Najib Abdul Razak

No cross or singing at Christmas party with Najib

2010-12-30T10:40:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR - Catholic church officials were told to remove crucifixes and to avoid singing hymns during Prime Minister Najib Razak's attendance of a Christmas tea party hosted by the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur last Saturday.

The overzealous bid to protect the Prime Minister's credentials was described by sources familiar with what happened as "paranoid" and done without Mr Najib's knowledge.

The Malaysian Insider understands that Mr Najib's men may have been spooked by the National Fatwa Council's recent repeated announcements over Muslims at non-Muslim celebrations and had tripped over themselves to ensure his attendance at the tea party passed without a hitch.

It was the first time Mr Najib was attending a Christian function in his official capacity since taking over power in April last year.

Mr Najib has been instrumental in bringing the leaders of different faiths to the same table earlier this year to try and peacefully resolve long-standing interfaith disputes after a series of attacks against houses of worship nationwide.

The violence erupted following a controversial court ruling allowing Christians to also use the word "Allah" to refer to God beyond the Muslim context.

Sources noted that Mr Najib's aides had little to be anxious about as the party was held outdoors in several marquees where religious paraphernalia were the least likely to be fixed.

"They were overly fearful but there was nothing for them to be fearful about," a source pointed out, dismissing Mr Najib's aides as being too "paranoid".

Dr M defends Najib over FDI

2010-08-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today defended the Najib Administration over the plunging foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country last year.

Dr Mahathir echoed the explanation made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak that the slowdown in investments was due to external factors.

The former prime minister said that foreign investors currently do not have the funds to pour in the country.

“Today, most countries and foreign business people do not have the money to invest in their own country because their country has a lot of unemployment so we cannot expect much foreign direct investment today,” he told reporters after attending The Loaf Malaysian Premier Bakery 4th anniversary here.

Najib has come under fire from opposition parties for Malaysia’s lacklustre FDI rates, which have fallen faster than regional counterparts such as Singapore and China even while capital outflows dampened private domestic investment.

The WIR 2010 released by the United Nations showed that FDI in Malaysia plunged 81 per cent last year, trailing behind countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore.

The report revealed that Malaysia suffered a large 81.1 per cent drop in FDIs compared to far healthier figures in Thailand (30.4 per cent), Vietnam (44.1 per cent) and Indonesia (44.7 per cent).

In May, Minister of International Trade and Industry Mustapa Mohamed announced that investments in the country for Q1 2010 amounted to RM5.2 billion.

FDIs made up RM3.2 billion of this total, with Singapore, Taiwan and Japan being the biggest contributors.

Mustapa said the investment amount was still relatively low against the total amount of RM32.6 billion in investments received last year.

Najib has been trying to lift Malaysia’s profile as a destination for foreign investment to help the country achieve an average GDP growth of at least 6 per cent per annum over the next five years.

Najib’s administration has insisted that the GDP growth target is still achievable despite warning that the economy may slow down in the second half of the year due to external factors.

However Najib’s brother, Datuk Seri Nazir Razak, said that wrangling over affirmative action in the proposed New Economic Model (NEM) is causing uncertainty among investors.

The CIMB Bank chief executive officer said that there was a lot of debate over what sort of affirmative action should be in the NEM, notably involving vocal Malay rights group Perkasa, and the government needed to decide quickly for the sake of giving investors a sense of direction.

Dr Mahathir refused to comment when asked whether such issues had an effect and said it was for the government to decide.

“So the government must study,” said Mahathir.

Dr Mahathir has been a staunch supporter of a race-based affirmative action and distribution policy.

The former premier had said that the country owes its racial harmony to the New Economic Policy’s (NEP) because it has helped to reduced economic disparity between the different communities, especially between the Chinese and the Malays.

Scholarships Are For All Races : Najib

2010-07-10T07:50:00.001-07:00

Students who do well in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination are eligible to receive Public Service Department (JPA) scholarships, said Prime Minisetr Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

He said the scholarships are for students of all races who want to pursue higher studies in local or foreign institutions.

“Each student irrespective whether Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan or others who obtain 9A+ (in their SPM results) qualify for the JPA scholarships, be it for studies locally or overseas,” he said when addressing MIC’s 64th general assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre here today.

Najib (picture) said this scholarship opportunity showed that the government was serious about bringing forth a transformation in line with the 1Malaysia concept.

“This shows that 1Malaysia is not only a slogan but is being practiced in Malaysia,” he said

Meanwhile, Najib said a total of 2,304 of Indian students enrolled for their respective programmes in the public universities.

According to him, 4,541 Indian students applied for places in public universities and 2,499 students qualified.

“About 92.9 per cent of qualified Indian students have been given places in our public universities.

“This is a clear manifesto that we are there to help you, together with you to help the community to move forward. This is the BN’s promise to transform Malaysia to be a fully developed and high income nation,” he added.

Mahathir renews pressure on Najib to revive crooked bridge

2010-07-10T07:47:00.000-07:00

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad pressed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today to revive the crooked bridge he had proposed to replace the Johor Causeway connecting Malaysia and Singapore.

The former prime minister questioned Najib’s reluctance in continuing the project despite a request by the Sultan of Johor for Putrajaya for its revival.

“The question that many have asked me, and I am convinced that this is also being asked by a majority of people, is why Datuk Seri Najib as the powerful prime minister is not willing to continue building this bridge?” asked Dr Mahathir in a posting on his popular blog today.

“Is Najib tied in a deal with the fifth prime minister? What is the status of this deal?” he added, referring to former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Badawi who had cancelled the crooked bridge project.

The proposal to build a “crooked” bridge to replace the ageing Causeway, linking peninsular Malaysia to the island republic, was mooted by Dr Mahathir when he was the prime minister.

However, relations between the two countries were often chilly during his administration, causing Singapore to shoot down his idea which was eventually cancelled by his successor Abdullah.

Besides easing traffic congestion between Johor Baru and Singapore, the proposed bridge would also facilitate the free flow of water in the Tebrau Straits in addition to allowing ships heading to East Asia to bypass Singapore.

“I have never heard objections from Malaysians towards the bridge project in replacing the Johor Causeway,” said Dr Mahathir.

“There is also a letter from the previous prime minister of Singapore, Goh Chok Tong, that was published by the Singaporean government in the book ‘Water Talks – If Only It Could’ that he never objected the building of the bridge in Malaysian waters if it was so desired by the Malaysian government,” he added.

In response to the Sultan of Johor's call for the bridge project to be revived, Najib had said that his administration would look into the matter but did not elaborate further.

At Najib's recent meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong a month ago, both leaders had decided to reduce toll charges at the Second Link, one of two bridges linking Malaysia and Singapore, by 30 per cent starting August 1 this year.

Aside from the toll rate announcement, the two prime ministers had also agreed to move the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) station from Tanjong Pagar to the Woodlands Train Checkpoint (WTCP) by July 1, 2011, as well as setting up a joint venture company called M-S Pte Ltd, to jointly develop the land that is left behind.

However, the issue of the crooked bridge or a third bridge was not discussed in their meeting.

Najib had mooted the idea of a third bridge linking the republic to Malaysia in June last year, which he said could enable the development of the eastern side of Johor and districts like Mersing and Desaru.

Najib Rejects Legalising of Football Betting

2010-06-25T19:11:00.001-07:00

By Adib Zalkapli
Datuk Seri Najib Razak capitulated to popular public opinion tonight when he announced the government will not issue a football betting licence, weeks after tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan said his Ascot Sports Sdn Bhd had received approval for an old licence.

"After taking into account various views, we are of the opinion that the majority did not agree the decision to issue the license to Ascot Sports," he said after chairing the Umno supreme council meeting here.

"The government therefore decided that the license will not be issued," said the finance minister adding that Ascot Sports has been informed of the decision.

He said the withdrawal was supported by members of the Umno supreme council.

Najib said the government had earlier agreed to issue the sports betting licence but with strict condition such as banning Muslim involvement in the activity.

On whether Ascot Sports would be compensated Najib said there is no such requirement in the law.

"Under the act, the minister of finance can withdraw anytime," said Najib, declining to say when the decision was made.

He also hoped that Barisan Nasional (BN) component party members such as MCA and MIC who have supported legalised sports betting to accept the government's decision.

Several Barisan Nasional (BN) parties had supported the move but Umno Johor, Perak and Youth wing opposed the licence saying the social cost outweighed the possible tax revenue.

Tan's listed Berjaya Corporation Berhad had announced the approval in a filing to Bursa Malaysia last May 12 but Najib denied it in Parliament on June 7.

Pakatan Rakyat governments in Penang, Selangor and Kedah said they will not approve business licences for football betting although Tan said he will try to persuade them.

He had promised to donate the RM525 million for his share of Ascot Sports sold to Berjaya Corp to his own charity, Better Malaysia Foundation.

Apart from saying that football bets will be offered through the telephone and available at 220 out of the 680 Sports Toto outlets which are not Muslim majority areas, Tan said operations would begin after the current FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

PAS Youth chief Nasrudin Hassan Tantawi claimed two weeks ago that Ascot Sports will offer betting services for four major leagues — the English Premier League, the Italian league, as well as the Spanish and German leagues.

Nasrudin said that the sports betting company could not prepare itself to serve the World Cup because it was “too soon”.

PAS had also vowed to mobilise Malaysians to join its “100,000 march” to the Istana Negara this July 3 in protest over the Najib administration’s legalisation of sports-betting.

DAP’s Tony Pua claimed earlier this week to have documents to show companies controlled by Tan were proceeding with plans to start offering football betting by August and were raising RM800 million to finance operations.

The Petaling Jaya Utara MP told reporters in Parliament that on June 11, four days after the Finance Ministry had denied issuing any licence for football betting, Berjaya Sports Toto had issued an “information memorandum” detailing financing arrangements to raise RM800 million in loans for a period of ten years to finance its new business.

Berjaya Sports Toto is a subsidiary of Berjaya Corporation, and currently operates numbers forecast betting shops in peninsular Malaysia.

According to documents obtained by Pua, the principal adviser for the financing arrangements was Maybank Investment Bank Sdn Bhd, and lead manager AmInvestment Bank Berhad.

“They repeated the statement that Ascot Sports had been given approval for the reissuance of licence to carry out sports betting operations upon certain terms and conditions.

“They reiterated they have received approval. They stated that initially 220 of the Sports Toto outlets will be used as distribution points with expansion plans to accommodate more Sports Toto outlets in the future. The implementation was to be carried out in August or early September, in time for the EPL (English Premier League),” said Pua.

Another document produced by Pua was a credit analysis by MARC (Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad) on Berjaya Sports Toto.

A rating agency is usually needed to determine the “quality” of a loan.

The MARC report states that “the timeframe for the rollout of the sports betting games are yet to be finalised.”

“MARC has assigned AA- rating to this exercise to raise money by Berjaya Sports Toto and among the contributory factors to the AA-rating is stated on page 4, under recent development following a recent announcement (that it is) yet to be finalised.

“Basically, what we see is that the approval has been given, but the actual licence has not been given.

“As Finance Minister, Najib needs to rectify this... It has now become a stupid play of words,” said Pua.

Najib is Going for "Surprise" Election Strategy

2010-06-19T20:58:00.001-07:00

The prime minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that parliament will not be dissolved just because he recorded good points at a recent popularity survey. He also said that the date of the election would however be a surprise and that many factors need to be considered before it could be decided.

He said “I cannot say one way or the other. If it (general election) happens, it will be a surprise. What is important is to work hard in the spirit of 1Malaysia. Barisan must first concentrate on strengthening itself before calling for a general election and could not depend on one survey to decide when to call for the next general election.” This came in the wake of the comment by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the former prime minister who called on Najib to call for an early general election since he is currently enjoying the highest ratings in the popularity survey organized by Merdeka Centre.

Buy-Malaysian Campaign is Not Protectionism

2010-06-17T07:26:00.001-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 — The “Buy Malaysian” campaign should be seen not as a protectionist policy of the government but as an effort to spur the private sector to be globally competitive, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.

He said the campaign helped to project competitive Malaysian goods globally and drive local companies to raise productivity and be innovative as well as globally competitive.

Najib was launching the 2010 “Buy Malaysian” campaign at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), here.

Also present were Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Deputy Minister Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim.

Najib, who is also finance minister, said some people might see the campaign as a government measure to protect domestic industries.

However, he said, the campaign was part of government efforts to promote domestic brands and products among the Malaysians who, at times, were inclined to buy foreign goods.

Najib said the people should understand that local companies must be encouraged to build up a domestic market to spur them onwards to a regional or international market.

Without being able to sell to a domestic market, it would be difficult for these companies to progress to an export market.

“Once they have captured the domestic market, it will be easier for them to move on to the export market because they will have a strong domestic base,” he said.

Jemaah Islamiah’s influence is growing in Malaysia

2010-06-16T07:56:00.000-07:00

TUMPAT June 16, — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak wants authorities to tighten security to prevent Jemaah Islamiah (JI) from influencing students and taking root in the country.

He said the spread of JI ideology, if unchecked, would pose a threat to national security.

“We must be wary of JI threat to recruit students. They can be coerced into committing violence by militant and extremism thinking,” he said after a “Pemimpin Bersama Rakyat’ programme at Wat Matchimmaram, Kampung Jubakar near here today.
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Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein yesterday said JI had made efforts to recruit local university students as members.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said foreign JI members tried to revive the militant group by trying to recruit youths including university students.

Najib said it was proven that JI spread not only among students but also lecturers.

“A lecturer involved with JI had been known to explode bombs. We have to tighten security via intelligence reports to check the menace,” he added. — Bernama

Najib's credibility should not be doubted: Pak Lah

2010-06-13T06:17:00.001-07:00

KEPALA BATAS: All quarters should stop questioning Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's credibility as he has undertaken several sound measures and policies for excellent administration and development to benefit the people, said Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Some of Najib's efforts and policies have already shown good results or impact on the people and country, the former prime minister said at the opening of the Penang-level Unity Week at the Industrial Training Institute here, Sunday.

Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and National Unity and Integration Department director-general Datuk Azman Amin Hassan.

Abdullah, who is also Kepala Batas MP, said Najib had introduced a strong 10th Malaysia Plan and six National Key Result Areas, while Malaysia had been placed among the top 10 most competitive countries.

"Except Malaysia, there is no other country in the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and Non-Aligned Movement in the top 10 list. This is a good thing and therefore, there is no need to doubt the prime minister's credibility as a leader," he said.

Abdullah also urged the people to uphold the spirit of unity and solidarity to ensure smooth implementation of the country's development projects and programmes.

PM rolls out RM230b 10th Malaysian Plan

2010-06-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

The prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced the 10MP (Tenth Malaysian Plan) today at parliament, a 5 year development plan to help the country curb its falling deficit as well as to reduce the subsidies. He forecasted that the average economic growth of the country will grow at 6% over the next 5 years with fiscal deficit will be reduced by 2.8% of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product). The government will be allocating some RM230billion for the development plans where 55% will be allocated for the economy, 30% for social, 10% for security and the rest for general administration.

The plan will be focusing on 12 NKEAs (National Key Economic Areas) which are perceived as high income generators. They are (i) Oil and gas; (ii) Palm oil and related products; (iii) Financial services; (iv) Wholesale and retail; (v) Tourism; (vi) Information and communications technology (ICT); (vii) Education services; (viii) Electrical and electronic; (ix) Business services; (x) Private healthcare; (xi) Agriculture (xii) Greater Kuala Lumpur.

New Economic Model (NEM) is No threat to special rights

2010-05-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR - PRIME Minister Najib Razak urged the Malays to accept his new economic reforms last night, assuring them that their special rights and privileges would not be forgotten.

He said the proposed New Economic Model (NEM) is meant to bring the Malays and other races forward, so that the country would become a developed nation in the next 10 years.

'The NEM is not meant to sideline the special rights and privileges of the Malays, but it is to adopt a more dynamic method that is global and current,' he told about 1,000 delegates at the Malay Economic Congress, which was attended by 126 Malay non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

A big group of representatives from the NGOs also handed Datuk Seri Najib their resolutions, which called for the NEM to be reviewed.

Malay groups have been questioning the NEM since it was announced in March this year, as they fear that the government would drop their special rights.

Many of them complained that most Malays are still incapable of competing equally, and urged the government to review the policy. By Elizabeth Looi

UMNO backed Railway Land Deals : Najib

2010-05-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said yesterday that the supreme council of Malaysia's ruling party, Umno, backed the government's decision to relocate the Tanjong Pagar railway station to Woodlands by July 1 next year.

"My explanation was accepted by the supreme council and they are of the view that the solution is a win-win for both Malaysia and Singapore," Mr Najib was quoted as saying in a Reuters report.

Mr Najib and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced the deal on the railway land on Monday, resolving an issue that has been outstanding for almost 20 years.

They said a company, M-S Pte Ltd, will be set up to take ownership of the vacated area, with 60 per cent of the equity held by Malaysian investment agency Khazanah Nasional Berhad and 40 per cent by Temasek Holdings.

Both sides will conduct valuations of the land and Mr Lee will visit Kuala Lumpur within a month with a proposal for a land swap.

The railway land could be swapped for real estate in two of Singapore's most expensive districts, including the site of the multibillion-dollar Marina Bay Sands casino complex, which opened last month.

Yesterday, former Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad said other contentious bilateral issues - such as the price of water sold to Singapore, the retirement funds issue and the construction of a new bridge linking the two countries - should also be addressed quickly by Mr Najib's administration.

Mr Najib said: "We look at these in stages. One meeting cannot solve everything." He added: "I believe with trust, a lot of issues can be addressed."

Najib wants MIC to put house in order

2010-05-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

JOHOR BARU: The Prime Minister wants the internal MIC conflict to be resolved fast.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said it was important for MIC, as a component party in Barisan Nasional, to play an important role in regaining the confidence of the people to support the ruling coalition.

He was commenting on the escalating conflict between MIC president Datuk Seri S.Samy Vellu and sacked party deputy Youth chief V.Mugilan - who had urged the president to relinquish his seat now.

The call for Samy Vellu's exit gained momentum when two other central working committee (CWC) members - G. Kumar Aamaan and K.P. Samy - joined the fray yesterday, demanding the long-time party president to go as soon as possible.

Najib however, did not want to comment on Samy Vellu's decision to step down as party president in September next year.

“I don't want to comment because it is an internal matter of MIC,” he said after opening the Aero Mall and Senai Aviation Park at Senai Airport here today.

Separately, MIC deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel reiterated his support for Samy Vellu.

He maintained his stand that Samy Vellu had to be the one to decide when to leave. “As for me, I have said in the past that I am a leader in my own right and I always like to work together with everyone. Many in the media have asked me the question whether I am ready to take the helm.

“My answer is very simple...when the delegates voted me in 2006 and in 2009 (as deputy president), they were sure that they were voting in someone capable and experienced. The president too has always said that I have the capability,” he added --Bernama.

Najib made history in Sibu - but still loses the election

2010-05-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

SIBU - Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak became the first Prime Minister to attend a celebration in honour of a Chinese deity on Wednesday but the historic visit opened him to criticism from the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) for being all too brief.

The Tua Pek Kong procession, held every three years, became a venue for leaders from both the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) and PR's Democratic Action Party (DAP) to charm the Chinese voters who form about 67 per cent of the 54,695 Sibu voters.

The festival is one of the major events in Sarawak's tourism calendar.

About 7,000 participants from over 100 Chinese cultural and religious organisations from across the country took part in the procession. Thousands of people also lined the streets of Sibu town to watch the procession.

The Sarawak DAP chief, along with DAP opposition leader Lim Kit Siang, started gathering outside the temple as early as 6.30pm, an hour before the procession started. Announcements were also made over the temple's public address system for the crowd to loudly applaud Mr Najib's arrival.

About 10 minutes before the start of the procession, Mr Najib arrived with the BN candidate, Mr Robert Lau Hui Yew, for this Sunday's by-election. He was quickly ushered to the temple entrance to sign a plaque to commemorate his visit.

Mr Najib was then ushered back to his car before a temple official could present him with a picture of the temple as a souvenir.

With a lot of pushing and shoving and shouts of "Don't push!" from the crowd, Mr Najib was finally escorted to his car.

Via Twitter, Mr Lim who held on to his Blackberry while the minor commotion was going on, described Mr Najib's appearance as a "three minutes lightning visit".

"If in vital Sibu by-election Najib can only spare 3mins 4 120yr TuaPekKong Temple after so much publicity what does it imply?" twittered Mr Lim.

Mr Najib had earlier handed RM15 million ($6.5 million) in financial assistance to 65 Chinese schools as part of his attempt to win Chinese votes. THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER

No More Foreign Workers - Najib

2010-05-09T03:02:00.001-07:00

Pitching for the local workforce, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has warned the employers against finding 'excuses' to hire foreign workers.

Malaysia has close to three million foreign workers from the neighbouring Southeast Asian countries and from South Asia, including significant numbers from India and Bangladesh.

Najib asked the employers to treat the local workers 'fairly' by offering reasonable salaries while launching the 2010 Workers' Day celebration here Saturday.

'Look for ways to improve things instead of taking the easy way out by finding all sorts of excuses to bring in foreign workers,' The Star quoted him as saying.

Traditionally, Malaysia imports semi-skilled and unskilled workers as the local population is either not trained or not inclined.

Najib also said the government would introduce a new scheme under the 10th Malaysia Plan to be known as 'shop floor training' to assist employers in providing in-house training. This, he said, would raise workers' skills.

'Instead of sending workers for skill upgrading training elsewhere, it will be conducted at their work place.

'I believe this is more practical and cost-effective and will result in workers earning more due to their improved skill,' he said.

While tackling global recession, the government ordered the removal of foreign workers from 'visible' jobs like the airports and replace them with the locals.

Malaysia has a large number of illegal workers who either enter the country with the help of recruiting agencies or come as tourists and stay on.

The Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) has been urging the government to regularize these workers rather than import more.

Economic indicators show that Malaysia is improving

2010-05-09T02:28:00.000-07:00

BUTTERWORTH, May 8 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Malaysia’s economic recovery is promising when compared with other countries.

Citing a report prepared by the Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department, he said Malaysia’s economic growth was more encouraging than others.

“In the next few days, the government will announce the first-quarter Gross Domestic Product growth figure,” Najib said when opening the Pulau Pinang Malay Economic Convention here today.

The prime minister said although the global economy was still somewhat shaky with the weak stock market in Europe, yet, Malaysia managed to record impressive growth.

“Economic indicators show that Malaysia’s economic situation is improving,” he said, adding that the recovery stemmed from the government’s fiscal and financial initiatives.

Najib to UMNO members - Avoid Conspiracies

2010-05-07T02:26:00.000-07:00

PEKAN, May 7 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak today reminded Umno members not to get involved in cliques or conspiracies as these two elements could lead to the party’s disintegration.

The prime minister said they should instead work together as a team and do things that were beneficial to the party and country.

“Our formula is to work as a single team and not get involved in cliques or conspiracies. We should be working to defeat the opposition and not do things which are detrimental to ourselves,” he said when simultaneously opening the meetings of several Pekan Umno branches here today.

Citing the example of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Japan, Najib (picture), who is also Umno president, said the downfall of the LDP, which is about the same age as Umno, was because of the two elements he mentioned.

“Recently, we heard a first-hand account from LDP leaders as to why the party crumbled in the last general election in Japan. One of the factors was that there were too many cliques in it and all kinds of conspiracies which ultimately led to its own downfall because they were spending more energy trying to outdo each other than looking after the interests of the people,” he said.

Najib said should one day Umno collapse, it would not be caused by others but because of infighting among Umno members.

He said continuous success required concerted ongoing effort and would not “fall on the lap”.

According to Najib, efforts must be taken to move further forward immediately after a general election and not wait to act just before an election comes.

“We have to plan systematically and execute our plans accordingly,” he said, adding that the results of the 2008 general election where the Barisan Nasional (BN) lost five states and its two-thirds majority in Parliament was a good lesson that things could not be taken for granted.

He said Umno members needed to change with the times and realise that what was of uppermost importance was the party and country and not factions that were only out to serve their own vested interests.

He added that Umno members could take comfort that Malays who deserted the party in the 2008 election had returned to the fold as evidenced in the just-concluded Hulu Selangor parliamentary by-election in opposition-held Selangor where the BN won. — Bernama

Kelantan Royal Issue to be resolved amicably

2010-05-05T02:21:00.000-07:00

Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today he hopes the crisis involving the Kelantan palace would be resolved amicably.

The prime minister said the crisis should not lead to open disputes to the point of accusations and counter accusations being hurled or legal action resorted to within the royal household.

“I hope the situation will be resolved within the royal household, that would the best rather than disputing matters openly, hurling accusations or resorting to legal action,” he told reporters after simultaneously opening the meetings of several Pekan Umno branches here today.

He said this when asked to comment on the crisis in the Kelantan palace which has been going on for some time, with the latest development being the hospitalisation of the Sultan of Kelantan Tuanku Ismail Petra at the Kubang Kerian Hospital in Kota Baru on Tuesday becoming a bone of contention among the disputing parties.

Najib said the matter (hospitalisation) should be resolved through discussions among the members of the royal family.

“The issue should be discussed within the family. That is the best solution and the Sultan of Kelantan’s health should be made priority,” he said.

Asked if the federal government would intervene, Najib said the matter involved the state and Kelantan palace and as such the federal government would not interfere.

“It is best that this (royal crisis) is settled within the family,” said Najib.

Commenting on the issue of Aminulrasyid Amzah, who was killed when hit by a bullet from shots fired by police while he was fleeing from pursuing patrol cars, Najib said he had requested for investigations on the case be done fairly and accurately.

“I believe the case will be solved quickly and the police and Attorney-General will accept any decision made based on the investigation’s findings,” he said.

To a question about the issue being a topic for bloggers to politicise, Najib said: “They are taking advantage of the issue while we are trying to seek the truth for Aminulrasyid’s family and the police.” — Bernama

Public wants transparent inquiry into boy’s shooting - says Najib

2010-05-02T22:53:00.000-07:00

SIBU: Police should not be defensive over the shooting of a schoolboy nor do anything that could be construed as trying to cover up for their men, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

While expressing regret over the shooting of Aminulrasyid Amzah, the prime minister said the investigations must be open and transparent as the public demanded this.

“The public wants answers and I hope the police will fully cooperate in the investigations,” Najib said at the Rajang Security Command military camp, home of the 9th Infantry Brigade, when he dropped by for lunch with officers and their wives.

The camp was one of seven places Najib visited in a hectic one-day programme here, which will see a by-election next week.

“The investigations should also satisfy the family of the victim as they have the right to know what really happened. I hope the police will cooperate and not cover up for anyone if they are wrong.”

Najib also warned the public against implying that the policemen were guilty before the investigations were completed.

“It is natural for the public to have the perception that the law enforcers are guilty when such incidents happen. The perception of guilt will always lie with the authorities.

“But we cannot be unfair, pass judgment or point fingers at anyone when we don’t have the complete facts.”

Najib also defended Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan, who has come under fire with calls for him to take responsibility for the shooting and resign.

“You cannot ask the IGP to step down after a single incident. Unless it (the incident) is the direct responsibility of the IGP ... (then) that’s a different story.”

The incident has been classified as murder and four policemen are being investigated for their role in the shooting.

Aminulrasyid, a Form Three student of SMK Section 9, Shah Alam, was shot while he was driving his sister’s Proton Iswara early on Monday.

Initial reports revealed that the victim, and a schoolmate, had grazed a car near a restaurant and were then chased by a group of motorcyclists and another car.

Two police cars reportedly joined in the chase and the policemen fired shots at Aminulrasyid’s vehicle to force him to stop.

Unconfirmed reports suggested that almost 20 shots were fired at the car. One of them struck the schoolboy in the back of the head, killing him instantly.

The car crashed into the retaining wall of a house some 100 metres from the victim’s home in Section 11, Shah Alam.

Police claimed they opened fire after Aminulrasyid tried to reverse his car into the policemen. They also claimed that they found a parang in the Proton Iswara.

The investigation papers, which were sent to the Attorney-General’s Chambers on Friday, were returned to police for further work.

A special committee headed by Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop is overseeing investigations.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein urged the public to be fair and not have a negative perception of police.

In an interview with Bernama, Hishammuddin said the incident had put the police in a bad light.

He also urged all quarters to wait for the outcome of the investigations and to stop speculating or politicising the issue.

Najib is afraid to lose Sibu seat

2010-05-02T22:43:00.001-07:00

SIBU: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak today reminded the Barisan Nasional machinery to regard the Sibu parliamentary seat by-election as a challenge that should be taken seriously.

He said in the spirit of solidarity in BN and in Sarawak, the BN machinery would run smoothly to ensure victory in retaining the seat.

"We may be facing a stiff contest, so we need to focus on our campaign efforts," he said after attending a luncheon and presenting the Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) medals to 32 state veterans of the Malaysian Armed Forces at the Rascom Camp, 9th Infantry Brigade, Jalan Ulu Koya, near here.

Also present were Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud, Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Peter Chin, Army chief General Ismail Jamaluddin and BN candidate for the Sibu by-election, Robert Lau Hoi Yew.

Asked on BN's chances of retaining the seat, Najib said BN would work hard towards that with the cooperation of all its component parties.

On his working visit and his walkabout in several areas here including Sungei Merah town, he said the local residents' reaction was encouraging.

He said he was also happy with the development projects being carried out or in the process of being implemented like the flood-mitigation project in Kampung Nangka.

The prime minister said from the walkabouts, he also received feedback on the needs of the local communities.

Earlier, he said an allocation would be approved to repair and renovate the surau and religious school at the Rascom Camp.

Among the recipients of the PJM medal today was Temenggong Kanang Langkau, 67, from Sri Aman, and also the first Malaysian to receive the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) and Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB) medals for gallantry.

Where is the commitment to 1Malaysia?

2010-04-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

APRIL 17 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak has a real talent in delivering speeches, and sounds every part the statesman, especially on his travels around the world.

Closer to home, half of his countrymen are disgusted with the actions and words of some of his Umno party colleagues and Perkasa — the right-wing Malay group that is not quite Umno but whose members are mostly drawn from Malaysia’s biggest political party.

Speaking in New York yesterday, Najib said a multi-ethnic Malaysia must work towards forging a genuine national identity and that he stands ready to make difficult decisions needed by the country.

In one of his strongest speeches on his 1 Malaysia agenda, delivered at the Asia Society in New York, the prime minister acknowledged that there would be entrenched opposition but he was determined to deliver the reforms to bring the people together and place the country on the path of a high-income economy.

To his detractors, he had this to say:

“To those who harbour doubts about whether as prime minister and the government including my other colleagues have the will to bring about these difficult changes, I have this to say: When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

“I am ready to make the difficult decisions that Malaysia needs.”

Are you Mr Prime Minister?

Perhaps Najib should speak with the same kind of candour to his partymen and follow up with some action.

A good starting point would be to show that he is not cowed by Perkasa and right-wing politicians in Umno.

Most people who know Najib will defend him and point out that he is not a hypocrite, that he genuinely believes in his 1 Malaysia message.

But so far, aside from making the right noise, Najib has lacked the courage to actually even once tell off some of his Umno colleagues for putting his administration at risk of becoming an all-talk, no-action government.

Malaysians could see that Najib was willing to throw out his own 1 Malaysia philosophy to defend Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, his deputy prime minister and Umno deputy president, for saying he was Malay first before he was Malaysian first.

Muhyiddin was perhaps reaching out to the conservative front of Umno and to the rural heartland personified by jingoistic and often downright scary editorials in Utusan Malaysia.

Perhaps the party No. 2, who according to his friends is also a great believer in multi-racialism and a true moderate at heart, is reaching out directly to the members of Umno who are keeping him in power.

But to ordinary Malaysians, this is a government that has not yet paid more than lip service to 1 Malaysia.

Democracy is about more than rule by majority.

It is also about the majority ensuring there is a place in the sun for all, particularly those in the minority.

The government’s proposed inter-faith panel is a case in point.

Before it has even started, it has now been torn to shreds by the religious conservatives and the right-wing in Umno.

Malaysians are being told almost on a daily basis that the majority will not accept it.

It is unclear if that is really true — that the majority of Malaysians will not accept the inter-faith panel unless its name is changed.

But what seems clear is that no one seemed to be bothered with asking how some minorities felt about the whole thing.
-TheMalaysiaInsider

Obama questioned Najib on his New Economic Model

2010-04-14T06:28:00.000-07:00

Obama brings up topic of New Economic Model with Najib
By LIM AI LEE

WASHINGTON: Malaysia’s New Economic Model (NEM) was one of the issues discussed during the bilateral meeting between Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and US President Barack Obama.

Obama, who raised the topic, wanted to know more about the NEM’s implementation.

The Prime Minister said he informed Obama of the Government’s goal of transforming Malaysia into a high-income economy and its liberalising policy.

“I explained that although Malaysia has been successful in its development approach in the past, it does not mean we will continue to be successful unless we look at a package that is more in tune with the new environment and can spur further development,” Najib said at a briefing for Malaysian journalists on Monday night.

Najib added that he brought up the example of Coca Cola investing RM1bil to illustrate how Malaysia had managed to convince huge American firms to invest in the country.

On his meeting with Obama that was held on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit, Najib was optimistic it would pave the way for “a new beginning” that could lead to a broad, multi-faceted development.

“Economic and trade investment will be a key component of our bilateral ties as we move forward because the US is a big source, not only in terms of an export market for our manufacturing industry but also a source for new technology such as ICT and biotechnology.”

He pointed out that most fund managers and venture capitalists were US-based.

“There are thus a host of economic opportunities that we can leverage on if we have good bilateral ties with the US,” Najib said.

He also stressed on collaboration in terms of security, counter-terrorism and sharing of information under bilateral ties, saying:

“Equally important to us is making the world a safer place.”

Najib said he extended an invitation to Obama to visit Malaysia, adding that the last president to step into the country did so in 1966.

Apart from meeting Obama, Najib also attended a working lunch with US vice-president Joe Biden and later had a face-to-face meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.

Najib Razak has defended his New Economic Model

2010-04-09T23:27:00.001-07:00

Malaysian PM Najib defends country's New Economic Model
By Imelda Saad
SINGAPORE: Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has defended the country's New Economic Model which he revealed last week.

The plan, aimed at steering Malaysia to a high-income based economy, has received criticisms among some sectors for eroding its decades-old affirmative action policy.

Mr Najib was addressing more than 100 journalists at a dialogue session after his speech at a gala dinner organised by the Foreign Correspondents Association in Singapore on Tuesday.

The Malaysian PM arrived in Singapore just three days after marking his first year in office.

Fresh from announcing the country's new growth strategies, he explained the thinking behind some of the reforms.

Questions flowed fast on whether the New Economic Model will get a backlash from Malaysia's bumiputras and even within the ruling Barisan Nasional party.

Mr Najib said Malaysia's affirmative action policy, which gives Malays special privileges, have not hampered Malaysia's growth.

He said that even at the height of the New Economic Policy, Malaysia was growing at 8 to 9 per cent and some of the richest people in Malaysia are non-Malays.

Mr Najib said: "So it will be a more transparent and fairer way in which we implement affirmative action, and at the end of the day, I hope it will lead to a more cohesive and socially harmonious society."

He said the new approach to Malaysia's affirmative action is for it to be more "market-friendly, transparent, merit-based, and needs-based".

The reforms come after the Barisan Nasional took a knocking at the last general elections in 2008.

The results prompted the new prime minister to think about getting back to basics.

Mr Najib said: "What the public wanted and the rakyat or the people wanted was a change. But they did not want an incremental change or incremental changes, they wanted a massive transformation both economically and politically, and the time was right for us to embark on this."

He also revealed that Malaysia will identify new growth engines to propel the economy.

He did not give details, but said it will move beyond traditional sectors like oil and gas, rubber, and palm oil.

Mr Najib also said Malaysia will most probably issue Islamic bonds denominated in US dollars.

He did not reveal when this will take place or the size, which he said will be announced later. He said Malaysia does not actually need the money, but a bond issue would be a benchmark on how the markets viewed the country's creditworthiness.

He was asked about the possibility of a re-merger with Singapore.

Mr Najib said: "Both countries have taken different paths. It would be too traumatic to try to have a political reunification, but I would like to see deeper economic relations between Malaysia and Singapore, I would like to see good relations between both countries. I would like to see us work together in many fronts."

One is a joint project with Raffles Education to develop a university in Iskandar Malaysia, Johor's economic corridor.

The university will be implemented in three phases, with an initial enrolment of about 5,000 students within its first five years. Mr Najib said an application has already been made to Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education to establish the university.

There is also a plan to build a Wellness Centre on a 500-acre plot of land in the area.

Mr Najib noted: "But we have not concluded it yet. So, that is a subject of intense discussion with Singapore."

Mr Najib and Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong are expected to meet for a retreat in Singapore next month to discuss how to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Now that the foundation has been set, all eyes will be on the implementation of the policies announced.

Mr Najib has indicated that details on the New Economic Model will be revealed over the next few months. - CNA/m

Najib to confront Malay extremism with confidence

2010-04-09T23:13:00.000-07:00

MALAYSIAN Prime Minister Najib Razak said yesterday that he is confident he can deal with the backlash expected from his plan to dismantle the country's affirmative action, which favours Malays.

He admitted he is putting himself 'on the line' in Umno by rolling back pro-Malay initiatives.

But he said he senses that Malaysians were buying into the New Economic Model (NEM) and other policies unveiled by his administration.

Datuk Seri Najib was speaking at a gala dinner organised by the Foreign Correspondents Association of Singapore at the Fullerton Hotel. He later fielded questions for about an hour.

In his speech, he outlined his 1Malaysia concept and the Government Transformation Programme to improve the civil service.

He also spoke of National Key Result Areas the government wants to focus on, such as reducing crime.

Mahathir criticises Najib economic reforms

2010-04-09T23:09:00.000-07:00

by Razak Ahmad
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia's influential former premier Mahathir Mohamad said on Wednesday the country's current prime minister had yet to live up to promises, and urged him to forge ahead with pledged reforms.

A vocal government critic who led the push to oust his immediate successor and usher in Najib Razak as premier in 2009, Mahathir also defended an affirmative action policy that favours the country's Malay majority. Najib has pledged to roll back Malay privileges in a new economic model he released on Tuesday.

"One year is not enough (for an assessment), you are just learning to be a prime minister really," Mahathir, 84, said in an interview on the sidelines of an investor conference.

"Najib has just released his economic policy, we need to see whether the performance is as good as promised."

Najib took office in April last year pledging reforms to rejuvenate investment and reverse 2008 election losses suffered by the coalition that has ruled Malaysia for 52 years.

But his government has delayed the introduction of petrol and electricity price rises, road toll increases and a goods and services tax in a series of decisions that has undermined market confidence in his ability to deliver economic reforms.

That, Mahathir said, was no way to oversee change.

"I think that is a very bad way of doing things," he said. "You make a decision, then you have to implement it, but before making a decision, you should think very carefully about it."

Najib approval rating climbs to 68pc

2010-04-02T10:46:00.001-07:00

The Malaysian Insider, 2 April 2010

Datuk Seri Najib Razak is in a stronger position today than he was 12 months ago, when he was appointed Malaysia’s sixth prime minister, a recent survey has shown.

Then, his approval rating was a dismal 44 per cent; the economy was slipping into unforgiving negative territory, and he seemed vulnerable as he was pelted by bad news everywhere he turned.

Today, the proportion of Malaysians satisfied with his performance as the PM stands at 68 per cent, the highest it has been since the Merdeka Center for Opinion Research began tracking his approval ratings in April 2009, the month he replaced Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in Putrajaya.

Merdeka Center polled 883 registered voters in West Malaysia between March 11 and March 27, and the questions covered the direction of the country, public satisfaction with the prime minister, and perception of some of his key initiatives.

A summary of the survey was obtained by The Malaysian Insider.

The pollster noted that, since June 2009, satisfaction levels with Najib’s performance as premier has hovered in the 65 per cent range, plummeting sharply once to 56 per cent in September last year, in the wake of the cow head protest by mainly Umno members against the construction of a Hindu temple in Shah Alam and the death of DAP aide, Teoh Beng Hock, while in the custody of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

In the latest survey, 68 per cent of the respondents said that they were satisfied with the prime minister’s performance. This upward trend occurred despite issues that erupted recently, such as the “Allah” controversy and subsequent attacks on places of worship.

Najib’s improved numbers is also the result of a recuperating economy, along with an opposition which has been troubled by defections and infighting.

Najib Asks For Press Support

2010-03-20T06:26:00.001-07:00

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid
KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — While insisting that the government respects press freedom, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (picture) has called on the media to “become his partner” and back the agenda of his administration.

Najib said tonight it was important that the media act as an educational tool to advocate “change” instead of inducing fear against it.

The media, said Najib, should play a vital role in his administration’s effort to end the subsidy mentality, nestled among the Malays which form the country’s majority and who are becoming more unsettled by the liberalisation efforts of Najib’s New Economic Model.

Referring to his government’s plan to cut away sugar subsidy and the outrage it sparked, the PM said it was the responsibility of the press to translate the move as positive for the good of the voters and the economy.

“Because of the high level of sugar consumption, the story must be skewed to inform the public even though the price of the commodity has gone up, it is not good because we take too much sugar,” said Najib in his speech at the National Press Club awards here.

Najib also denied the allegations that freedom of the press is curtailed, calling it an unfair description of the government-linked Malaysian mainstream media.

“I do feel at times that the accusations that Malaysia lacks press freedom is grossly unfair,” he said.

The country’s sixth premier maintained, just as his more authoritative predecessors had in the past, that “as long as the reports do not run afoul of” the country’s “existing laws, the press is free to report anything”.

And echoing past administrations, Najib reasoned that press freedom should coincide with responsibility.

“In any case, I have always been of view that freedom without responsibility is no freedom at all. It is in fact, chaos,” he said.

Najib tonight also pointed out that his administration had not used any law such as the Internal Security Act, a law that permits detention without trial, on journalists or the media.

“Don’t worry about the ISA, or suspension. I have no plan to use it unless you are irresponsible,” he said.

Najib to announce NEM in two stages

2010-03-14T10:31:00.001-07:00

By Adib Zalkapli
PUTRAJAYA, March 11 —Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today said the New Economic Model (NEM) will be announced in two stages, dismissing the speculation that it has been postponed.

Najib said it will be launched on March 30 during the Invest Malaysia conference and confirmed the second announcement will be made together with the 10th Malaysia Plan.

“We will make the announcement, but it will be an announcement in two stages,” he told reporters here.

“RM-10 and slightly after RM-10, depending on the process we want to engage all stakeholders,” said Najib when asked to confirm if the second announcement will be incorporated with the 10th Malaysia Plan.

Najib, however, refused to give details of the announcement.

“Wait. First, don’t jump the gun. Otherwise I will be speaking prematurely. I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag. Otherwise I will be like Malaysian Insider,” he said.

The Malaysian Insider reported recently that the government decided to postpone the announcement after it received feedback from various quarters including the Malay nationalist group Perkasa and the Malay Consultative Council (MPM).

Perkasa, a member of MPM, is worried that the NEM will increase the monopoly of the country’s economy by the Chinese community.

The NEM was drafted to turn Malaysia into a high-income nation based on innovation and creativity.

The National Economic Advisory Council (NEAC), chaired by Tan Sri Amirsham Abdul Aziz, had briefed the Cabinet for the second time on March 1, days after engaging with several quarters on various issues related to the NEM.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin stressed last weekend that the government will not only consider the interest of the Malays but other communities as well in drafting the NEM.

NEM is one of the promises made by Najib when he became Prime Minister in April last year.

PM Datuk Seri Najib will NOT attend disputed MCA AGM

2010-03-07T00:34:00.000-08:00

Prime Minister Najib Razak will not be attending the disputed MCA annual general meeting this Sunday. Najib's press aide Tengku Sharifuddin Tengku Ahmad told Malaysiakini this evening that the prime minister will not officially launch the controversial AGM, which is to kick off on Sunday morning at the MCA headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

Traditionally, the prime minister is invited to officiate the annual general meetings of Barisan Nasional component parties. The absence of Najib at this weekend's AGM, which has been disputed by the Youth and Wanita wings' along with vice-president Liow Tiong Lai, is the clearest indication yet that party chief Ong Tee Keat has lost the support of the Umno president. This afternoon, the caretaker central committee at a meeting chaired by Ong insisted that the AGM should go ahead as planned despite stringent objections from MCA Youth chief Wee Ka Siong and Wanita chief Chew Mei Fun. The duo subsequently walked out of the meeting in protest.

Najib invites Facebook friends to tea party

2010-03-07T00:16:00.000-08:00

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak, it seems, is making friends with netizens.

The Malaysian leader has invited 300 friends of his Facebook page to a tea party at his Putrajaya home next Saturday.

In the past, the Malaysian government was quick to condemn blogs and websites. The Internet was widely credited – or blamed, depending on one’s political preference – for the political tsunami in the March 2008 general election.

The ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) suffered massive poll losses. The opposition Pakatan Rakyat, using the Internet to its advantage, reaped huge gains.

So the Premier’s move to meet his online fans is an obvious attempt by the BN ruling coalition to get close to the growing numbers who hang out in cyberspace. An estimated 42 per cent of Malaysians have Internet access.

Najib has a www.1malaysia. com.my blog and Facebook and Twitter accounts. In the past, some of his Twitter followers had complained that his tweets were a little dry and impersonal, and rarely said more than “4.30pm: Meeting”.

That, too, seems to be changing, judging by a March 2 tweet: “Visited Kampung Sungai Bedil yesterday in Sarawak, where I retraced the steps of my dear father.”

Now his online presence is fast gaining popularity. He has more than 118,000 fans on Facebook. That is more than his chief rival Anwar Ibrahim’s 60,544 fans and Democratic Action Party veteran Lim Kit Siang’s 20,902 fans.

Mr Najib also has more than 11,000 followers on Twitter versus 6,000-plus for both Mr Anwar and Mr Lim.

When he announced the tea party, some 600 people responded. They included fans asking for invites. One went: “I’ll love to come to ur tea party. Please pick me so I will know more. Please…We love u Datuk.”

But there were also complaints. One suggested: “If space is limited at Putrajaya Seri Perdana, why not have the event at the stadium? More people can come.”

Why only Najib can lead us out of impending doom

2010-02-28T00:47:00.000-08:00

The slogan 'Malaysia Boleh' was coined by Dr Mahathir Mohamad when he was the prime minister is now a joke. Ironically, the good intent of the overly farsighted Tun to inculcate confidence among Malaysians was the beginning of the decline or fall of Malaysia as a progressive society. Malaysians became bubble-headed when Mahathir commenced a series of ego-boosting mega-projects culminating with a journey into space.

I am not interested to outline Mahathir's achievements that had helped to cultivate a 'super-ego' amongst many Malaysians today who had made it rich or powerful irrespective of their paths or their ways. Under Tun M, Malaysians from all walks of life and race adopted a 'Bolehland' style whereby nothing stood in the way of determination and will. The Machiavellian theory of 'the end justifies the means' has been practiced and adopted by all and sundry from crooks to bigots.

The value system of Malaysians had been destroyed when the pillars of the judiciary were tampered with. The skepticism of the general public on our value system has led to a gradual disintegration of our social order, legal structure and administrative culture. We were so obsessed with success that we failed to uphold the basic decency of truth and justice. We became so arrogant that we thought the world is beneath our feet and is for us to conquer.

Our 'Bolehland' allows us to justify any amendment of the constitutions, the law and even interference with state institutions with little regard for tradition, convention and the implications. We were so arrogant that many politicians, government officials, businessman etc claimed that the rules, laws and everything else could be changed. And indeed changes were made and the rules of the games changed when it suited the masters. We have little regard or respect for fundamentals or ground rules.

Instances of businessmen who had failed in their projects or business ventures and who were rescued by the stroke of the pen were rampant. Whenever there was a political struggle, money in cash or in any form became the sole factor that determined the level of support and the ultimate victor. The line between statesmen and businessmen was erased when Tun M blatantly advocated the pride of being rich or super-rich with a special emphasis on 'capital M'. Unfortunately, although Tun M is a good public speaker, he has failed to emphasise the right manner and approach in acquiring wealth.

The virtues and ethics of business was not well-articulated. Many approached business as a 'who-you-know' rather than a 'what you know'. Playing golf or pulling the right strings or 'cables' became the rule of the day. There was relatively lesser emphasis on productivity or delivery compared to the emphasis on opportunities to profit. Projects were created or launched not out of need or necessities of he majority but only to facilitate or create an opportunity to make a small minority wealthy.

In all fairness, it was Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who brought Malaysians to their senses. Abdullah had admitted that he may not be smarter than Tun M but he did tried to remedy and rectify the mistakes and right the wrongs. He may have been accused of many things such as 'flip-flops' , 'Sleeping Beauty' etc but he is definitely sincere and genuine in trying to bring Malaysians down to earth to the reality and inability of the Malaysia Bolehland. It was Abdullah who allowed a greater transparency and democracy in our Malaysian political sphere.

Abdullah's liberal approach towards the opposition allowed Mahathir to interfere and influence the people to return BN to power with a smaller majority in the last general election. It was Mahathir who had promised not to interfere with the administration if and when he retires. It was also Mahathir who had openly and defiantly advocated that BN be returned with a lesser than two- thirds majority prior to the 2008 general election.

Abdullah's sincerity and good intent was untimely and he was not given sufficient time to leave his mark. It is now up to Najib Abdul Razak to right the wrongs and correct the mistakes of the past leadership.

Unfortunately our economics fundamentals are facing gradual disintegration with the exhaustion of our natural resources with particular reference to the oil. Politically, we are becoming more 'barbaric' where we are becoming less civil to one another. Even the man-on-the-street is becoming nastier and more rebellious.

DAP, PAS and PKR struck the political jackpot in the March 8, 2008 general election and they are getting bigheaded now. All their energy and efforts are now orchestrated towards bringing about the downfall of the BN government. They will stoop as low as they can go - .they will distort, twist or spin. They will play the racial or religious card to the hilt. This is the moment they have been waiting for....

Poor Najib! He is in the least admirable situation. His '1Malaysia' plan is facing resistance from within. His attempt to hold the country together is seen to be a sign of weakness instead.
Meanwhile, 'Malaysia Bolehland' is now seen as the 'Tak Bolehland'. We are unable to do menial, labour, house chores etc. We are no longer able to be a waiter or a waitress to serve each other. We are more of rent-seekers - no longer producers. Malaysia is no longer competitive and attractive for investors.

There are more drug abusers than baby boomers. The baby boomers grew up with privileges and affluence. They expect the country to grow and improve in time. Unfortunately they are in for a shock. So it is time for us to pull up our socks and join forces to overcome the many social, political and economical bubbles that are about to burst. There are going to be more losers than winners.

In the meantime, let's take a deep breath. Najib is the man with the experience and astuteness to bring us out of this gradual path to doom. He has outlined the path and the solutions for us to walk together. Believe it or not. It is your choice or your funeral.

Najib's 1Malaysia economic model worries racist Malay groups

2010-02-28T00:13:00.000-08:00

By G. Manimaran
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 - Worries about an impending “overly liberal” New Economic Model has prompted nearly 80 Malay groups to form the Malay Consultative Council (MPM) to push the government to maintain affirmative action for the country’s dominant race.

A Malay leader revealed that the MPM wants the Umno-led Barisan Nasional government to maintain a “guided” New Economic Policy (NEP) that protects the Malays and Bumiputras, saying the community was worried about moves to abolish subsidies and other forms of aid.

“We don’t want an economic model that is overly free or overly liberal... we want a model that can lead the interests of the Malays,” the leader told The Malaysian Insider on condition of anonymity after attending the MPM launch in the Sultan Sulaiman Club yesterday.

The Malaysian Insider understands that the MPM is disappointed with the government for not having comprehensive discussions with Malay groups and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) about the New Economic Model (NEM), to be launched next month in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1 Malaysia concept and global economic trends.

There were also several Malay NGO leaders who felt the current problems are due to a weak government that was meeting the demands of other races in the economic sector. Najib had freed 27 economic sub-sectors from mandatory Bumiputra participation last year and also reduced quotas for Bumiputra equity in initial public share offers.

The MPM felt that Malay political leaders themselves are sidelining Malay interests, the leader said without identifying these politicians.

It is understood that while MPM was formed to defend and protect Malay rights and Islam, it will initially focus on the economy.

Among the prime movers in MPM are Perkasa, ex-Umno lawmakers council Mubarak, Peninsula Malay Students Confederation (GPMS), Malay Professional Thinkers Association and Cuepacs.

The MPM will organise a round-table conference for its members on Mar 7 to discuss the future economic direction of the Malays and an introduction to the NEM which Najib had promised would lead to higher income based on innovation and creativity.

“Yesterday’s meeting was focused on protecting Malay interest in the economy, we don’t want the Malays to continue being sidelined by open economic policies.

“To ensure that the NEM has affirmative approaches to help the Malays and Bumiputras because we hear this element is missing in the new model ... this was the emphasis by the NGOs supporting the MPM,” he added.

The leader said a majority of NGOs in the MPM had disclosed that Malays and Bumiputras feel their position was threatened as the country’s economy is still being controlled by minority groups.

Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali yesterday said MPM’s role is to protect and be the frontline against quarters that continuously try to undermine the rights, privileges and economy of the Malays, position of Islam and Malay Rulers in the country.

He said the MPM will play its role as a pressure group to the government to ensure it does not stray from the core principles in the Federal Constitution, particularly Article 153 that protects the Malays.

Earlier this month when opening the 1 Malaysia Economic Conference, the prime minister had asked local industries to accept changes that are occurring without expecting much protection from the government.

Najib, who is also Finance Minister, is battling to reduce deficits and steer the economy out of the recession.

He announced last week that the country’s economy grew 4.5 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2009 with overall growth shrinking 1.7 per cent against earlier gloomier estimates of 3 per cent.

However, the Najib administration is also battling to keep the economy afloat as foreign direct investments continue to fall.

International Trade and Industry deputy minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir promised last week that the NEM would make appropriate concessions for the Bumiputras in line with previous policies, including the NEP.

He admitted to have received visits from NGOs representing various industries and sectors who had expressed worry that the NEM would be too open and reduce opportunities for Bumiputera entrepreneurs and businessmen.

Mukhriz said that the government would give the appropriate consideration for all quarters in its policies.

UMNO to solve problems of other races

2010-02-20T10:02:00.001-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 — Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak today called on his party to adopt a paradigm shift in order to win over the non-Malays, by solving the problems of all Malaysians regardless of race.

“Why are they not looking for Umno to solve their problems? Why are they going to the opposition?” Najib asked when opening the Wanita Umno Convention at the Putra World Trade Centre, here this afternoon.

The prime minister said that Malaysia’s success was dependent on political stability and Malay leadership, in line with his 1 Malaysia concept.

“We must take care of others races so they will respect us.”

He pointed out that in a parliamentary democracy, the people had the ultimate power and that was why Umno needed to gain the support of all races.

Najib called on Wanita Umno to be the catalyst of change and accepted their commitment, made earlier by their chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, to be the pulse of transformation and innovation for the nation.

He commended the determination of the Wanita Umno delegates, whom he said had woken up from the nightmare of Election 2008 when the Umno-led Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition lost its traditional two-thirds majority in parliament and five states to the opposition.

He said to be agents of change, Umno needed to start from within by rejecting all that was negative, such as being obsessed with positions.

Najib said there was no point for members to strive to become division, state or national leaders if Umno itself loses power.

He pointed out that, in the past, many have come to him seeking positions by claiming a loss of face if they did not get what they wanted.

“But it’s not about you, it’s about the party,” Najib stressed.

This new culture in Umno, he said, would enable BN to emerge stronger in the next general election.

Rosmah: I am not the hidden hand behind Najib's decision-making

2010-02-16T09:55:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of the prime minister, has dismissed a talk that she is the hidden hand behind Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s decision-making process.

“I have not heard about it, but it is not something that I am sensitive about as it is not true. Maybe I am a bit vocal or gregarious... I like to have friends, unlike Datuk Najib, who is a bit reserved.

“But it does not mean that just because Datuk Najib is a reserved person, I am making the decisions... I am the type who voices my dissatisfaction, but once said, it is done. I do not harbour ill feelings,” she said in an interview on Hello Malaysia over BernamaTV at Wisma Bernama here on Friday.

Rosmah said that although Najib was not a man of many words, he should not be underestimated.

“I always tell others not to underestimate Datuk Najib. He is not easily angered but do not provoke him. When he becomes angry, there is no forgiveness for you.

“Datuk does not say much but he registers what is happening around him. If I make a mistake, he will reprimand me. If he ever starts to stomp his feet, I will shudder.

“What is important is that we are close to each other. We can talk things over. We laugh and share jokes. It is important that a leader should not become too stressed.

“So, when he comes home, we watch tv together, we go out to dinner, together. In short, we are best friends,” she said.

Rosmah said that she looked after her husband’s needs such as food, clothes and health.

“When he is at home, I do not go out unless I have prior engagements. I also ensure that Datuk Najib stays fit by exercising at the gym.

“I try to ensure that he is not troubled by having to haggle over petty matters as his thoughts should be on the people and the country,” she added.

On another issue, Rosmah advised parents to get back to basics by passing on to their children the tradition of being respectful and thankful.

Parents should not leave the responsibility of teaching their children entirely to schools, she added.

"I am taking a serious view on this matter. Why do youths nowadays fail to say thank you, do not feel they are indebted or do not have respect for others?

"We need to have an awareness campaign, a programme to teach children to respect others. We may have to return to the tradition of mothers pinching us if we did not say 'thank you'.

"Nowadays, mothers no longer pinch their children. When their children make mistakes, they are not reprimanded," she said.

On the PERMATA Pintar programme, she said that about 400 smart children attended a summer camp held at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia recently.

"Under the PERMATA Seni programme, a children's concert involving an orchestra, a choir and traditional performances will be held at the end of the year," she added.

Najib has 100k Facebook fans

2010-02-14T10:04:00.000-08:00

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak now has more than 100,000 Facebook fans. As of 5.25pm yesterday, Najib, who became a Facebook member in mid-October, had accumulated 101,337 fans.

"Dear friends, as of today (Friday), and within a short period, more than 100,000 of you have joined me on this page.

"I am delighted and moved by this response, and by the interest you continue to show in my posts through leaving comments.

"Thank you all for becoming fans and for helping to make this page an engaging forum for discussion. Let's continue this upward momentum!" he said in a brief remark left on the page.

Like millions of people around the world, Najib joined the social networking website to reach out to the masses, and especially Malaysians, hoping to clip the political divide between the old and young generations.

Apart from the social networking portal, the prime minister also actively tweets on another social networking portal, Twitter.

SMEs get a boost from Najib

2010-02-13T10:51:00.001-08:00

By Jeeva Arulampalam

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia - A masterplan for the years 2011 to 2020 will be developed to synchronise small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) development with the new economic model, the prime minister said.

Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the masterplan would create an ecosystem that facilitated the development of SMEs from all aspects including funding, capacity-building and logistical support.

"The aim is to help SMEs grow from small successful local companies to regional and global levels," he said here yesterday, after chairing the 10th National SME Development Council meeting.

The masterplan will propose measures for SMEs to make a quantum leap in performance and for Malaysia to produce domestic, regional and global champions that can spearhead the country's economic growth.

The SME contribution to gross domestic product remained flat at 29 per cent during the period 2000 to 2004, but rose from 29.4 per cent in 2005 to 31.4 per cent in 2008.

"We've seen that the service sector is the sector that is most progressive in terms of SME development.

"We also want to focus on other sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing under the masterplan," said Najib.

He added that stakeholders and other parties were being consulted to redefine the SME.

The National SME Development Council had approved the establishment of a special unit responsible for SMEs at relevant agencies and ministries using available resources to enhance effectiveness, coordination and monitoring SME development initiatives.

The council also encouraged all ministries and agencies to adopt the SME Competitive Rating for Enhancement (SCORE) to monitor SMEs in their programmes.

Under the Integrated Action Plan 2009/2010, 354 programmes will be implemented this year with financial commitments totalling RM6.02 billion (S$2.48billion).

Roughly RM3.3 billion has been allocated for the development of SMEs in the services sector in line with the government's aim of developing Malaysia into a high-income economy.

Najib also urged SMEs to use Bank Negara Malaysia's financial advisory services if they are not able to find financing.

Last year, BNM assisted 253,801 individuals and businesses, an increase of 90 per cent compared with 133,439 individuals and businesses in 2008.

Also, 531 SMEs have received specific advisory services on access to financing from BNM, with 92 per cent of such cases resolved during the period.

Total financing from financial institutions amounted to RM135.5 billion at end of last year involving 635,841 SMEs.

Najib calls on Muslims to take the middle path

2010-02-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

By Adib Zalkapli

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 5 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak called on the Muslim community to be moderate in their religious practices and to be wary of those who want to stir religious tensions by manipulating the "Allah" row.

Quoting the Quran, Najib said Muslims are referred to in the holy book as a moderate community.

"Therefore the concept of moderation, or the middle path, must be encouraged in Islam as any deed which is done more than necessary is considered extreme, but if it is less than necessary it is considered negligence," said Najib.

"Therefore the Muslim community cannot be rigid and extreme and also should not be too free, without limits," he added.

Najib was speaking at meeting with Islamic leaders and scholars here.

He also urged those present to handle the "Allah" dispute wisely, but did not elaborate on the sensitive issue.

"We must not take lightly controversial religious issues. On the issue of the word 'Allah', it has really tested our wisdom in handling it," said Najib, describing the series of attacks against places of worship as an attempt to destabilise the country.

"Please remember, 40 years after the racial riot of May 13, 1969, the Malaysian community has not given up on building a 1 Malaysian race," said Najib.

He also stressed the importance of dialogue in handling differences of opinion.

"Learn from history and remember that major wars started from small conflicts," said Najib.

After the opening speech Najib then proceeded to have a 20 minute, closed-door dialogue with the 600 Islamic leaders who were present.

Malaysia will not be used as terrorist transit point

2010-01-31T02:32:00.001-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia will not allow itself to be used as a transit point for terrorists, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday.

He said the government would not hesitate to carry out stern and proactive actions to safeguard the country's safety.

"We must carry out pre-emptive measures, whether in the country or abroad, before any violence happens.

"If anything untoward happened in the country, it would paint a bad picture of Malaysia.

"And if anything happened outside our country, we might be accused of being a transit point for terrorists. This is also bad for our country's image," said Najib, who is also Umno president, after chairing the party's supreme council meeting.

He was asked to comment on the move by the police last week to arrest 10 men with links to international terrorist organisations.

The nine foreigners and a Malaysian were also believed to be linked to a Nigerian student who attempted to blow up a US-bound flight on Christmas Day.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein had said that those detained posed a serious security threat to the country.

Najib said yesterday that as a responsible country to the international community, Malaysia must always ensure that there were no negative elements in the country.

"Malaysia is not a transit point for terrorists. Many people come to visit our country or use it as a transit point to another country. But that does not mean that we are a transit point for such activities.

"We will take action against those who make use of our country for that purpose."

Najib Visit to Batu Caves - Renewal of a Tradition neglected by Dr. M

2010-01-30T02:36:00.000-08:00

I refer to the Malaysikini report Najib to make historic visit to Batu Caves.

The topic of the day that is creating positive waves among the Indian Malaysian community is the Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's imminent visit to Batu Caves on the eve of Thaipusam later today which is an auspicious occasion for the Hindu community worldwide. This is where the heartbeat of the Malaysian Hindu community can be adequately captured.

In the year 1970, that is exactly four decades ago, when political upheavals were rife, the current premier's father Abdul Razak took the effort to be with the Hindu community to model and mould this culture of acceptance and understanding.

It was acclaimed and applauded even then. But for no apparent reason after Hussein Onn's visit in 1979, this practice was discontinued. But now precisely after 31 years, Najib Razak has decided to show the community in no uncertain terms that he is with them.

This gesticulation of the premier to be there at this propitious ceremony is to be commended and to be emulated by leaders at all levels. It is a timely gesture, especially at this time in Malaysian history when religious and racial insensitivities and intolerance are ubiquitous.

It goes a long way to show that the PM cares about what happens to the Indian community. It is extremely symbolic in promoting mutual religious appreciation and understanding. On the same note, it allays the fears and apprehensions of the younger generation and imbues new hope and faith.

But one man alone cannot make the difference. The effort of this leader has to be emulated by all the other leaders without the distinction of rank and file, race and religion and should be made a unique Malaysian way of life.

It should become a regular and unalterable feature of our life in a pluralist society and not a once in two or three decades kind of political activity when the political pressures are mounting high.

In this, Malaysians can become and should become trendsetters in making this harmonious multi- racial living a reality in every day life and in all rungs of the society.

Najib Wants to Quick-fix Anwar?

2010-01-29T07:44:00.000-08:00

MANILA: Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on Friday accused his country's government of seeking to convict him quickly of sodomy as part of efforts to deflect attention against its own woes.

Anwar spoke out angrily after he lost his appeal for access to the government's evidence against him in the sodomy trial, which is due to start in Kuala Lumpur next week and could see him jailed for 20 years.

"I'm shocked with the (government's) impunity to go on with such a case despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary," Anwar told AFP on a short trip to the Philippines.

Anwar accused Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak of orchestrating efforts to have him convicted of sodomy, and said he feared the court could buckle under the pressure from the government.

Asked if he thought he would win the case, Anwar said: "Yes, assuming the court agrees... to look at facts and the law. I'm confident of the facts.

"(But) I'm not too confident of the system because I think Najib is quite directly involved."

Anwar said the court case may be over in a matter of weeks.

"It seems they want to rush it... their political masters want a quick conviction."

Anwar insisted the government was seeking to jail him on sodomy charges only to eliminate his political challenge, as Najib's ruling party was losing popularity amid corruption allegations and rising racial domestic tensions.

"I think Najib wants to deflect attention from the cases of corruption and the tensions that are brewing," he said.

Anwar is accused of having sexual relations with then 24-year-old Mohamad Saiful Bukhari Azlan, who was an aide in his office.

The case runs the risk of repeating history for Anwar, who was sacked as deputy prime minister and jailed a decade ago on separate sodomy and corruption charges.

He spent six years in prison but the sex charge was eventually overturned.

After being released, Anwar reinvigorated the opposition and rallied it in 2008 to achieve its best ever results in national elections, when it won a third of parliamentary seats.

When asked about the prospect of people taking to the streets to express support for him, Anwar said mass protests against the government could occur if he was found guilty of sodomy again.

"I cannot preclude that possibility," he said.

In Kuala Lumpur, Anwar's lawyer said their legal team would seek a review of Friday's Federal Court ruling that barred them from having access to the prosecution's evidence against him.

"The court ruled that the evidence that we were seeking did not fall within the 'necessary and desirable' category and turned down the appeal," lawyer Sankara Nair told AFP.

"It has far-reaching negative implications in Malaysian criminal law as it is a reversal of earlier positions in law allowing greater disclosure by the prosecutors so the accused can prepare his defence effectively."

Sankara said he would seek a stay of the trial, which is due to begin on Tuesday, to give time for Anwar's legal team to push for an appeal to strike out the case completely.

2010-01-22T23:10:00.001-08:00

By Baradan Kuppusamy

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak may have been basking in the limelight in Chennai after meeting the revered Tamil Nadu Chief Minister “Kalaignar” M. Karunanidhi yesterday, but the benefits for him are here at home, among voters from the Indian community, the vast majority of whom are Tamils.

The landmark visit to Tamil Nadu is a major change in the itineraries of Malaysian prime ministers in their official visits to India.

Najib is the first national leader to visit Chennai and shake hands with Karunanidhi, who is dubbed the Tamil Lion.

During their meeting, Karunanidhi extended a personal invitation to Najib to participate in the World Classical Tamil Conference, which will held in Coimbatore in June.

Meeting Karunanidhi is one of the most cherished ambition of Tamils the world over not just because of his political stamina but also for his command of the Tamil language, his poetry, his writings and his deep knowledge of Tamil literature and history.

Meeting the Tamil Lion face to face is a strategic move to win the hearts of the Tamils in the country, whose support he needs to stay in power in the next general election.

Barisan Nasional has determined that, besides its inherent support from Malay voters and others, it needs a five per cent swing among Indian voters to stay in power.

Najib has been wooing Indian voters in a focused and determined manner even though the BN’s traditional Indian partners — the MIC and PPP — are weakened by one leadership crisis after another.

“Even if the MIC and PPP fails to deliver, Najib believes he can carry the Indian voter on his own charisma and standing as a national leader,” a senior Barisan Nasional leader said.

Najib has been courting the Indian community directly — from offering RM1 billion in unit trust funds, to cash for Tamil school upgrading and ending other endemic woes like the issuance of birth certificates and identity cards.

The visit to Chennai and meeting Kalaignar (poet) is a small step in that direction… to touch base with the Tamils.

Najib can return and brag about it and milk the episode for its high symbolic value — as the first Malaysian prime minister to officially visit the Tamil state and personally meet the Tamil Lion.

Potentially, the Chennai visit can win for him favours from Tamils similar to what his father’s historic 1974 visit to China did for Tun Abdul Razak with the Chinese community — a strong emotional endorsement.

“It is quite a big bragging right… to meet the Kalaignar,” said MIC CWC member KP Samy. “His status among Tamils would be very much enhanced.”

Pakatan Rakyat leaders have also been trying hard to meet Karunanidhi for the same reasons Najib is meeting him — its symbolic value among Tamils in Malaysia and elsewhere.

But they have failed to meet him yet or invite him over to Malaysia.

Attempts are underway by PR’s Indian leaders to also invite Karunanidhi’s son MK Stalin or Vaiko, another popular Tamil politician, but these plans have yet to make it off the drawing board.

PM woos Indian firms to invest in Msia

2010-01-16T10:55:00.001-08:00

CHENNAI: Indian firms have been invited to play a key role in the development of human capital under Malaysia’s New Economic Model (NEM).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak told India’s captains of industry at a roundtable meeting here on Friday that the NEM, to be launched within the first quarter of the year, would be based on innovation, creativity and high sources of growth.

He said the new model was aimed at shifting Malaysia’s reliance on manufacturing based on low and semi-skilled workers to one focused on high technology and a modern service sector with skilled and highly-paid workers.

“We need to move Malaysia from an upper middle-income economy to a high-income economy by 2020.

“For this to happen, we will increase investments in human capital development and build a strong foundation in research and development design and engineering, and commercialisation of research activities,” Najib said.

He added that the Government was rationalising all research funds and grants to be more effective.

“Indian companies focusing on research and development, and design and development, are welcome to explore and take advantage of the opportunities in these areas,” he said.

Najib added that Malaysia had always provided a cost-competitive environment for Indian investors.

He said the Government remained business-friendly, and had put in place the necessary infrastructure and administrative support to provide a conducive environment for both local and foreign investors.

“We continually review existing incentives and create new ones to attract private investments.

“The NEM focuses on enhancing private investment from domestic sources, and these companies are encouraged to collaborate with foreign investors strong in high-knowledge content industries,” he said.

Among the areas identified for further development were advanced electronics, information communication and technology (ICT), machinery and equipment, biotechnology, medical devices and renewable energy.

Najib said attractive incentives like pioneer status and investment tax allowances would be offered to companies investing in these areas.

He said India, the world’s leading provider of information technology services particularly in software and multimedia development, should explore opportunities for joint ventures or other forms of collaboration.

On ICT, he said, the Malaysian Government had put in place a number of initiatives to promote the sector, including granting Multimedia Super Corridor-status to qualified companies.

MSC-status firms enjoy incentives and benefits backed by the Bill of Guarantees.

Malaysia is now home to 1,953 MSC-status companies, out of which 401 or 20.5% were foreign-owned. Indian firms make up 13.7%.

Earlier, Najib witnessed the signing and exchanges of memorandums of understanding between 13 Malaysian and Indian companies.

Malaysian Probe Into Murder Cover-up Bribery May Fail Without PI witness

2010-01-16T10:55:00.000-08:00

By Manirajan Ramasamy

Jan. 13 (Bloomberg) -- The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission said its probe into bribery accusations surrounding the murder of a Mongolian woman will fail unless it can contact the private investigator at the center of the allegations, who has been missing since 2008.

P. Balasubramaniam disappeared after holding a press conference in July 2008 to retract his allegation made a day earlier that Prime Minister Najib Razak had an affair with the victim. Najib, who was deputy premier at the time, said he had never met the woman and has denied any wrongdoing.

“Without him coming forward, we can’t continue the investigation,” Chief Commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamed told reporters in Kuala Lumpur today. “We are willing to meet him anywhere, even overseas, without any conditions. We need him to get in touch with us.”

The anti-corruption unit is probing allegations that bribes were paid to cover up the murder case, which was tried separately. The commission opened its probe after opposition politicians filed a report.

Two of Najib’s former police guards were sentenced to death in April for the 2006 murder of the Mongolian woman, Altantuya Shaariibuu, a lover of Najib’s former adviser, Abdul Razak Baginda. Abdul Razak was acquitted in 2008 of abetting the killing.

Church attacks a setback for Najib’s 1 Malaysia

2010-01-08T18:07:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1 Malaysia idea suffered a setback yesterday with attacks on three churches stemming from an escalating row over the “Allah” ruling as police stepped up security at Christian houses of worship around the country.

Politicians from both sides of the divide swiftly condemned the firebombings at two churches and an unsuccessful attempt at another in the Klang Valley. Police also dismissed rumours and fears of other church attacks or car-smashing in a tense Kuala Lumpur.

"In just nine months, Najib’s 1 Malaysia slogan is facing its most critical test as its very credibility is at stake," veteran opposition leader Lim Kit Siang said in his first reaction to the firebombings.

Najib's vision of 1 Malaysia is a concept aimed at uniting Malaysians through their common, shared experiences but it has faced internal opposition within the ruling coalition and has been scoffed as another empty slogan by the opposition.

Lim said the attacks went further than just hurting the concept and damaging race and religious relations in the mainly Muslim country.

"Malaysia also cannot afford further adverse international publicity over the ‘Allah’ controversy, which would only aggravate Malaysia’s declining international competitiveness if there is escalation of deplorable incidents by irresponsible and extremist elements like the spate of church attacks," the Ipoh Timur MP pointed out.

His allies in the Pakatan Rakyat opposition bloc laid the blame squarely on Najib's ruling Umno party and Barisan Nasional coalition which the prime minister angrily denied.

While condemning the attacks, Najib reacted sharply to opposition claims that Umno politicians may have exacerbated the situation.

“Don't point fingers at Umno or anyone else,” Najib told reporters. “We have always been very responsible. Don't say this attack is motivated by Umno.”

The attacks demonstrate the fragile nature of race and religious relations in Malaysia, a country of 27 million people with a 64 per cent Muslim majority. In contrast, only 9 per cent are Christians, including 800,000 Catholics.

From another standpoint, the attacks seem to have had a sobering effect on Muslims, many of whom had promised to organise mass demonstrations after Friday prayers. As it turned out, only three protests — mostly mild affairs — were held under watchful police scrutiny.

To their credit, the men in blue reacted swiftly. “Since last night, I have instructed all patrol cars to patrol all church areas,” Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan told Reuters. “We are monitoring all churches.”

He confirmed to reporters that only three churches were attacked in the wee hours yesterday morning — the Metro Tabernacle Church in Ampang, Assumption Church in Petaling Jaya and the Life Chapel, also in Petaling Jaya. Only the Assumption Church is Catholic.

The attack on the Metro Tabernacle Church gutted its administrative office while a Molotov cocktail tossed into the Life Chapel damaged its porch slightly. Meanwhile, the firebomb hurled at the Assumption Church failed to explode.

In addition, a priest at St Francis Xavier, a Catholic church in Petaling Jaya, lodged a police report over a caller threatening to torch the church.

Another pastor was reportedly manhandled by four men later in the night.

PM and other leaders condemn arson attacks on 3 churches

2010-01-07T22:09:00.001-08:00

PM, other leaders condemn arson attacks

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has condemned the attacks made on three churches in the Klang Valley but has asked the public not to start pointing fingers at who may have been responsible for the attacks.

The Prime Minister said he viewed the matter seriously as these actions could jeapordise harmony, adding that the Government would take all possible action to prevent such incident from recurring.

At the same time, Najib had directed the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan to beef up security and surveillance at places of worship.

“We must not allow the peace and the understanding that we have among Malaysians of various ethnic backgrounds and faiths be threatened by anyone or any parties.

“As I have said before, whatever problems that arise, we must use the right channel and method to solve it. Our action must not be against the law as this can jeapordise harmony,” he told reporters after chairing the fourth Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) on Friday.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Chief Secterary to the Government Tan Sri Sidek Hassan.

Najib angrily denies Umno raising tension in ‘Allah’ issue

2010-01-07T18:13:00.000-08:00

Najib: Don’t point the fingers at Umno or anyone else.
By Neville Spykerman

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 8 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today strongly denied Umno should be blamed for raising the mercury in the “Allah” issue which climaxed with today’s attacks on three churches.

“Don’t point the fingers at Umno or anyone else. We have always been very responsible. Don’t say this attack is motivated by Umno,” said Najib, who was clearly unhappy when asked if politicians especially from Umno should be blamed for fanning the flames.

The Metro Tabernacle church in Kuala Lumpur was firebombed at midnight and Live Chapel in Section 17, Petaling Jaya was attacked with a Molotov cocktail, causing some damage.

Another Molotov cocktail failed to explode in the Church of Assumption in Petaling Jaya at 4am.

Police have tightened security at all churches nationwide while bracing for protests by Muslim groups against the Dec 31 High Court ruling allowing Catholic weekly Herald to use “Allah” in its Bahasa Malaysia section.

Najib also disclosed that there have been two incidents and one threat reported thus far.

“I condemn the attacks and those responsible because this will destroy the harmony of the country,” the prime minister said.

He pointed out that the country's multiracial and multi-religious identity should not be threatened and the government will take all possible action to stop such attacks, adding he has directed Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan and Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein to step up security around churches.

He urged the public not to take the law into their own hands and use the right channels to express their concerns.

Both Najib and Hishammuddin had over the past two days said that Muslims had a right to protest the “Allah” ruling within mosque compounds despite fears it might escalate tension in the country.

DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang said top political party leaders should take a common stand to condemn the spate of church attacks in the wake of the “Allah” controversy and ensure that there is no further escalation.

"What many Malaysians had feared would happen and which the Prime Minister and Home Minister had discounted with their far-from-responsible stances — the exploitation of the ‘Allah’ controversy by irresponsible and extremist elements — have unfortunately come to pass," the Ipoh Timur MP said in a statement.

He said Najib "should immediately impress on Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein to take all urgent and necessary measures to protect the good name of the country or be held responsible for any undesirable consequences".

"In just nine months, Najib’s 1 Malaysia slogan is facing its most critical test as its very credibility is at stake.

"Malaysia also cannot afford further adverse international publicity over the 'Allah' controversy, which would only aggravate Malaysia’s declining international competitiveness if there is escalation of deplorable incidents by irresponsible and extremist elements like the spate of church attacks," Lim added.

PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang condemned the “terrorising” fire bombings against the Metro Tabernacle Church and Church of Assumption.

Saying Islam allowed for freedom of worship, he said the actions went against its teachings and were committed by those who don’t understand their own religion.

“PAS members and supporters throughout the country and the people must always remember to be calm and not be influenced by the provocative actions of certain quarters,” Abdul Hadi said in a statement.

Najib Predicts A Brighter Malaysia in 2010

2010-01-01T01:12:00.000-08:00

Malaysia Envisioned To Emerge Stronger In 2010 - Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak hopes that with the various initiatives undertaken, Malaysia will emerge stronger with positive growth in 2010.

He also hopes that the government's fiscal deficit will be reduced from 7.4 per cent to 5.6 per cent next year.

"However, our long-term objective is not just to recover from the economic crisis, but what is more important is taking this opportunity to lay a strong foundation for the nation's prosperity in the future with continuous renewal," he said in his 2010 New Year message which was carried live on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) tonight.

Najib said it was imperative for its future prosperity that Malaysia uplift itself in the global economic value chain.

"Forging ahead means creating a knowledge-based economy driven by a high capacity for creativity, innovation and adding value."

Hence, he said, in 2010, the government would table two important initiatives. One is a long-term initiative through a new economic model, which will serve as a guide for the national development direction towards 2020 and the years beyond.

"The second is the short- and medium-term initiative in the 10th Malaysia Plan. Indeed, the success of these two initiatives requires the proactive role of every Malaysian.

"It is true that in facing the difficult moments posed by the economic challenges, we have achieved success not by co-incidence but by making wise choices.

"I believe that the key to our future success is not just our wealth in natural resources, but more importantly, our knowledgeable human capital imbued with a strong entrepreneurial spirit in generating new wealth for the nation," he said.

While wishing Malaysians 'Happy New year 2010', Najib urged everyone to move forward to achieve success together as "there are still many paths to travel and many challenges to face".

"What upholds the spirit, I believe, is because I am not alone. I know the people of this country are smart, talented and high-spirited.

"Together, we are fully optimistic of upholding Malaysia's good name," he said while hoping that 2010 would bring prosperity, security, good health and good fortune for Malaysia and its people.

Najib regarded 2009 as a time of extraordinary challenges, such as the global warming crisis which threatened the sustainability and well-being of the planet.

Besides that, he said, Malaysia also had to weather the global financial crisis, "which hit us at an unprecedented magnitude and scale, causing havoc to families and businesses in every corner of the world".

"Whatever the challenges and hurdles, with His blessings, we went through all these not by sitting back, but by standing strong, by taking action and making difficult decisions, while implementing various policies in a thoughtful manner."

He said that whether at the Asean or Apec level, and recently in Copenhagen, Malaysia had played its role aptly to place itself among the major players of global cooperation to achieve progress in the areas of trade and security and in addressing global warming.

"Although we have not fully recovered from the economic downturn, the signs indicate that Malaysia is moving out of the gloom and it recorded positive GDP growth from the fourth quarter of 2009.

"Our past records and achievements have given us confidence that Malaysia will not only recover from the economic crisis, but also have the potential of emerging stronger economically and more prosperous in the post-crisis era."

Najib said Malaysia had proven its resolve in situations like in the 1980s when commodity prices dropped sharply and during the Asian financial storm of the late 1990s, where Malaysia survived through its own recovery formula.

"We had also drawn up and implemented a roadmap towards building a stronger banking and financial sector for the country. As a result, this time, we were saved when many countries were hit hard by the economic crisis due to the failure of their banking and financial systems."

He said Malaysians must be courageous and firm in effecting change and renewal for continued prosperity, while their sacrifice was also required to raise productivity, competitiveness and mastery of new skills.

The prime minister said the effects of the global economic crisis had compelled the government to prioritise things to bring the country back to the optimal economic growth level.

"This we have done by undertaking concrete measures, such as the economic stimulus injection of RM67 billion, tabling of an additional budget, liberalisation of selected sectors, creating employment, providing comfortable homes, improving the public transport service and restructuring of subsidies."

He said that soon after taking over the helm of the government administration nine months ago, he introduced the 1Malaysia concept: People First, Performance Now, which was a priority under the present government.

"Although there are groups which try to sidetrack us or create confusion out of this noble initiative, I am confident and believe that the majority of Malaysians have begun to understand the philosophy behind the 1Malaysia concept.

"Our strength is built in the name of celebrating diversity and homogeneity regardless of whether we are old, young, Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Iban or of other ethnicity. To ensure that the concept's goals are met, the role of the government should be transformed from that of a sole provider to the best facilitator," he said.

Najib said a brighter future for Malaysia depended on the combination and promotion of ideas, talents, initiatives and the spirit of Malaysians, regardless of their limitations and backgrounds.

"The contribution of every Malaysian citizen is vital in ensuring success. There is no Malaysian who is not important or is marginalised. The government welcomes every talent available. Isn't it a waste if a talent that is honed under the Malaysian sky is capitalised on for the prosperity of other nations?"

Under his administration, six National Key Result Areas (NKRAs) were set, which involve reducing crime rates, combating corruption, widening access to affordable and quality education, improving infrastructure in rural and remote areas, and upgrading public transportation.

"I wish to state that the NKRAs and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are not something exhaustive or complete, as the government welcomes the contribution of ideas and opinions from the people.

"I believe that with synthesis between the government and people, we will have vetted ideas to improve on what we have," he said.

Najib rejects royal commission to probe Dr M

2010-01-01T01:04:00.000-08:00

Prime Minister Najib Razak said there was no need for a royal commission of inquiry to look into allegations hurled at former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in the book ‘Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times’ authored by Barry Wain.

“There is always this call for a royal commission, everything you want royal commission, but (this) is not appropriate to call for a royal commission just because somebody has written a book.

“What is important for us is to look forward to the future. Each prime minister has made a lot of contribution, otherwise we wouldn’t be what we are today, Malaysia will not be a successful nation and regarded as a role model if all the PMs in the past had not made their contribution,” he said.

On Dec 21, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang in his blog had urged Najib to set up a royal commission to probe the allegations contained in the book, which among others had claimed that Mahathir had squandered up to RM100 billion during his 22 years as prime minister.

In an immediate response, Mahathir in his ‘Chedet’ blog welcomed the call for a royal inquiry and said he would cooperate fully with the commission.

Wain, who is the former managing editor of Asian Wall Street Journal, has estimated that Mahathir had squandered up to RM100 billion in his years as PM.

Najib hit by theft of jet engines

2009-12-27T02:42:00.001-08:00

By Kevin Brown in Singapore

The Malaysian government faces a fresh corruption crisis after officials admitted that two fighter jet engines had disappeared from an air force base after apparently being illicitly sold by military officers to a South American arms dealer.

Najib Razak, prime minister, said there would be a full inquiry into the thefts, which happened in 2007 and 2008, when he was defence minister. However, opposition parties accused the government of a cover-up.

Lim Kit Siang, parliamentary leader of the opposition Democratic Action party, said the authorities had been "super slow" and alleged the prime minister's response had painted a "frightening picture of a government of thieves".

Idris Ahmad of the allied Parti Islam SeMalaysia said "powerful people" had been involved. "We don't want only the ikan bilis [anchovies] to be arrested while the sharks are allowed to swim freely," he said.

The General Electric J85-21A engines, each worth about M$50m ($15m, €10.5m, £9.4m), were spares for the Royal Malaysian Air Force's Northrop Grumman F-5E Tiger II fighters, which fly from the Butterworth air base near the northern border with Thailand.

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, defence minister, said the engines and associated equipment were "believed to have been sent to a South American country" after being moved to Sungai Besi air base in Kuala Lumpur for maintenance.

The defence ministry would not identify the country involved nor comment on media reports the engines might have ended up in the Middle East.

The F-5 went out of production in 1989 but is still used as a trainer by US forces and is in frontline or reserve service with many foreign air forces, including that of Iran.

The ministry said several senior officers were being investigated. General Azizan Ariffin, chief of the armed forces, said the thefts might have been the "tip of the iceberg", raising the possibility that other military equipment might also have disappeared.

The disclosure of the thefts is a serious blow to Mr Najib, who has promised to crack down on corruption as part of efforts to recover support for his long-serving National Front government, which lost many of its seats in a general election last year.

The prime minister unveiled a three-year action plan last week amid concern at declining investor interest and Malaysia's fall to 56th in the 2009 Corruption Index, published by Transparency International, down from 47th in 2008.

Mr Najib has denied any personal corruption, including opposition claims of involvement in an allegedly corrupt submarine deal while he served as defence minister.

Corruption charges were brought this month against a senior port executive and two other officials linked to a development near Kuala Lumpur known as the Port Klang free trade zone.

The arrests followed a damning parliamentary report that found widespread evidence of corruption and cost overruns at the project, which has run up debts of more than $1bn.

Najib announces RPGT reversal

2009-12-27T02:39:00.000-08:00

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced tonight a reversal of his government’s decision to reintroduce real property gains tax (RPGT) on January 1 for all transactions, amid concerns that it would hit long-standing homeowners and foreign investors.

Instead, the government has now decided the five per cent RPGT would only apply to property sold within five years of purchase.

The five per cent tax, which was announced under Budget 2010 in October, is normally imposed to curb speculation but due to its flat structure does not differentiate between homeowners who have been holding a property for 20 years or those who are flipping properties within one or two years for a profit.

The property sector was taken by surprise by the announcement and had expressed worries that it would have sent a message to potential investors that the government has not been consistent in its policymaking.

An exemption on the RPGT was given in 2007 by the then-Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi administration in order to boost the property development industry.

Its removal two plus years later with little warning could have heightened the feeling of uncertainty among investors.

But speaking at a dinner with the federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia tonight, Najib allayed fears from the business sector, many of whom are from the Chinese community.

[Najib (second left) and his hosts share a light moment during tonight’s dinner. — Picture by Jack Ooi ] He said the decision to backtrack on the implementation of the RPGT will likely cost the government RM200 million in lost revenue.

Apart from this, Najib also announced that the hospitality industry will enjoy a 60 per cent reinvestment allowance from the government, to be handed out to hotels undertaking investments for renovation and refurnishing.

He said that in line with this new policy, the government will extend the investment allowance for 15 years.

The announcements were made following requests made by the Federation of Chinese Associations for the government to help the property sector.

“I hope the Chinese community will respond to the announcements accordingly,” he said.

Najib also said that he hoped to see the Chinese reciprocate his gesture by helping him realise his “1 Malaysia” concept.

Need Consensus for UMNO take over of BN seat in Penang

2009-12-20T07:07:00.000-08:00

PM:Need BN consensus on Penang BN chairmanship issue
By IZATUN SHARI

SHAH ALAM: Any decision on Penang Umno’s plan to take over the state Barisan Nasional chairmanship from Gerakan will be made based on Barisan’s consensus, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said as Barisan chairman, he would make sure that before any decision is made, all parties would be consulted.

“That is at a proposal stage. It’s all right but any decision will be by consensus according to Barisan’s spirit,” he told reporters after the launch of Ikatan Hati Warga Felda (Iktiraf) carnival here Sunday.

Najib was asked to comment on Penang Umno chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement that the party was seeking the state Barisan chairmanship as Umno held all the state seats won by Barisan in the last general election.

Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon had later said that Gerakan would object to any official proposal to change the status quo.

Najib hails football team’s success in Laos

2009-12-18T07:09:00.000-08:00

COPENHAGEN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has urged the national football squad to use their success in the SEA Games as a “stepping stone” towards greater heights in future.

He said that he was very proud of their achievement and extended his congratulations to them for having won the gold medal in the final.

He, however, hoped the victory was not just a seasonal success or for a short-term only but represented a continuous path towards bigger achievements.

“I want to see improvements in the team in the context of our position compared with those of other countries,” he said.

Najib, who is here to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009, was also happy with the contingent’s overall achievement in breaking their 35-medal target with 40 so far.

“We hope their success so far will further motivate the team to do even better in future,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin also congratulated the Malaysian football team.

“I hope by winning the game, it will motivate our players to be consistent and excellent in the future,” he said.

Govt To Address Shortage Of Science Talent - Najib

2009-12-15T07:13:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- To address the shortage of scientific talent in the country, the government will do whatever it takes and provide financial support for university research, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said Malaysia needed more scientists, researchers, innovators and pioneers in the science and technology sector.

"In terms of manpower, to date, Malaysia had only achieved 18 per cent of the Ninth Malaysia Plan which targets to have 60 researchers, scientists and engineers for every 10,000 people in the workforce.

"The government is willing to do whatever it takes to address the shortfall in scientific talent, besides providing appropriate institutional and financial support for research in universities," added Najib.

The prime minister said this in his message in the souvenir programme for the 16th Malaysia Toray Science Foundation (MTSF) prize presentation Tuesday.

Najib said the sacrifices and long hours of hard work put in by scientists and researchers needed to be supported and encouraged for both public and private entities.

Najib said the government wished to see Malaysians equipped with contemporary skills and the right mindset to face the challenging future of the rapidly-changing world.

To build the knowledge-based economy, greater emphasis would be given to development programmes involving technology, innovation and discovery-driven.

"Being a critical part in this endeavour, research and development will remain inconsequential, as long as they remain on bookshelves and stay uncommercialised," he noted.

The MTSF prize was established since 1993 by the Japan-based Toray Industries to contribute to the progress and advancement of science and technology in Malaysia.

This year's top science and technology awards were presented to Prof Dr Ong Seng Huat and Prof Dr Tan Nget Hong, both from Universiti Malaya, who received RM30,000 each from MTSF chairman Tan Sri Law Hieng Ding.

Dr Ong, who heads the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, said the development of a country's economy and industry depended to a great extent on the prowess of its scientific advancement and innovation.

Feted for his research on image analysis and stochastic modelling, he said the research environment had become increasingly conducive, yet more challenging due to globalisation.

"Not only has the world economic axis shifted to the Pacific region but also the scientific axis. In recent years, we see a great number of research papers from this region appearing in top scientific journals.

"This is the reflection of the keen competition among countries in the Pacific Region to advance their economy and industry, and against this backdrop, it is imperative that applied fundamental scientific research in Malaysia should be given impetus," Dr Ong said in his speech.

Dr Tan, who is from the Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, was recognised for his research on toxinology of snake venom, proteins and enzymology and medical education.

PM: Govt is liberal on Chinese schools

2009-12-14T07:15:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has assured all 60 independent Chinese schools in the country that they can continue without any interference.

The Prime Minister said the Government had amended the Education Act 1996 to guarantee the existence of such schools in the country when he was still the deputy Education Minister.

“This shows that Umno and the Barisan Nasional government has always been liberal and all-inclusive in its policies,” he said during the 90th anniversary celebration of the Chong Hwa independent high school here last night.

Also present was MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, leaders of other component parties in the Bari-san and Chinese community leaders.
Warm welcome: Najib waving to the crowd upon arriving at the Chong Hwa Independent High School’s 90th anniversary celebrations in Kuala Lumpur Monday.

Najib said Malaysia was a unique country because the Chinese were free to have schools of their mother tongue unlike other countries which practised policies of assimilation.

“In Malaysia, we have an understanding among the races and this is not based on assimilation but rather on integration,” he said.

Najib, who is Umno president, also encourage the Malay citizens to learn Mandarin because the language was one of the many assets of the country.

“When we learn the languages of other races, we learn more about each other. Only when we respect and honour one another can we become true Malaysians who support the 1Malaysia concept.”

He said he was also determined to ensure that each Malaysian irrespective of skin colour and creed would be given the support needed to achieve his or her potential.

“Only when there is a fair and democratic system can there be a sense of togetherness among the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ong said he hoped other non-Chinese leaders would also visit Chinese independent schools so that they could learn more about them.

“Not many non-Chinese leaders understand much about the Chinese independent schools,” he said.
By YUEN MEIKENG

Najib ignores PI Bala’s claims

2009-12-05T21:46:00.000-08:00

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak has frostily ignored P. Balasubramaniam’s claims that the prime minister’s architect brother was allegedly involved in the private investigator’s disappearance and payoff for his silence in the Altantuya murder case.

The missing private detective has made a series of sensational claims that Najib knew murdered Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu and his brother Nazim and a businessman linked to the prime minister’s wife made him retract a statutory declaration on the case.

“I will not entertain any frivolous statement,” Najib said icily before asking reporters to move on to the next question at the Umno supreme council meeting last night.

The Umno president has previously denied knowing Altantuya, who was killed in October 2006, despite claims by Bala and popularised by fugitive blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin. Najib’s close friend, political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda was acquitted of charges of plotting her murder while two elite policemen are to hang for the offence. They are appealing the sentence.

In an interview with Bala carried in Raja Petra’s Malaysia-Today.net news portal, the private investigator claimed he had met architect Nazim, who is the younger brother of Najib, last year.

Bala claimed the meeting had been arranged by carpet businessman identified as Deepak Jaikishan, whom the investigator claimed was a close associate of Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, the PM’s wife.

He also alleged that he was offered RM5 million to retract his first statutory declaration and that his family was threatened if he did not do it.

The former special branch policeman further claimed he was forced to sign a second pre-prepared statutory declaration which he claims to have never read and was paid RM750,000 after he disappeared.

So far, no one knows the whereabouts of the private investigator but he claimed he had return three times to Malaysia this year since fleeing in July 2008 after issuing contradictory statutory declarations. Police are seeking him although he claimed to have given them his statement in Bangkok before travelling to India.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has begun investigating Bala’s claims by questioning two opposition leaders yesterday.

One of them was PKR youth chief Mohd Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin who lodged a report against Nazim on Wednesday.

The Pakatan Rakyat have used the Altantuya case in some of their campaigns in the nine by-elections in Malaysia since Election 2008, winning seven in most opposition-held constituencies. The only Barisan Nasional seat they wrested effectively was the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat.

Opposition leaders and Raja Petra have claimed Altantuya was linked to the Scorpene submarine purchase made when Najib was the defence minister. Malaysia has since received the submarines in a deal where Abdul Razak’s consultancy received a hefty commission.

Najib's peace plan working

2009-11-22T01:32:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak's peace plan for the MCA could see the Nov 28 extraordinary general meeting being called off and fresh party polls being held.

The issues that appear to be contentious now are confined to the date of party polls and an acceptable electoral system.

MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who leads one of two opposing factions in the party, said in Kuala Terengganu yesterday that he would call off the Nov 28 EGM if all parties agreed to fresh elections.

Liow said this was the fastest way to resolve the current crisis, which has split the party following the Oct 10 EGM which rejected president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and his deputy, Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, as MCA leaders.

"If it (fresh elections) can be determined before Nov 28 and if the proposed date is agreeable to all, then we will call off the EGM as the purpose of the meeting is to seek fresh elections.

"We were elected as Central Committee members by the present delegates and they will vote for us again.

"We have the list ready; we can call for an election. It can be done in a short time," he said at the state MCA building here on Friday night where he briefed state MCA members about the party's leadership crisis.

On the best time for fresh elections, Liow replied "as soon as possible".

On Friday, Dr Chua said he supported fresh elections, to be held at the earliest in March, provided the present electoral system was maintained. The party is still studying ways to revamp its electoral system.

On Thursday, Ong, Dr Chua and secretary-general Datuk Wong Foon Meng met Najib for 45 minutes.

Liow, Youth chief Datuk Wee Ka Siong and Wanita chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun met him the next day.

Both sides said Najib indicated he favoured fresh polls.

However, Ong appeared sceptical about Liow's readiness to call off the EGM, reminding that he (Ong) had in fact proposed fresh party polls at the Oct 15 Central Committee meeting.

"But Liow's camp opposed the proposal. There are too many red herrings.

"He has said nothing new and his commitment to such a proposal (calling off the EGM) is questionable.

"Too many flip-flops have made any engagements with him futile," Ong, who is the transport minister, said via text message from London, where he is attending the International Maritime Organisation meeting.

Asked if he agreed to fresh polls and the date, he said: "I have made it clear if we want to have fresh polls, it must be based on a new electoral system involving a wider base of delegates at the divisional level."

Najib steps in to resolve MCA dispute

2009-11-22T01:31:00.001-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR- PRIME Minister Najib Razak is finally stepping in to resolve the leadership crisis in the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) which may put the image of the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) at risk.

Datuk Seri Najib, who is also BN chairman, had refrained from intervening in the past few months, saying he would do so only if invited.

The factional infighting came to a head on Wednesday when the chiefs of MCA youth and women's wings and seven other officials were removed from the presidential council.

On Thursday, Mr Najib said he would meet the MCA leaders individually, before Nov 28. 'I would find time to talk to them and see if there is a common ground. We will take it from there,' he was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.

MCA, the country's second largest political party, has been locked for months in a leadership dispute that has splintered it into at least three factions. The infighting intensified with the sacking of deputy president Chua Soi Lek in August over an old sex scandal, a move orchestrated by his rival, party president Ong Tee Keat.

At a special extraordinary general meeting last month, both leaders were rejected by delegates. Then, barely two weeks later, the two men sprang a surprise by ending their feud and pledging to unite the party.

APEC Leaders Adopt Firm Stand To Revive World Economy: Says Najib

2009-11-15T05:39:00.001-08:00

SINGAPORE, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- The Asia-Pacific Economies Leaders' Meeting (AELM) has taken a "firm and concrete" stand to revive the sluggish world economy, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Sunday.

He said leaders of the 21 Apec-member economies strongly rejected any move towards trade protectionism and want the Doha Round trade negotiations to be concluded by end of next year.

Speaking at a press conference at the end of the two-day AELM, Najib said the leaders also agreed to coordinate their actions in efforts to develop the regional economy to be more sustainable, inclusive and balanced.

"The leaders want to see this region enjoying balanced and open development, having social safety net, progress in the growth of small and medium enterprises and physical development that can be enjoyed fairly and justly by the people in this region," he said.

The AELM also deliberated on climate change as it is related to disasters that can happen at any time and to face them all the economies agreed to help in disaster relief operations.

On initiatives to consolidate regional economies, Najib said Apec leaders agreed to pursue efforts to lead their economies towards that objective.

"Even now there are already initiatives by a new group called Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) which aspires to further expand the free trade area," he said.

TPP, a collaborative initiative among Brunei, Singapore, Chile and New Zealand, has now gained the attention of the United States, Australia, Peru and Vietnam.

In this regard, Najib said as there were more and more groups such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), Asean 3, Asean 6 and now TPP, concerted efforts must be made to harmonise their roles towards one main objective -- expand free trade area.

The two-day AELM, which began yesterday, was chaired by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Renewed calls for PM to help resolve MCA crisis

2009-11-12T05:42:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- There are renewed calls for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and former MCA leaders to step in to resolve the persisting crisis in the party.

Najib, who is the Barisan Nasional chairman, had said that he would not interevene unless he was asked officially, after similar calls had been made by party vice-president Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha and also Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

Today, Rasa Jaya branch chairman Datuk Tan Kah Choun, who has called himself the spokesman for the MCA "third force", said he supported the "greater unity plan" (GUP) for the party but asked the prime minister to meet up with former party leaders to help put the MCA back together.

"In order to put an end to the MCA internal crisis and to rebuild the good image of BN, I sincerely urge the BN chairman-cum-prime minister to meet up and consult with 11 MCA party veterans who are the past presidents and deputy presidents," he told reporters.

He named Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu (MCA president from March 1958-July 1959), Tan Sri Lee San Choon, Tan Sri Michael Chen Wing Sum, Datuk Dr Neo Yee Pan, Datuk Mak Hon Kam, Tan Koon Swan, Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, Tan Sri Lee Kim Sai, Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek, Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting and Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy.

Tan said should the prime minister be unable to meet up with all of them, he suggested that Najib meet Dr Ling and Chen or as a last resort, consult former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who had dealt with at least three MCA crises.

Tan said as long as the MCA could move on peacefully, united and strong, it did not matter who became the president and deputy president.

He is also against the Nov 28 extraordinary general meeting (EGM) called by the group of 16 central committee members ahead of the party's annual general meeting on Dec 5.

He said they should instead adopt the GUP initiated by party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek last month as the two, once rivals, were prepared to work together for the sake of the party.

Meanwhile, MCA Petaling Jaya Utara secretary Datuk Dr Wong Sai Hou called for a halt to the leadership squabble.

"As a grassroot leader, I feel very strongly that there should be an end to all knee-jerk reactions," said Dr Wong in a statement.

He urged all quarters to attend the Nov 15 dialogue with the grassroot leaders from 191 MCA divisions planned by Dr Chua to clear many issues once and for all.

"It does make sense that all involved parties and especially the grassroots who form the silent majority should meet under one roof for a dialogue; to be briefed and updated on the current issues inclusive of any unity plan to put MCA back on its feet," Dr Wong said.

Wanita MCA vice-chairman Datuk Agnes Shim urged all party members to support the GUP.

"This internal bickering has been going on non-stop for a few months and the fact that it has not been solved till today causes the public to feel disappointed with the party. If this goes on, MCA will lose the trust and support of the Chinese community," she said in a statement.

Najib's Support Dropped Sharply

2009-10-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Fewer people in Malaysia are expressing support for Najib Razak, according to a poll by the Merdeka Center for Opinion Research. 56 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the prime minister’s performance, down 10 points since July.

The United Malays National Organization (UMNO)—the biggest party in a coalition of 12 political factions known as the National Front (BN)—has formed the government after every election since the Asian country attained its independence from Britain in 1957.

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took over as prime minister in October 2003, after the retirement of Mahathir Mohamad, who served for more than 22 years. In the March 2004 election, the National Front secured 198 of the 219 seats in the House of Representatives. Abdullah was sworn in as head of government with the biggest majority in three decades.

In the March 2008 ballot, the National Front won 140 seats in the legislature. The coalition’s share of the vote dropped drastically, from 64.4 per cent in 2004, to 50.27 per cent in 2008. According to Human Rights Watch, the most recent election was "grossly unfair" and marred by irregularities.

In September 2008, Abdullah announced his intention to step down in 2009. Najib—who served as deputy prime minister and finance minister—took over as head of government in April.

On Oct. 18, Najib urged UMNO members to work for the people and shed the party’s image of corruption, declaring, "No need for rocket science, just do what needs to be done for the people."

Polling Data

Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way Najib Razak is performing his job as the prime minister?

Month of 2009 Satisfied Dissatisfied Not sure

Sept. 2009 56% 23% 21%

Jul. 2009 65% 22% 13%

May 2009 45% 16% 39%

Source: Merdeka Center for Opinion Research

It is a Painless Budget - PM Najib

2009-10-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday described the RM191.5 billion 2010 Budget he tabled in Parliament on Friday as a painless one.

On grouses about the RM50 service tax proposed for credit cards in the Budget, he said it should not be of concern since the government had cut personal
income tax by one per cent to 26 per cent and at the same time raised tax relief by RM1,000.

It means that taxpayers will enjoy a RM1,000 increase in disposable income from the 2010 year of assessment.

The Budget has been widely seen as a “people first” budget as Najib announced measures not only to lessen the people’s burden in the currently weak global
economic climate but also to make Malaysia a high-income nation.

The Budget is about a tenth less than the budget for 2009 but will cut Malaysia’s fiscal deficit to 5.6 per cent, a move economists said reflected the government’s responsibility to keep the country’s finances in good shape.

Najib: RM50 for credit card not a big deal

2009-10-24T18:28:00.000-07:00

PM: RM50 for credit card not a big deal

HUA HIN: Describing Budget 2010 as “painless”, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the people should not complain about the Government’s decision to impose a RM50 annual service tax on principal credit and charge cards.

Instead, the Prime Minister said they should look at the overall benefits offered by the Govern-ment in the Budget.

“They are getting the RM1,000 tax relief and those paying tax at 27% will now pay 26%.

“So, they get two (relief measures) and only have to pay RM50 (per credit card). Don’t tell me they cannot pay RM50?” he said after a meeting at the 15th Asean Summit here yesterday.

Najib, who arrived here on Friday after tabling the Budget in Parliament, had earlier asked the media on the reaction back home to his maiden Budget.

UMNO is not Racist : Najib

2009-10-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR - PRIME Minister Najib Razak, who on Thursday saw Umno approve reforms he initiated to curb money politics, told his party it needed to become more inclusive or risk losing mass support.

RACIST? ON THE CONTRARY...
'If the Malays are as racist as they claim, it's not possible that we are so accommodating to other ethnic cultures being practised, that we allow vernacular schools to be set up, and that we can work with other parties in the Barisan Nasional for decades.'

Mr Najib. He shouted 'long live Umno' at the end of his address yesterday.
... more
But he also defended the party from accusations of being racist.

Delivering an address that tried to assuage Malay insecurities while persuading Umno to accept change, Datuk Seri Najib won loud cheers when he slammed those who charged that Umno was racist.

Referring to the opposition parties, he said they should ask whether the mono-ethnic composition of their own parties reflected the openness that they claimed to champion.

Parti Islam SeMalaysia is almost entirely Malay, while the Democratic Action Party is almost wholly Chinese. Only Parti Keadilan Rakyat is fully multiracial.

'If the Malays are as racist as they claim, it's not possible that we are so accommodating to other ethnic cultures being practised, that we allow vernacular schools to be set up, and that we can work with other parties in the Barisan Nasional for decades,' said Mr Najib.

By Carolyn Hong / ST

Najib Promise To Reform UMNO

2009-10-14T00:54:00.001-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR - MALAYSIA'S prime minister promised on Tuesday to reform his ruling Malay party to stamp out deep-seated corruption and make it more acceptable to ethnic minorities in efforts to revive ailing support.

Najib Razak said the United Malays National Organisation, which began its four-day annual congress on Tuesday, would radically change the way it elects its leaders as it seeks to 'eradicate money politics' and restore its credibility.

Party delegates are expected to approve the reforms on Thursday.

Umno is the linchpin of the National Front governing coalition, which has governed Malaysia since 1957 but suffered its worst results ever in March 2008 general elections under public perceptions of corruption and racial discrimination.

The opposition won slightly more than one-third of Parliament's seats.

Umno officials acknowledge the system of electing party leaders has bred a culture of patronage, with candidates sometimes offering bribes in return for votes. -- AP

Najib: Polls victory shows people responding to 1Malaysia

2009-10-13T00:52:00.000-07:00

GEORGE TOWN: Barisan Nasional’s big victory in Bagan Pinang shows that the people are responding well to the 1Malaysia concept, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said Barisan Nasional would identify what factors had led to the coalition sweeping the seat with a resounding 5,435-vote majority.

He said: “We have found that the concept has received widespread support and has gained the acceptance of people from every strata.”

Najib expressed hope that Barisan’s overwhelming win would be a point of rejuvenation for the ruling coalition. He said the increased majority showed that the people were more confident with Barisan now.

“This may be a result of our policy changes, changes at the national and division levels, a reflection of the candidate himself or a combination of these.

“God willing, the Bagan Pinang win will be a breath of new life for the coalition’s members to keep fighting in order to achieve greater heights in the future,” Najib said.

Najib Losing Faith in his own Component Parties

2009-10-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

Najib’s ruthless inclusiveness — The Malaysian Insider

Oct 10 — Perhaps today’s message was directed at the Malaysian Indian Congress but the Prime Minister’s declaration that he is willing to embrace political groups outside Barisan Nasional is the clearest signal that he has lost confidence in his component parties ability to recover their standing among the electorate — and deliver the resounding victory he craves.

For several months now, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has been troubled by the inability of the MIC, Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), Gerakan and PPP to rise above petty politics, reform and reconnect with constituents that rejected their candidates in Election 2008.

Privately, he has told friends that he needs to reach out to the Chinese and Indian communities directly and even work with non-governmental organizations and other political groups that are not affiliated with the BN but are open to supporting his policies.

The reason: he believes that he has under 18 months to win over Malaysians, and lay the foundation for a strong victory by BN in the next general elections.

And with the clock ticking, he has little time to baby-sit MCA, MIC and others who are in infighting mode, and wait for these political parties to regain credibility on the ground.

Many of the BN component parties have branches and divisions in name only, especially in states governed by Pakatan Rakyat. For example, MIC has 3,600 branches but only half are said to be active. The picture is as dismal for Gerakan.

Najib has already started by-passing the MIC and handling Indian issues through the Cabinet Committee on Indian Affairs and with the help of Indian NGOs.

Next on the list will be initiatives to reach out the indifferent Chinese electorate.

But what about the fortunes of the BN partners? Well, they will have to get used to the more inclusive approach announced by Najib today at the launch of the Makkal Sakti party.

MIC officials were displeased that he agreed to officiate at the launch of the new political party but he tossed aside their views.

In this regard, he has the support of Umno officials who feel that BN component parties cannot carry their weight any longer.

During the Umno retreat last week the general sentiment was that Umno should be more clinical in the allocation of seats for the next general elections, and should place its candidates in constituencies where over 55 per cent of the voters are Malays.

Umno strategists believe that with Najib’s interventionist approach and a more pragmatic approach to seat allocation, Umno/BN will be able to regain its two-thirds control of Parliament.

The mathematics is simple. A 10 per cent voter swing in the next general elections and Umno/Barisan Nasional will obtain 195 seats, up from the 139 it has today.

Political pundits and analysts note that a 10 per cent national swing is not an everyday occurrence in Malaysia, but it has happened.

BN’s share of the vote in 1995 was 65 per cent, and it slumped to 57 per cent in 1999.

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi led a resurgence of sorts in 2004 when the coalition snared 64 per cent of the vote. Four years later, he presided over a major dip in support for BN, only 51 per cent.

The way Najib sees it, Umno is already in good shape and able to deliver the Malay vote.

But the weaker coalition partners are going to be a major drag on his ambition of leading BN to a resounding victory in the next general election.

He can either be nostalgic about the contributions of MCA, MIC, Gerakan and PPP to the BN or be ruthless.

Today’s announcement suggests that he has chosen the latter.

Altantuya's Dad reminds Najib of his stake in the Altantuya affair

2009-10-05T22:20:00.000-07:00

This must be the second time that Mr Setev Shaariibuu misses Najib Razak. Shaariibuu was at the Parliament in 2008, waiting in the corridors to speak to Najib, but the former left the Dewan early, right after lunch.

Shaariibuu managed to meet with then PM Abdullah Badawi and his son in law Khairy Jamaluddin but nothing came out of it.

While Najib is happily visiting Paris with Dotty, Altantuya’s still grieving dad has issued a statement in Mongolia, reminding Najib of his responsibilities as the government of Malaysia.

He would have been in Paris if not for his poor health. His full statement is reproduced below:

I am sorry I could not be in Paris, France to meet Mr. Najib Razak, while he is on his official tour as Prime Minister of Malaysia. I am sick and have been hospitalised due to poor health. I had so wished to speak to Mr Najib and send him this message and to shake his hand. I tried to meet him at the Malaysian Parliament in 2007, but he left the House early and my trip there was not complete.

“She died during the month of Ramadhan in 2006″

It’s been three painful years since my daughter Altantuya Shaariibuu died mercilessly in the hands of the Malaysian Royal Police. She died on October 19, 2006, during the month of Ramadham, which is one of the holiest months for the Muslims.

“How do I explain her murder to her two sons?”

She was blown up by military explosives and the reason for her grotesque murder is still unknown until today. Although the two policemen(Azilah Shaari and Sirul Omar) involved in her murder has been convicted and are facing a death sentence, my family and I are still unable to explain to my two grandsons, Altantuya’s sons- Altanshagai and Multanshagai – that their mother had died so violently and cruelly in a far away land called Malaysia.

“She died while working for Malaysia”

I hope PM. Mr. Najib Razak enjoys his trip to France, where a deal with a French company which his close friend Abdul Razak Baginda help brokered led to the circumstances surrounding my daughter’s murder. It cannot be denied that she died being a translator for a Malaysian company to purchase French submarines worth a billion Euros and know of many things that the neither the Malaysian nor the French public know about.

“Two more orphaned children in the world”

I have filed a civil suit against the two policemen and the Malaysian government to compensate for the death of my daughter. She was the soul bread winner of her two sons. Now her two children are left orphans and I am very uncertain of their future and my wife and I are growing in years and we are not wealthy people. It is only fair and just that the Malaysian government take responsibility for what had happenned to my daughter.

“Why did the court choose to ignore Musa Safri?”

The two policemen committed this most hideous murder of my then 28 year old daughter while being under the service of Najib Razak, who was then Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister. Najib’s aide de camp, DSP Musa Safri was reported to have told the policeman (chief inspector Azilah) to help Abdul Razak Baginda, deal with Altantuya, when she was said to be visiting him to ask for her commissions. However, Musa Safri was never asked to appear in court to be questioned about his involvement in this case.

“Najib acts as if nothing has happenned”

With so many closely linked to Najib in this murder, it is impossible and irresponsible for Najib to now wash his hands off this mater and act as if none of this tragedy has befallen my daughter and my family.

“Would she have died if the French deal was fair and transparent?”

The French company involved in the Malaysian deal also cannot escape with impunity. My daughter would not have met her cruel death if the deal had been transparent and fair.

“Let her not die in vain”

I appeal on behalf of my deceased daughter, my wife, my two grandsons and all Mongolian citizens, not to let my daughter Altantuya die in vain. Her body may have been blasted into a million unrecognisable pieces, but our hearts remain one: to seek justice for my beloved daughter, to put her spirit to rest, and to ensure her orphaned son have a reasonable future.

Thank you.

Sincerely, from a Mongolia citizen whose daughter was murdered by police in Malaysia:Dr Shaariibuu Setev.

Najib: Vote for the man who can resolve problems

2009-10-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

PEKAN: Voters in Bagan Pinang should vote for an elected representative who can help resolve their problems in the constituency, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

He said the effectiveness of the elected representative should be the yardstick for voters.

”We must realise that a by-election like in Bagan Pinang is not about forming the Government of the day. Voters must decide which candidate and party is the most suitable to represent their interests,” he told reporters after presenting aid to 161 pilgrims at the Umno building here Saturday.

He was asked to comment on the straight fight between Barisan Nasional’s Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad and PAS state commissioner Zulkefly Omar for the state seat. Polling has been fixed for Oct 11.

On earlier views including that of former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that Mohd Isa was not a suitable candidate, Najib said the matter was no longer relevant since nomination papers had been filed and accepted.

”We must look ahead as the most important thing is the services that can be rendered to voters by the candidate of our choice,” he stressed.

On a minor brawl involving several Barisan’s leaders including Putera Umno chief and supreme council member Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim who claimed that he was punched by Opposition supporters, Najib that by right, there should not be any untoward incident or manhandling of supporters from either parties.

”We should show a good example by respecting the country’s laws in tandem with the democratic principles,” he said.

Earlier in his speech, Najib urged those going to perform the pilgrimage to pray for Malaysia’s well-being and for the country to be free of harm and natural catastrophes.

Najib dismisses Dr M protests over Isa candidacy

PEKAN, Oct 3 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said voters in Bagan Pinang should choose wisely and pick the candidate who would be best able to serve them.

He said the by-election for the state seat on Oct 11 was not one that could alter the government but was only to choose an elected representative to serve them.

“As expected, it is a straight fight (in Bagan Pinang). As such, we urge voters to evaluate wisely as to who among the candidates can best serve them.

“In a by-election, what is important is the service an elected representative can render. He should be able to resolve the problems voters face, this is the yardstick. Like in Bagan Pinang,” he told reporters after presenting aid to 161 people from the Pekan parliamentary constituency who will be performing the Haj, here today. Najib is also the MP for Pekan.

The Bagan Pinang by-election will see a straight fight between the Barisan Nasional’s Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad, who is also former Negeri Sembilan mentri besar, and Zulkefly Mohamad Omar, the Negeri Sembilan PAS commissioner.

Asked about comments by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that Isa should not have been picked as the BN’s candidate in the by-election, Najib: “I do not think the matter arises any longer, we must look forward. What is important is the service the assemblyman can offer the constituents.”

On untoward incidents that happened during the nomination process today including an incident which involved Putera Umno chief Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahimm who claimed to have been punched by a supporter of the opposition, Najib said such incidents would not happen if everyone showed respect for the law.

“If he was punched, I hope he makes a police report. We should not be doing anything that is against the law and this includes roughing up someone.

“We should also be showing good examples, showing respect to the democratic process is one of them.” said Najib. — Bernama

Najib Visits Earthquake Victim Felicia

2009-10-02T10:03:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today visited Felicia Francesca Francis Dass, the Malaysian student who was injured in the earthquake that rocked West Sumatra, Indonesia, on Wednesday.

Najib and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, arrived at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital from Pekan, Pahang, at 5.15pm and were taken to Ward 2 (Orthopaedic) where Felicia Francesca, 23, is being treated.

Najib and Rosmah, accompanied by Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, spent about 15 minutes at the ward.

The prime minister had earlier hosted an open house in Pekan which was attended by about 50,000 people.

Felicia Francesca, a third year medical student at the Universitas Andalas, injured her spine, head, chest and neck when a concrete slab from the ceiling of her rented house fell on her in the incident at 5.16pm West Sumatra time.

Meanwhile, medical officer Kamarul Al-Haqq Abdul Ghani said Felicia Francesca's condition was stable.

She would have to wear cervical collar to support the neck and lumbar corset to support the spine during the recovery period which could take between two to three months, he said.

-- BERNAMA

Najib woos new Indian Party

2009-09-28T07:29:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR - PRIME Minister Najib Razak will launch a new Indian party next month as he seeks new Indian allies to win back support from the community.

'The Prime Minister has been invited, and will be attending the launch,' his senior press secretary, Datuk Tengku Shariffudin Ahmad, confirmed on Thursday.

The Makkal Sakti party was formed by one faction of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), which shot to prominence two years ago after it led thousands of Indians to protest against their plight. Hindraf splintered into factions after its leaders were jailed. They have since been released.

Datuk Seri Najib's attendance at the Makkal Sakti launch will be seen as a snub to the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) - a founding partner of the Barisan Nasional (BN) - which has been led by Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu for 30 years.

Mr Samy Vellu has been seen as a liability after he lost his long-time Sungai Siput parliamentary seat in Perak in last year's general election. However, he has refused to step down from his MIC post. He kept his president's post unchallenged, while his allies were elected into key posts in a recent party election.

'Unless the MIC does some soul-searching, and for as long as the president is not accepted by the community, the Prime Minister has to look for alternatives,' said Professor Sivamurugan Pandian, a political analyst.

Mr Najib had already made this clear. When he visited the Batu Caves temple during Thaipusam, he did so without Mr Samy Vellu's presence.

When some Malays stepped on a cow's head last month to protest against the building of a Hindu temple in their neighbourhood, Mr Najib had conveyed his message to the community through Human Resource Minister S. Subramaniam.

But while Mr Najib has made a new ally in the Makkal Sakti party, there is no move yet to bring it into the BN. Makkal Sakti is led by former Hindraf national coordinator R. S. Thanenthiran, 47, who insisted that the party will remain independent.

'We are working together with him as partner,' he was quoted as saying by a website. 'It is true the BN did not do much for us in the past 52 years, but the Pakatan Rakyat has done even less for us in the past two years.'

Najib meeting Samy Vellu on succession plan

2009-09-22T00:34:00.000-07:00

By V. Vasudevan and Regina Lee

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said he would meet MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu for the second time this year to discuss the party's succession plan.

The Barisan Nasional chief said the former works minister had met him in June to discuss the MIC leadership.

"He had outlined his plan to me. At that time, he said it was not possible for him to go as it would leave the MIC in an unstable situation.

"But now that the party elections are over, it is possible for Samy Vellu and me to discuss the future of the MIC in the context of Barisan Nasional without being seen as interfering in the party's affairs."

Samy Vellu won the party presidency for a record 11th consecutive term in March this year.

Najib said if the MIC was not strong, it would be a burden to the BN.

"We want to see a strong MIC which would be able to win back the support of the Indian community and be in a position to win seats at the next general election."

Asked if he saw Samy Vellu leading the MIC for much longer, Najib said it was not proper for him to speculate.

"I will discuss with him. I don't want to make it public because the discussion will be in confidence."

Najib said he would disclose details only in agreement with Samy Vellu.

"I will have to agree with him on what is appropriate to reveal to the public," he said.

Samy Vellu's position as leader of MIC came under fire last week when former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad described him as a liability to BN's effort to win back the Indian community's support.

However, within MIC, the president appeared to strengthen his hold when a majority of the candidates endorsed by him swept party polls last week.

On MCA, Najib called on delegates to an extraordinary general meeting on Oct 10 to use the occasion to solve the party's problems.

"This EGM should be considered as an effort to solve the party's problems and not as a means to bring destruction to MCA."

He reiterated that it was not the intention of Umno or BN to get involved in MCA's leadership dispute.

He said MCA had to solve its own problems, failing which support for BN would be affected.

"They have to hold the EGM to solve the party's internal crisis, and not destroy the party. The EGM is to ensure that the party regains its strength and it should emerge stronger."

The EGM was convened following the sacking of deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek last month.

However, on Saturday, the MCA central committee reviewed the sacking by its disciplinary board and presidential council, and decided to suspend Dr Chua.

He was suspended for four years with immediate effect.

The EGM would deliberate five resolutions, namely, to move a motion of no-confidence in MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat; to annul the presidential council's decision to expel Dr Chua; to reinstate Dr Chua as party deputy president; to revoke any appointment made before the EGM; and ensure that no disciplinary action is taken against those who petitioned for the EGM.

Najib's Hari Raya Open House

2009-09-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

Najib's first open house as PM a huge success

PUTRAJAYA: Hosting his first open house as prime minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak was visibly pleased with the way things turned out.

“This is my first time as host. My wife and I had to do a lot more in terms of preparation. I had to plan the open house and ensure that visitors did not have difficulty in coming here and meeting cabinet members,” he said this afternoon.
Najib said based on what he had been hearing from his aides all day, the open house had proceeded smoothly and visitors had expressed happiness with the arrangements.

He noted that the Information, Communications, Arts and Culture Ministry had also contributed in making the open house a success.
Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor were pleasantly surprised when more than 50,000 people braved the rain to wish them a “Selamat Hari Raya” at the Seri Perdana.
Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor were pleasantly surprised when more than 50,000 people braved the rain to wish them a “Selamat Hari Raya” at the Seri Perdana.

Najib's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor was pleasantly surprised when more than 50,000 people braved the rain to wish her and her husband a “Selamat Hari Raya” at the Seri Perdana here.

“I was apprehensive before the open house as I thought many would decide not to come with the influenza A (H1N1) outbreak and the fact that Putrajaya is just too far away for most,” she said.

Rosmah, who barely had time to grab a quick bite, spent the first day of the Raya celebrations meeting and greeting the throngs of people visiting them from 10.30am up to 3pm.

“I personally had a hand organising the entire event and I wanted to make sure everyone was in the mood to fiesta, which is why we had festive music playing all over the gardens and the tents over the residence.”

She was also touched that the crowed consisted of people of all races and religions and all levels of social background.

“It is a beautiful thing to see even people of the opposition party visit today and put aside their differences to unite and celebrate.”

Najib roll out Malaysian F1 Team

2009-09-16T22:18:00.000-07:00

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, right, holds a F1 car model during a press conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009. Malaysia will form its own Malaysia F1 team with the Formula One Federation (FIA) having accepted Malaysia's bid to enter the 2010 and future FIA F1 championships, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said.(AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

To Cane or Not to Cane - that is the question

2009-08-25T21:37:00.000-07:00

Kartika holds her daughter Wann Kaitlynn Sari Dewi as she is escorted by religious officers out of her father's house in Sungei Siput yesterday for the caning sentence. The sentence was however called off and postponed to after Ramadan. —

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak has advised part-time model Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno to appeal against her caning sentence by the Syariah Court for consuming beer instead of accepting the punishment willingly.

The prime minister’s remarks today appear to suggest he has been forced to wade in over the issue because his government is concerned that it has taken a life of its own with daily reports in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and other foreign publications.

Yesterday, religious authorities gave a last-minute, temporary reprieve in a case that has stirred passions over the increasingly strict enforcement of Islamic law in recent years.

Kartika was detained by prison authorities yesterday but was then released.

Officials say the caning would be carried out after Ramadan. It will be the first caning for a woman under Islamic laws.

The case has been criticised by more liberal Muslims and also non-Muslims who fear Malaysia is drifting from its secular traditions.

Najib’s administration appears to be concerned with the kind of message the sentence sends out to the world as Malaysia has portrayed itself as a model for a moderate and progressive Muslim country.

“I think the affected party should appeal to the state authorities and not be so willing to accept the punishment,” Najib told reporters.

He also expressed confidence that the religious authorities would be considerate.

“There is room for appeal and the state authorities are always considerate on this matter.”

Najib said the federal government could not and would not interfere in the administration of Islamic law.

But he seemed to strongly suggest that the government was working to avoid the sentence from being carried out.

“I believe the authorities concern are sensitive on this matter and realise the implication of this case,” he said.

Kartika was fined RM5,000 and sentenced to six strokes of the cane for drinking beer at a hotel in Najib's home state of Pahang.

Legal experts have criticised the caning as it could open up the state government to legal action.

Najib: Party elections to be free of money politics

2009-08-08T06:35:00.001-07:00

PEKAN, Aug 8 — Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Umno needs an election system which is capable of shutting out elements of money politics or other unhealthy tactics which can undermine the party’s credibility.

The Umno General Assembly in October was therefore crucial to ensure the party would become a more democratic and clean organisation and a party which empowers its members to elect their leaders, he said.

The prime minister said the general assembly, scheduled for October 13-16, would decide whether only 60,000 members at the divisional level, as opposed to 2,500 delegates previously, or all the three million members, would be given the rights to elect party leaders.

Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak wants party leaders and members to listen to the people, serve them well and help them solve problems in the efforts to restore the party's strength.

The prime minister said this was important to ensure that Umno was able to defend its position as the backbone of the ruling coalition and supported by the people.

"Firstly, we should adopt the culture of listening... we should always listen to the voice of the people.

PM says no plan to censor the Internet

2009-08-07T06:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, 7 August, 2009, 6:12:56 PM
By Adib Zalkapli
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak has firmly denied a plan to police the Internet citing technical obstacles and strong public displeasure over it, just hours after Datuk Seri Rais Yatim confirmed a possible “green dam”.

“The government has no desire to implement Internet filtering,” the prime minister said when commenting on Rais’ remarks that the government wants to shut out smut.

“This matter will be decided by the Cabinet but all this while we have never intended to filter the internet,” Najib added despite the information, communication and culture ministry’s tender exercise to evaluate such a feasibility.

Najib visit Teoh Beng Hock's family

2009-07-29T06:19:00.001-07:00

PUTRAJAYA, July 28 - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today met the family of the late Teoh Beng Hock and gave the assurance that every effort would be made to find out the cause of the political aide's death.

Present at the meeting, held at the invitation of the prime minister at the Prime Minister's Office, were Beng Hock's father, Teoh Leong Hwee, 62, mother Teng Shuw Hor, elder brother Teoh Beng Kee, younger sister Teoh Lee Lan and fiancee Soh Cher Wei.

Najib once again conveyed his sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family. He told them that he himself and the whole Cabinet viewed the sudden death of Beng Hock with grave concern.

Najib first 100 days in Office

2009-07-12T06:02:00.000-07:00

A photo slideshow of YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak taken during his first 100 days in office as Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Mahathir Criticises Najib's Liberalisation Policy

2009-07-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 — Former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has dismissed the efforts of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to liberalise the economy, saying they were “not going to help anybody”.

The plan seemed designed to make Najib popular, said Dr Mahathir, adding: “It will not help the Chinese, Malays or Indians.”

Dr Mahathir was asked to comment on Najib's steps to open up the economy to make it more attractive for foreign investors.

The steps included relaxing a host of restrictions on foreign investment, including a rule requiring businesses to be partly owned by Malays.

Listed companies will no longer be required to allocate 30 per cent of their stake to Malays as part of an affirmative action programme for the country's Malays.

Among other measures were allowing stock brokers and unit trust management companies 70 per cent foreign ownership, up from the current level of 49 per cent.

Najib also announced a government private equity fund to invest in high-growth industries and promote Bumiputera ownership of Malaysian businesses.

Najib said the Bumiputera rule for companies was neither benefiting poor Malays nor sustainable amid the global economic slowdown, which would force Malaysia into its first recession in a decade.

But Dr Mahathir was not impressed.

“I think it's a kind of move more designed towards becoming popular. I don't know if it will help the economy, because Malaysia has been growing since independence,” The Star newspaper on its website quoted Dr Mahathir as saying.

“Now that there is a lack of growth, this is due more to external reasons. It's not about internal things,” he told reporters.

He also said Malaysia should be cautious of foreign investors keen on total ownership of fund management companies as they “owed no loyalty to the country”.

“They are here to make money. When they can't make money, they go out and we pay the price,” he was quoted as saying.

He asserted the potential hazard of capital flight should investors no longer find the Malaysian market lucrative saying: “In some instances, they come to build factories and produce things for export. Well, that's fine. But when they can openly go into the market, well, that's not good,” he said.

Najib tries desperately to sell his fading 1-Malaysia with songs and dances

2009-06-27T23:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, 27 June, 2009, 11:57:19 AM
By Adib Zalkapli

KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s concept of 1 Malaysia, disparaged so relentlessly by the opposition since its introduction, was distilled this morning into a cultural song-and-dance.

In a seven-minute speech at Dataran Merdeka this morning at the launch of the 1 Malaysia logo, the prime minister made fleeting reference to the difficulties his administration has faced in pitching the 1 Malaysia concept to ordinary Malaysians.

“When 1 Malaysia was introduced many were asking what does it mean, but I found out generally people have accepted the 1 Malaysia concept,” he said in his speech before thousands of colourfully dressed Malaysians brought in by the Information Ministry to help launch the 1 Malaysia logo.

“Our assembly this morning, an assembly of people in red, in blue, in yellow and in white, although we are in different colours, but we are here today aiming for the same objective,” added Najib in explaining the 1 Malaysia concept.

The prime minister’s well-worn remarks did not offer much more beyond the message of national solidarity.

“It will be of little use to have intellectuals, abundant natural resources and the highest of technology if the people are not united,” he said.

After unveiling the giant logo, Najib and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor accompanied by some members of his Cabinet, including Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, joined the crowd for a specially-choreographed group workout called the ‘Malaysian cultural workout’.

The workout, which lasted for 30 minutes, was a combination of traditional dances from all major ethnic groups in the country.

The crowd, largely made up of civil servants, was also entertained by six songs on 1 Malaysia, one of which will be chosen by the ministry to be the official theme for 1 Malaysia.

Ultimately, the event which was the brainchild of Information Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim, suggests the beginning of a public relations and publicity campaign to ensure Malaysians buy in to the 1 Malaysia concept.

The 1 Malaysia theme song is expected to be played regularly on all government television and radio stations.

The Malaysian Insider understands the chosen song will also likely be played at most government functions, in the same vein as the indoctrination campaigns made popular by Barisan Nasional (BN) in the 1980s.

Private radio and television stations would also be expected to do their part in the 1 Malaysia campaign.

Since introducing it as the platform of his new administration, Najib has been struggling to explain and defend the 1 Malysia concept, which he said was formulated to forge unity among Malaysians.

He has denied that the concept is similar to Malaysian Malaysia, introduced by the opposition in the 1960s and which is opposed by the strong right-wing faction in Umno who champion the idea of Ketuanan Melayu, or Malay Supremacy.

His party’s recent overtures towards PAS over the idea of Malay unity has also put the spotlight on his 1 Malaysia, attracting attacks from Pakatan Rakyat (PR) and concern even from among non-Malay BN component parties.

Najib has said that 1 Malaysia does not deviate from the Federal Constitution, which provides for the special position of Malays and other bumiputeras, without providing details of how his administration plans to address race relations.

Sultan of Johor rejects Najib's third bridge

2009-06-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

Najib may have to drop third bridge idea
By Syed Jaymal Zahiid

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 — Whether he likes it or not, the prime minister may have to drop the third bridge to Singapore idea simply because Johoreans don’t want it and that is all there is to it.

The Sultan of Johor rejected the idea yesterday after it was reported that he was not consulted on the project.

The rejection left Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who was in Sarawak at the time, moving into damage control mode at a press conference where he told reporters that the third bridge was only at a conceptual stage and the Johor ruler would be consulted once a feasibility study is done.

Whether this is enough to placate the sultan is not known but if Najib believes he’s got it all sorted out, he may be wrong.

Many Umno leaders from the southern state have rallied behind their ruler on this issue. They believe that when the sultan rejected the third link, he was not only speaking for himself, but for the people of Johor.

“What was said by the sultan reflects the beliefs of his subjects,” Tenggara MP Datuk Halimah Mohd Sadique said in Parliament yesterday.

Backing her is Umno deputy youth president and Muar MP Datuk Razali Ibrahim who told The Malaysian Insider that the anti-third link sentiment among Johoreans has always been there.

“Many Johoreans don’t want the third bridge. This sentiment has been expressed through the sultan and the prime minister must heed it,” he said.

Among the issues linked to the third bridge is the possibility that the 12-year-old ban on the sale of sand to the republic may be lifted.

Johor Baru MP Datuk Syed Shahrir Samad said he agreed with the sultan, and reiterated his stand that the third bridge is unnecessary and that Johoreans will never agree with the lifting of the ban on sale of sand.

“Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said it was necessary to resolve all outstanding issues between us if we want to talk about the third bridge.

“This is typical of the Singapore government, I haven’t seen a shift in policy since there is no generational change in their leadership,” he said adding that Najib will have to think carefully about this matter.

Najib's policies attacked by Mahathir

2009-06-19T10:17:00.001-07:00

Dr M says no to third bridge, and no to unity talks
By Neville Spykerman

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad added today to the growing chorus of criticisms against Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s proposed third bridge to Singapore. He also warned Umno against pursuing the so-called unity talks, in a sign that he is beginning to disapprove of some of Najib’s policies.

The former prime minister said it would be a bad idea to have a government comprising only Malays.

He also revived the idea of building a crooked bridge to replace the Malaysian half of the Causeway, since Singapore was not in favour of a new bridge to replace the structure.

“I think it’s better for the government to build the crooked bridge instead of third bridge,” he told reporters after attending a book launch today. He fears a third bridge would affect operations at the Pasir Gudang Port, adding that replacing the existing Causeway between Johor and Singapore would be more beneficial.

Besides reducing traffic congestion at the Causeway, he said it would allow the free movement of water which would make the straits cleaner.

Dr Mahathir also said that the new Customs, Immigrations and Quarantine (CIQ) complex at the Causeway was not operating at what should be the optimal level.

The CIQ was built to accommodate a new bridge which would have replaced the Causeway but the project was cancelled when Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was prime minister.

On the stand by the Johor Sultan, who also objected yesterday to a third bridge, Dr Mahathir said the “Sultan has his rights and so does the Federal Government”.

The cancellation of the the crooked bridge by Tun Abdullah was one of the significant reasons for the falling out between the two men.

Dr Mahathir eventually left Umno last year and only returned to the party this year when Najib replaced Abdullah as prime minister.

Since then he has refrained from openly criticising government policies.

Besides backing growing concerns that the construction of a third bridge would result in Johor having to lift its ban on the sale of sand to Singapore, Dr Mahathir also expressed his disapproval of the proposed unity talks between Umno and PAS.

He said a unity government with PAS could jeopardise Umno’s relationship with other Barisan National (BN) partners.

The former prime minister said the government needed to explain what their objective was and if they were willing to leave their ‘friends” to form a government which only comprised the Malays.

“I don’t the country wants a government which is 100 per cent Malay”

He said the government has always included non-Malays and cautioned there would be difficulties if non-Malays were excluded.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea”.

Malaysia-Singapore to build New Bridge; Causeway remains

2009-05-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

SINGAPORE : Singapore and Malaysia have agreed to work together to improve the connectivity and ease of movement of people and goods on both sides of the Causeway.

The options include broadening the Causeway, and a new bridge to link the eastern part of Johor to Singapore is also being explored.

The prime ministers of both countries also want to move forward with implementing the Points of Agreement (POA) signed between Malaysia and Singapore almost two decades ago.

A ceremonial welcome awaited new Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak at the Istana where he was received by his Singapore counterpart, Lee Hsien Loong.

Both leaders said they had a good discussion, first between themselves and when they were joined by their ministers.

One outcome of the talks is a study on a new physical link between both countries.

Mr Najib said: "The eastern side is less developed and there is huge potential there, and we both agreed we should look at it in the medium and long term. There is no hurry. Let us commission a proper study and look at the viability of that."

Mr Lee said: "Malaysia is developing Penggarang, Desaru, linking up - there is a bridge across the Johor River which is being built. So for the medium to long term, the needs should be considered, and perhaps we should consider a new bridge linking up eastwards to that part of Johor.

"We agreed that these were areas we should get together and study, and this is something the joint ministerial committee can look into."

The joint ministerial committee will also study the possibilities of developing a wellness centre and an integrated township within Iskandar Malaysia.

On the growing volume of traffic along the Causeway, both leaders agreed that facilitating movement with ease is important.

Mr Lee said: "I expressed my full support for enhancing the connectivity and the ease of movement on both sides. And I suggested there might be other alternatives like broadening the Causeway or improving a rail link between the two sides, maybe linking up the two rail transport systems so that we could make it easy for people to travel back and forth in large numbers."

Mr Najib said: "With respect to the Causeway, I told Prime Minister Hsien Loong that I would not want to go down the same road and end up with another problem or another disappointment. We should agree on what to do. We agree on the objectives and let us look at how we can achieve those objectives. There could be other ways of achieving the objective."

The two prime ministers also discussed the POA, which was signed between Malaysia and Singapore nearly 18 years ago. Both leaders agree that this matter has dragged on for too long, and so they have now asked the two foreign ministers to look into the the Points of Agreement and implement them.

The POA states that the KTM railway station would be moved either to Bukit Timah first, or directly to Woodlands. But Malaysia wanted variations of the POA after it was signed.

Mr Lee said: "They are not easy issues. Otherwise, they would have been solved before. But they need to be resolved, otherwise they would continue to potentially trouble our relationship for a long time to come.

"I think one of the difficulties has been over the years, the issues have taken on their practical significance, but... because they have been explained and argued over, debated and positions have been taken... it is difficult to have the flexibility in discussions which are pragmatic and forward looking."

Mr Najib said: "We should not wait for another 18 years to resolve this problem, so let us put our minds together and put this behind us and move forward in terms of our relationship. We both recognise that there is much more to gain from productive and cooperative arrangement, rather than allowing these things to hamper and dampen the relationship.

"The basic principle is to make sure it is in the classic win-win mood in terms of moving the relations. We do not have to quantify that we win exactly the same amount as Singapore wins, or Singapore wins exactly the same amount as we win.

"As long as generally speaking, we have been seen as benefiting from resolving these problems, if we can have this kind of spirit, I do not think the problems are so insurmountable. I am confident we can move ahead resolving these legacy issues."

Meanwhile, another positive outcome is that a new consular office will be set up in Johor to attend to the needs of Singaporeans there. - CNA/ms

Najib - The Most Shameless and Unscrupulous PM in Malaysian History

2009-05-15T18:38:00.001-07:00

Do the honourable thing, Najib - By Tunku Aziz

MAY 15 — The last three months have seen a flurry of activity on the Perak political front. All of this was without any doubt occasioned by Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s blatantly cynical, barefaced manipulation of human greed. Najib is no novice when it comes to money matters. He succeeded spectacularly in seducing the three most unremarkable and positively unpleasant Pakatan Rakyat characters to declare themselves independent supporters of the Barisan Nasional.

They have, as to be expected, denied most vehemently that they had succumbed to any such unworthy and degrading temptation as money. Conventional wisdom, on the other hand, says that Malaysian politicians will only transfer their party allegiance for cash, and not principle. I leave you to draw your own conclusion in this particular case.

Video of shameful swearing act by Najib.

Najib’s single act of subterfuge has been remarkable for the damage, and repercussions, to the Malaysian body politic, quite apart from damaging further his own already seriously bruised reputation. If he thought what he had done was an example of cutting edge political sophistication, I suggest he should think again. He has by his reckless adventure only succeeded in portraying himself as nothing more than a common garden variety, and not the statesman that we thought he would become given his father’s honoured place in our history and his family credentials.

In the event, he seems to me to be no better than Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the roughneck street fighter. What a bad start for someone who begins his premiership on a discordant note, encumbered with enormous baggage to boot: any chance of redeeming himself has gone down the Sungai Perak, baggage and all. However, all is not lost. If he has any sense of self-worth, justice and integrity, he should take immediate steps to untangle the political mess he created. My father’s injunction to me as a very playful boy was, “Don’t start something you can’t finish.”

It is still relevant and appropriate advice, in my view, to give particularly to Najib who desires so devoutly to be loved and embraced as a people’s prime minister. He should practise what he is preaching so fervently about the importance of “feeling the pulse” of the people. If his close advisers are not telling him what really is going on in the towns and cities, big and small, as well as in the poor and neglected villages and hamlets up and down the country, then let me tell him some inconvenient truths about Perak that he might not particularly want to hear.

The people of Perak and, by extension, the overwhelming majority of the people of this country want to see an immediate end to the unseemly and totally disgraceful and disgusting display of political opportunism by the Umno-BN axis that has dragged the much-loved Sultan of Perak into political controversy that could have been avoided in the first place. His Royal Highness could have been spared the indignity of being reviled and ridiculed if Najib had thought more carefully about the fallout from his politically immature act.

As a responsible “people’s prime minister”, he has a duty to the people and the Sultan of Perak to return some semblance of order to their state which has since become the butt of some very unkind jokes. Najib does, of course, recognise that what the people want is for the state assembly to be dissolved so that fresh elections may be held. He is on record as admitting this as a way out of the current impasse, but claims that it is really up to the Sultan to decide.

We naturally respect his concern not to be seen to interfere with royal prerogatives. However, we wish he would stop playing poker and drop the hypocrisy because the reality is that he exercises considerable influence in matters of state, and he jolly well knows it.

The Perak crisis is pregnant with potential for mischief making, and you do not have to be the director of the Special Branch to know that unless something was put right quickly, the seething public anger could be exploited by enemies of the state to the detriment of our nascent democracy, peace and security. Najib must finish the dirty job he started by going back to the people. His Royal Highness the Sultan will not stand in the way of a just and popular solution. This is the only way to stop the rot that has already paralysed the government of Perak. Another day’s delay to dissolve the state assembly is another opportunity lost to return Perak to political sanity. Najib cannot just sit tight and look the other way hoping the crisis he fomented would just blow away.

The choice for the prime minister is a simple one: either elect to conduct himself like a common, opportunistic politician and face the dire consequences of his perfidious behaviour or a statesman who is concerned more with nation building on a lasting basis than opting for short-term political gains that may well turn out to be illusory. His 1 Malaysia, already riddled with contradictions and inconsistencies, will not amount to anything if the Perak crisis remains stuck in limbo. The ball is in his court.

Perak Debacle - Najib says Don't blame me

2009-05-15T18:32:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — After more than four months, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak attempted today to put together a cogent case on why the power grab in Perak was justified.

He also moved to absolve the Sultan of Perak and himself from any blame for the defections from Pakatan Rakyat (PR) and the installation of a Barisan Nasional (BN) mentri besar.

The Umno president was quoted by Bernama as saying the Sultan of Perak had adopted the principles and spirit of democracy when appointing the mentri besar from PR last year and also BN this year, and should not be blamed for the political crisis in Perak currently.

The prime minister said he too should not be blamed for purportedly causing the crisis which had dragged on for more than four months.

“In practicing our democracy, the people will choose their elected representatives and the Sultan will appoint the candidate from the party that has gained the majority as the mentri besar,” he said at a media conference with Malaysian journalists at the end of his two-day working visit to Manado, North Sulawesi in Indonesia to attend the Summit Meeting of the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI).

Najib’s comments come as public sentiments seem to be against BN as the Perak crisis drags on.

This week, the Kuala Lumpur high court declared PR’s Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin as the rightful MB, but the ruling was stayed following an appeal by BN’s Datuk Zambry Abd Kadir.

In recent days, Najib has been distancing himself from the problem in Perak. His ally Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad also pointed out this week that he thinks it is a foregone conclusion that PR will win the state if fresh polls are called.

The coverage of the Perak crisis in local newspapers, especially those with close links to Umno, had also suggested BN was now distancing itself from the Perak palace.

Speaking today in Indonesia, Najib said the Sultan of Perak had adopted the same procedure when appointing Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir from the BN as the mentri besar just like he did when appointing Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin from PAS after the 2008 general election, Bernama reported.

According to the report, Najib said Sultan Azlan Shah had appointed Mohammad Nizar after obtaining the agreement of the majority of the State Assemblymen who had nominated him as mentri besar.

Najib said that after the opposition parties had lost the majority, the Sultan of Perak then appointed the candidate nominated by the BN after three opposition assemblymen had declared themselves as Independents and gave their support to Zambry as mentri besar.

“Don’t forget... don’t blame Tuanku. In the 2008 general election, the BN was the only party that had the majority in the State Assembly with 28 seats... the opposition pact is not registered and remains as three separate parties.

“At that time, if Tuanku had wanted to appoint Tan Sri Tajol Rosli Ghazali (the former mentri besar), he would have had the right because the BN was the only party that had the biggest majority.

“The Tuanku, in the spirit of democracy based on the resolution made by the elected representatives from the three opposition parties... (After) the Tuanku had received their written pledges, the Tuanku then appointed Nizar as the mentri besar,” Najib explained.

But now, the opposition had lost the majority in the state assembly and Sultan Azlan Shah had appointed Dr Zambry who was nominated by the BN using the same approach and based on legitimate principles without breaching the democratic system and constitution.

“This transpired according to procedures in line with the Perak State Constitution and parliamentary democracy.

“This must be explained and that’s why I say that the election is an option and discretion... not a must. The problem is that they (the opposition) do not accept this and hinder this (democratic) process as was done in the state assembly.

“Who asked for the suspension of the MB and BN Executive Councillors. This is against the spirit of parliamentary democracy. If that’s the case, we (BN) have the majority in Parliament...we can suspend 20 Opposition members of parliament if we want to. Using the same principles (as in the Perak State Assembly), we have the power...discretion, we can do what we like,” said the prime minister.

“(But) the Opposition disputed the appointment of Dr Zambry and challenged it in court. We too challenged in court when they suspended the state assemblymen. Is it reasonable that in a democratic system, when there is a majority, the Speaker suspends six assemblymen? If that’s the case, we too can suspend six assemblymen,” he said.

Commenting on party-hopping, Najib said this was allowed by law and had happened in other countries such as a former British prime minister Sir Winston Churchill who had switched parties several times, and the latest was a senator in the United States who defected.

Najib pointed out that the BN did not seize power in Perak because the change in government was made according to regulations and the law, which, if accepted by everyone, would clearly show that the present BN government could administer Perak as it had received a sufficient majority.

“Don’t forget that on Sept 16 last year, who had wanted to steal 21 of our members of parliament. But when he failed, and we succeeded in Perak, we were then said to be undemocratic. We have been accused of seizing power.

“It was the opposition who first tried to seize power but without success... we (the BN) did not start it,” Najib stressed.

Court rules Nizar as legitimate MB - your say

2009-05-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

From: Politikus
Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 07:42:08 -0700 (PDT)
Local: Mon, May 11 2009 10:42 pm
Subject: On Court rules Nizar as legitimate MB

(Formerly) confused: I am confused no more! The constitution is valid!
I pray that all is done right by the people this time ... To the
box!!!

Perak Citizen: Congratulation to Nizar and his Pakatan team, and
thanks to lawyer Sulaiman Abdullah and team. The court has finally
declared Nizar as the legitimate Menteri Besar of Perak. The
legitimate Menteri Besar should have an audience with the Sultan of
Perak and dissolve the State Assembly immediately.

Baiyuensheng: I have a question now Nizar has been declared the
legitimate MB. Let's say if the present MB losses confidence of the
majority of the assembly but manage to cling on to power since he is
able to cohort with the Speaker who can reject motion of a vote of
confidence, what is the alternate recourse? I think there is a
similarity with the Terengganu state government. Anyway, thank
goodness the constitution is upheld.

Now that the court has ruled. Can the people take Zambry, the police,
state secretariat and the rest that have violated the constitution for
treason? Or, they have committed no crime?

CK: If the speaker refuses to accept a motion of no-confidence, I
suppose the opposition can invite the Sultan to the State Assembly
Hall to table the motion. We are all glad that the judiciary seems to
be no longer under the shadow of the 1988 judiciary crisis and it
proves that the judge can make his judgment without fear or favour.
Let's hope that the government's appeal to the upper courts will be
rejected.

Selvadurai: With this ruling it should establish that the meeting
under the tree legitimate. This then means that all the resolutions
passed are also legitimate. Way to go Nizar Jamaluddin and company.
Please make sure all the civil servants who went out of the way to
thaw your rule are transferred to positions where they can not disrupt
the election process before the assembly is dissolved.

Najib: We will appeal against decision

2009-05-11T07:06:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 – The prime minister said that Barisan Nasional (BN) will appeal the Kuala Lumpur High Court decision declaring Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin as the rightful mentri besar of Perak.

Datuk Seri Najib Razak said this evening that BN will file an appeal tomorrow.

“We are appealing against the decision. We hope for an early date for the appeal,” he told reporters after meeting Pemudah, the special taskforce established to simplify business dealings with the government. “We feel we have a strong case.”

The High Court had today also ordered Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir and his executive officers to vacate their offices, and the judge also rejected an appeal from Zambry for a stay of the declaration.

When asked by reporters if the state assembly should be dissolved and elections held, Najib replied that it was the Sultan of Perak’s decision to make.

He added that he has not made any arrangement to meet the Perak ruler.

However, Nizar is seeking an audience with the Perak Sultan to ask for consent to dissolve the state assembly.

When asked about moving a motion of no-confidence against Nizar instead of appealing the court decision, Najib replied that their first action will be to appeal.

Najib also asked Perakians to keep calm.

“Don’t get overexcited,” he said. “We will solve the problem.”

Several police Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) trucks have been observed pulling up at the Perak State Secretariat in Ipoh and state police chief Datuk Zulkefli Abdulah has warned the public not to gather near the secretariat complex to prevent any untoward incident.

Barisan loses Perak in the High Court

2009-05-11T06:55:00.000-07:00

Court rules Nizar is Perak MB; BN to appeal

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional will appeal the High Court ruling on Monday that declared Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin as the rightful Perak Mentri Besar, and not Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

The appeal would be filed on Tuesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

In the meantime, he urged the people of Perak to remain calm while "the situation is resolved."

Pakatan Rakyat is however adamant that there is no "situation."

“This is a great day for the rakyat (people) because the Law and the Constitution are the true winners,” Nizar said in a statement.

“It is a historic day for all who love democracy and it will be remembered for years and years to come. Its positive effects for revitalising parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy is tremendous,” he said.

He said that everyone from both sides of the political divide would benefit from this ruling “because an independent judiciary is absolutely essential for the well-being of any country and its people.”

Nizar said that all previous decisions made by the Dr Zambry administration would be subject to review but not invalidated except for the tumultous May 7 sitting.

He also suspended the state legal adviser with immediate effect.

Nizar said that once he arrived in Ipoh, he would meet with his Pakatan exco at 11pm and a press conference could be expected after that.

Earlier, Zambry said he would apply for a stay pending appeal. This was immediately rejected by the court.

The court also ordered Zambry and the six executive councillors he had appointed to vacate their office.

An aide to Dr Zambry told the media that Perak Barisan Nasional will respect the court order and will vacate their offices at the state secretariat building immediately.

He added that Dr Zambry is on his way to Kuala Lumpur from Ipoh. Dr Zambry could not be reached for comment at press time.

Dr Zambry's private secretary Khairul Azwan Harun then asked the media to vacate the office, saying that their presence was "scaring off the staff."

By 5:30pm, several truckloads of Federal Reserve Unit personnel and police had arrived at the state secretariat building in Ipoh.

“Our presence is to maintain law and order,” said Perak CPO Deputy Comm Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah.

“We will not allow any illegal assembly or procession by either party,” he said.

Nizar left the KL courtroom saying he would seek an audience with the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, to get his consent to dissolve the Assembly and call for fresh state elections.

He would make his request for the audience at a state function at the Istana Kuala Kangsar Tuesday morning.

In his ruling Monday, Justice Abdul Aziz Abd Rahim said that a new mentri besar could not be appointed as the office had not been vacated.

He said a mentri besar can only be dismissed by a vote of no confidence, and upheld the Stephen Kalong Ningkan ruling.

He noted that the Perak State Legislative Assembly had not held a vote of no confidence.

In 1966, Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Stephen Kalong Ningkan was ousted when the state governor showed him a letter of no confidence issued by 21 out of 42 legislators and asked Ningkan to resign.

Ningkan refused, saying the letters were not tantamount to a vote of no confidence in the state legislative assembly. He was sacked by the governor but eventually reinstated by the Borneo High Court, which saw the necessity of a formal vote of no confidence.

Mixed reactions (no, really!)
Not all Barisan reps were ready to accept the court’s ruling. Perak senior executive councillor Datuk Hamidah Osman said in a democracy, the majority rules.

“How can Pakatan Rakyat rule without having a majority?” she said in IPOH. “Why should the State Assembly be dissolved?”

Perak DAP deputy chairman M. Kulasegaran said the KL High Court’s decision confirmed that the appointment of Dr Zambry as mentri besar was unconstitutional.

Kulasegaran, who is also Ipoh Barat MP, said the Perak State Assembly should now be dissolved and fresh elections be called.

“All this while during the political impasse, the people ended up being the biggest losing party.

“Investors are shying away from the state due to the uncertainty,” he added.

In KOTA BARU, Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said the court’s decision had “revived democracy in Perak that has been in a ‘coma’ for the past three months.”

In GEORGE TOWN, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng described the High Court’s decision “a glorious victory” for the people of Perak.

He said the DAP reiterates its call for the dissolution of the state assembly and the holding of fresh elections to allow the people to choose their own government.

“The verdict clearly shows that Mohammad Nizar and his state executive councillors are the rightful leaders of the state government,” he said.

Earlier, he had said that the Opposition was willing to work with anyone to resolve the crisis in Perak.

“The crisis has caused shame not only to the people of Perak but also the entire country. What is more shameful is that the police forcibly took over the state assembly.

“I think we should respect the power that emanates from the ballot box,” he said.

Perak crisis
The political impasse in Perak goes back more than three months when three assemblymen from Pakatan quit their parties, saying that they would remain independent but pledging their loyalty to Barisan.

While the state assembly was evenly divided between Pakatan and Barisan with 28 seats each, the "pledge of loyalty" was sufficient to convince the Sultan of Perak that Barisan commanded the majority.

He refused Nizar's request for the Assembly to be dissolved and for fresh state elections to be called, instead asking the PAS man to step down as mentri besar.

Nizar declined, claiming he still retained the confidence of the Assembly.

The Sultan however gave his blessings to Barisan's choice of mentri besar, Dr Zambry.

Nizar filed for a judicial review on Feb 13, seeking a declaration that he is the rightful mentri besar of Perak and asked for an injunction to bar Dr Zambry from discharging his duties as the mentri besar.

On March 6, Justice Lau Bee Lan had ruled that there were constitutional issues involving the interpretation of Article 16 (6) of the Perak Constitution and later referred four consitutional questions to the Federal Court for determination.

However, on March 23, the Federal Court ruled that the case of who the rightful mentri besar is should be heard by the High Court.

Nizar’s lead counsel Sulaiman Abdullah, in wrapping up his submissions last week, said the Constitution was the “genius of the Malaysian people”, adding that the court had a duty to uphold it. Over the last few days, he had submitted that the Sultan, while granted powers in the Perak Constitution to appoint a mentri besar, could not dismiss him.

The only way Nizar could be dismissed, he said, was through a vote of no-confidence in the House.

He also said that a mentri besar could request for the State Assembly to be dissolved in the middle of a term without losing the confidence of the majority of the House.

Dr Zambry’s lawyer Datuk Cecil Abraham, however, argued that Nizar went by Article 16(6) of the Perak Constitution when he sought an audience with the Sultan – this article specifically provides for the mentri besar to request for a dissolution when he has lost the confidence of the majority in the House.

Under the article, Nizar is required to tender the resignation of his executive councillors when his request was rejected, he said.

Najib wants a new economic model for Malaysia

2009-05-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today the government will introduce a new economic model to ensure the country makes a “quantum leap” to become a high-income country.

Addressing a Labour Day rally, the prime minister said the economic model would emphasise innovation, creativity and productivity.

The government’s Economic Council has been given the job of formulating the new model.

“The new economic model is something that we are working for. When the economic council was established, consisting of economy experts including those from abroad, we gave a job scope to the council to recommend one new economic model for our country.

“We also wanted to see how we can move the economy forward from a high middle income to a high income country,” he said.

One of the ways to move the country forward, he said, was to increase the productivity of the workforce through innovation and creativity.

“If we stress on innovation and creativity, we will be able to ensure the standard the production is higher, not only in terms of numbers, but also the quality of the products. When we have reached that stage then we can increase the income of the workforce,” he told reporters.

Najib said his administration would be emphasising the new economic model so that the country could attain a higher level of competitiveness.

The prime minister added that the government would be introducing a retrenchment fund to cushion the effects of the global recession as well as review the Employees Provident Fund.

“I feel that a retirement scheme needs to be considered because a study conducted by EPF shows that 70 per cent of the members finish their funds between three and 10 years.

“We know that the age expectancy in Malaysia has risen from 50 to 55 years before independence to 73 years now. In this regard, the retirement scheme, if introduced, will give security in their old age,” he added.

By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani

Najib Tun Razak Visits Rotten Streets of KL

2009-04-28T07:08:00.000-07:00

Sunday, 26 April, 2009,

According to Malaysian news, so far Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has visited five busy localities in the heart of Kuala Lumpur since he became sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia. Petaling Street aka Chinatown, Kg. Kerinchi, Brickfields or still-not-known-as-Jalan-Tun-Sambanthan, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman or better known as TAR Road and the smog-filled Puduraya.

All these years living and working in Kuala Lumpur, it appears like only now Najib Tun Razak knows that Kuala Lumpur has congestion problem. I don't blame him because most VVIPs' cars have heavily-tinted glasses and also we normal 'One-Malaysians' have to make way for their cars, each time when they pass by. Plus VVIPs don't have to rely our poor public transport.

But anyway, Najib Tun Razak is much better than all those past and present Federal Territories Minister and Kuala Lumpur mayors. As reported in the Malaysian news, just one hour inspection and this 'One-Malaysia' Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has already saw the traffic congestion and the inefficiency of the public facilities in Kuala Lumpur. Good work Najib!

One Malaysia: An empty slogan disguised as a solution

2009-04-19T22:24:00.000-07:00

The thing about slogans is that we often fall into the trap of mistaking them for real solutions. The reality is that slogans by itself are often nothing more than convenient rhetoric with an inside as empty as a pauper’s pocket.

Thus far, One Malaysia has been just that. It is an empty slogan disguised as a solution. Like a lost child, we find it limbering confused and naked along Malaysia’s political road by virtue of it being left without a definition from its maker.

Utusan Malaysia’s whispering Awang Selamat has of course rather kindly ventured its take on One Malaysia and so have many others but until Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak breathes life into it with his own definition, the phrase has no value.

The wait for this may well be in vain. But should an official definition be forthcoming, the hope is that it will firstly describe this One Malaysia entity as something completely blind to race and colour but sensitive to the pain, suffering, potential and aptitude of any ordinary Malaysian.

On the matter of aptitude, it must be said that the new Prime Minister’s decision to apply Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in evaluating the performance of Ministers is one that is both refreshing and long overdue. It is for all intents and purposes the stick that seeks to enforce Individual Ministerial Responsibility.

In a country where the principle of Individual Ministerial Responsibility is almost completely alien, KPIs are the best way to boot out the poor performers. With proper implementation, the days where the Minister of Works keeps his job after a substandard public construction project comes to light is over.

Gone also are the days where the Minister of Youth and Sports manages to remain snug in her seat on the back of an official loss-making tin cup international youth football tournament played to no one in particular.

With any luck, the country will also see the Home Minister being booted out should he bungle up and purport to arrest a person under the draconian ISA “for her own protection”.

Ministers are reminded that Individual Ministerial Responsibility does not only cover his own actions. It also includes the overall performance of his ministry and his official’s actions or lack thereof. Poor marks in any of these areas will result in a lowly KPI which in turn must see the last of the Minister concerned.

Of course no one is holding their breath that the KPI system is going to work. However, putting cynicism aside, it must be said for now that at least there is a system in place. The enforcement is another matter.

Head Ministerial Prefect Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon has an unenviable job. The thought of him actually marking down and disciplining Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz would bring a wry smile to many faces.

At the end of the day though, should the Minister in charge of Performance Management fail to deliver, the new Prime Minister would have to walk the talk and remove him for falling short of his own KPI.

Now that would indeed be a right mess - the Minister in charge of Performance Management being sacked for poor performance.

Speaking of poor performance, the continued failure of the Penang Pakatan Government to appoint a new Deputy Chief Minister to replace Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin smacks of inefficiency. Having incessantly criticised Tun Pak Lah previously for procrastination, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should look himself in the mirror and ask why he too now moves at glacial speeds.

It is no excuse to say that political pressures or internal party issues need to be resolved first. That is not the people’s problem.

Pakatan’s delay in appointing a new Deputy Chief Minister for Penang and also in constituting the long awaited shadow cabinet is unacceptable. This stationary state of affairs must be resolved soon lest the people soon start to actually see little difference between the BN and the PR.

On the subject of delays, welcome back Elizabeth Wong. It took Pakatan long enough to return you to the people of Bukit Lanjan. (By DAVID D. MATHEW/MySinchew)

A Shameful High Court Sentence

2009-04-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

------------------------
There was no motive. The court doesn't want to know. Probably, these 2 policemen just want to have some fun. Found a Mongolian girl in town, packed her up, drive her to their regular dumping ground, blew her up, and celebrate the extermination with joy, gun shots and probably beer too. Alla-U-abar!

And the court, like the govt, is not interested in preventive actions. Let it happen again, we have the court to deal with it. Let the murders come in, we will just hang them, and then set free upon appeal. If the special squad can do, so can any police special units in every town and every state.

After all, they couldn't have killed, since there is no motive, nothing, to talk about. Set them free. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the real Malaysia I am talking about. The court and govt is inseparable. A corrupt govt will default mean a corrupted court.
------------------------

SHAH ALAM, April 9 — The two policemen found guilty today of murdering a Mongolian national may have received the death sentence but it will not erase the negative image of Malaysia globally, said veteran lawyer Karpal Singh.

Wheelchair-bound Karpal, who held a watching brief for the family of the murder victim Altantuya Shaariibuu, applauded High Court judge Datuk Mohd Zaki Md Yasin’s decision to sentence Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri, 33, and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, 37, to the gallows.

But he said the main issue had failed to be addressed. The two cops were members of the Special Action Squad (UTK), a team that is constantly despatched to guard ministers and other high-ranking government officials but “did not, could not have the motive to commit such a horrendous murder”.

“Obviously, others out there would be responsible and would have the motive to direct such a crime to be committed. To my mind, these two are just the fall guys,” said Karpal, who is also the DAP chairman and a vocal critic against the Barisan Nasional federal government.

Karpal disagreed with the Honorary Consul to Mongolia, Datuk Syed Abdul Rahman Alhabshi, who told reporters the ruling seemed “fair” and claimed Shaariibuu Setev, the murder victim’s father, was “happy” with the verdict when informed over the phone this morning

Karpal admitted to The Malaysian Insider he had yet to speak with Shaariibuu at that point, but thinks neither his family nor the Mongolian government will be satisfied with the conviction and sentencing of the two cops.

“Too many questions left unanswered,” the federal lawmaker added.

The Bukit Gelugor MP said he will continue pushing the High Court for a judicial review against the Attorney-General’s decision not to appeal against political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda.

Abdul Razak was freed by the same court last October without having his defence called.

The former aide to Datuk Seri Najib Razak, back when he was deputy prime minister, was charged with aiding Azilah and Sirul in the murder of Altantuya, his one-time mistress. A messy break-up led to Abdul Razak’s meeting with the two UTK personnel and which caused him to be dragged into the sordid affair.

Karpal said he is also pushing for a civil suit, filed in 2007 on behalf of Altantuya’s two children, against Azilah, Sirul, Abdul Razak and the federal government.

He urged the federal government to prioritise the judicial review and the civil suit “instead of letting it languish in court a long time.”

“It’s not fair to Altantuya’s children, one of whom is mentally challenged,” he said.

“The case is of such magnitude that the prime minister has to make efforts to erase the negative image and perception of the country in the eyes of the world,” said Karpal.

by Debra Chong

Cops to hang for Altantuya murder

2009-04-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

Isn't it strange? Nobody, including the High Court judge raise the question of why these policemen wanted to kill a woman, whom they know not? Nobody raise the question of the motives. And if there is no motives, these policemen should be freed? Or are they leaving it to the Federal Court to do so. Just another wayang-kulit show?

By Debra Chong
SHAH ALAM, April 9 — Policemen Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar were today sentenced to death by the High Court for murdering Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu, ending one of the longest trials in Malaysian history.

Azilah, 33, and Sirul, 37, were found guilty of killing Altantuya, 28, and then blowing up her body in a jungle clearing at nearby Bukit Raja between 10pm on Oct 19, 2006 and 1am the next day.

The two members of the Bukit Aman Special Action Squad (UTK) were charged under Section 149 of the Penal Code, which carries the mandatory death sentence upon conviction.

In pronouncing judgment, High Court judge Datuk Mohd Zaki Md Yasin noted that both Azilah and Sirul had, separately and together, failed to defend themselves “beyond reasonable doubt” against the charge.

“I find the defence had essentially been one where each of them is blaming each other and one of denial,” he said.

“As such the defence has been both irreconcilable and unbelievable, thus they had failed to raise any reasonable doubt in the prosecution’s case which I find to be irresistibly conclusive on account of the physical and circumstantial evidence adduced before me,” Mohd Zaki added.

“The prosecution has therefore proved the case against the first and second accused beyond any reasonable doubt. Accordingly, I find the first and second guilty and I hereby convict them both as charged.

“I therefore now sentence you first and second accused to death. Both of you will be kept in lawful custody until you are brought to a lawful place where you will be hanged by your neck until you are dead,” he said.

On Oct 31 last year, the same court acquitted political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda, 48, of abetting them in the murder which attracted intense international scrutiny due to its tenuous link to then Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

The former aide to Najib walked free without ever having to enter his defence and has since moved to Britain.

Azilah and Sirul, who stood in the dock, seemed shell-shocked; the latter — a father of two — looked particularly grim.

While Sirul had entered the courtroom only at the last minute before Mohd Zaki himself, Azilah was earlier seen smiling and exchanging good-natured banter with his family, friends and fiancée.

He was even passed a bottle of cologne which he sprayed below his jawline before donning his jacket over a pale blue, long-sleeved shirt fastened with cufflinks.

Azilah's fiancée Nur Azila Baharuddin, who has remained by his side throughout the long trial, immediately broke down in silent tears. As soon as court was dismissed, she moved to sit beside him on a long bench as he reached out to console her.

“We expected him to walk free,” a calm but swollen-eyed Nur Azila told reporters later. She added her fiance’s parents were absent as they lived in Sarawak.

Asked if she thought the verdict was politically-motivated, Nur Azila shook her head.

“No, I don’t think so. It’s just, with a decision like that, we just accept it for now,” she said, and pointed out there were still two platforms of appeal left.

Nur Azila, who had remained optimistic throughout the whole ordeal, still dreams of marrying Azilah. She refused to admit the relationship was doomed.

“I am sad, but I have to be calm for him,” she said, sounding unnaturally upbeat.

Sirul, represented by Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin, Hasnal Redzua Marican and Ahmad Zaidi Zainal, will file an appeal tomorrow.

Azilah was represented by Datuk Hazman Ahmad and J. Kuldeep Kumar.

A policeman on duty told The Malaysian Insider the duo would be taken back to the Sungai Buloh Prison. According to records, Azilah has been detained there for 891 days and Sirul, for 895 days.

The case has set many records including being the most number of days for hearing (159 days) and the calling of 84 witnesses at the prosecution stage and two at the defence stage, and it remained a high-profile case for almost two years before Razak was released.

The prosecution team led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Tun Abdul Majid Tun Hamzah said the verdict was “fair”. He added the prosecution had presented strong physical and circumstantial evidence to convict the two policemen but noted they could still appeal against the decision all the way to the Federal Court.

He also emphasised: “There’s not been the involvement of anyone else ... politically or otherwise.”

Najib says he wants FACTS, not rumours!

2009-04-09T18:56:00.001-07:00

We all know too well, that all the facts, figures and witnesses were meticulously removed by Najib special police squad. He is so confidence that there is really nothing that can show his other side - brutal, ruthless and repressive nature.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 — A victim of conspiracy theories, rumours and
innuendoes, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak tonight asked for fairness and
respect in reporting while calling for “a new national conversation
that engages all Malaysians”.

The new prime minister also stated his support for a “vibrant, free
and informed media” which he underlined with his decision to lift the
suspension of opposition newspapers Harakah and Suara Keadilan.

“I believe we can move beyond those who offer the journalism of
conspiracy theory and rumour,” Najib said at the Malaysian Press
Institute’s Malam Wartawan (Journalists’ Night) here tonight.

He had been linked to the gruesome 2006 murder of Mongolian beauty
Altantuya Shaariibuu and allegations of corruption in defence deals by
the opposition. Two elite policemen, who have once escorted Najib,
will know their fate over her murder this Thursday.

“I’ve endured my fair share of these from some quarters of the media.
I will always stand up and be accountable for the decisions I make as
your prime minister,” he said.

The prime minister said that people want a change in the tone of the
political debate, saying the politics of accusation and rumour have
trampled a political dialogue founded on respect and fairness.

“I want a dialogue that is built on respect and fairness, not personal
attacks,” he told the audience comprising senior journalists from the
print and electronic media.

“I call on all parties, all political leaders and all people who want
to engage in a new national conversation about the future of our
nation — including the media — to do so in a way that respects
opinions of others; that values discussion and discourse; and that
recognises that opponents need not be enemies, that differences of
opinion do not come from malicious motives, but from a deep and
abiding concern for the future of Malaysia.”

Najib pointed out it was trying times for the country as well as other
countries but he believed that Malaysia had a remarkable opportunity
to build “One Malaysia” with the new leadership.

“Malaysia needs a comprehensive economic model that positions us for
the long-term. But, we also need a national consensus around how that
and the other important policy debates of our time must be joined.

“A vibrant political and public dialogue is the best way forward for
our country; the times demand it and the people expect it.”

He gave an olive branch to the online media that has been seen to be
critical of him, saying the country needed a media, both old and new,
empowered “to responsibly report what they see, without fear of
consequence, and to hold governments and public officials accountable
for the results they achieve or do not achieve.”

“It is no secret that I believe the new media plays an important role
in our political and civic future. But I want — and I will encourage —
a debate that takes place across all media, across all parts of our
country,” Najib said.

Malaysia’s sixth prime minister said the media should focus on the
most pressing needs of the country, adding, “I hope that such
colourful reporting will be consigned to history. It too often
presents a world that bears no resemblance to reality and only serves
to damage the public discourse we truly need.”

The People Have Spoken - Art Harun on By-election Results

2009-04-08T02:54:00.000-07:00

REALITY CHECK FOR BARISAN.....BUT LOOKED LIKE THEY ARE STILL IN DREAMLAND.

APRIL 10 - The results from Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau are but definite proof that more than a year after March 8, 2008, the people are still resolved to show their discontentment and complete unhappiness with the ways of the Barisan Nasional in general and UMNO in particular.

It is also conversely a display of strengthening support for Pakatan Rakyat, regardless of the apparent ideological and political differences in the allegiance of the 3 political parties of which it consists.

That the two by-elections are won by the Pakatan Rakyat with increased majority is of course a cause for concern for the BN and the newly minted Prime Minister, Najib Razak.

Add in the fact that the whole might of the BN's election machinery - including government machinery - was at full steam to ensure a BN victory, the win by Pakatan Rakyat is conclusively a mega achievement in the true spirit of the proverbial David and Goliath fight.

The BN has done everything within its power to win these two by-elections. The whole cabinet could be seen campaigning tirelessly in the two areas.

Hotshots from the Federal Capital converged the two areas and lighted the campaign trail. Amidst the cries of reforms from within Umno and the euphoria of a new found "unity" - when Abdullah Ahmad Badawi held the hand of Mahathir Mohammad and Najib Razak at the closing ceremony of the recently concluded Umno General Assembly - as well as the installation of Najib Razak as the nation's 6th Prime Minister, the campaign started and was conducted with such intensity that any independent observer would be hard pressed to think of a PR victory, let alone with an increased majority.

No stone was left unturned by the BN to woo the voters. Schools were visited by the Minister of Education. Rhetoric was aplenty - where Muhyiddin Yassin's call for the "slaughter" of Nizar for the latter's apparent treasonous behaviour towards the Sultan has to take the cake and
its icing too - as well as name calling and the usual brow beating. (It was quite a disappointment though when the "Class F contract vending machine" which was used during the Kuala Trengganu by-election was nowhere to be seen this time).

Concerts by scantily clad Chinese lady singers were even thrown by the BN at a fishing village attended by, non other than the defender of the Muslim faith, Zahid Hamidi who later
famously proclaimed that the Chinese culture must be respected.

As the new Prime Minister, Najib Razak made a refreshing inaugural speech, releasing 13 ISA detainees and promising a comprehensive review of the ISA; singing the oft repeated unity, one Malaysia and fairness slogans as well as inviting all Malaysians to embark on a great journey with him.

This was expected to make an impact on the voters.

The most startling show was of course reserved for the grand old man of Umno, Mahathir Mohammad. After Najib Razak was installed as the PM, Mahathir Mohammad rejoined UMNO.

He then happily hit the campaign trail, campaigning for the party which he proclaimed as a "corrupt party" just about a week before.

It was thought that Mahathir Mohammad would take the by-elections by storm and galvanise the voters to support the BN.

The Pakatan Rakyat, on the other hand, had to face obstacle after obstacle in their campaign. Their rallies were invaded by the Federal Reserve Unit.

Acid laced water was sprayed at the attendees. In Bukit Selambau, the police moved in without warning and even fired tear gas at the crowd attending a PR rally. When permits were given, unreasonable conditions were imposed.

A certain dead Mongolian woman's name was even prohibited by the police from being mentioned by the PR in any of its rally. A person caught selling that particular woman's mask was arrested.

And leading to the campaign, the Suara Keadilan and Harakah - the PKR's and PAS's respective publication - were suspended from publication for 3 months by the Home Ministry.

The state owned mass media were of course playing their old games of blowing the BN horn while puking at everything which the PR did.

Interviews with the BN supporters who would laud the "development brought about" by the BN government were shown every day and night. The newspapers were full of praise for the BN and its leaders. Not a single teeny weeny good report was made about the PR. That is what they call "balanced and factual" reporting.

Despite it all, PR still won the two by-elections. What went wrong for the BN? If it needs more than 3 minutes for the BN or UMNO to find out what went wrong for them, then may I suggest that the party be dissolved forthwith.

First of all it shows that the people don't believe what the state owned or mainstream mass media are saying anymore. Everything they say is being disbelieved or at the very least taken with a huge cup of sodium chloride.

The younger voters now are a sophisticated and educated lot.

They scourge the internet for alternative news. It is, rightly or wrongly, set in their mind that whatever is being said by the mass media is a lie and conversely everything which is said on the internet is the truth.

Can they be blamed for that? If the BN thinks that elections could be won by massive propaganda, positive or negative, through the mass media, it is completely ignorant of reality.

The people now laugh at all the so called news and "balanced reporting" by the mass media. In fact, it would not be wrong to say that mass propaganda undertaken by the BN spectacularly
backfired!

Secondly, the people just do not believe all the cries and slogans for "reform" and "change".
A case in point is the apparent differences between what the Umno leadership is saying and what its grass root leaders were saying at the Umno Assembly.

While Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Najib Razak pledged and in fact pleaded for reforms and changes, the speeches from the delegates were talking about filling up the GLCs and
Universities with Umno people!

They were talking about withdrawing scholarships from those students who dare oppose UMNO.

They were talking about how Umno should wantonly use its powers when the powers are still
with it.

Viewed from that perspective, Najib Razak's release of the 13 ISA detainees and the promise of a comprehensive review of the ISA also backfired.

While the true intention was doubted by the people, such move was also seen and perceived as a victory of sorts by the people.

In their mind, that was the effect of the people's pressure on the government. In their mind, if the people would unite to pile on the pressure, perhaps more detainees would be released and the ISA abolished.

And so, in their mind, they were saying, let pile on more pressure by voting for PR.

Thirdly, the BN should be mindful that we are all now living in the 21st century, a new millennium. Character assassinations don't work anymore.

Calling a person a traitor without basis don't work. Spreading nude pictures of a PR MP don't work.

Opening up blogs to call really bad names against the opposition candidate don't work. The people want engagement.

The people are now smart enough to desire an intellectual engagement.

Calling name is so passé!

Fourthly, the people now want answers and they want them fast. And clear.

Parochialism is a thing of the past. Even the Malays are not easily bought by Ketuanan Melayu anymore. The people look at real issues which are affecting or may affect them.

The economy. The sharing of the economic pie. Education. Justice. Fairness. An across the board
enforcement of the law as opposed to selective one.

These are close to the people's heart nowadays.

If there is one thing which the people despise, and despise strongly at that, is hypocrisy. And this is the most important element.

The advent of technology now makes it easy for the people to store data and facts and access the same within seconds.

And it is just not kosher for politicians and leaders to say one thing and do completely the opposite and be found to have done completely the opposite.

In the two by-elections, the people came out, they saw and they conquered.

Najib's Swearing In (video)

2009-04-04T18:12:00.000-07:00

His swearing in as Prime Minister completed the much talked about RAHMAN theory.

Rahman

Abdul razak

Hussein onn

Mahathir

Abdullah badawi

Najib

It also means that Najib is the "Last Emperor" of this RAHMAN dynasty.

Malaysia swears in newest prime minister

2009-04-04T06:12:00.000-07:00

Finally, we have a man that looked exactly like a fat, lazy pig, to be the leader of a bunch of fat and lazy pigs. Of course, I feel sad for the majority of the malaysian public, to have to live with another emperor of a sunset dynasty. Expect chaos and pains that usually comes with the demise of any dynasty....

Najib Tun Razak said Friday, after being officially sworn in as Malaysian prime minister, that he is intent on renewing the country with help from its people.

Using the slogan One Malaysia. People First. Performance Now, Najib assured the public he was focused on promoting the needs of the Malaysian people through his new governmental post, Bernama said.

I will be steadfast in my commitment to meet the needs, aspirations and concerns of all Malaysians, Najib, 55, said.

After being sworn in, Najib began his ministerial service by releasing 13 Internal Security Act detainees, along with ending a ban on the Parti Keadilan Rakyat and Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party political groups.

These decisions are timely as we move to enhance the confidence of our citizens in those entrusted with maintaining peace, law and order, while recognizing the need to remain vigilant of the very real security threats we continue to face as a young nation, Najib said of the ban repeal.

Najib becomes Malaysia's sixth Prime Minister

2009-04-04T06:10:00.001-07:00

The more they laughed like that, the more seats they are going to lose. Come on guys, be serious, for once!

Kuala Lumpur, Apr 3 : Najib Tun Razak has been sworn in as Malaysia's sixth Prime Minister, taking over the reigns from Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who stepped down after leading the country for over five years.

Najib (55) took his oath of office on Friday. Dressed in a black baju Melayu complete with sampin, Najib arrived at the palace, accompanied by his wife, Rosmah Mansor.

A total of 319 guests, including former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, attended the historic event, the Star reported.

The ceremony, steeped in tradition, began when Tuanku Mizan and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Zahirah entered the throne room and the Malaysian Armed Forces band played the national anthem.

After taking his oaths of office, loyalty and confidentiality, Najib signed the four instruments of appointment, followed by the reading of the doa selamat.

The instruments of appointment were then signed by Court of Appeal President Alauddin Mohd Sheriff as witness and handed over to Chief Secretary to the Government, Mohd Sidek Hassan.

At the same ceremony, Abdullah was conferred the nation's highest award, the Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara (SMN), while Jeanne received the Seri Setia Mahkota (SSM) by Tuanku Mizan. Both awards carry the title Tun.

Najib was born in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, on July 23, 1953, and is the eldest son of the late Abdul Razak Hussein, Malaysia's second Prime Minister, and Rahah Mohd Noah.

His appointment is most significant in the country's history as this is for the first time that a Prime Minister's son is holding the post.

Najib Sworn in As New Malaysian Prime Minister

2009-04-04T06:07:00.000-07:00

They are praying for the same thing - more money, more income, more virgins. Amen.

·Badawi Friday afternoon officially handed over power to new PM Najib Tun Razak.
·The transfer of power ceremony was held at the fifth floor of the Prime Minister's office.
·Najib was earlier sworn-in as the sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Outgoing Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Friday afternoon officially handed over the leadership of the Federal Government to new Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.

The transfer of power ceremony was held at the fifth floor of the Prime Minister's office in Putrajaya, the administrative center of Malaysia.

Malaysian outgoing Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his wife attend the swearing in ceremony of Najib Tun Razak as Malaysia's new prime minister held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in this image from Malaysia TV1, April 3, 2009. Malaysia's new prime minister Najib, wearing a black traditional costume, was sworn in by Malaysia's Supreme Head Mizan Zainal Abidin at Istana Negara (National Palace) in Kuala Lumpur in a solemn ceremony on Friday.(Xinhua/Chong Voon Chung)

Najib, 55, was earlier sworn-in as the sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia before Supreme Head Mizan Zainal Abidin Istana Negara (National Palace) in Kuala Lumpur.

At the ceremony, Badawi handed over the blue desk file to signify the transfer of responsibilities of the high office to Najib in the presence of Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Sidek Hassan.

Najib succeeded Badawi as the president of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), the leading ruling party in the country, at the party general assembly last week.

Malaysian new Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak leaves the Istana Negara after the swearing in ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 3. 2009. Malaysia's new prime minister Najib, wearing a black traditional costume, was sworn in by Malaysia's Supreme Head Mizan Zainal Abidin at Istana Negara (National Palace) in Kuala Lumpur in a solemn ceremony on Friday.

Najib was born in Kuala Lipis, central Pahang state, on July 23, 1953.

Najib entered Parliament at the age of 22 in 1976 upon the death of his father, Abdul Razak Hussein, who was Malaysia's second Prime Minister.

His appointment is most significant in Malaysia's history in that this is the first time that a prime minister's son is holding the post.

He became the country's youngest deputy minister in 1978 when he was made Deputy Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Post. He became Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports in 1986.

Other cabinet posts held by Najib were as the Education Minister from 1995 to 1999 and the defense portfolio twice. In 1993, he was elected an UMNO vice-president when he obtained 1,202votes.

He is an economics graduate of the University of Nottingham, Britain.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak was sworn in here on Friday as Malaysia's new prime minister.

Najib, wearing a black traditional costume, was sworn in by Malaysia's Supreme Head Mizan Zainal Abidin at Istana Negara (National Palace) in Kuala Lumpur in a solemn ceremony, local TV footage showed. Full story

Malaysian Supreme Head consents to Najib's appointment

KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Supreme Head Mizan Zainal Abidin has consented to the appointment of Najib Tun Razak as the sixth prime minister of Malaysia, Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Sidek Hassan said in a statement on Thursday.

Najib would be presented his letter of appointment as prime minister and would take his oath of office, loyalty and confidentiality before Supreme Head at Istana Negara (National Palace) at 10 a.m. local time Friday, the statement said.

No Honeymoon for new Malaysian PM

2009-03-30T05:30:00.000-07:00

Malaysia's opposition has continued its attacks over incoming prime minister Najib Razak's alleged links to the murder of a Mongolian translator.

The allegations are front and centre of its by-election campaign for the parliamentary seat of Perak state, where the opposition candidate is the former state minister who was ousted by Datuk Najib last month. It's one of three by-elections that are seen as a referendum on Datuk Najib's leadership, amid a deepening economic crisis, corruption allegations, and rising political tensions. Mr Najib has promised radical changes but with his popularity the lowest for any incoming leader, how tarnished is his leadership?

Presenter: Joanna McCarthy
Speaker: Professor Clive Kessler from the University of New South Wales

KESSLER: I think that it is true, that he comes in without any benefit, he comes in possibly under something of a shadow, there will be no honeymoon, there will be no oomph factor to start with.

McCARTHY: Well this weekend, we saw more than 10,000 opposition supporters taking to the streets and they were singing songs linking Datuk Najib to the murder of Altantuuya. Now there is no evidence for these alleged links and he denies the charges, but regardless of the substance of the allegations, will these questions continue to hang over his prime ministership?

KESSLER: They will in the sense that the issue is not so much about facts, it's about perceptions, or not about any facts other than perceptions which are key political facts. And Najib himself may be as pure as the driven snow, but he is widely seen as being not the cure, the answer to the UMNO's problems, but quite widely among other than government supporters as embodying what is UMNO's problem, its reputation for being high handed, arrogant, and desperately retributive whenever it gets into trouble and Najib is seen to embody, to personify that problem, by many people.

McCARTHY: As for the April 7 by elections in Perak State, to what extent are Najib's dealings in Perak, which saw the Barisan Nasional wrest state power from the opposition, now coming back to haunt him?

KESSLER: Well, we shall see when people go out to vote. The thing is that Najib's succession has been imminent really since the beginning of the year. He's very much closely associated with all developments, including some unfortunate losing by-elections and then this effort to topple the elected government in Perak, which was accomplished by means that are still contested, that are before the courts, that will remain before the courts, that many see as being legally dubious as well as politically damaging and quite predictably I think the opposition party, opposition coalition has put up as its candidate, from the Islamic Party, the man who was the chief minister of Perak, who was ousted from power by means that some people, many people see as unsatisfactory and in a move that even from before it happened was seen, was widely advertised and bruited, announced as Najib's dramatic intervention in Perak politics. So he will have to wear this one.

McCARTHY: Indeed, while it won't change the balance of power, what are the implications if the opposition candidate does win this by-election?

KESSLER: Well, I think we have go to back to say that basically the Malaysian economy is very internationalised, globalised, it's particularly vulnerable to the world economic crisis and has to be focused on that. If the country is not focused on that, that's already a problem. It needs a government of enormous capability, credibility and authority. So far as economics are concerned, the new team Najib and Muhyiddin and other people around him have I believe genuine economic experience, literacy and credibility, but that is where the good news ends. They lack the plausibility, the credibility, the authority, the legitimacy and any political setback will only go to further diminish the confidence that whatever UMNO's problems and Malaysia's problems are, that the Najib prime ministership will prove in the short run and in the long run, an effective answer to them.

ABC radio interview