to a weakening economy and broken promises for reform.
Adding to the pressure on the premier, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said this week that he has the support of enough lawmakers to topple the Barisan Nasional coalition, which has ruled for half a century.
Abdullah on Wednesday delivered a warning to the opposition leader, accusing him of "lying to the public and confusing the people".
"He has become a threat to the economy and national security," he said -- a serious allegation in Malaysia, where the government can use draconian internal security laws to detain its opponents without trial.
"I will not indicate what plan I will take, what I do will be in the best interests of the people and the country," Abdullah said when asked what action he was going to take.
He also confirmed he would not agree to the opposition leader's request for a meeting to discuss a peaceful transition of power. "There is nothing to discuss," he said.
http://news.my.msn.com/
Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is facing an opposition bid to seize power, said Wednesday he might step down before a planned handover to his deputy in mid-2010.
Abdullah also said he was giving up his finance portfolio, which will go to deputy premier Najib Razak with immediate effect.
"I will decide when I want to go... I will not be staying more than 2010," Abdullah told a press conference.
"If I should want to go earlier, that is flexible. That is the flexibility we have arranged," he said of the transition plan forged with Najib after disastrous March elections that triggered calls for him to quit.
"It depends on the progress of the role I am giving to Najib. Let's see what he can do. At the same time I'm looking at things I need to do -- reform measures, social measures to deal with the poor."
Abdullah, who will take over Najib's responsibilities as defence minister, said that both he and his deputy were committed to the transition plan, which has been criticised within the ruling party as undemocratic.
There had been speculation that Najib and other figures in the ruling party were preparing to challenge Abdullah, whose popularity has tumbled due to a weakening economy and broken promises for reform.
Adding to the pressure on the premier, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said this week that he has the support of enough lawmakers to topple the Barisan Nasional coalition, which has ruled for half a century.
Abdullah on Wednesday delivered a warning to the opposition leader, accusing him of "lying to the public and confusing the people".
"He has become a threat to the economy and national security," he said -- a serious allegation in Malaysia, where the government can use draconian internal security laws to detain its opponents without trial.
"I will not indicate what plan I will take, what I do will be in the best interests of the people and the country," Abdullah said when asked what action he was going to take.
He also confirmed he would not agree to the opposition leader's request for a meeting to discuss a peaceful transition of power. "There is nothing to discuss," he said.
http://news.my.msn.com/
Malaysia's Anwar faces formidable hurdles to remove govt: analysts
Agence France-Presse - 9/17/2008 5:16 AM GMT
Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has declared victory in an audacious campaign to sign up enough support to remove the government that has been in power for half a century.
But observers say that that Anwar, a former deputy premier who was sacked and jailed a decade ago, must overcome other formidable barriers before pulling off the first change of government in Malaysia's history.
The ruling coalition, which has dominated the multiracial country since independence from Britain in 1957, will not go quietly despite Anwar's appeal this week for a peaceful transition.
"There is a group of Malay elites who cannot fathom that they may have to give up power. They've been in this position of strength and they know nothing else," said Bridget Welsh, a Southeast Asia expert from Johns Hopkins University.
"Anwar knows he has to get the civil service, the military, the king and the the sultans in his court in order to change the system that's been in power for 51 years and where there are entrenched interests."
After a crackdown last week that saw three arrests under a draconian internal security law, which allows for detention without trial, Welsh said Anwar could also face a threat to his life and liberty.
"He has to be concerned for his safety. I think he knows that and I think the international community is very concerned for his safety," she said.
Malaysia's monarchy, which operates under a unique revolving system that gives state sultans the crown for five-year terms, could be key to the high-stakes negotiations currently under way.
Anwar has said he has the support of at least 31 lawmakers from the coalition, giving him a small majority in parliament, but if the government does not step down he will need to seek a mandate from the king.
"Anwar will have to deal with the king if he wants to be prime minister," said James Chin, a political analyst from Monash University's campus in Kuala Lumpur.
"At the very least he will have to prove that he commands the confidence of the majority of MPs in parliament."
The government has accused Anwar of bluffing after he refused to release the list of defectors until Abdullah grants him a meeting, but Chin said he was wise to protect the lawmakers from government attempts to claw them back.
"Anwar is moving very slowly and very cautiously, simply because there has never been a change of government since independence, so we're in uncharted territory," he said.
The situation is complicated by a suspected power struggle within the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, which has been disarray since elections in March that saw it lose its two-thirds majority in parliament for the first time.
Abdullah has defied calls to step down, insisting he will only hand over to his deputy Najib Razak in mid-2010, but challengers appear to be emerging and his replacement could defuse an exodus to the opposition.
Possible successors are Najib, Trade Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, or even a wild card in the form of Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, at 71 an older but charismatic member of Malaysia's royalty.
"A potential stumbling block would be if Najib manages to convince all the members of parliament to stay, to promise them their positions of power are secure with him," said Tricia Yeoh from the Centre for Public Policy Studies.
"I do think Anwar has the numbers to form a new government but in terms of strategy and the manoeuvring and the technicalities of how it will be worked out, that remains to be seen," she said.
The 61-year-old opposition leader is also fighting a legal battle against new sodomy allegations -- the same charge that saw him jailed a decade ago -- which he says have been fabricated to sideline him.
Analysts say the political brinkmanship may drag on for weeks or months, spelling bad news for the economy, investment and the stock market which has been paralysed by the uncertainty.
http://news.my.msn.com/
Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has declared victory in an audacious campaign to sign up enough support to remove the government that has been in power for half a century.
But observers say that that Anwar, a former deputy premier who was sacked and jailed a decade ago, must overcome other formidable barriers before pulling off the first change of government in Malaysia's history.
The ruling coalition, which has dominated the multiracial country since independence from Britain in 1957, will not go quietly despite Anwar's appeal this week for a peaceful transition.
"There is a group of Malay elites who cannot fathom that they may have to give up power. They've been in this position of strength and they know nothing else," said Bridget Welsh, a Southeast Asia expert from Johns Hopkins University.
"Anwar knows he has to get the civil service, the military, the king and the the sultans in his court in order to change the system that's been in power for 51 years and where there are entrenched interests."
After a crackdown last week that saw three arrests under a draconian internal security law, which allows for detention without trial, Welsh said Anwar could also face a threat to his life and liberty.
"He has to be concerned for his safety. I think he knows that and I think the international community is very concerned for his safety," she said.
Malaysia's monarchy, which operates under a unique revolving system that gives state sultans the crown for five-year terms, could be key to the high-stakes negotiations currently under way.
Anwar has said he has the support of at least 31 lawmakers from the coalition, giving him a small majority in parliament, but if the government does not step down he will need to seek a mandate from the king.
"Anwar will have to deal with the king if he wants to be prime minister," said James Chin, a political analyst from Monash University's campus in Kuala Lumpur.
"At the very least he will have to prove that he commands the confidence of the majority of MPs in parliament."
The government has accused Anwar of bluffing after he refused to release the list of defectors until Abdullah grants him a meeting, but Chin said he was wise to protect the lawmakers from government attempts to claw them back.
"Anwar is moving very slowly and very cautiously, simply because there has never been a change of government since independence, so we're in uncharted territory," he said.
The situation is complicated by a suspected power struggle within the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, which has been disarray since elections in March that saw it lose its two-thirds majority in parliament for the first time.
Abdullah has defied calls to step down, insisting he will only hand over to his deputy Najib Razak in mid-2010, but challengers appear to be emerging and his replacement could defuse an exodus to the opposition.
Possible successors are Najib, Trade Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, or even a wild card in the form of Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, at 71 an older but charismatic member of Malaysia's royalty.
"A potential stumbling block would be if Najib manages to convince all the members of parliament to stay, to promise them their positions of power are secure with him," said Tricia Yeoh from the Centre for Public Policy Studies.
"I do think Anwar has the numbers to form a new government but in terms of strategy and the manoeuvring and the technicalities of how it will be worked out, that remains to be seen," she said.
The 61-year-old opposition leader is also fighting a legal battle against new sodomy allegations -- the same charge that saw him jailed a decade ago -- which he says have been fabricated to sideline him.
Analysts say the political brinkmanship may drag on for weeks or months, spelling bad news for the economy, investment and the stock market which has been paralysed by the uncertainty.
http://news.my.msn.com/
Defiant Malaysian PM rejects fresh opposition claim on power
Agence France-Presse - 9/16/2008 9:57 AM GMT
Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Tuesday rejected the opposition's declaration that it has signed up enough defecting lawmakers to seize power, accusing it of "political lies."
Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said more than 31 government lawmakers were willing to switch sides, enabling him to form a new administration with a slim majority, and demanded a meeting with Abdullah to discuss a handover.
But Abdullah was defiant, despite signs of cracks in the ruling coalition which has been in disarray since March elections that saw the opposition dramatically increase its numbers in parliament.
"This is a waste of our time. It is a game of political lies by Anwar Ibrahim and the people are choosing to believe him," Abdullah said at a press conference, adding he did not feel compelled to step down.
"Why should I be pressured? It is mere dreams. If at all it is true, (Anwar) would have announced it by now. The whole world would have known," he said, challenging the opposition leader to release the names of the defectors.
"Do you think he would ask for a meeting with me to discuss a transition? He would storm into my room with hundreds behind him, shouting victory. This is Anwar's style."
Anwar said he would give Abdullah a few days to agree to a meeting before exploring other options. That could include seeking an audience with Malaysia's king, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, to claim a mandate to rule.
"We now have the required numbers to form a government. The PM cannot deny us and refuse to engage with an alternative government. I appeal to the government to allow a smooth transition," he told a press conference.
Abdullah ruled out talks with his nemesis, setting up a showdown between the pair.
Abdullah ruled out talks with his nemesis, setting up a showdown between the pair.
Anwar urged the government not to arrest his new ministers under draconian internal security laws, or declare a state of emergency in an attempt to prevent him from seizing power.
His comments came after a crackdown last week when three people -- an opposition politician, a prominent blogger and a reporter -- were arrested under tough security laws that allow for detention without trial.
"I wish to emphasise that the change in the process should be peaceful. We do not want documents and other assets of the government destroyed. I would like to advise the Barisan Nasional leaders not to abuse their powers, not to arrest or torture our leaders," Anwar said.
The 61-year-old opposition leader, a former deputy premier who was sacked and jailed a decade ago, said it was difficult for members of the ruling coalition to accept that "their ship is sinking."
In March elections Anwar's three-member opposition alliance gained 80 seats in the 222-seat parliament, with the coalition holding 140 and losing its two-thirds majority for the first time.
Anwar then set himself a target of September 16 to secure the support of at least 30 government lawmakers needed to topple the government.
Abdullah also dismissed suggestions he faces a revolt from within his cabinet, after six ministers spoke out against last week's crackdown on dissent.
Abdullah also dismissed suggestions he faces a revolt from within his cabinet, after six ministers spoke out against last week's crackdown on dissent.
Zaid Ibrahim, the minister in charge of legal affairs, quit over the arrests and in departing remarks painted a damning picture of the coalition as paralysed by internal strife and racial divisions.
"They were giving their views and this is because I allow ministers to express their views," Abdullah said. "This will not compromise the government's position."
The premier refused to discuss his plan to transfer power to his deputy Najib Razak in mid-2010, which both Najib and influential trade minister Muhyiddin Yassin have now questioned.
The opposition has said Najib and Muhyiddin may be preparing to challenge Abdullah and install themselves as the new premier and deputy.
The political uncertainty has paralysed investment in recent months and depressed trading on the stock market, which dropped 2.5 percent over last week and another 1.9 percent Tuesday.
The political uncertainty has paralysed investment in recent months and depressed trading on the stock market, which dropped 2.5 percent over last week and another 1.9 percent Tuesday.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Defiant Malaysian PM rejects opposition claim on power
Agence France-Presse - 9/16/2008 4:14 AM GMT
Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Tuesday rejected the opposition's claim that it has enough support to seize power as "mere dreams," saying he was under no pressure to resign.
Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim had said late Monday he would form a new administration with defecting government lawmakers, and sought a meeting with Abdullah to show him the list of names and discuss a handover.
"This is a waste of our time. It is a game of political lies by Anwar Ibrahim and the people are choosing to believe him," Abdullah retorted at a press conference.
"He has no substance but the people will continue to be fascinated by him."
Abdullah, who has faced repeated calls to quit since elections in March which saw the opposition dramatically increase its numbers in parliament, said he did not feel compelled to quit.
"Why should I be pressured? It is mere dreams. If at all it is true, (Anwar) would have announced it by now. The whole world would have known," he said.
"Do you think he would ask for a meeting with me to discuss a transition? He would storm into my room with hundreds behind him, shouting victory. This is Anwar's style."
After the elections, Anwar set himself a target of September 16 to persuade at least 30 government lawmakers to switch sides and enable him to form a new administration.
Tian Chua, information chief of Anwar's Keadilan party, said the three-member opposition alliance had secured a simple majority in parliament and that more government lawmakers would defect later.
But he said there were concerns that the coalition -- which has ruled since independence from Britain 51 years ago -- would stoke conflict in order to justify a crackdown to keep itself in power.
Abdullah did not rule out a meeting with Anwar, who wants an assurance that the government will not deploy the police and military onto the streets.
"We will see if there is anything concrete to discuss at a suitable time," Abdullah said, but insisted he was getting on with the business of governing.
"Our government is in power, we will continue to do our work," he said, holding a meeting with top civil servants.
He also dismissed suggestions he faces a revolt from within his cabinet, after six ministers spoke out against the arrests last week of an opposition politician, a blogger and a reporter under internal security laws.
"They were giving their views and this is because I allow ministers to express their views," he said.
Abdullah refused to discuss his plan to transfer power to his deputy Najib Razak in mid-2010, which both Najib and influential trade minister Muhyiddin Yassin have now questioned.
The opposition has said Najib and Muhyiddin may be preparing to challenge Abdullah and install themselves as the new premier and deputy.
Abdullah, who has also been hit with the resignation of his law minister over the controversial arrests, acknowledged the ruling party had been plunged into disarray since the elections debacle.
"Whatever weakness there is in our party, we will rectify the best we can," he said.
The political uncertainty has paralysed investment in recent months and depressed trading on the stock market, which dropped 2.5 percent over last week and another 2.1 percent in early trading Tuesday.
Hatta Ramli, from the Islamic party PAS which is a member of the opposition alliance, said that if Abdullah refuses a meeting the next step would be to see Malaysia's king, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, to clam a mandate to rule.
"The issue of appointment of the prime minister and change of government is very much the role of the king," he said, adding that the opposition now had the support of as many as 116 parliamentarians.
http://news.my.msn.com/
Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Tuesday rejected the opposition's claim that it has enough support to seize power as "mere dreams," saying he was under no pressure to resign.
Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim had said late Monday he would form a new administration with defecting government lawmakers, and sought a meeting with Abdullah to show him the list of names and discuss a handover.
"This is a waste of our time. It is a game of political lies by Anwar Ibrahim and the people are choosing to believe him," Abdullah retorted at a press conference.
"He has no substance but the people will continue to be fascinated by him."
Abdullah, who has faced repeated calls to quit since elections in March which saw the opposition dramatically increase its numbers in parliament, said he did not feel compelled to quit.
"Why should I be pressured? It is mere dreams. If at all it is true, (Anwar) would have announced it by now. The whole world would have known," he said.
"Do you think he would ask for a meeting with me to discuss a transition? He would storm into my room with hundreds behind him, shouting victory. This is Anwar's style."
After the elections, Anwar set himself a target of September 16 to persuade at least 30 government lawmakers to switch sides and enable him to form a new administration.
Tian Chua, information chief of Anwar's Keadilan party, said the three-member opposition alliance had secured a simple majority in parliament and that more government lawmakers would defect later.
But he said there were concerns that the coalition -- which has ruled since independence from Britain 51 years ago -- would stoke conflict in order to justify a crackdown to keep itself in power.
Abdullah did not rule out a meeting with Anwar, who wants an assurance that the government will not deploy the police and military onto the streets.
"We will see if there is anything concrete to discuss at a suitable time," Abdullah said, but insisted he was getting on with the business of governing.
"Our government is in power, we will continue to do our work," he said, holding a meeting with top civil servants.
He also dismissed suggestions he faces a revolt from within his cabinet, after six ministers spoke out against the arrests last week of an opposition politician, a blogger and a reporter under internal security laws.
"They were giving their views and this is because I allow ministers to express their views," he said.
Abdullah refused to discuss his plan to transfer power to his deputy Najib Razak in mid-2010, which both Najib and influential trade minister Muhyiddin Yassin have now questioned.
The opposition has said Najib and Muhyiddin may be preparing to challenge Abdullah and install themselves as the new premier and deputy.
Abdullah, who has also been hit with the resignation of his law minister over the controversial arrests, acknowledged the ruling party had been plunged into disarray since the elections debacle.
"Whatever weakness there is in our party, we will rectify the best we can," he said.
The political uncertainty has paralysed investment in recent months and depressed trading on the stock market, which dropped 2.5 percent over last week and another 2.1 percent in early trading Tuesday.
Hatta Ramli, from the Islamic party PAS which is a member of the opposition alliance, said that if Abdullah refuses a meeting the next step would be to see Malaysia's king, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, to clam a mandate to rule.
"The issue of appointment of the prime minister and change of government is very much the role of the king," he said, adding that the opposition now had the support of as many as 116 parliamentarians.
http://news.my.msn.com/
Malaysian minister paints damning portrait of embattled govt
Agence France-Presse - 9/16/2008 6:12 AM GMT
A Malaysian minister said Tuesday he would consider joining the opposition, after quitting the embattled government which he portrayed as paralysed by internal strife and racial divisions.
Zaid Ibrahim, a maverick reformer tasked with cleaning up the judiciary and police force, said he had met a "brick wall" from the ruling party which has dominated politics for half a century.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who has now been hit with opposition claims it has enough support to seize power, refused to accept his resignation Monday and asked him to spend a fortnight reconsidering.
"Although the prime minister asked me to take a two-week leave, I say thank you to him, I am not tired. I am just disappointed," Zaid told a press conference.
He indicated he could join the opposition, which political observers say is very likely to form a new administration if the ruling coalition continues to defy calls for reform.
"I don't know their leaders, but I have open mind," he said.
Zaid, who was brought into the cabinet in March as the minister responsible for legal affairs, said he was infuriated by a series of arrests last week under the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA).
An opposition politician, the nation's leading blogger and a journalist for a Chinese-language daily were detained, triggering rare criticism from six cabinet ministers.
"The ISA detentions were the last straw for me. I did not expect that the government would consider a journalist as a national threat. How can a member of parliament be a national threat?" he asked.
But he said he was also frustrated after failing to introduce any reforms, and being painted as a traitor to Muslim Malays, who dominate a population that also includes ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities.
"I admit I have failed, the whole time I have faced opposition from within my own party, and colleagues saying that I don't fight for my own race. It is as if I am less of a Malay... by suggesting these transformations," he said.
"I realise I am facing a brick wall. I cannot translate or make them understand that we are the same country for all races, all ethnicities."
The portrayal of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) as a bastion of racial chauvinism is a heavy indictment on the ruling party, which leads a multiracial coalition and portrays itself as the bulwark of ethnic harmony.
Zaid said that racial divisions were worsening in Malaysia -- where Malays control government and Chinese are dominant in business -- and that politicians were partly responsible for stoking the tensions.
"We have to take action against some people who are bent on creating these divisions because of their own political agenda," he said.
The outgoing minister said that Abdullah, who came to power in 2003 with promises for reform and to fight corruption which is endemic in Malaysia, had been prevented from governing effectively by internal party brawling.
"I was looking for some signs of change, some development, but I was disappointed," he said.
http://news.my.msn.com/
A Malaysian minister said Tuesday he would consider joining the opposition, after quitting the embattled government which he portrayed as paralysed by internal strife and racial divisions.
Zaid Ibrahim, a maverick reformer tasked with cleaning up the judiciary and police force, said he had met a "brick wall" from the ruling party which has dominated politics for half a century.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who has now been hit with opposition claims it has enough support to seize power, refused to accept his resignation Monday and asked him to spend a fortnight reconsidering.
"Although the prime minister asked me to take a two-week leave, I say thank you to him, I am not tired. I am just disappointed," Zaid told a press conference.
He indicated he could join the opposition, which political observers say is very likely to form a new administration if the ruling coalition continues to defy calls for reform.
"I don't know their leaders, but I have open mind," he said.
Zaid, who was brought into the cabinet in March as the minister responsible for legal affairs, said he was infuriated by a series of arrests last week under the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA).
An opposition politician, the nation's leading blogger and a journalist for a Chinese-language daily were detained, triggering rare criticism from six cabinet ministers.
"The ISA detentions were the last straw for me. I did not expect that the government would consider a journalist as a national threat. How can a member of parliament be a national threat?" he asked.
But he said he was also frustrated after failing to introduce any reforms, and being painted as a traitor to Muslim Malays, who dominate a population that also includes ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities.
"I admit I have failed, the whole time I have faced opposition from within my own party, and colleagues saying that I don't fight for my own race. It is as if I am less of a Malay... by suggesting these transformations," he said.
"I realise I am facing a brick wall. I cannot translate or make them understand that we are the same country for all races, all ethnicities."
The portrayal of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) as a bastion of racial chauvinism is a heavy indictment on the ruling party, which leads a multiracial coalition and portrays itself as the bulwark of ethnic harmony.
Zaid said that racial divisions were worsening in Malaysia -- where Malays control government and Chinese are dominant in business -- and that politicians were partly responsible for stoking the tensions.
"We have to take action against some people who are bent on creating these divisions because of their own political agenda," he said.
The outgoing minister said that Abdullah, who came to power in 2003 with promises for reform and to fight corruption which is endemic in Malaysia, had been prevented from governing effectively by internal party brawling.
"I was looking for some signs of change, some development, but I was disappointed," he said.
http://news.my.msn.com/
Malaysian opposition says signed up at least 31 defectors
Agence France-Presse - 9/16/2008 6:52 AM GMT
Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said Tuesday he has secured the support of at least 31 government lawmakers, enabling him to form a new administration with a slim majority.
"We have a slight majority, it is in excess of 31," he said of the number of parliamentarians from the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition who have agreed to switch sides. He did not reveal any names of the lawmakers.
In March elections Anwar's three-member opposition alliance gained 80 seats in the 222-seat parliament, with the coalition holding 140 and losing its two-thirds majority for the first time.
http://news.my.msn.com/
Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said Tuesday he has secured the support of at least 31 government lawmakers, enabling him to form a new administration with a slim majority.
"We have a slight majority, it is in excess of 31," he said of the number of parliamentarians from the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition who have agreed to switch sides. He did not reveal any names of the lawmakers.
In March elections Anwar's three-member opposition alliance gained 80 seats in the 222-seat parliament, with the coalition holding 140 and losing its two-thirds majority for the first time.
http://news.my.msn.com/
Malaysian opposition says has enough defectors to form govt
Agence France-Presse - 9/16/2008 7:47 AM GMT
Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said Tuesday he has secured the support of more than 31 government lawmakers, enabling him to form a new administration with a slim majority.
"We have a slight majority, it is in excess of 31," he said of the number of parliamentarians from the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition who have agreed to switch sides.
"We have achieved victory. Hopefully with this win we can regain the country's dignity."
He did not reveal any names but said he had asked to meet with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to discuss a transition of power and was prepared to show him the list of defectors.
Abdullah has rejected Anwar's claims as "political lies" and ruled out resigning, but the opposition leader urged him to accept a peaceful handover.
"We have now the required numbers to form a government. The PM cannot deny us and refuse to engage with an alternative government. I appeal to the government to allow a smooth transition," he told a press conference.
"We want the process to be seen as conciliatory, we want the transition to be peaceful but we have a limit to our patience. We will give a few days then we have to reconsider our options."
Abdullah did not rule out a meeting earlier Tuesday, but his spokesman Kamal Khalid said it was unlikely.
"I doubt very much he will be meeting with Anwar," he told AFP.
Anwar urged the government not to arrest his new ministers under draconian internal security laws, or declare a state of emergency in an attempt to prevent him from seizing power.
His comments came after a crackdown last week when three people -- an opposition politician, a prominent blogger and a reporter -- were arrested under tough security laws that allow for detention without trial.
"I wish to emphasise that the change in the process should be peaceful. We do not want documents and other assets of the government destroyed. I would like to advise the Barisan Nasional leaders not to abuse their powers, not to arrest or torture our leaders," Anwar said.
The 61-year-old opposition leader, a former deputy premier who was sacked and jailed a decade ago, said it was difficult for members of the ruling coalition to accept that "their ship is sinking."
"They are still, unfortunately, in a state of denial," he said.
In March elections Anwar's three-member opposition alliance gained 80 seats in the 222-seat parliament, with the coalition holding 140 and losing its two-thirds majority for the first time.
http://news.my.msn.com/
Chronology of Anwar Ibrahim's tumultuous decade
Agence France-Presse - 9/16/2008 6:31 AM GMT
In a roller-coaster political career, Anwar Ibrahim was sacked a decade ago as deputy premier and jailed for six years before returning to the political stage as Malaysian opposition leader.
Here is a chronology of recent political events that have led to his statement Tuesday that he has secured the support of enough government lawmakers to form a new administration.
Sept 1998: Anwar Ibrahim, then deputy to prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, is sacked and slapped with sodomy and corruption charges that he said were politically motivated.
April 1999: Found guilty of corruption and sentenced to six years in jail.
August 2000: Found guilty of sodomy and sentenced to nine years in prison.
August 2000: Found guilty of sodomy and sentenced to nine years in prison.
Sept 2004: Released after Malaysia's highest court overturns sodomy conviction.
March 2008: Leads a resurgent opposition to stunning victories in general elections, seizing five states and a third of parliamentary seats
-- Soon after he outlines a plan to seize power from the ruling coalition with the help of defecting government lawmakers.
-- Soon after he outlines a plan to seize power from the ruling coalition with the help of defecting government lawmakers.
April 2008: Ban on holding public office, relating to his corruption conviction, expires.
June 2008: Mohamad Saiful Bukhari Azlan, a 23-year-old who was a volunteer at his office, lodges a police report claiming Anwar sodomised him.
July 10: Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi heads off calls to resign by saying he will hand over to his deputy Najib Razak in mid-2010.
July 16: Anwar arrested amid a tussle over fixing a date for police interrogation, and spends night in custody before being released.
July 31: Announces he will contest parliamentary by-election for the Permatang Pauh constituency in his home state of Penang, after his wife resigns the seat to make way for him.
August 7: Anwar is charged with sodomy, an offence that carries a penalty of 20 years imprisonment. Says he is still on track to seize power by September 16.
August 26: Wins a landslide by-election victory.
August 28: Sworn in to parliament and declared leader of the opposition.
Sept 5: Abdullah vows to thwart Anwar's plan to seize power.
Sept 8: Government sends dozens of its parliamentarians on a "study tour" to Taiwan in an apparent bid to prevent them from switching sides.
Sept 10: In a sign of cracks in the ruling coalition, Trade Minister Muhyiddin Yassin urges Abdullah to consider stepping down before mid-2010.
Sept 12: An opposition politician, a prominent blogger and a journalist are arrested under draconian internal security laws, triggering widespread criticism even from within the cabinet.
Sept 15: Anwar says he he has enough support to topple the government and wants to meet with Abdullah to discuss a handover.
Sept 16: Abdullah says the opposition's claims are "mere dreams" and rules out resigning.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Mufti Perlis: ISA tidak diperlukan untuk bela ajaran Islam
15-09-2008 01:01:12 PM
Oleh ZIEMAN
PETALING JAYA: Mufti Perlis, Dr Asri Zainul Abidin hari ini menegur tindakan kerajaan menggunakan Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA) dalam isu agama dan mengheret pengendali laman web Malaysia Today, Raja Petra Kamarudin dan Ahli Parlimen DAP Seputeh, Teresa Kok yang masih ditahan di bawah peruntukan akta itu.
Ketika ditemui di Damansara Kim sebentar tadi, Dr Asri berkata, Islam dibina dari hujah dan dasar yang jelas, dan Islam juga tidak memerlukan ISA untuk membela ajarannya.
"Jadi tidak ada alasan untuk menahan orang dengan tidak memberi peluang membela diri. Ini adalah satu tindakan yang salah. Sekiranya orang itu mempunyai kesalahan dari segi hukum agama, buktikan dari segi dalil-dalil agama.
"Cara kita tangkap orang guna ISA atas kesalahan agama tidak akan menghilangkan salahfaham terhadap Islam. Seharusnya diperjelaskan dulu apa kesalahan itu. Kalau misalnya orang itu menghina Islam atau menyeleweng, buktikan dulu berdasarkan Quran dan hadis.
"Perlu diperdengarkan pertuduhan itu kepada orang yang dituduh itu. Mungkin juga, ia hanya satu salah faham. Yang penting perdengarkan dulu hujahnya," kata Mufti yang terkenal dengan kelantangannya mengeluarkan idea yang berani dan telus itu.
Kata Dr Asri lagi, "Islam bukan agama yang bacul. Perbuatan ISA kerana kesalahan agama seolah-olah menggambarkan orang Islam tidak mampu berhujah, terus tangkap orang. Mereka akan kata mereka benar kerana kita takut berhujah dengan dia."
Beliau juga turut mengingatkan betapa bahayanya tindakan ISA.
"Sekiranya ada aliran-aliran tertentu dalam kerajaan yang tidak setuju dengan pendapat satu aliran yang lain, adakah ruang ISA juga akan digunakan? Pernah berlaku dalam kerajaan Abbasiyah yang berpegang pada aliran Muktazilah ketika itu. Dia menghukum orang daripada aliran lain termasuk Imam-imam besar seperti Imam Ahmad juga turut dihukum.
"Kalau di zaman ini, mereka yang kendalikan agama itu dari aliran lain maka mereka yang dari aliran lain itu akan dihukum tanpa memberi peluang membela diri. Ini juga tidak sejajar dengan konsep keadilan dalam Islam," kata Dr Asri lagi.
Dari segi politik Islam atau siasah, kata beliau, kerajaan berhak menahan orang dan beri tempoh siasatan (14 hingga 30 hari) bergantung pada keperluan. Tapi kita tidak boleh hukum 2 tahun tanpa diadili. Ini zalim.
"Tuhan yang Maha Adil pun buat mahkamah di akhirat untuk setiap orang dibicarakan. Keadilan ditegakkan di dunia dan di akhirat. Tuhan yang Maha Adilpun memberi peluang untuk kita jawab kesalahan sedangkan Tuhan berhak buat apa saja. Jadi macam mana kita boleh tangkap orang tanpa memberi peluang mereka membela diri?," jelas beliau.
Kata Dr Asri, isu agama turut membabitkan sensitiviti agama lain. Tapi dari segi mempersoalkan identiti Islam seperti laungan azan, itu tidak boleh.
"Namun jika ada sungutan tentang bacaan-bacaan yang panjang sehingga menganggu orang awam, ulamak Islam juga tidak benarkan. Bacaan yang kuat tanpa keperluan atau kuliah agama dengan menggunakan pembesar suara sehingga menganggu ketenteraman awam, itu tidak perlu. Itu sudah diputuskan oleh ulamak-ulamak dari dulu lagi.
"Agama itu terhad. Azan itu azan. Begitu juga kuliah agama untuk diperdengarkan di pembesar suara, berpada untuk sidang yang mendengar sahaja," jelasnya.
Dr Asri juga menyentuh tentang peranan Jakim.
"Jakim berperanan menjelaskan isu-isu agama dan juga yang menyeleweng dari agama. Bukan sekadar menyokong seseorang dihadapkan tanpa bicara. Badan itu juga hendaklah bebas dari percaturan politik. Perjelaskan ketentuan peruntukan orang yang menghina Islam seperti isu Raja Petra.
Itu bersifat politik, biarlah diuruskan oleh orang politik.
"Kalau hendak diikutkan yang menghina Islam, ramai lagi yang patut dibuat aduan. Jelaskan dulu apa yang perlu dilakukan?," soal Dr Asri.
Beliau juga meminta kerajaan memikirkan soal ISA ini sedalam-dalamnya.
"Seandainya satu hari nanti kerajaan bertukar rupa dan kalau berlaku pertukaran kuasa. Terlalu ramai nanti yang tidak boleh bersuara dan ISA mungkin diguna seluas-luasnya. Besok, bila kena pada kita, apa kita nak buat?," kata Dr Asri yang akan menghadiri Tazkirah Tarawih di Stadium
Kota Bharu pada hari ini.
Beliau yang juga akan memberi ceramah di Kompleks Islam Lundang esok, sempena pelancaran Tabung Serambi Mekah yang akan dirasmikan oleh Menteri Besar Kelantan, juga mempersoalkan bagaimana pemimpin yang gagal kendalikan parti yang kecil mampu kendalikan negara yang besar.
"Takkan nak tunggu ada rusuhan atau kekacauan. Ketika itu sudah tidak boleh dipulihkan lagi. Sekali kekacauan tercetus, susah untuk dipulihkan.
Menurut pengamatan beliau, keadaan ini berlaku kerana pemimpin politik menganggap kedudukan politik itu seperti harta rompakan.
"Mereka bermati-matian untuk mendapatkannya sekalipun terpaksa menggunakan belanja yang besar kerana pulangan atau keuntungannya juga besar," kata beliau.
Jelas beliau, saluran politik digunakan untuk membina kekayaan diri. Inilah hasilnya bila kerakusan ini berlarutan.
Tidak ada setiakawan dalam politik, musuh memusuhi, berpuak-puak kerana fikirkan survival politik masing-masing bukan survival rakyat yang dipertanggungjawabkan.
Yang paling ketara sekarang, pemimpin politik bukan sahaja gagal membawa rakyat keluar dari kemelut yang sedang dihadapi malah menjadikan keadaan lebih rumit.
"Bukan sahaja mereka gagal menyelesaikan masalah tapi mereka pula yang menimbulkan lebih banyak masalah lain," kata Dr Asri.
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Oleh ZIEMAN
PETALING JAYA: Mufti Perlis, Dr Asri Zainul Abidin hari ini menegur tindakan kerajaan menggunakan Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA) dalam isu agama dan mengheret pengendali laman web Malaysia Today, Raja Petra Kamarudin dan Ahli Parlimen DAP Seputeh, Teresa Kok yang masih ditahan di bawah peruntukan akta itu.Ketika ditemui di Damansara Kim sebentar tadi, Dr Asri berkata, Islam dibina dari hujah dan dasar yang jelas, dan Islam juga tidak memerlukan ISA untuk membela ajarannya.
"Jadi tidak ada alasan untuk menahan orang dengan tidak memberi peluang membela diri. Ini adalah satu tindakan yang salah. Sekiranya orang itu mempunyai kesalahan dari segi hukum agama, buktikan dari segi dalil-dalil agama.
"Cara kita tangkap orang guna ISA atas kesalahan agama tidak akan menghilangkan salahfaham terhadap Islam. Seharusnya diperjelaskan dulu apa kesalahan itu. Kalau misalnya orang itu menghina Islam atau menyeleweng, buktikan dulu berdasarkan Quran dan hadis.
"Perlu diperdengarkan pertuduhan itu kepada orang yang dituduh itu. Mungkin juga, ia hanya satu salah faham. Yang penting perdengarkan dulu hujahnya," kata Mufti yang terkenal dengan kelantangannya mengeluarkan idea yang berani dan telus itu.
Kata Dr Asri lagi, "Islam bukan agama yang bacul. Perbuatan ISA kerana kesalahan agama seolah-olah menggambarkan orang Islam tidak mampu berhujah, terus tangkap orang. Mereka akan kata mereka benar kerana kita takut berhujah dengan dia."
Beliau juga turut mengingatkan betapa bahayanya tindakan ISA.
"Sekiranya ada aliran-aliran tertentu dalam kerajaan yang tidak setuju dengan pendapat satu aliran yang lain, adakah ruang ISA juga akan digunakan? Pernah berlaku dalam kerajaan Abbasiyah yang berpegang pada aliran Muktazilah ketika itu. Dia menghukum orang daripada aliran lain termasuk Imam-imam besar seperti Imam Ahmad juga turut dihukum.
"Kalau di zaman ini, mereka yang kendalikan agama itu dari aliran lain maka mereka yang dari aliran lain itu akan dihukum tanpa memberi peluang membela diri. Ini juga tidak sejajar dengan konsep keadilan dalam Islam," kata Dr Asri lagi.
Dari segi politik Islam atau siasah, kata beliau, kerajaan berhak menahan orang dan beri tempoh siasatan (14 hingga 30 hari) bergantung pada keperluan. Tapi kita tidak boleh hukum 2 tahun tanpa diadili. Ini zalim.
"Tuhan yang Maha Adil pun buat mahkamah di akhirat untuk setiap orang dibicarakan. Keadilan ditegakkan di dunia dan di akhirat. Tuhan yang Maha Adilpun memberi peluang untuk kita jawab kesalahan sedangkan Tuhan berhak buat apa saja. Jadi macam mana kita boleh tangkap orang tanpa memberi peluang mereka membela diri?," jelas beliau.
Kata Dr Asri, isu agama turut membabitkan sensitiviti agama lain. Tapi dari segi mempersoalkan identiti Islam seperti laungan azan, itu tidak boleh.
"Namun jika ada sungutan tentang bacaan-bacaan yang panjang sehingga menganggu orang awam, ulamak Islam juga tidak benarkan. Bacaan yang kuat tanpa keperluan atau kuliah agama dengan menggunakan pembesar suara sehingga menganggu ketenteraman awam, itu tidak perlu. Itu sudah diputuskan oleh ulamak-ulamak dari dulu lagi.
"Agama itu terhad. Azan itu azan. Begitu juga kuliah agama untuk diperdengarkan di pembesar suara, berpada untuk sidang yang mendengar sahaja," jelasnya.
Dr Asri juga menyentuh tentang peranan Jakim.
"Jakim berperanan menjelaskan isu-isu agama dan juga yang menyeleweng dari agama. Bukan sekadar menyokong seseorang dihadapkan tanpa bicara. Badan itu juga hendaklah bebas dari percaturan politik. Perjelaskan ketentuan peruntukan orang yang menghina Islam seperti isu Raja Petra.
Itu bersifat politik, biarlah diuruskan oleh orang politik.
"Kalau hendak diikutkan yang menghina Islam, ramai lagi yang patut dibuat aduan. Jelaskan dulu apa yang perlu dilakukan?," soal Dr Asri.
Beliau juga meminta kerajaan memikirkan soal ISA ini sedalam-dalamnya.
"Seandainya satu hari nanti kerajaan bertukar rupa dan kalau berlaku pertukaran kuasa. Terlalu ramai nanti yang tidak boleh bersuara dan ISA mungkin diguna seluas-luasnya. Besok, bila kena pada kita, apa kita nak buat?," kata Dr Asri yang akan menghadiri Tazkirah Tarawih di Stadium
Kota Bharu pada hari ini.
Beliau yang juga akan memberi ceramah di Kompleks Islam Lundang esok, sempena pelancaran Tabung Serambi Mekah yang akan dirasmikan oleh Menteri Besar Kelantan, juga mempersoalkan bagaimana pemimpin yang gagal kendalikan parti yang kecil mampu kendalikan negara yang besar.
"Takkan nak tunggu ada rusuhan atau kekacauan. Ketika itu sudah tidak boleh dipulihkan lagi. Sekali kekacauan tercetus, susah untuk dipulihkan.
Menurut pengamatan beliau, keadaan ini berlaku kerana pemimpin politik menganggap kedudukan politik itu seperti harta rompakan.
"Mereka bermati-matian untuk mendapatkannya sekalipun terpaksa menggunakan belanja yang besar kerana pulangan atau keuntungannya juga besar," kata beliau.
Jelas beliau, saluran politik digunakan untuk membina kekayaan diri. Inilah hasilnya bila kerakusan ini berlarutan.
Tidak ada setiakawan dalam politik, musuh memusuhi, berpuak-puak kerana fikirkan survival politik masing-masing bukan survival rakyat yang dipertanggungjawabkan.
Yang paling ketara sekarang, pemimpin politik bukan sahaja gagal membawa rakyat keluar dari kemelut yang sedang dihadapi malah menjadikan keadaan lebih rumit.
"Bukan sahaja mereka gagal menyelesaikan masalah tapi mereka pula yang menimbulkan lebih banyak masalah lain," kata Dr Asri.
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Padah tekanan kerja kursus
Oleh Meor Riduwan Meor Ahmad
mriduwan@hmetro.com.my
MELAKA: Tertekan akibat bebanan kerja kursus yang banyak selain terpaksa membahagikan masa dengan aktiviti berpersatuan dipercayai menjadi punca seorang penuntut pintar sebuah institusi pengajian tinggi awam (IPTA) di sini, membunuh diri dengan terjun ke laut.
Ini berikutan mangsa, Boo Jay Win, 20, yang dikatakan hilang sejak Jumaat lalu, pernah beberapa kali mengadu kepada bapa serta teman wanitanya dia keletihan kerana terpaksa menyiapkan banyak kerja kursus, selain aktiviti persatuan sehingga terpaksa berjaga lewat pagi.
Mayat penuntut tahun ketiga jurusan Kejuruteraan Robotik, Universiti Multimedia (MMU) di Kampus Bukit Beruang dekat sini, dijumpai terapung kira-kira dua kilometer dari tempat kejadian oleh seorang pekerja sebuah pusat hiburan, kira-kira jam 5.30 petang kelmarin, sebelum dimaklumkan kepada polis.
Mangsa dipercayai terjun ke laut bersebelahan sebuah pusat karaoke di The Jetty, Pulau Melaka, dekat sini, berikutan penemuan barang peribadi miliknya di situ.
Bapa mangsa, Boo Swee Kee, 49, seorang guru, ketika ditemui di tempat kejadian berkata, dia sekeluarga amat sedih dengan kematian anak sulung mereka dan masih bingung memikirkan bagaimana anaknya boleh lemas di laut.
“Kali terakhir saya jumpa anak saya pada cuti Hari Kebangsaan dan puasa lalu. Masa itu dia balik hanya dua hari dan balik semula ke asrama kerana nak siapkan tugasan.
“Dia seorang yang pandai dan gemar mencuba banyak perkara serta rajin. Ada beberapa kali dia mendapat markah penuh dalam peperiksaan. Namun, beberapa bulan lalu Jay Win ada mengadu pada saya, dia terpaksa buat banyak kerja kursus dan juga aktiviti persatuan,” katanya.
Menurut Swee Kee, pada mulanya dia terkejut selepas dihubungi anggota dari Balai Polis Bukit Baru, yang memaklumkan kehilangan anaknya sebelum datang ke Melaka dari Batu Pahat, Johor jam 3 pagi, kelmarin.
Beliau berkata, kehilangan anaknya disedari rakan sebilik, Jumaat lalu selepas tidak pulang ke asrama, ponteng kuliah dan tidak menghubungi mana-mana rakan sekuliah.
“Rakan sebiliknya beritahu anak saya tidur lewat jam 4 pagi, Khamis lalu, selepas siapkan kerja kursus. Bila bangun, dia tengok anak saya tiada di katil dan ingat dia pergi sarapan.
“Namun, dia mula bimbang selepas anak saya tidak hadir kelas dan tidak langsung menelefon atau hantar SMS.
Jam 11 pagi semalam (kelmarin) rakannya dapat panggilan daripada seorang penyelia karaoke yang menjumpai beg duit, telefon bimbit dan kunci kereta anak saya,” katanya.
Sementara itu, teman wanita mangsa, Chong Jin Lian, 20, penuntut jurusan perakaunan di universiti sama, pula berkata, mangsa menghantar SMS kepadanya pada jam 2.30 petang, Khamis lalu, memberitahu tidak dapat keluar makan bersama kerana menghadiri majlis perpisahan dan kuliah.
Ibu mangsa, Ng Poh Poh, 46, yang juga seorang guru, bagaimanapun enggan ditemubual kerana amat sedih dan tidak dapat menerima hakikat kematian anaknya.
Sementara itu, Ketua Bahagian Ketenteraman Awam dan Ketua Trafik Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah (IPD) Melaka Tengah, Deputi Superintendan Razali Khamis ketika dihubungi semalam berkata, polis menolak sebarang unsur jenayah dalam kes itu.
“Mayat mangsa ditemui kira-kira jam 5 petang semalam (kelmarin) dan dihantar ke Jabatan Forensik Hospital Melaka (HM).
Mangsa dipercayai lemas lebih 48 jam sebelum ditemui dan mayatnya sudah dituntut keluarga,” katanya.
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Kerusi imbas ‘roket’
Oleh Mohd Fauzi Abdullah dan Mohd Firdaus
Ibrahimam@hmetro.com.my
KAJANG: Kerusi pengimbas ‘roket’. Itulah peralatan digunakan Ibu Pejabat Penjara Malaysia (IPPM) untuk membanteras cubaan menyeludup barang terlarang seperti dadah, rokok, wang tunai dan telefon bimbit ke dalam penjara menerusi kaedah menyumbatnya ke dubur banduan.
Kerusi pengimbas itu dicipta hasil kreativiti seorang pegawai penjara, Rizalma Chik Abdul Hamid, ketika bertugas sebagai Timbalan Penguasa Penjara Alor Star, Kedah, dua tahun lalu.
Penguasa Bahagian Keselamatan IPPM, Anathurai Kalimuthu, berkata kesukaran pihaknya membanteras penyeludupan ‘roket’ ke penjara mencetuskan idea bagi menghasilkan kerusi pengimbas berkenaan.
“Batasan kemanusiaan menyukarkan kami melakukan pemeriksaan walaupun menyedari ada banduan cuba menyeludup barang haram.
Sebelum ini, tindakan kami dikecam pelbagai pihak kononnya melanggar nilai kemanusiaan.
“Sejak kerusi pengimbas itu diperkenalkan pada awal 2006, kecaman berkenaan dapat ditepis dan sehingga kini, kami mematahkan puluhan kes penyeludupan menggunakan kaedah terbabit,” katanya.
Menurutnya, lebih 70 peratus kes penyeludupan melalui kaedah roket ke dalam dubur dapat dipatahkan sejak kerusi pengimbas itu digunakan di penjara seluruh negara.
“Kami mendapati perbuatan terbabit sering dilakukan banduan ketika pulang dari perbicaraan di mahkamah.
“Kami mengesyaki barangan itu diterima daripada individu yang rapat dengan banduan terbabit seperti keluarga, rakan dan bekas banduan,” katanya.
Menurut Anathurai, setiap banduan baru atau yang dibawa pulang dari perbicaraan di mahkamah akan diperiksa menggunakan kerusi pengimbas itu di sebuah bilik khas tertutup.
“Banduan berkenaan diarah menanggalkan baju dan seluar sebelum memakai tuala, kemudian dia diminta duduk di atas kerusi pengimbas itu.
Proses itu hanya memakan masa tiga minit.
“Banduan terbabit kemudian diarah melakukan beberapa pergerakan seperti menarik nafas dan batuk sebelum pegawai bertugas melihat skrin komputer yang disambungkan pada kerusi pengimbas berkenaan.
“Jika didapati ada kesan minyak atau luka di dubur banduan terbabit atau disyaki cuba menyeludup, mereka akan dikuarantin selama tujuh hari sebelum dibenarkan ke sel masing-masing,” katanya.
Sejak kerusi pengimbas berkenaan diperkenalkan, ia memenangi lima anugerah antaranya Johan Inovasi Hari Kualiti Jabatan Penjara Malaysia 2006, Johan Kumpulan Meningkatkan Mutu Kerja (KMK) Zon Utara 2006, Johan Pertandingan Inovasi Integriti Kementerian Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (KDN) 2007 dan Pameran Terbaik Anugerah Inovasi Perkhidmatan Awam 2007.
“Ini menunjukkan masyarakat kita tidak ketandusan idea bagi menghasilkan sesuatu ciptaan. Saya cukup bangga dengan kejayaan ini kerana kerusi pegimbas itu yang pertama di dunia.
“Malah, lebih 50 negara Asia Pasifik menyatakan hasrat untuk memiliki alat berkenaan seperti New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong dan Macau.
“Dalam Persidangan Pentadbir Penjara Asia Pasifik (APCA) di Langkawi, November ini, kerusi pengimbas berkenaan akan dipamerkan kepada mereka (pegawai penjara Asia Pasifik),” katanya.
Katanya, sebuah syarikat berminat mengkomersialkan kerusi pengimbas itu, tetapi ia masih dalam proses perbincangan.
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