Malaysian opposition says power takeover may be delayed

Agence France-Presse - 9/12/2008 7:05 AM GMT

Malaysia's opposition admitted Friday it might not meet its goal of seizing power by next week as it sent a delegation to pursue potential defectors from the government on a trip to Taiwan.

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has repeatedly said he is "on track" to topple the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition by next Tuesday, but his party said in a statement that it could be delayed.

"The process of transformation to a new government... is proceeding smoothly and we believe that Barisan Nasional will be replaced in a very short period," the statement said.

"The date might be delayed from September 16... but the agenda is still going on," it said, adding that one complicating factor had been the government's move to ship lawmakers overseas this week.

The ruling coalition sent 46 parliamentarians on a controversial and hastily arranged "study trip" to Taiwan, in what Anwar has said is an attempt to "corral and seclude" parliamentarians amid the high-stakes negotiations.

Leaders of Anwar's Keadilan party, which fronts the three-member opposition alliance, were headed there Friday to meet up with the delegation, in a "gatecrashing" move that is likely to irritate the government.

"We are looking forward to meeting with BN MPs and to have discussions and meals with them," Keadilan information chief Tian Chua, who is leading the four-person team, told AFP.

"Our team will also meet with Taiwan's government and opposition parties to brief them on the political situation in Malaysia," he added.

Anwar needs 30 of the 140 coalition lawmakers to defect in order to form a new government. Most of the potential crossovers are believed to be from the Sabah and Sarawak states on Borneo island.

"They play all sorts of political games so don't get carried away... I don't think BN MPs will defect," deputy premier Najib Razak told reporters.

The opposition alliance gained unprecedented ground in March's general elections, securing a third of parliamentary seats and five states from the coalition, which has ruled since independence from Britain half a century ago.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has faced repeated calls to quit since the polls debacle, and in recent days his plan to hand over power to his deputy by mid-2010 has come under renewed scrutiny.

Trade Minister Muhyiddin Yassin -- who is seen as a potential challenger -- this week said Abdullah should consider stepping down earlier to allow a new leader to address the issues that have eroded government support.

On Friday, Najib was also lukewarm over the 2010 plan that he had earlier backed wholeheartedly, and said it would have to win the support of the ruling party's 191 divisions in December internal elections.

"His statement shows a change in stance from what he said in July when he appeared to be fully behind the plan," said Tricia Yeoh from the Centre for Public Policy Studies.

http://news.my.msn.com/

Raja Petra Kamaruddin arrested

KUALA LUMPUR, September 12, 2008 (AFP) - Prominent Malaysian blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin, who has targeted government figures on his website, was arrested Friday under internal security laws, his wife said.

Raja Petra, founder of the controversial Malaysia Today website, has already been charged with sedition and defamation after linking Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife to the sensational murder of a Mongolian woman.

The blogger's wife Marina Lee Abdullah said he was arrested by police at his home under legislation that allows for detention without trial.

"They came here and arrested him under the Internal Security Act for inciting hate in his articles on Islam," she told AFP.

The Internal Security Act, which human rights groups have pushed to have abolished, provides for renewable two-year periods of detention without trial and is normally used against suspected terrorists.

It has also been used to lock up opponents of the government, and last year five Hindu rights activists were detained after mounting an anti-discrimination protest that targeted government race policies.

AFP

MSN Malaysia reports: Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar was quoted by The Star website stating that Raja Petra had been detained under Section 73 (1) of the ISA as he had been deemed a threat to security, peace and public order. He said that under the section Petra would be held for 60 days.

“The police will do an assessment during this period and if they feel he should be held more than 60 days, the police will then refer to me,” he said.

Petra's arrest comes a day after the Cabinet ordered the Multimedia and Communications Commission (MCMC) to reinstate access to all blocked websites, of which Malaysia Today was one.

The star also reported Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor as saying, “Instead of blocking access to offensive websites, the Cabinet wants authorities to investigate and act quickly against the owners of these sites."

The minister also added that the government was asking the MCMC to "closely cooperate" with the authorities in monitoring any website or blog to ensure that it does not contain "seditious, racist or religiously insensitive remarks."

http://news.my.msn.com/

Sajian dulang

Oleh JOHANNA A. SOBREY
johanna.sobrey@kosmo.com.my



Anda penggemar makanan Asia? Jom singgah dan nikmati apa yang disediakan di Kafe Delicious.

KAFE Delicious yang menawarkan pelbagai menu seperti pasta, sandwic, salad, hidangan tempatan dan pencuci mulut kini tampil dengan hidangan istimewa bersempena bulan Ramadan.

Disediakan dalam satu set untuk dua orang, sajian dalam dulang itu meliputi sembilan lauk-pauk yang memenuhi selera.

Menurut Chef Eksekutif The Delicious Group Sdn. Bhd, Wan Mohd. Sabri Wan Sidek, buat kali pertama kafe itu menyediakan sajian istimewa untuk berbuka puasa.

"Kami masih mengekalkan menu-menu sedia ada, cuma kali ini kami menyedia bagi pelanggan yang inginkan suatu kelainan pada waktu berbuka," kata beliau.

Mengapa set ini diperkenalkan? Wan Mohd Sabri berkata, pelanggan yang lebih menggemari makanan Asia tidak semestinya tertumpu pada hidangan tempatan.

Kesembilan-sembilan hidangan yang disajikan dalam satu dulang itu termasuklah tulang rusuk lembu menumis-reneh, udang goreng bersama pucuk paku dan sambal belado, salad mi tongfen (glass noodle), otak-otak daun pisang dan ikan kurau kering masin.

Selain itu, ulam dan sambal belacan, emping melinjo, acar limau dan acar Nyonya melengkapkan sajian.

Dulang lauk yang dilapik dengan daun pisang itu turut disajikan bersama nasi putih, air sirap dan buah kurma.

"Sebagai pelengkap hidangan, pelanggan boleh memilih mana-mana hidangan pencuci mulut.

"Selain itu, jika mereka mahu, terdapat juga agar-agar istimewa, Delicious Jello yang berharga RM9.90 untuk mengumpul dana bagi Persatuan Kebajikan Kanser Payu Dara," katanya.

Sabri berkata, pilihan hidangan yang menarik pelanggan lauk tulang rusuk lembu yang ditumis-reneh selama lima jam bagi memastikan kelembutan daging dan kelazatan rempahnya dirasai.

Persekitaran santai di Delicious dengan dinding putih digabung dengan bantal berwarna firus dan biru,memberikan suasana selesa untuk menikmati hidangan.

Tempat duduknya juga selesa dan dekorasi unik seperti sangkar burung putih di siling.

Sejarah Delicious bermula apabila Benjamin Yong, pengasas Delicious pulang dari Australia setelah memperoleh ijazah dalam bidang psikologi. Beliau kemudian bergabung tenaga bersama ibunya, Helen Read, pengasas rangkaian pakaian Ms Read dan Abby Leong, rakan Read.

Delicious yang kini berusia empat tahun itu kini boleh didapati di tiga lokasi utama ibu kota iaitu di pusat beli-belah Bangsar Village II, Bangsar; One Utama, Damansara Utama dan The Marc Service Residence, Jalan Pinang.

Hidangan set Ramadan Delicious itu disediakan pada harga RM89.90++ untuk dua orang.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/

‘Saya tetap suami dia’ - Tertekan selepas isteri mengaku sudah berkahwin lagi

Oleh HISHAM IDRIS
berita@kosmo.com.my



AHMAD keluar dari bangunan Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Terengganu di Kuala Terengganu semalam.


KUALA TERENGGANU – Sebelum ini, pahitnya bermadu hanya dirasai oleh isteri apabila suami mereka berkahwin lagi.


Tetapi bagi Ahmad (bukan nama sebenar), 58, beliau menderita ‘dimadu’ apabila isterinya didakwa mempunyai seorang lagi suami.


Ahmad mendakwa, isteri yang dipanggil Ju dan dikahwini sejak 1995 itu, secara senyap-senyap telah berkahwin dengan seorang lelaki lain lebih setahun lalu.


Menurutnya, perbuatan Ju sudah menjadi buah mulut rakan-rakan dan hanya terbongkar empat hari lalu apabila beliau bertanya kepada anak sulungnya berusia 11 tahun yang mengetahui ‘rahsia besar’ ibunya.


Jelasnya, pada mulanya isterinya yang berumur 43 tahun itu enggan mengakui perkara itu, tetapi selepas didesak barulah dia mengaku telah berkahwin dengan seorang lelaki lain.


“Yang menghiris hati saya apabila isteri saya mengaku menjadi isteri kedua suami barunya yang sudah mempunyai 10 orang anak,” katanya kepada Kosmo! di sini semalam.


Lelaki yang menampung hidup dengan menjual kereta terpakai itu mendakwa, dalam tempoh tersebut Ju telah menggilirkan hari untuk bersamanya dan suami barunya.


Ahmad berkata, Ju tinggal bersamanya dari Isnin hingga Khamis, manakala Jumaat hingga Ahad pula bersama suami keduanya.


“Selama ini saya tak tahu perkara ini sebab isteri saya bekerja di Kuala Terengganu dan ada kalanya dia tinggal di rumah orang tuanya.


“Rupa-rupanya selama ini dia tinggal bersama lelaki itu sedangkan saya menyangka dia di rumah ayahnya,’’ kata Ahmad yang mempunyai tiga orang anak dengan Ju.


Ditanya sama ada beliau mengenali ‘madunya’ itu, Ahmad menjawab: “Tak, saya tak kenal, tapi menurut isteri saya dia bekerja di Kuala Terengganu dan lelaki itu kenal saya.’’


Ahmad mengakui selama ini tidak ambil peduli apabila ada rakan-rakan bertanya mengenai rumahtangganya kerana mereka mendakwa kerap melihat Ju bersama seorang lelaki lain.


“Anak saya juga beritahu, emak mereka suruh memanggil lelaki itu sebagai Bak (panggilan untuk ayah) sama seperti mereka memanggil saya. Saya adalah Bak 1, lelaki itu pula Bak 2,’’ katanya.


Mengenai perasaannya dimadukan isteri, Alias berkata, beliau kini buntu dan sedar perbuatan isterinya menyalahi hukum agama.


http://www.kosmo.com.my/

Malaysian blogger arrested under tough internal security law

Agence France-Presse - 9/12/2008 6:18 AM GMT


Prominent Malaysian blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin, who has targeted government figures on his website, was arrested Friday under internal security laws, his wife said.


Raja Petra, founder of the controversial Malaysia Today website, has already been charged with sedition and defamation after linking Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife to the sensational murder of a Mongolian woman.


The blogger's wife Marina Lee Abdullah said he was arrested by police at his home under legislation that allows for detention without trial.


"They came here and arrested him under the Internal Security Act for inciting hate in his articles on Islam," she told AFP.


A Home Ministry official said he was not immediately able to comment on the case.


The Internal Security Act, which human rights groups have pushed to have abolished, provides for renewable two-year periods of detention without trial and is normally used against suspected terrorists.


It has also been used to lock up opponents of the government, and last year five Hindu rights activists were detained after mounting an anti-discrimination protest that targeted government race policies.


Abdul Razak Baginda, a close friend of the deputy premier, has been charged with abetting the murder of 28-year-old Mongolian woman Altantuya Shaariibuu, whose body was blown up with explosives.


Two police officers from an elite force, whose duties included guarding the prime minister and his deputy, were also charged with the killing.


http://news.my.msn.com/

Malaysian opposition pursues MPs to Taiwan

Agence France-Presse - 9/12/2008 4:14 AM GMT


Malaysia's opposition admitted it might not meet its goal of seizing power by next week as it sent a delegation to pursue potential defectors from the government on a trip to Taiwan.


Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has repeatedly said he is "on track" to topple the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition by next Tuesday but his party said in a statement that it could be delayed.


"The process of transformation to a new government... is proceeding smoothly and we believe that Barisan Nasional will be replaced in a very short period," it said.


"The date might be delayed from September 16... but the agenda is still going on," it said, adding that one complicating factor had been the government's move to ship lawmakers overseas this week.


The ruling coalition sent 46 parliamentarians on a controversial and hastily arranged "study trip" to Taiwan, in what Anwar has said is an attempt to "corral and seclude" parliamentarians amid the high-stakes negotiations.


Leaders of Anwar's Keadilan party, which fronts the three-member opposition alliance, were headed there Friday to meet up with the delegation, in a "gatecrashing" move that is likely to irritate the government.


"We are looking forward to meeting with BN MPs and to have discussions and meals with them," Keadilan information chief Tian Chua, who is leading the four-person team, told AFP.


"Our team will also meet with Taiwan's government and opposition parties to brief them on the political situation in Malaysia," he added.


The leader of the government tour, Tiong King Sing, told the New Straits Times he was not worried about the opposition plans.


"They can send their leader, they can send whoever they want. It is up to them," he told the paper. "We have no fear."


Anwar needs 30 of the 140 coalition lawmakers to defect to form a new government. Most of the potential crossovers are believed to be from the Sabah and Sarawak states on Borneo island.


The opposition alliance gained unprecedented ground in March's general elections, securing a third of parliamentary seats and five states from the coalition, which has ruled since independence from Britain half a century ago.


http://news.my.msn.com/

Ketenangan Nora selepas 'berhijrah'...

Ditulis oleh WAHIDA ASRANI
Tuesday, 09 September 2008





Transformasi imej yang dilakukan oleh Nora sempena hari lahirnya yang ke-35 pada Julai lalu sememangnya dilihat penyanyi itu sebagai satu fasa baru dalam kehidupannya.


Malah, akui isteri kepada komposer terkenal Johan Nawawi ini, dia berasa cukup tenang dengan 'penghijrahan' tersebut apatah lagi tatkala ini umat Islam sedang mengerjakan ibadah puasa.


"Saya tampil dengan imej seperti ini sejak 26 Julai lalu. Tapi kalau diikutkan sebenarnya, sejak 10 tahun dulu hati saya sudah terdetik untuk pakai tudung...ketika mula-mula berkahwin lagi.


"Tetapi, perkara ni kita tak boleh main-main. Saya ingin lakukan secara ikhlas. Sewaktu usia saya sudah menghampiri 35, saya bertanya lagi pada diri sendiri sama ada saya sudah bersedia atau tidak.


"Akhirnya saya rasa inilah masa yang sesuai untuk saya lakukan. Malah, Johan juga tidak mengetahui niat saya ini sehinggalah pada hari lahir saya lebih sebulan yang lalu.


"Begitu juga dengan anak-anak saya. Pada awal dulu, saya tidak begitu tahu cara nak memakai tudung dengan betul. Jadi, anak-anaklah yang menjadi 'pengkritik' saya," ujar Nora yang ditemui pada rakaman program Akademi Nasyid Aidilfitri, baru-baru ini.


Menurut penyanyi ini lagi, dia tetap bersyukur kerana transformasi dirinya itu diterima ramai. Malah, tawaran untuk menjayakan show juga cukup banyak diterima oleh Nora ketika ini.


"Saya tidaklah kekok sangat dengan imej baru ini. Tapi, memang mana-mana saya pergi sebelum ini ada yang bertanya sama ada saya pakai tudung betul-betul atau hanya kerana majlis-majlis tertentu.


"Apapun, saya harap selepas ini peminat mahupun mereka di luar sana sudah tahu tentang perubahan imej saya. Saya pun bukanlah buat perubahan yang mendadak sangat.


"Alhamdulillah, show raya tahun ini agak banyak. Saya akui, sejak bertudung ni, saya lebih banyak terlibat di dalam program-program di saluran TV9 kerana mungkin bersesuaian dengan konsep stesen televisyen itu," tutur Nora.


Katanya, dia tidak menghadkan mana-mana program untuk disertainya. Malah, dari segi lagu juga, Nora tidak membataskan sebarang lagu asalkan ianya kena dengan imej barunya sekarang.


"Bagi saya, jika lagu-lagu tersebut boleh mendatangkan kesedaran, saya memang akan lakukan. Cuma sekarang ini, saya tidak bolehlah seperti dulu...nyanyi lagu yang rancak-rancak sangat.


Bercerita mengenai perkembangan seninya ketika ini, kata Nora, tiga buah single telah pun disiapkan yang mana dua daripadanya sudah pun dikeudarakan di stesen-stesen radio iaitu Cinta Sebenarnya dan Oh Asmara.


Sebuah lagu lagi, Puisi Hidup pula merupakan hasil ciptaan buat pertama kalinya oleh Nora dan liriknya nukilan suaminya sendiri.


"Kali ini, saya pula yang buat melodinya dan Johan yang menulis lirik. Sebenarnya, Johan ingin menghasilkan sebuah lagu untuk ayahnya, tetapi dia cukup sukar untuk mendapatkan idea bagi melodi lagu tersebut.


"Secara kebetulan, saya terfikir melodinya dan daripada situ, kita masukkan muzik dan Johan menghasilkan liriknya," kata Nora.


Pada masa yang sama, penyanyi ini juga sedang ligat menjalankan perniagaan kuih-muihnya yang sudah tujuh tahun dilakukannya.


"Sebelum ini, saya buat secara kecil-kecilan saja. Tetapi setelah saya muncul di dalam program Wanita Hari Ini tidak lama dulu memperkatakan tentang bisnes tersebut, sambutan yang saya terima memang di luar jangkaan.


"Saya jalankan bisnes itu bersama seorang partner dan kami menjual kek lapis dan cookies yang ada diantaranya saya lakukan sendiri.


"Untuk tempahan atau sebarang maklumat tentang bisnes ini, boleh layari www.nora.com.my ," kata Nora yang akan pulang beraya ke Kelantan pada Hari Raya kedua nanti.


http://buletinonline.net/

Ahmad Ismail suspended for racist comments

KUALA LUMPUR, September 10, 2008 (AFP) - Malaysia's premier said Wednesday that a senior member of the ruling party had been suspended for three years for "stoking racial tensions" by making incendiary comments about ethnic Chinese.

Ahmad Ismail, a member of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), which leads the ruling coalition, had called Chinese "lodgers" and warned of repercussions if they tried to seek political power.

The furore has highlighted rifts between majority Muslim Malays and the ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities, and caused uproar in the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition of race-based parties.

"The supreme council has found that Ahmad Ismail's statement and actions have caused much anger and protest from the BN component parties," Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said after a meeting of the policy-making body.

"We have decided that he will be suspended from the party for three years," he told a press conference.

AFP

http://news.my.msn.com/

Tauhu guna logo halal palsu? Kilang proses tauhu kering terletak berhampiran kandang ternakan babi

Oleh JUNHAIRI ALYASA dan SHAH NIZAM OMAR

khas@kosmo.com.my

INILAH kilang memproses tauhu kering di Cheras yang terletak berhampiran kandang ternakan babi.

KUALA LUMPUR - Percaya atau tidak, anda mungkin pernah terbeli tauhu kering yang diproses dalam satu kawasan ladang menternak babi di kawasan Cheras yang sejak sekian lama berada di pasaran.

Memang mengejutkan, tetapi tidak siapa yang akan mengambil peduli lebih-lebih lagi jika terdapat logo halal Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Jakim) pada pek bungkusan itu.

Difahamkan, tauhu kering itu telah berada di pasaran sejak empat tahun lalu dan telah mendapat sambutan ramai terutama daripada pengguna beragama Islam.

Menjijikkan. Itulah yang dapat dirumuskan ketika wartawan Kosmo! menyelinap masuk ke kilang membuat tauhu kering di sebuah premis di Cheras itu semalam.

Bukan sahaja kotor dan tidak terurus, kandang babi yang cuma dipisahkan oleh sekeping dinding cukup memualkan.

Bau busuk tersebut sekali gus menjawab persoalan yang selama ini menghantui penduduk setempat memikirkan apakah kegiatan di sebalik kawasan berdinding zink itu selain beberapa ekor anjing juga kelihatan bebas keluar masuk ke tempat membuat tauhu kering itu.

Dalam kawasan berpagar yang sama juga, terdapat sebuah kilang yang memproses kayu yang mengeluarkan habuk tidak terkawal dalam ruangan yang amat terhad.

Selepas beberapa jam menyelinap, wartawan Kosmo! turut mengekori sebuah van dan mendapati ia membawa tauhu kering yang telah siap dibungkus ke sebuah kedai berhampiran sebelum diedarkan ke tempat lain.

Apa yang menyedihkan, dipercayai logo halal Jakim itu palsu juga tertera pada bungkusan tauhu yang yang dibungkus dalam kuantiti besar untuk pemborong.

Bukan itu sahaja, alamat syarikat yang mengeluarkan bahan makanan tersebut juga tidak sama dengan kilang yang mengeluarkannya.

Difahamkan, kilang tersebut mampu mengeluarkan 5,000 hingga 10,000 bungkus tauhu kering setiap hari dan pasarannya bukan sahaja di Lembah Klang malah ke seluruh negara.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/

'Syak bekas pembantu rumah'

SHAH ALAM - "Sebelum kejadian, isteri saya ada terima satu SMS (khidmat pesanan ringkas) misteri daripada bekas pembantu rumah warga Indonesia yang telah kami berhentikan.


"SMS itu menyatakan rasa tidak puas hatinya kerana diberhentikan dan dihantar pulang ke Medan, Indonesia pada Sabtu lalu," kata Mohd. Yusof Abdul, 66.


Mohd. Yusof adalah suami kepada Raja Noriana Raja Ahmad, 41, yang maut dalam kejadian samun di sini awal pagi semalam.


Menurutnya, SMS tersebut berbunyi 'saya tidak puas hati, saya ada banyak kawan di Malaysia'.


"Saya tidak tahu apa kaitan SMS itu dengan tragedi yang mengorbankan nyawa isteri saya," katanya ketika ditemui di Bilik Mayat Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah (HTAR), Klang.


Mohd. Yusof yang juga merupakan bekas pegawai polis Cawangan Narkotik, Bukit Aman berpangkat Asisten Supritendan memberitahu, beliau mengesyaki bekas pembantu rumah berusia 30-an itu bersubahat untuk menyamun rumahnya pada 1 September lepas.


"Saya syak dia yang buka pintu supaya penyamun boleh masuk, tetapi saya tidak ada bukti kukuh untuk menuduh dia," katanya.


Mohd. Yusof turut mengesyaki bekas pembantu rumahnya itu juga pernah mencuri wang dari dompetnya sepanjang tujuh bulan bekerja dengannya.


"Disebabkan itu, saya ambil keputusan untuk hantar dia pulang ke negara asalnya Sabtu lalu," jelasnya.


Mohd. Yusof yang menikahi Raja Noriana yang merupakan perkahwinan ketiganya pada tahun 2003, menyifatkan isterinya itu seorang yang penyayang, baik hati dan disenangi ramai.


Menceritakan kejadian, Yusof memberitahu, dia dan isterinya menjerit selepas terkejut melihat kelibat dua penjenayah yang memecah masuk rumahnya.


"Akibat jeritan yang kuat, anak sulung saya terus terjun keluar dari tingkap biliknya kerana ketakutan," ujarnya.


Bagaimanapun katanya, beliau dan isteri yang tidak sempat melarikan diri terus diikat di tangan, kaki dan mulut di ruang keluarga, sementara seorang lagi anak perempuannya diikat di biliknya.


"Ketika polis masuk ke rumah, penjenayah hanya sempat menarik isteri saya dan dibawa ke bilik tidur utama untuk dijadikan tebusan," ujarnya yang memberitahu sempat menendang salah seorang penjenayah berkenaan.


Menurut Mohd. Yusof, beliau dan anak keduanya sempat menyelamatkan diri ketika polis menyerbu masuk rumah.


"Selepas itu saya tidak tahu apa yang berlaku sehinggalah isteri saya yang cedera parah diusung keluar untuk dikejarkan ke hospital," jelasnya.


Sementara itu, Puteri Akila, 16, pula memberitahu, jeritan ibunya meminta dia turun ke tingkat bawah untuk menyelamatkan diri masih terngiang-ngiang di telinganya.


"Saya juga dengar suara lelaki (penjenayah) mengarahkan semua yang berada dalam rumah termasuk polis keluar atau mengancam untuk membunuh ibunya.


"Selepas itu saya tidak lagi dengar suara bonda sehinggalah dua penjenayah itu ditembak mati," jelasnya sambil mengalirkan air mata.


Menurutnya lagi, dia yang tidak sempat melarikan diri bersama kakaknya diikat dan disuruh diam di biliknya dan hanya berjaya keluar selepas polis menyerbu masuk rumah.


"Nasib baik kakak lari dulu kerana dia yang menghubungi polis, kalau tidak
tak tahu apa yang akan terjadi kepada kami sekeluarga," tambahnya.


http://www.kosmo.com.my/

Tragedi ngeri waktu sahur

Oleh NORLIDA AKMAR IDROS
norlida.idros@kosmo.com.my



ANAK bongsu mangsa, Puteri Akila (tengah) ditenangkan ayahnya, Mohd. Yusof Abdul sewaktu menunggu keputusan bedah siasat di HTAR, Klang semalam.


SHAH ALAM - Hajat satu keluarga untuk bersahur bersama tidak kesampaian apabila rumah mereka yang baru diduduki kurang dua minggu di Seksyen 13 di sini dipecah masuk oleh sekumpulan penyamun warga Indonesia awal pagi semalam.


Lebih malang, seorang ibu kepada dua orang anak, Raja Noriana Raja Ahmad, 41, (gambar) yang dijadikan tebusan dalam kejadian sekitar pukul 3 pagi itu turut terbunuh.


Raja Noriana yang juga seorang ahli perniagaan sebuah ejen pelancongan meninggal dunia pada pukul 9.30 pagi di Pusat Perubatan Selangor di sini akibat cedera parah selepas ditikam di leher, belakang serta dikelar di rusuk kiri.


Difahamkan, ketika keadaan kelam-kabut tersebut anak perempuan mangsa sempat membuat panggilan kecemasan untuk memaklumkan kejadian tersebut.


Ketua Polis Selangor, Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar berkata, polis menerima laporan mengenai kes samun itu kira-kira pukul 4.45 pagi.


"Ketika polis dari IPK (Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen) Selangor dan IPD (Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah) Shah Alam sampai di tempat kejadian, kita dapati ada dua lelaki sedang cuba memecah masuk rumah dan kedua-duanya berjaya diberkas.


"Bagaimanapun, selepas itu kita sedar ada dua lagi penyamun berada di dalam rumah dan mereka menjadikan isteri kepada pemilik rumah sebagai tebusan," katanya kepada pemberita di lokasi kejadian.


"Penyamun menuntut kita (polis) sediakan sebuah kereta dengan dipandu salah seorang daripada dua rakannya yang ditahan polis untuk membawa mereka keluar dari situ bersama tebusan.


"Bagaimanapun, kita tidak menuruti kehendak penyamun itu dan rundingan berlangsung selama hampir tiga jam iaitu dari pukul 5.30 pagi hingga 8.20 pagi," ujarnya.


Kata Khalid, polis terpaksa menyerbu masuk rumah berkenaan apabila menyedari penyamun bertindak ganas mencederakan tebusan.


"Kita telah menembak mati dua penjenayah, sementara tebusan yang ketika itu cedera parah akibat dikelar dikejarkan ke Pusat Perubatan Selangor, Shah Alam," jelasnya yang memaklumkan Raja Noriana meninggal dunia selepas dimasukkan ke pusat perubatan tersebut.


Jenazah kemudiannya dibedah siasat di Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah (HTAR), Klang.


Khalid memberitahu, suami mangsa, bekas pegawai polis dan dua anak perempuannya yang diikat tangan dan ditutup mulut berjaya melarikan diri ketika polis menyerbu masuk.


"Anak sulung mereka yang berusia 20 tahun melarikan diri dengan terjun dari tingkap biliknya menyebabkan kakinya patah," katanya.


Seorang daripada penjenayah itu mempunyai pasport Indonesia yang tamat tempoh pas lawatan, manakala seorang lagi memiliki kad pengenalan negara berkenaan.


Sementara itu, seorang pengawal keselamatan tapak perumahan berkenaan, Man Bahadur, 22, seorang rakyat Nepal turut ditahan kumpulan penjenayah terbabit.


Dia yang baru menamatkan tugas, diikat kedua kaki, tangan dan mulutsebelum diselamatkan polis.


http://www.kosmo.com.my/

Dr Mahathir persuaded to rejoin UMNO

Malaysia's former prime minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has reportedly decided to rejoin the country's ruling party after being wooed by senior UMNO figures.

Mahathir, 82, retired as PM after 22 years in office in 2003. He dramatically left the United Malay National Organization on May 19th, 2008, after openly and repeatedly criticising the performance of his successor, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The Star newspaper reported that the retired premier is throwing his support behind a former rival, Gua Musang MP, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, who is vying for the post of UMNO president in the party’s internal elections in December.

The national daily said it received its information from former UMNO secretary-general Tan Sri Sabaruddin Chik, who was at a private meeting at Mahathir’s Cyberjaya residence on Saturday.

It quoted Sabaruddin as saying Mahathir’s return to UMNO had been the sole focus of the meeting, which was also attended by UMNO vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Razaleigh and former secretary-general Tan Sri Sanusi Junid.

Sabaruddin stated that he and Muhyiddin, who is also Trade and Industry Minister, went along to the gathering with the intention of returning the former prime minister to the party fold.

The minister’s presence at the meeting has fuelled speculation over whether Mahathir intends to run with Razaleigh for the party’s two top posts, a prospect Sabaruddin neither confirmed nor denied.

In stepping down, Mahathir had said he would not return to the party until there was a leadership change.

However, according to Sabaruddin this new development should not come as a shock.

“Why is it surprising that Dr Mahathir wishes to rejoin UMNO? He only wants to save UMNO and the Barisan Nasional.”

The decision on readmission rests on the party’s supreme council.
There has been no direct comment from Dr Mahathir on the claims.

MSN Malaysia

http://news.my.msn.com/

Malaysia's Anwar fights bid to move sodomy case to High Court

Agence France-Presse - 9/10/2008 4:26 AM GMT

Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who faces trial on sodomy charges, fought Wednesday to prevent the politically-charged case from being moved to the High Court.

Anwar has rejected the allegations levelled by a 23-year-old former aide -- the same charge that saw him jailed a decade ago -- as a government conspiracy to derail his plan to topple the ruling coalition.

His supporters fear authorities might be able to manipulate the case more easily at the High Court, and that seeking a transfer is little more than a delaying tactic.

At a Sessions Court hearing, defence lawyers opposed an application to transfer the case filed by Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail, who Anwar is suing in connection with his original trial on sodomy and corruption charges.

"For Gani to sign the order is ridiculous, he's an interested party and it is an ambush," Anwar told reporters after the hearing.

In a win for the defence, the Sessions Court judge made the unusual decision of setting a September 24 hearing for the opposition to present its case against transfer to the High Court.

Instructions from the attorney-general are not usually disputed, and the prosecution objected to the timing of the hearing, which will take place after the September 16 date by which Anwar is aiming to seize power.

"Two weeks is too long a time. This is a public interest case," government lawyer Yusof Zainal Abidin said.

Anwar's lawyer Sulaiman Abdullah accused the government of delaying tactics, and said there was no need to shift the case as sodomy trials are usually held in the lower court.

"It is going to be a waste of time if they transfer to the High Court, because they have to start the whole process again, and explain to the new judge what it's all about," he said.

"This is selective justice. People that they don't like go to the High Court."
The opposition and several lawyers at the hearing said there were concerns the government could manipulate the case in the High Court.

"They will push it to a judge who will be favourable to the prosecution," said one lawyer, a senior member of the Bar Council who did not want to be named.

Anwar said he was "very much" on track to carry out his plan to oust the government by September 16, by securing the support of at least 30 defectors from the ruling coalition.

"We are still working on it, we are in touch with the possible defectors, it is on track," he said.

Anwar's opposition alliance made huge strides in March general elections, securing five states and a third of parliamentary seats in an unprecedented challenge to the coalition that has ruled for half a century.

Security at the court complex in Kuala Lumpur was extremely tight, with 600 police and a water cannon at the ready. The riot squad, armed with tear gas launchers and batons, were in full force.

Anwar's Keadilan party had warned that street protests could break out if the 61-year-old opposition leader was stripped of bail and sent to jail for the duration of the trial, which is expected to run for several months.

"This is not a trial of Anwar but of the people's demand for a new government," said one of the supporters, 34-year-old engineer K. Ragunath.

"The government wants to stop Anwar from taking power by charging him falsely and I think it is wrong, we want justice for Anwar."

Norhayati Aulkifli, a 22-year-old student wearing a Muslim headscarf, said, "we want to see real change in Malaysia and we believe only Anwar can deliver that."

"We want an end to corruption and crime, and to have an honest government."

http://news.my.msn.com/

Malaysia faces race row over 'anti-Chinese' comments

Agence France-Presse - 9/9/2008 12:28 PM GMT


Malaysia's premier insisted Tuesday that his multi-racial coalition would not be torn apart by a rift over a ruling party member's incendiary comments about ethnic Chinese.


Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi also promised "stern action" against the politician who triggered the uproar, which highlighted tensions between majority Muslim Malays and the ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities.


It has also triggered unprecedented criticism from Chinese-based parties within the Barisan Nasional coalition, which is led by Abdullah's United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).


Ahmad Ismail, an UMNO leader from northern Penang state, sparked the row by describing ethnic Chinese as "lodgers", and escalated the situation Monday with an outburst in which he warned the community not to seek political power.


"The patience of the Malays and Muslims has a limit. Do not push us to the wall, as when we turn back we will be forced to push the Chinese in the interests of our own survival," he told a press conference.


"The Chinese should not try to be like the Jews in America -- it is not enough they control the economy, now they want political control," he said.

Malays are dominant in politics in Malaysia, while ethnic Chinese are prominent in business. Past violence between the two communities has made discussion of racial issues extremely sensitive.


Abdullah said after a meeting of the coalition's Supreme Council that party leaders had expressed "regret and anger" over the comments and that UMNO would make a decision on Ahmad's fate on Wednesday.


"Immediate action will be taken because any delay could make more people angry... tough action will be taken," he told reporters.


However, he insisted Barisan Nasional "will remain united and we will face all the challenges together".


"You want to see BN falling apart? We will never allow that to happen. We are like a football team, we are very aggressive but we are aiming at one goal and we want to win," he said.


Ahmad was defiant as he left a meeting with the premier earlier, saying Malays were "frustrated" and that Malay "dignity" was at stake.


"Half the Chinese say I'm a racist but most Malays say I'm a nationalist defending my race," he told reporters.


"What I see now is a rise of the Malay people, and I feel we should capitalise on the strength, the support we get from the Malay people... I know they are with me."


Koh Tsu Koon, from the Gerakan party which bore the brunt of Ahmad's criticism, said he accepted the premier's assurances that the comments did not reflect the views of UMNO.


He said there had been a "commitment that this issue will not be repeated or allowed to happen again".


The row has erupted as opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim -- whose Keadilan party is the first pan-racial party in Malaysian political history -- attempts to woo the support of enough coalition lawmakers to topple the government.


In March elections he won a third of parliamentary seats, in the most serious challenge ever faced by the coalition, which has ruled for half a century.


http://news.my.msn.com/

Malaysian opposition warns protests if Anwar bail revoked

Agence France-Presse - 9/9/2008 8:37 AM GMT


Street protests could break out if opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is stripped of his bail and sent to prison at a court hearing Wednesday on sodomy charges, his party said.


Anwar has dismissed the allegations -- the same charge that saw the former deputy premier jailed a decade ago -- as an attempt to derail his campaign to topple the government with the help of defecting lawmakers.


Last month he pleaded not guilty to the charge that he sodomised 23-year-old former aide Mohamad Saiful Bukhari Azlan, describing the allegations as "malicious" and a "slander."


He will appear in the Sessions Court for a hearing that his lawyer said could see the case moved to the High Court, or could possibly hear a petition to revoke his bail.


"If there is an application to withdraw the bail Wednesday, we will oppose it," lawyer Sankara Nair told AFP.


If government lawyers succeeded in such a move, 61-year-old Anwar would be detained in jail during a trial expected to last for several months, he added.


Tian Chua, information chief of Anwar's Keadilan party, said that hundreds of supporters were expected to converge on the court in Kuala Lumpur and warned against any move to revoke the bail conditions.


"It will spark public outrage. There could be street protests," he told AFP Tuesday.


Despite the serious allegation hanging over him, which carries a penalty of 20 years imprisonment, Anwar won a landslide by-election victory last month which returned him to parliament after a 10-year absence.


After March general elections that handed the opposition a third of parliamentary seats, he is now campaigning to secure the support of the 30 lawmakers from the ruling coalition he needs to form a new administration.


Sankara urged the authorities to drop the "trumped-up" charges.


"We fear Anwar will not get a fair trial since the charges are politically motivated," he said.


Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is under pressure to quit over his failure to check Anwar, has denied the government concocted the allegations against Anwar.


He has also vowed to thwart Anwar's bid to oust his coalition by September 16, a goal that political observers say will be very difficult to achieve.


Anwar's original sodomy conviction was overturned by the nation's highest court in 2004.


http://news.my.msn.com/

Malaysian MPs sent overseas amid opposition takeover bid

Agence France-Presse - 9/8/2008 6:15 AM GMT





Dozens of lawmakers from the ruling coalition left Monday for Taiwan on an educational tour, in an apparent bid to prevent them from joining an opposition push to topple the government.


The opposition led by Anwar Ibrahim, who has vowed to unseat the coalition by September 16, said the trip was an attempt to "corral and seclude" parliamentarians amid the high-stakes negotiations.


Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, whose ruling party leads the Barisan Nasional (National Front) coalition, has vowed to thwart Anwar's plan to secure the 30 lawmakers he needs to form a new administration.


"Some National Front leaders are getting cold feet and more than a touch of panic," said Lim Kit Siang from the Democratic Action Party, which is part of the three-member opposition alliance.


"All in all, it is a national shame that the MPs should be treated like delinquent children who have to be packed off overseas and secluded from mischief, treating the National Front MPs as no better than chattel," he added.


But Tiong King Sing, chairman of the government backbenchers' club that organised the hastily arranged tour, defended it as an educational programme.


"It is not a forced trip. We are going to Taiwan to obtain some ideas on how to bolster our agriculture output. It has nothing to do with September 16. They can do what they want to do on that date," he told AFP.


Tiong said 50 MPs were participating in the eight-day tour, and that dozens had left on Monday. The Star newspaper said in an SMS alert that 41 had departed.


There are a total of 140 coalition lawmakers in parliament, and most of the would-be defectors were believed to be from the East Malaysia states of Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo island.


Anwar said he was on track to meet the deadline, though political observers have expressed scepticism he can recruit enough defectors by that date.


The 61-year-old opposition leader said government attempts to compel lawmakers to leave the country would not work.


"We have seen some very positive signs, but we have also seen the desperate acts by the government, threats and using institutions to discourage them," he said in Jakarta.


The opposition alliance gained unprecedented ground in March general elections, securing a third of parliamentary seats and five states from the coalition, which has ruled since independence from Britain half a century ago.


http://news.my.msn.com/

Dahaga paling mencabar

Oleh JAGATHESWARY NARAYANAN

n.jagatheswary@kosmo.com.my

Melihat raut wajahnya, jelas terpancar kesungguhan dan keghairahan mengerjakan ibadah puasa walaupun baru pertama kali menghadapi suasana dan cabaran berpuasa.

"INILAH detik-detik indah yang dinantikan selama ini. Akhirnya terkabul juga penantian saya untuk menunaikan ibadah puasa pada bulan Ramadan."

Baru memasuki bulan kelapan memeluk Islam, inilah kali pertama Mark Iman Malim Abdullah atau nama asalnya, Mark Glenn menunaikan Rukun Islam ketiga iaitu berpuasa pada bulan Ramadan.

Bagi yang pernah menonton program realiti TV, One In A Million (OIAM) musim kedua, pasti sudah dapat meneka siapa gerangan pemuda berusia 24 tahun ini.

PUASA tidak menghalang Mahathir untuk aktif.

Peserta top five OIAM 2 ini, mengakui walaupun masih 'kekurangan' ilmu, pendedahan serta pengalaman, dia sebenarnya sangat bersemangat untuk melaksanakan ibadah puasa bersama umat Muslim lain.

Jejaka yang lebih mesra dengan panggilan Mark ini memberitahu, cabaran paling hebat yang harus ditempuhinya ketika berpuasa ialah menahan diri daripada dahaga, berbanding lapar.

"Kalau tak makan, tak mengapa sebab ketika hari biasa pun jadual makan saya tidak menentu kerana sibuk dengan urusan kerja. Tetapi kalau tak minum, terasa tekak begitu kering," katanya ketika ditemui Kosmo! di Mutiara Damansara, Kuala Lumpur baru-baru ini.

Mark yang berasal dari Kota Kinabalu, Sabah dan menganut agama Kristian sebelum ini menyifatkan ibadah puasa merupakan amalan mulia yang penuh berkat.

BAGI Mahathir, puasa juga mengeratkan hubungan bersama ahli keluarga terutama isteri tersayang, Anita.

Menurutnya, ibadah ini mengingatkan kita saat-saat getir yang terpaksa dilalui orang susah terutamanya ketika krisis kebuluran melanda negara miskin di dunia.

"Kesusahan ini menimbulkan keinsafan dalam diri saya," luahnya.

Mark mendedahkan, keinginan untuk cuba berpuasa timbul dalam dirinya sejak belajar di universiti lagi walaupun ketika itu, dia belum memeluk Islam.

"Ketika belajar di Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Sabah dua tahun lalu, saya pernah terikut-ikut dengan kawan-kawan Islam lain untuk berpuasa selama sehari.

BARU memeluk Islam lapan bulan lalu, ini pengalaman pertama Mark berpuasa.

"Tetapi percubaan tersebut menemui kegagalan apabila saya tidak mampu menahan lapar dan dahaga. Hanya separuh hari sahajalah masa itu. Mungkin ketika itu, jiwa saya belum cukup kuat dan kental.

Akui Mark, selepas melafaz dua kalimah syahadah dan menghayati ajaran-ajaran suci Islam, hatinya dengan sendiri dikurniakan kekuatan oleh Allah.

"Perkara yang amat sukar dan luar biasa untuk saya selesaikan dahulu, kini dihabiskan dengan mudah dan penuh gembira," ujarnya.

Jejaka tinggi lampai dan berlesung pipi ini mengakui, keluarganya yang tinggal di Sabah berasa gusar dan marah apabila menerima khabar bahawa dia telah memeluk agama Islam sekitar Februari lalu.

Namun, setelah melihat keghairahan dan keikhlasan Mark dalam menjiwai ajaran ini, ibu bapa kesayangannya menghormati keputusan itu dan mula memberi dorongan dan sokongan supaya melakukan yang terbaik untuk diri sendiri.

"Sewaktu berbuka puasa nanti, saya pasti akan merindui masakan ibu yang tiada tolok bandingnya dengan mana-mana masakan lain. Antara yang menjadi kegemaran saya ialah ayam goreng ala Barat," cerita Mark.

Walaupun begitu, kerinduan dan kesepian menetap jauh dari keluarga sedikit sebanyak terubat apabila dia mendapat sokongan keluarga angkat yang menetap di ibu kota.

"Mujur saya tinggal bersama mereka. Ini memberi kelebihan kepada saya untuk menghadapi cabaran berpuasa dalam suasana berkeluarga," kata anak bongsu daripada enam orang adik-beradik ini.

Sementara itu, seorang lagi mualaf, Mahathir Abdullah yang cukup terkenal kerana statusnya sebagai suami kepada penghibur tersohor tanah air, Anita Sarawak berkata:

"Tanpa disedari, sudah enam kali saya menyempurnakan Rukun Islam ketiga ini bersama isteri dan saudara-mara tanpa sebarang kemusykilan dan halangan.

"Ibadah puasa selama 30 hari bersama larangan dan ibadah-ibadah yang lain tidak pernah dianggap sebagai sesuatu yang menyusahkan walaupun sedikit 'perit' kerana meninggalkan rutin biasa," katanya kepada Kosmo! ketika dihubungi baru-baru ini.

Sambil ketawa kecil, Mahathir menyifatkan keharmonian rumahtangga dan silaturahim antara kaum keluarga semakin utuh sepanjang menjalani ibadah puasa.

"Mana tidaknya, bayangkan betapa meriahnya apabila berbuka. Semua berkumpul di meja. Itu belum lagi kalau sama-sama memasak," katanya.

Walaupun berpuasa, Mahathir tidak pernah menjadikan itu alasan untuk beliau mengehadkan aktiviti riadah dan rekreasinya.

"Kadang-kadang saya akan berada di gim sampai tiga jam," ujarnya yang mesra membahasakan dirinya sebagai abang Mahathir.

Beliau turut mengakui dia dan Anita lebih gemar berbuka di rumah berbanding di hotel atau membeli-belah di Bazar Ramadan.

"Kak Nita memang berhati-hati dalam soal pemakanan. Dia selalunya menyediakan masakan kegemaran misalnya rendang, ayam panggang dan salad.

"Ketika bersahur pula, sup ayam atau ikan menjadi pilihan saya dan isteri," ujarnya lagi.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/

Teman baru Linda Onn

RABU lalu, Diva terbaca dalam ruangan SS tentang hubungan baru Linda Onn dengan seorang lelaki.

Menurut SS, lelaki yang datang bersama Linda ke majlis perkahwinan deejay radio Era, Natasha Aimi dan Azril baru-baru ini adalah teman lelaki baru Linda.

Teman lelaki di sini bukan bermaksud kekasih, tetapi teman yang macam Linda selalu kata, teman tapi mesra. Cuma belum ada kesahihan lagi, teman yang bagaimana.

Lelaki itu khabarnya seorang jurutera. Dan kalau SS tak dapat siarkan gambar jejaka tersebut, seorang teman baik Diva telah mengirimkan gambar Linda dan jejaka yang segak dalam baju melayu berwarna hitam ini bergambar kenangan dengan pengantin.

Buat Linda, Diva harap jangan kecil hati ya.

Sebab kalau takut gambar mereka berdua dirakamkan pasti Linda pun tak hadir dengan teman baru ini.

Diva: Ada banyak gambar dengan teman tapi mesra.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/

Lama menghilang, 'Sultan Melaka' kembali tuntut takhta

RAJA NOOR JAN menunjukkan sepasang tiara yang didakwa milik Raja Muzzaffar Shah di pejabat Kosmo! Ahad, Kuala Lumpur semalam.

KUALA LUMPUR - Setelah hampir dua tahun menghilangkan diri, ahli perniagaan yang mendakwa dirinya pewaris takhta Sultan Melaka semalam tampil semula dengan 'perjuangan' terbarunya.

Raja Noor Jan Shah Raja Tuah, 53, kali ini membawa dua lagi alat kebesaran yang didakwanya satu lagi bukti paling penting melayakkan dirinya sebagai waris terakhir Sultan Melaka.

Membahasakan dirinya Pak Engku, dia membawa sepasang tiara Raja Muzzaffar Shah Ibni Sultan Mahmud Shah Melaka yang dibuang ke laut pada tahun 1528 di Kuala Sungai Perak di suatu tempat bernama Beting Beras Basah.



"Setelah hampir 480 tahun, tiba-tiba Pak Engku mendapat 'ilham' dan 'petunjuk' bahawa mahkota itu berada di Pulau Nangka, Melaka.


"Jadi, Pak Engku bersama Pawang Diraja Melaka, Datuk Setia Diraja Melaka dan seorang lagi ke kawasan tersebut pada 30 Januari 2007, tak sampai sejam, tiara itu dijumpai," katanya yang hadir ke pejabat Kosmo! Ahad di sini semalam.


Dakwa Raja Nor Jan lagi, lokasi persinggahannya di pulau itu adalah di sebuah pondok milik tokoh agama, Datuk Dr. Haron Din yang dikatakan gemar mencari artifak lama.


Kira-kira tiga tahun lalu, Raja Noor Jan Shah yang merupakan ahli perniagaan berasal dari Teluk Perang, Perak menggemparkan seluruh negara apabila mendakwa sebagai Sultan Melaka Ke-44 selepas Melaka kehilangan sultan selama 481 tahun.


Dia dilaporkan yakin gelaran itu mampu dimilikinya dengan mendakwa menyimpan keris Taming Sari milik Laksamana Hang Tuah serta tongkat Lang Buana.


Alat kebesaran lain yang turut dipertontonkan pada masa itu ialah sepasang keris Bedut seberat 1.8 kilogram yang tertera nama Ahmad bin Mahmud dalam tulisan Jawi dan persalinan lengkap yang pernah dipakai oleh Sultan Ahmad Shah, Sultan Melaka Ke-9 dari 1516 hingga 1528.



"Perjuangan saya belum selesai... dengan bukti terbaru itu, Pak Engku sarankan agar Perlembagaan Diraja mengambil berat akan hal ini dan seterusnya membawa ke Majlis Perundingan Raja-Raja," katanya.



Pak Engku yang lengkap berpakaian kot dan bertali leher serta songkok berwarna kuning dilihat menunjukkan perubahan drastik terutama dari segi penampilan dan wajahnya kerana kelihatan agak kurus dan tidak lagi bermisai.



Ditanya ke mana menghilangkan diri selama ini, katanya, dia sengaja berbuat demikian dan sibuk menguruskan perniagaan dan keluarganya.



Ditanya pula mengapa baru sekarang mahu tampil dan sekali lagi membuat tuntutan, Pak Engku sambil berseloroh berkata: "Pak Engku merasakan 'rakyat' rindukan Pak Engku."


http://www.kosmo.com.my/

Mereka pula jadi bos - Warga asing tentukan jenis kerja orang tempatan

Oleh SUHANA YUSOP



SEORANG warga asing yang menjadi juruwang di sebuah stesen minyak di Kuala Lumpur semalam.


KUALA LUMPUR - "Saya ketua sini. Sekarang tidak ada jawatan kosong di kaunter tapi jika mau jadi pencuci tandas, boleh isi borang ini."


Itu jawapan seorang warga Bangladesh yang bertugas di sebuah stesen minyak di sini ketika wartawan Kosmo! Ahad menyamar mencari kerja sebagai juruwang.


Warga Bangladesh yang memakai tanda nama Nadeem itu rupa-rupanya ketua kepada semua pekerja di stesen minyak tersebut dan dia diamanahkan memilih pekerja baru termasuk rakyat tempatan jika ada kekosongan.


Ia diakui seorang warga Bangladesh yang dikenali sebagai Fahmed yang bekerja setempat dengan Nadeem dan memberitahu, dia bersama empat rakan senegaranya serta dua rakyat tempatan bekerja di situ.


"Nadeem bos kami dan dia jaga dan menetapkan tugasan kami kerana dia sudah kerja lama dan menjadi orang kepercayaan bos besar," kata Fahmed.


Ketika ditanya berapakah gaji yang diperoleh, katanya gaji pokok yang diterima cuma RM500 tetapi dicampur dengan kerja lebih masa, pendapatannya mencecah RM1,100 sebulan.


"Mula-mula kami jadi tukang cuci atau buat kerja-kerja berat tetapi selepas lama kerja, kami naik pangkat," katanya.


Senario itu bukan sahaja membuktikan dakwaan ramai tetapi dalam masa yang sama menyebabkan wartawan Kosmo! Ahad sebagai warga tempatan terasa hina seolah-olah 'merempat' di negara sendiri.


Apa lagi dalam suasana rakyat Malaysia masih menyambut ulang tahun Kemerdekaan kali ke-51 tetapi itulah hakikat yang dapat dilihat dalam sektor pekerjaan di negara ini sejak kebelakangan ini.


Ternyata pekerja asing bukan sahaja berkhidmat sebagai kakitangan pembantu dalam banyak sektor malah kini mereka diiktiraf dan diberi kepercayaan menjadi pekerja barisan hadapan di sesebuah syarikat.


Sementara itu, tinjauan ke sebuah lagi stesen minyak, senario lain pula berlaku apabila semua pekerja bawahan adalah anak tempatan sedangkan tugasan juruwang diserahkan kepada tiga orang warga Bangladesh.


Ketiga-tiga pekerja warga asing ini bekerja mengikut giliran dan tidak ada kelibat anak tempatan dapat dilihat di kaunter juruwang.


Ketika wartawan Kosmo! Ahad menyamar sekali lagi memohon pekerjaan sebagai juruwang, seorang daripada mereka lantas menjawab tiada kekosongan.


Seorang pengunjung stesen minyak yang ditemui, Azman Idris, 34, meletakkan kedudukan warga asing kini jauh lebih baik dari anak tempatan.


"Kita tidak boleh menyalahkan mereka kerana yang menggaji dan memberi kepercayaan kepada mereka ialah pemilik stesen yang merupakan warga tempatan," jelasnya.


Seorang kakitangan kerajaan yang mahu dikenali sebagai Rashid menegaskan perkara seperti itu tidak sepatutnya berlaku.


"Memang sekarang kita boleh lihat di mana-mana stesen minyak akan ada warga asing yang jadi juruwang dan orang kita jadi tukang pam minyak atau pencuci.


"Ada yang berlagak seolah-olah mereka lebih hebat daripada kita kerana jawatan yang diberi sehingga kita tak boleh bersuara," katanya.


Rashid bagaimanapun menyarankan pihak berkuasa mengambil tindakan tegas ke atas pengusaha stesen minyak yang mengutamakan warga asing.




http://www.kosmo.com.my/