Singapore (ENI). Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has said multi-racial harmony in his country is under threat by State-sponsored Islamic puritanism that has damaged the constitutional rights of other faiths in the Muslim-majority southeast Asian nation.
In an 8 January speech at a regional forum in Singapore, Anwar also suggested that the Malaysian government was using Islamic puritanism to win votes in a general election expected to be held later during 2008.
"The real issue is what I would describe as State-sponsored Muslim puritanism borne more by racist sentiments than religious principles," Anwar told a gathering at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore. "It is this kind of theology that leads to the rejection of constitutional freedom of other faiths."
About 60 percent of Malaysia's population of 25 million are Muslims. Christians and Buddhists, who are mostly from the country's minority Chinese community, make up about 25 percent of the population, and Hindus of Indian origin make up about 10 percent.
Racial harmony between Malaysia's ethnic and religious groups has recently begun to show some strains as minorities have complained of their rights being encroached upon by court decisions and government policies favouring Muslims. Earlier in January, Malaysia's government banned minorities from using the word "Allah" in publications to describe the God of their non-Muslim faiths. Anwar called the ban "ridiculous nonsense".
"Today, this sense of inclusiveness is under serious threat," he said. "I'm convinced that Muslims, many Malaysian Muslims too, are equally appalled by this display of narrow-mindedness and intolerance."
Anwar is a former government minister who was groomed to lead Malaysia, but was fired in 1998 by then-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad over allegations of corruption and sodomy. Anwar denied any wrongdoing and said the charges against him were trumped up by Mahathir who had begun to see him as a political threat. He was acquitted of the sodomy charge in 2004 by Malaysia's highest court.
A ban against Anwar holding public office or running in general elections because of the conviction for corruption will expire in April.
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Thursday, January 17, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Report: Signs point to Malaysian elections in early March, despite government's troubles
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - Malaysia is likely to hold general elections in early March, a news report said Thursday, even though the government's popularity appears under threat because of rising prices and anger among ethnic Indians.
The polls will be held «soon enough, latest by the first week of March,» The Star newspaper quoted
an unidentified senior minister in the ruling coalition as saying.
«Everybody is ready. If we wait any longer, fatigue will set in,» the minister was quoted as saying.
Government officials were not immediately available for comment because of a public holiday.
The minister's comments came as no a surprise. Malaysia's 12th general elections, not due until next year, were widely expected to be called in early 2008, although some observers have speculated that Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi could put the polls off until the middle of the year because of an uncertain public mood.
Abdullah's biggest challenge comes from the minority ethnic Indians who are unhappy with what they call legalized discrimination against them in jobs, education, business and religion. They cite an affirmative action policy for the majority Malay Muslims, ensuring wide privileges in virtually all aspects of life.
In November, about 20,000 Indians, most of whom are Hindus, demonstrated against official discrimination in a rare and open challenge to the government. The government jailed the five top leaders of the group that organized the protest.
The ruling Barisan Nasional coalition is dominated by Abdullah's United Malays National Organization party, representing Malays who form 60 percent of the country's 27 million people. The other main party in the coalition is the Malaysian Chinese Association, which represents the Chinese who constitute 25 percent of the population.
The third coalition partner is the Malaysian Indian Congress, which depends on Indians who form 8 percent of the population, for its votes.
Barisan has been in power continuously since independence in 1957, thanks largely to a power-sharing agreement that gives political parties representing the multiethnic country's various races a proportional share of the government. It is expected to return to power easily.
Malaysians of all races are also concerned about rising prices and crime.
The number of violent crime cases went up from 31,408 in 2006 to 35,158 in 2007, according to official statistics released Wednesday. The number of property crimes such as thefts and burglaries jumped from 196,760 to 209,559 in the same period, the government said.
Still, Abdullah likely wants to get the elections over with before announcing more price hikes, especially for fuel, later this year.
The Star quoted Muhammad Muhammad Taib, the United Malays National Organization's information chief, as saying the party was concentrating on preparing for the election.
The polls will be held «soon enough, latest by the first week of March,» The Star newspaper quoted
an unidentified senior minister in the ruling coalition as saying.
«Everybody is ready. If we wait any longer, fatigue will set in,» the minister was quoted as saying.
Government officials were not immediately available for comment because of a public holiday.
The minister's comments came as no a surprise. Malaysia's 12th general elections, not due until next year, were widely expected to be called in early 2008, although some observers have speculated that Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi could put the polls off until the middle of the year because of an uncertain public mood.
Abdullah's biggest challenge comes from the minority ethnic Indians who are unhappy with what they call legalized discrimination against them in jobs, education, business and religion. They cite an affirmative action policy for the majority Malay Muslims, ensuring wide privileges in virtually all aspects of life.
In November, about 20,000 Indians, most of whom are Hindus, demonstrated against official discrimination in a rare and open challenge to the government. The government jailed the five top leaders of the group that organized the protest.
The ruling Barisan Nasional coalition is dominated by Abdullah's United Malays National Organization party, representing Malays who form 60 percent of the country's 27 million people. The other main party in the coalition is the Malaysian Chinese Association, which represents the Chinese who constitute 25 percent of the population.
The third coalition partner is the Malaysian Indian Congress, which depends on Indians who form 8 percent of the population, for its votes.
Barisan has been in power continuously since independence in 1957, thanks largely to a power-sharing agreement that gives political parties representing the multiethnic country's various races a proportional share of the government. It is expected to return to power easily.
Malaysians of all races are also concerned about rising prices and crime.
The number of violent crime cases went up from 31,408 in 2006 to 35,158 in 2007, according to official statistics released Wednesday. The number of property crimes such as thefts and burglaries jumped from 196,760 to 209,559 in the same period, the government said.
Still, Abdullah likely wants to get the elections over with before announcing more price hikes, especially for fuel, later this year.
The Star quoted Muhammad Muhammad Taib, the United Malays National Organization's information chief, as saying the party was concentrating on preparing for the election.
Monday, January 7, 2008
WILL MCA LOSE VOTERS?
AS VOYEURS both sides of the Causeway pore over the nuances of the dirty DVD featuring ex-Malaysian Health Minister Chua Soi Lek and his florist lover, political observers are now weighing the political fallout from the biggest sex scandal to hit the country in recent years.
In particular, with a general election expected early this year, many wonder what the impact will be on the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), and the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.
BN, which is made up of the United Malays National Organisation (Umno), the MCA and the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), has already been under considerable pressure over the past months due to a series of street rallies challenging its authority.
Dr Chua's sex scandal also bears the hallmarks of a smear campaign, his supporters argue, and this suggests dissension within MCA ranks.
But some observers argue that such 'tactics' should not come as a surprise during general elections.
Political analyst James Wong said: 'Internal rivalry and power struggles are part and parcel of politics.'
But the analyst believes that the MCA could be losing some of its urban support and middle-class voters as it loses 'professional' leaders such as DrChua, Mr Lim Ah Lek (lawyer and former MCA deputy president) and MrChua Jui Meng (lawyer and former Health Minister), who are being replaced in the party by 'rabble rousers'.
Recent surveys have also shown that the Chinese population, which makes up 24 per cent of the country, is disappointed with the stagnant state in the Malaysian economy, particularly in the construction, retail and small and medium industries sector.
Mr Ibrahim Suffian, director of independent public opinion polling outfit Merdeka Centre, said: 'There were high hopes when Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took over from DrMahathir Mohamed as Prime Minister in 2004.'
He said the Chinese viewed MrAbdullah as a leader who could fight graft, introduce fair and equitable policies, and boost economic growth.
However, according to an MCA insider, there is a groundswell of opinion that the promises have not been kept.
'People are waiting for the economic spillover of the mega projects announced in the last few years, most of them are not feeling (the effects) yet,' the insider said.
In particular, with a general election expected early this year, many wonder what the impact will be on the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), and the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.
BN, which is made up of the United Malays National Organisation (Umno), the MCA and the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), has already been under considerable pressure over the past months due to a series of street rallies challenging its authority.
Dr Chua's sex scandal also bears the hallmarks of a smear campaign, his supporters argue, and this suggests dissension within MCA ranks.
But some observers argue that such 'tactics' should not come as a surprise during general elections.
Political analyst James Wong said: 'Internal rivalry and power struggles are part and parcel of politics.'
But the analyst believes that the MCA could be losing some of its urban support and middle-class voters as it loses 'professional' leaders such as DrChua, Mr Lim Ah Lek (lawyer and former MCA deputy president) and MrChua Jui Meng (lawyer and former Health Minister), who are being replaced in the party by 'rabble rousers'.
Recent surveys have also shown that the Chinese population, which makes up 24 per cent of the country, is disappointed with the stagnant state in the Malaysian economy, particularly in the construction, retail and small and medium industries sector.
Mr Ibrahim Suffian, director of independent public opinion polling outfit Merdeka Centre, said: 'There were high hopes when Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took over from DrMahathir Mohamed as Prime Minister in 2004.'
He said the Chinese viewed MrAbdullah as a leader who could fight graft, introduce fair and equitable policies, and boost economic growth.
However, according to an MCA insider, there is a groundswell of opinion that the promises have not been kept.
'People are waiting for the economic spillover of the mega projects announced in the last few years, most of them are not feeling (the effects) yet,' the insider said.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Malaysian riot police break up rally protesting detention without trial
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Banging batons against their shields, Malaysian riot police chased away hundreds of demonstrators who held a candlelight vigil to protest a decades-old law allowing indefinite detention without trial.
It was the latest in a series of protests that has rocked the Malaysian government as it prepares for early general elections, which the Election Commission chairman said were "around the corner," The Star newspaper reported Sunday.
Police had banned the Saturday night vigil at Independence Square against the Internal Security Act, a legacy of British colonial rule that has been used in recent times to arrest Islamic terrorist suspects and political dissidents.
About 300 people gathered in front of a metal barricade at the entrance of the square and lit candles. Some chanted "No to ISA" and one man held a mock jail door. Muslims in the group held a silent prayer.
Riot police moved in, banging night sticks and pushing the demonstrators about 100 meters (330 feet) down the street. A water cannon fired a single burst to drive away stragglers
It was the latest in a series of protests that has rocked the Malaysian government as it prepares for early general elections, which the Election Commission chairman said were "around the corner," The Star newspaper reported Sunday.
Police had banned the Saturday night vigil at Independence Square against the Internal Security Act, a legacy of British colonial rule that has been used in recent times to arrest Islamic terrorist suspects and political dissidents.
About 300 people gathered in front of a metal barricade at the entrance of the square and lit candles. Some chanted "No to ISA" and one man held a mock jail door. Muslims in the group held a silent prayer.
Riot police moved in, banging night sticks and pushing the demonstrators about 100 meters (330 feet) down the street. A water cannon fired a single burst to drive away stragglers
Malaysian polls 'around the corner': report
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) — Malaysia's election chief has reiterated that nationwide polls are "around the corner" despite speculation the government would hold back due to a host of problems, a report said Sunday.
"When I say the election is around the corner, you better believe me because it is not a joke," Election Commission chairman Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman told The Star daily, echoing comments made in November.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had been expected to call general elections early this year, but has his hands full with unprecedented street protests, a sex scandal, and public anger over high fuel and food prices.
However, The Star said that all the signs indicated polls would go ahead, as leave for police officers was frozen indefinitely in order to prepare for election practice runs.
The street rallies kicked off in November with a 30,000-strong protest calling for electoral reform, followed by a gathering of 8,000 people alleging discrimination against ethnic Indian Malaysians.
Five members of the Hindu Rights Action Force, which organised the rally, were last month detained without trial under controversial internal security legislation which is more commonly used against alleged Muslim militants.
In the latest act of defiance against the government, which is dominated by Muslim Malays who make up 60 percent of the population, some 300 people held a candlelight vigil Saturday night against the security laws.
They gathered despite a ban ordered by police, who prevented them from entering the capital's Independence Square, and after a brief ceremony sent them scattering into the streets, with a blast from a water cannon.
"The ISA law is no longer relevant. A crime should be proved in a court of law, instead of denying people their human rights," said H. Nandakumar, a 24-year-old engineer who attended the rally.
"People are starting to realise that the government is selected by us and we don't need laws that are patronising. We can think for ourselves -- we are not children," he told AFP.
In other major problems for the government, public anger is running high over fuel price hikes and spiralling food prices. It has also been embarrassed by a sex scandal which forced the health minister to resign last week.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Problems of the Indian community in Malaysia not critical: MIC
Ipoh, Dec 27: Problems faced by the Indian community in Malaysia are localised and not at a critical level as claimed by Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) and the opposition.
Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) Youth chief S.A. Vigneswaran, who described the problems as "not critical", gave an assurance that these issues, which include housing and unemployment, would be resolved within a month.
For a start, he said that data on the number of unemployed Indians would be compiled and submitted to the government.
MIC Youth had identified these problems and issues during its one-week nationwide tour to explain to the community the political situation in the country and issues affecting the community.
"It's not that they (Indian community) are not happy with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi or Samy Vellu, but the opposition has taken advantage of the situation by identifying these issues and blowing them out of proportion," he said.
Vigneswaran also said apart from the MIC, youth wings from the People's Progressive Party, Gerakan and Indian Progressive Front would be mobilised to go to the grassroots and help compile data on problems affecting the Indian community.
50 parliamentary constituencies where Indian voters comprise more than 10%
According to the latest statistic,there are 50 parliamentary constituencies where Indian voters comprise more than 10% of the electorate.
Those are :
Padang Serai
Merbok
Kulim Bandar Baru
Sungai Petani
Batu Kawan
Nibong Tebal
Bagan
Sungai Siput
Bagan Datok
Ipoh Barat
Tapah
Telok Intan
Tanjong Malim
Beruas
Taiping
Tambun
Lumut
Batu Gajah
Bagan Serai
Kampar
Cameron Highlands
Kota Raja
Kuala Selangor
Hulu Selangor
Kuala Langat
Sepang
Kelana Jaya
Klang
Selayang
Shah Alam
Puchong
Subang
Petaling Jaya Selatan
Tanjong Karang
Kapar
Lembah Pantai
Batu
Segambut
Telok Kemang
Rasah
Rembau
Jempol
Seremban
Alor Gajah
Labis
Tebrau
Pasir Gudang
Segamat
Gelang Patah
Those are :
Padang Serai
Merbok
Kulim Bandar Baru
Sungai Petani
Batu Kawan
Nibong Tebal
Bagan
Sungai Siput
Bagan Datok
Ipoh Barat
Tapah
Telok Intan
Tanjong Malim
Beruas
Taiping
Tambun
Lumut
Batu Gajah
Bagan Serai
Kampar
Cameron Highlands
Kota Raja
Kuala Selangor
Hulu Selangor
Kuala Langat
Sepang
Kelana Jaya
Klang
Selayang
Shah Alam
Puchong
Subang
Petaling Jaya Selatan
Tanjong Karang
Kapar
Lembah Pantai
Batu
Segambut
Telok Kemang
Rasah
Rembau
Jempol
Seremban
Alor Gajah
Labis
Tebrau
Pasir Gudang
Segamat
Gelang Patah
Malaysia Now Has 10.8 Million Registered Voters
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysia now has 10,820,650 registered voters when the supplementary electoral roll for the third quarter of 2007 was gazetted today after objections in four out of 21 contentious constituencies were dealt with.
EC's public relations officer Sabri Said said the figure comprised the 2006 main electoral roll as well as the combined supplementary rolls for the first, second and third quarters of 2007.
He said Regulation 22(1) of the General Election (Registration of Electors) Regulations 2002 stipulated that the supplementary roll be certified soon after objections were dealt with.
Sabri said the objections for the 21 constituencies were raised between July 1 and Sept 30 involving 39,868 voters.
He said the four constituencies where public enquiries had been dealt with were Marang in Terengganu, Pekan and Rompin in Pahang and Sungai Besar in Selangor.
"These involved 11,118 voters, comprising 7,745 new ones and 3,373 who have changed addresses," he said in a statement.
The objections from 28,750 more voters in 17 constituencies could not be validated as they were still undergoing public enquiries before they could be brought into the supplementary roll for the fourth quarter for certification, he said.
EC's public relations officer Sabri Said said the figure comprised the 2006 main electoral roll as well as the combined supplementary rolls for the first, second and third quarters of 2007.
He said Regulation 22(1) of the General Election (Registration of Electors) Regulations 2002 stipulated that the supplementary roll be certified soon after objections were dealt with.
Sabri said the objections for the 21 constituencies were raised between July 1 and Sept 30 involving 39,868 voters.
He said the four constituencies where public enquiries had been dealt with were Marang in Terengganu, Pekan and Rompin in Pahang and Sungai Besar in Selangor.
"These involved 11,118 voters, comprising 7,745 new ones and 3,373 who have changed addresses," he said in a statement.
The objections from 28,750 more voters in 17 constituencies could not be validated as they were still undergoing public enquiries before they could be brought into the supplementary roll for the fourth quarter for certification, he said.
Why fear greater democracy?
The levels of corruption in all areas of life are evident and marked. The judiciary is in a shambles; the police, customs and immigration departments are reeling from serious questions of credibility. The only option now seems to be to register a strong protest vote at the next general election, urges K Haridas.
Living in Malaysia where ethnicity, religion and culture continually interface, we are not devoid of issues that germinate tensions. The challenge, however, is to ensure that these issues are addressed. This could be done using several methods, some quietly off the media hype and others more publicly.
After 50 years of independence, the fact that we have not become a banana kingdom, the fact that we have thrived economically and have democratic institutions, ultimately says some things.
Nevertheless, what we could have become is still a far cry from where we are presently. It is therefore not appropriate to sit on our laurels and to say that all is well and that dialogue will foster goodwill. This seems inadequate to many Malaysians.[DETAILS]
Living in Malaysia where ethnicity, religion and culture continually interface, we are not devoid of issues that germinate tensions. The challenge, however, is to ensure that these issues are addressed. This could be done using several methods, some quietly off the media hype and others more publicly.
After 50 years of independence, the fact that we have not become a banana kingdom, the fact that we have thrived economically and have democratic institutions, ultimately says some things.
Nevertheless, what we could have become is still a far cry from where we are presently. It is therefore not appropriate to sit on our laurels and to say that all is well and that dialogue will foster goodwill. This seems inadequate to many Malaysians.[DETAILS]
2008 Is The Year For People To Bring Change In Kelantan, Says Najib
KOTA BAHARU, Jan 3 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said this year would be the most opportune time for the people of Kelantan to return the Barisan Nasional (BN) to power in the state, if the general election were to be held then.
The deputy prime minister said it would be futile for the people to vote for PAS which was incapable of bringing development to Kelantan despite being given the opportunity to do so for the past 18 years that it was in power in the state.
"That is why if the general election is held this year, show that the Kelantan people want change," he said at a gathering with community leaders at the Kelantan Poverty Foundation (YKK) Complex here Thursday.
Present were his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin, Natural Resources and Environment Ministry Parliamentary Secretary Datuk Sazmi Miah and Kelantan Umno liaison chief Datuk Seri Annuar Musa.
Najib said that although Kelantan was under PAS rule, the state was not neglected by the BN federal government as proven when it allocated RM7.6 bilion to Kelantan under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.
"We have shown our sincerity to the Kelantan people and this allocation is to ensure that Kelantan continues to progress," he added.
The deputy prime minister said it would be futile for the people to vote for PAS which was incapable of bringing development to Kelantan despite being given the opportunity to do so for the past 18 years that it was in power in the state.
"That is why if the general election is held this year, show that the Kelantan people want change," he said at a gathering with community leaders at the Kelantan Poverty Foundation (YKK) Complex here Thursday.
Present were his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin, Natural Resources and Environment Ministry Parliamentary Secretary Datuk Sazmi Miah and Kelantan Umno liaison chief Datuk Seri Annuar Musa.
Najib said that although Kelantan was under PAS rule, the state was not neglected by the BN federal government as proven when it allocated RM7.6 bilion to Kelantan under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.
"We have shown our sincerity to the Kelantan people and this allocation is to ensure that Kelantan continues to progress," he added.
Malaysia's health minister quits over sex video scandal
Malaysia's health minister quit his post yesterday after a sex scandal in which he featured in two pornographic videos where he was shown with a woman he described as a "personal friend".
Chua Soi Lek, 61, stepped down a day after conceding that he was the man shown indulging in various sexual acts in the DVDs which were widely circulated in the minister's home state of Johor.
Chua, a former doctor who is married with three children, had initially refused to resign after saying he had apologised to the Malaysian prime minister, Abdullah Badawi, and his family who had accepted his remorse. But with a general election he decided to spare the government further embarrassment and limit the political fallout in the conservative, predominantly Muslim country.
The minister said he was relinquishing all posts, including his seat as an MP and vice-president of the Malaysian Chinese Association, the second party in the ruling coalition. In a news conference Chua bemoaned the fact that people "could not accept" his public apology. "Some Malaysians have a holier-than-thou attitude," he said.
The two pornographic DVDs - one 56 minutes long and the other 44 - began circulating late last week. Many were left in public places for people to take for viewing, with a copy finally passed to Chua by a friend on Sunday.
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