The Human Rights Party (HRP) has warned that it will torch a 1Malaysia logo if the government does not respond to its demand to help the Indian students who scored top marks in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination.

Prime minister reshuffles cabinet......

• A number of "2nd deputy ministers"
• MCA chief Dr chua soi lek not in the list .... MCA SG moved up to MCA's traditional ministerial post
• Ex-PPP youth chief Dato Murugiah still a dept-minister ( i think)
• MIC's dept Dato G app as a dept minister.... an additional government post for MIC
• Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has again missed the boat

Ministers (2)

Transport Minister

IN - MCA secretary-general Kong Cho Ha (previously housing and local government minister)

OUT - Former MCA chief Ong Tee Keat

Housing and Local Government Minister

IN - MCA vice-president Chor Chee Heung (promoted from deputy finance minister)

MOVED - Kong Cho Ha (to transport minister)

Deputy Ministers (10)

Deputy Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumer Affairs Minister

IN - PPB's Rohani Abdul Karim (previously deputy agriculture and agro-based industries minister)

Second deputy: Gerakan Wanita chief Tan Lian Hoe

Deputy Transport Minister

IN - SPDP's Jelaing Mersat (former deputy home minister)

Second deputy - Kudat MP (Umno) Abdul Rahim Bakri

Deputy Home Minister

IN - MCA CC member Lee Chee Leong (previously deputy foreign minister)

MOVED - Jelaing Mersat (moved to deputy transport minister)

Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister

IN - MCA Wanita vice-chief Heng Seai Kie (previously deputy information, communications and culture minister

OUT - Former MCA chief Chew Mei Fun (resigned earlier)

Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister

IN - MIC deputy president and senator G Palanivel (new face)

Second deputy - Larut MP (Umno) Hamzah Zainuddin

Deputy Foreign Minister

IN - SUPP CC member Richard Riot (new face)

MOVED - MCA CC member Lee Chee Leong (moved to deputy home minister)

Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister

IN - MCA central committee member Chua Tee Yong (new face, son of MCA chief Dr Chua Soi Lek)

MOVED - PPB's Rohani Abdul Karim (moved to Deputy Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumer Affairs Minister)

Deputy Finance Minister

IN - MCA vice-president Donald Lim

PROMOTED - MCA vice-president Chor Chee Hueng (to housing and local government minister)

Deputy Information, Communications and Culture Minister

IN - PPP vice-president Maglin Dennis D'Cruz (new face)

MOVED - MCA Wanita vice-president Heng Seai Kie (moved to deputy women, family and community development minister)

Deputy Youth and Sports Minister

IN - MCA vice-president Gan Ping Shou (new face)

OUT - MCA CC member Wee Jack Seng

It was a very regrettable tragedy indeed. The misery and lost could be avoided. only if, the newly build bridge properly constructed. only if, the students given safety jackets. Only if, well trained staffs checked the safety of the facilities.only if, .......... we've learned from our past mistakes.

Its not the 1st time, let the mistakes of the past be lesson for future.

The MCA wants the government to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry to ensure that the investigation into the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock was done transparently, professionally and was not doubted by the people.

MCA secretary-general Datuk Wong Foon Meng said the party would forward the request to the government and the country’s top leadership soon.

It would be good that the case was investigated by a commission accepted by all, Wong, who is also Senate president, said at a news conference at his office at Parliament House here today.

Teoh, 30, was found dead on the fifth floor of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam, that also houses the Selangor Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office on the 14th floor at 1.30pm last Thursday. The political aide of Ean Yong Hian Wah (DAP Seri Kembangan assemblyman), was a witness in MACC investigations relating to the alleged misappropriation of state allocations.

Yesterday, Wong representing party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Kiat visited Teoh’s family. He said people should not politicise the issue.

“So our stand is very clear on that and we will put this party view to the government and the MCA will follow-up very closely,” he said.

MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu also said today the party would support the call for a royal commission of inquiry to probe into the death of Teoh Beng Hock.

He said the MIC’s representative in the Cabinet, Datuk Dr. S. Subramaniam, who is the Human Resources Minister, would be asked to back MCA’s proposal at the next Cabinet meeting.

“We will support the proposal because we want justice to prevail,” he said in a statement here.

Samy Vellu also expressed his condolences to the family of the late Teoh.

“It was an unfortunate incident and we hope, through the formation of the commission, the truth will prevail,” he said, adding that people should stop pointing fingers at anyone until investigations by the police have been concluded.

Meanwhile, Dr. Subramaniam said he would carry out his party president’s instruction. Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said recently the Cabinet would discuss the setting up of the commission at its next meeting while the police continues with their probe. – Bernama

Kedah and Perlis DAP today pulled out from the state Pakatan Rakyat coalition, saying the PAS - led government was not giving equal treatment to all kedahans.

In Penang, HINDRAF broke ties with DAP for the same reason.

lets wait and see, how long PR will survive with their motto " its all BN's fault, we are just 1 year old" .

Dirty politics is always a sin no matter who plays it or the duration of it.

for the rakyat to think.................

Here, statement from HINDRAF's Chairman against Guan Eng :

LIM GUAN ENG IS A BLATANT LIAR

I refer to the Statement of Penang Chief Minister on Malaysiakini today throwing various wild allegations against Hindraf .

I wish to reply as follows:

He has lied and mislead the Malaysian public that Hindraf had "lied"that acquiring Kg.Buah Pala would cost the State Government RM 30 Million.

He further misleads in his statement implying that Hindraf had represented that the State Government could acquire the Kg below the market value.

The above statements by Lim Guan Eng is an absolute and blatant lie deliberately calculated to mislead the Malaysian public and divert from the real issue staring at him.

It was his own Political Secretary that had issued a statement yesterday (malaysiakini) that it would cost the state RM30 million to compensate the developers.

However we are aware of his posting on a blog and widely circulated in the emails that it costs more than tens of millions to do so.

My point is simple- where did Guan Eng get this ridiculus sum from? Why is he putting the cart before the horse? Perhaps he is not getting proper advise from his State Legal Adviser or perhaps his arrogance has cloded his mind. The necessary procedures which are lenghty and elaborate are clearly provided for in Section 18-35 Land Acquisation Act. The amount of compensation to be paid are to be assessed by the Land administrator after valuations and survey. If the amount of compensation awarded by the Land administor is not acceptable by the Developer then he would have to rely on provisions of Section 36-51 of the Land Acquisation Act where the Court would determine the appropriate compensation with the assistance of assessors.

So why is he now blaming HINDRAF for his ignorance of the Law. He has to justify how his Political Secretary came up with RM30 million or even his own Statement that it would cost more than "tens of Millions". Instead he is trying to divert from the real issue.

He further states " the forcible acquisation of Kg Buah Pala involving developed land would be of frightening magnitute and the State Government did not have the financial capability to do so".

Guan Eng is definately a liar and hoodwinking the public. Kg Buah Pala is not a developed land in the first place. I may be thousands of miles away but i will vouch it is a yet to be developed land and the developers had done nothing on the piece of land as yet. So WHAT IS HE FRIGHTENED ABOUT. The villagers have been occupying the land for 200 years and the land is developed in this modern day as a cultural village by the poor and defenceless people of Penang with their own sweat and blood. If the land is worth hundreds of millions of Ringgit because it is developed then the compensation should be to the owners as they are the real developers of the land at the present moment.

Guan Eng claims that the land which is believed to be transfered under dubious manner by the previous BN Government is the fault of the previous Government. But he must remember that the actual transfer of the said land had occured during his tenure as the Chief Minister.

If the previous Government had made a fraudulent deal then he is part of the fraudulent transaction for having sanctioned the transfer after he became the Chief Minister.

The need of a roof over one's head is a basic neccessity just like food and clothing. These poor people have been there with a little space/compound (for their children to play) and a safe roof for 200 years in a piece of land given to them on trust by the Brown family. So why now rob them of the basic necessity? Guan Eng had also lied that the people was offered compensation of RM200,000 and that many had accepted the offer and moved.But in actual fact they were offered RM90,000 by developers far below market value and which is insuffient for them to buy a new property in any part of Penang and the actual number of houseowners who accepted the shortchanged deal were 7 and not many as claimed by Guan Eng ( 5 Malay families and 2 Indian families). As far as i am concerned he is a heartless man for lying and colluding with the developers in uprooting these people with a peanut offer of RM90,000. The villagers had clearly stated that it is not an issue of compensation but a matter of preserving their peaceful existence in their hereditary cultural living over a safe roof. The basic need of a safe roof is a fundamental Human Right. As a responsible Chief Minister and a man who claims to lead the Democratic Party he should be the first to protect and preserve their homes but instead robbing them of thier basic necessity and Human dignity. HINDRAF would vigourously resist any attempt to take away this fundamental right and dignity even if it means ending our friendship with DAP.

Yes I agree HINDRAF has been infiltrated by BN stooges and Police Special Branch which is trying hard to break the Movement. But i will not sit idle and see him destroy the fundamental right in the name of development of not only Indian Community but of any community for the matter.

HINDRAF calls upon other Pakatan Coalition leaders to advice this heartless Chief Minister.

P.Waytha Moorthy

Chairman

HINDRAF

No Malaysian should consider himself a second-class citizen nor feel sidelined or left behind in the nation’s progress, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

He said under his “1Malaysia” concept, every member of the public who was eligible, in need of help and aid, would be rendered assistance.

“Let it be known that all citizens of this country have their rights and responsibilities as outlined in the Federal Constitution. Citizenship is not only about one’s rights but also about responsibility towards the nation.

“No parties should be overly zealous in demanding their rights and forget their responsibilities as citizens of Malaysia,” Najib told some 5,000 civil servants Tuesday in his first meeting with them since being appointed Prime Minister on April 3.

In explaining his “1Malaysia -- People First; Performance Now” concept, the Prime Minister said Malaysia is a plural society and this was a reality that needed to be accepted by all.

Under this concept, it would be ensured that no Malaysian would be sidelined from getting the Government’s attention.

“As far as the Government is concerned, meritocracy does not mean equality that is awarded blindly. It means placing something at its rightful place.

“A child from an unpoverished family, whether from the city or a rural area, irrespective his ethic background, but has potential, also has the right to be assisted by the Government compared with his peers from well-to-do families who obviously have better education opportunities,” he said.

Najib however reminded everyone that while a fair playing field could be provided to all, the outcome depended highly on one’s desire, needs and desire to succeed in life.

The Prime Minister said the country was now facing two monumental challenges -- the short term challenge of facing the impact of the global financial and economic meltdown; and the long term challenge of reforming the economy based on a new model that emphasised creativity and innovation.

“It is hoped that the new economic model will act as a catalyst for Malaysia to boost its status from an upper middle income nation to one that is of high income in the near future,” he said.

Najib also threw a challenge to the younger generation, known to be critical of the civil service -- to be a part of it so that “improvements could be made from within.”

“While the monetary renumeration offered by the private sector cannot be matched, those who join the civil service sector can be assured of a high sense of satisfaction that is derived from serving the people and the country,” he said.

Barely three weeks after taking office as Malaysia's sixth Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak has been able to bring into shape, several major reforms which he has promised Malaysians.

He revised several policies and announced the liberalisation of some sectors of the economy to level the playing field of opportunities.

Since taking office on April 3, Najib has announced a series of major policy changes, including the lifting of some regulations designed to benefit bumiputera but had deterred entrepreneurship and foreign investments.

This included scrapping a 30 per cent Bumiputera ownership requirement for investment in some services sector to help boost the country's flagging economy, with immediate effect.

It will benefit part of the services sector, including computer services and health-care sectors.

As part of his first major policy reforms, Najib also announced that five foreign law firms would be allowed to offer services in Islamic finance.

Economists and analysts have been watching closely, whether the government would gradually liberalise more sectors, particularly the more sensitive sectors such as retail and banking, which also have certain ownership requirements but the government is seen as trying to avoid liberalising these sectors to avoid a political backlash.

However, judging from the speed and determination of the new administration, it seems that they are all out for liberalisation in this sector to turn the nation into a more attractive place for investment.

"In fact, we are very encouraged, quite a number of far-sighted decisions are now being undertaken at a very quick pace since he assumed premiership. This is very encouraging. If it follow through, it will have a positive impact on the sentiments, more importantly the investor confidence," said Chief Economist, RAM Consultancy Service Dr Yeah Kean Leng.

"Less than 100 days, there are breathtaking changes. If we can follow through, it can be achieved in less than 100 days," he added.

The New Economic Policy (NEP) was introduced in the 1970s to provide for equitable distribution of the economic wealth, which required businesses to have certain percentage of Bumiputera ownership or quota on the hiring of Bumiputeras.

Foreign investors found this policy to be restrictive, in terms of their businesses.

Political analysts said Najib was smart and bold in continuing this anti- affirmative-action jag, as they said he was aware of its political implications and knew that it was also the only way forward, particularly in the current bad global economic situation.

More importantly, Najib's breathtaking reforms are what the public has been expecting all this while as the way forward for this multi-racial but small country which is still very much dependent on natural resources, plantation and manufacturing as the main sources of income.

"It's a practicality. You have no choice. Either you do something to give it a chance, or you wait till it dies naturally," said James Wong, a former politician and political analyst.

Wong said, since the NEP was announced in 1971, Malaysia's preferential treatment of Bumiputera in education and business was seen as hampering growth.

"If the government can move past these, its economy will benefit most," he added.

Najib took the reform agenda to a new high today when he allowed up to 70 per cent on foreign shareholdings in insurance and investment banking, as part of measures to boost the finance industry under the economic liberalisation package.

His latest move seems to be in tandem with the promises he made during an interview with Financial Times, just before he took over the premiership, that he wanted Malaysia to move away from its dependence on electronics exports and commodities.

Although opposition lawmakers and political parties are expecting wider reforms, DAP member of parliament Tony Pua has described Najib's announcements as a "baby's step forward" to unwind long-standing policies which hindered investments.

In the past, Pua said state agencies and government-linked companies imposed strict guidelines on procurement of goods and services from private firms, requiring them to comply with Bumiputera equity rules and staff quotas.

For instance, he said, some banks engaged only legal firms which have at least 50 per cent Malay equity.

Despite perceptions that the government was unwilling to scrap policies which benefited Bumiputera, for fear of alienating them as they formed the main support of the ruling party, some politicians believe Najib would continue with his reforms even if he faced fiery criticisms from his own party.

As pointed out by UMNO MP for Pulai Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, the people should not worry too much about Najib's reforms and should play their part in a positive way to accept his challenge.

"We should focus on prospering the economy and commit less politicking, if we love the country and love each other. His (Najib) hard work and Barisan Nasional's efforts will be judged by the people, come the next general election.

"So, let's give the Najib Administration time and space to do its job. As for us, let's get on with making us Malaysians strong as one people without letting any policy divide us," Nur Jazlan wrote in a commentary posted on a website.

-- BERNAMA

Muhyiddin said ketuanan Melayu had become a thing of the past, and would never be mentioned again now.

He felt that Chinese Malaysians should not have been alarmed by one or two voices, as the government has never been talking about ketuanan Melayu.

"Some of the Malays may want to recall that they were the earliest fighters for independence. The government has never treated the people badly, nor ignored their interests or taken away the wealth of Chinese Malaysians to give to the Malays."

He felt that some Malays mentioned ketuanan Melayu just to boost the morale of the Malay community, and that they had never stirred up racial emotions and caused riots.

He hoped Malaysians would not be affected by some people. He said the 13 May incident had served as a lesson and the government did not want the incident to repeat.

He said Chinese were far more progressive than the Malays, and the government needed to assist the less fortunate. He said there were poor people in all the races, including Chinese and Indians, and these people should also be taken care of.

New hope from the new leadership

Muhyiddin Yassin said the new federal government team, which would most likely be unveiled next week, should bring new hope to the people and make the country's future more assured.

He hoped Malaysians would have more faith in the government, and the three by-elections were of critical importance.

He said if the voters withdrew their support from BN, it would mean they did not accept the leadership of BN. But if they support BN, it would be a "dream team" that would preserve the destiny of all Malaysians.

Muhyiddin said the new leadership would be more vibrant, foresighted and more concerned about the issues of rakyat.

As for their own weaknesses, Muhyiddin said they would take immediate action to rectify and implement reforms within the party.

He said Najib would soon announce his policies, which will be policies everyone is looking forward to. He said he had discussed many thing with Najib, and found that Najib had very attractive viewpoints to help Malaysians of different races, adding that the policies would be to redistribute economic wealth, handle the issue of poverty, create business and job opportunities, and implement fairer policies including those on education and religion.

Tri - Election

UMNO deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said, among the three by-elections, Bukit Selambau was the toughest fight for BN, while Batang Ai the most encouraging.

As for Bukit Gantang, he said BN needed to work harder to win the parliamentary seat.

Muhyiddin, who is also the chief commander in the three by-elections, said although the three by-elections posed a major challenge for BN, the ruling coalition was confident it could win.

He said during an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily that the three constituencies all had different issues, and BN would try to tackle the issues the voters were most concerned about.

"After visiting these constituencies, I found that the voters had changed, and I believe they would change their attitude to support BN."

He also said Chinese Malaysians did not like PAS, and even if they were unhappy with BN, they didn't need to support PAS.

He said Chinese voters were well aware of the Islamic state and hudud laws advocated by PAS, but they were simply angry with BN because of a few things.

"If PAS were to rule the country tomorrow, I can't predict what kind of situation it will be."

He said BN stressed the concept of cooperation among Malaysians of different races, while there were weaknesses among Pakatan Rakyat's component parties.

He hoped Malaysians would not be easily swindled by racist and narrow-minded parties such as DAP and PAS.

Muhyiddin urged voters in Bukit Gantang, Bukit Selambau and Batang Ai, including Chinese voters there, to give BN a chance to serve them.

"Only BN has the capability to run the country. Although there are weaknesses within BN, we will change and improve."

(Translated by DOMINIC LOH/Sin Chew Daily)

1.On behalf of all Malaysians, I would like to thank YABhg. Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for his 31 years of exemplary public service to our country, his commitment to strengthening the institutions and fabric of our democracy and for his graceful example as our leader.

2.I am grateful to YABhg. Tun for his confidence in proposing my name as Prime Minister to Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and I am honoured that His Majesty has consented to my appointment with this morning’s swearing-in ceremony. I feel a deep sense of humility at the opportunity to serve as your Prime Minister at an important time in our nation’s history. My life has been dedicated to public service. Growing up, I was inspired by the positive impact of public service in the example of my late father. Four decades on, I remain committed to the goals of tackling poverty; of restructuring our society; of expanding access to quality education for all; and of inspiring a new generation of young Malaysians to work on behalf of this great country. My own service in government has always been about getting results: to ensure a better deal for teachers, to improve conditions for our brave soldiers, and to strengthen our economy in defence of the people of Malaysia, as we deal with the outbreak of a global recession.

3.In the coming weeks, I will be consulting with people around our country, as I begin to reshape the leadership and priorities of the Government. I am mindful that we should build on the successes and lessons of the past. It must be a government with new approaches for new times – a government that places a priority on performance, because the people must come first.

4. We must reach out to all parts of Malaysia - to all our diverse communities. In our national discourse and in pursuing our national agenda, we must never leave anyone behind. We must reach out to the many who may have been disaffected and left confused by political games, deceit and showmanship.

We must draw on talented people across our nation, regardless of their position or background, to re-energize a passion for public service. We must sow the seeds of goodwill and understanding in every corner of this land, so that we continue to harvest the fruits of progress and prosperity for all Malaysians.

We must seek to include and unlock the potential of our young people who will be the next generation of leaders, businesspeople, engineers, scientists, teachers and doctors. We must give them wings to fly.

5.And so today, I pledge that I will work tirelessly to serve all of you.

6.In this spirit, I would like to announce that the government has decided with immediate effect, to remove the temporary ban on TWO news publications, release 13 detainees from ISA detention, and conduct a comprehensive review of the Internal Security Act. Additional details will be announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs shortly.

7.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.

8.I know that for every citizen, these are hard times and I remain focused in providing strong leadership to lead us out of this economic crisis and unleash our full potential as a nation. I will be steadfast in my commitment to meet the needs, aspirations and concerns of all Malaysians.

9.So, today I ask you to join me in this task of renewing Malaysia. I urge us to rise to the challenge of building a One Malaysia. People First. Performance Now.

10.Let us begin this great journey together.

The “One Malaysia” concept is vital to recognise the contributions made by Malaysians of all races towards the development of the country, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He gave emphasis to the concept yesterday during his visit to Sin Chew Daily, the largest Chinese media group, in an effort to better understand the sentiments of the Chinese community.

“I took the opportunity to explain some matters, including the concept of ‘One Malaysia’, and how important it is for members of the administration to have a relationship in the form of cooperative engagement with the media,” he said.

Asked if he would review laws that govern the media such as the Printing and Presses Act once he becomes Prime Minister, Najib said: “Can we talk about this when ... I have not assumed the post yet.”

On reports that he would be sworn in on Friday, Najib asked the media to wait for an official announcement.

Asked if he would quickly set up a new Cabinet after he assumes the premiership, he replied: “I’ll answer that after I’ve taken the oath (as Prime Minister).”

To a question whether he would appoint into his Cabinet Umno leaders who had lost in the recent party elections, Najib laughed and said in northern Malay slang: “I tak pikiak lagi (I’ve not thought about it yet)”.

No reps for indians in preak now................. Dato Saravanan in BN TAKESOVER PERAK

One fact that I noticed is that the Indian community, which threw bulk of their
votes for the opposition at the polls, have become the major losers result of
the latest political manoeuvre.Under the opposition, the community had a speaker
and a state exco member. But not anymore.

There are no Indian representatives in the BN in the Perak state assembly. Where does the Indian community takes its problems? Who do they go to in case of problems and they need assistance?

I am not bragging or anything like that but I seem to be the only Indian BN elected
representative in the state by virtue of being the member of parliament for
Tapah.The answer to the above questions have yet to be answered by the BN
leadership.

The leadership needs to create a position on par with a state exco to look at Indian affairs in the state. He must be given powers to instruct any state-run bodies, like an exco member. This person must also be hardworking as he would be instrumental in trying to bring back the Indian voters into the BN fold.

Although it is still early days, plans must be put in place so that the community in Perak does not feels neglected or sidelined by the ruling Barisan Nasional government.With all this in mind, I wish to remind the Indian community about one thing. Politics are played by politicians and as members of the Indian
community, I urge the people to come united on this matter. Please ensure that
we are not left behind in any development. This post is just a gist of what I
have to say on the matter. More will follow. Thank you

.

BUMIPUTERA'S EQUITY TARGET YET TO ACHIVE........

There will not be a total removal of the New Economic Policy (NEP), Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.

He said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s remarks about the gradual liberalisation of the NEP should not be construed as a call to totally remove it.

The policy was introduced in 1970 to help put bumiputras on par with other races in terms of the share of the economic pie, as well as in terms of education, business participation and work opportunities.

Muhyiddin said the bumiputra community had yet to achieve the 30% equity stake that remains the target of the NEP.

AGREES AND REJECTS............

Umno Youth agrees that the New Economic Policy (NEP) needs a fresh approach, but it rejects any suggestion to abolish the bumiputra equity policy.

The movement’s economic bureau chairman, Datuk Reezal Merican Naina Merican, said MCA vice-president Datuk Liow Tiong Lai’s suggestion on Monday to abolish the mandatory 30% bumiputra equity in public-listed companies was ad-hoc and drastic.

He said a “Genuine Partnership Initiative” to create better and more equal business ties among the various races would be a better alternative in today’s difficult economic environment.

Reezal said he hoped the proposal would be taken up by the Government to look into incentive and tax-exemption mechanisms that were similar to those given to companies awarded MSC status.

He added that the initiative should have sufficient incentives to encourage entrepreneurs to develop better economic cooperation and interaction among those in the multi-ethnic business community in the country.

“This cooperation could become a basis to open up minds to compete in the free-market private sector,” he said.

RELATED POST:

• MIC, MCA and PAS on NEP

SO ITS ABOUT TIME.................WILL THIS BE NAJIB'S 1ST WALK AS PM???

Najib had said in a Bloomberg interview that he was working towards the gradual liberalisation of the New Economic Policy (NEP) in the not too distant future.

He said there should be gradual liberalisation of the NEP as and when bumiputras begin to feel more confident of competing with others domestically and globally.

Najib added that he was glad to note more bumiputras were becoming confident of competing and doing well.

POLICIES ARE MEANINGLESS IF THE DELIVERY SYSTEM STAYS UNREFORMED...

MIC’s Information chief Datuk S.K. Devamany said it would be good to review the NEP.

“I hope it can be done in a manner which will not affect unity and harmony of the country,” said the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

He added that apart from Government policies, the next aspect which had to be looked into was the delivery system to “ensure that the ordinary man can feel the effects of the policy.”

VOICE OF NEW MCA LEADERHIP........

MCA vice-president Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said this was especially important as the world faced a global scale financial crisis.

“The equity pie should be more liberalised as multi-racial cooperation is of utmost importance. Genuine partnership is more meaningful than equity per se,” Liow said at the MIC Deepavali open house at PWTC yesterday.

He said the corporate equity share requirement between bumiputras and non-bumiputras should not be at the expense of competitiveness.

“We can have equity share but do not limit it by percentages. It is time we look at merit and the competitiveness of a company. Equity share has to open up, so that competitiveness becomes the priority,” he said.

Liow, who is Health Minister, said a cohesive working relationship between bumiputras and non-bumiputras was more important to ensure consistent economic growth.

He said the Government had taken many measures to improve competitiveness, such as allowing 100% foreign equity or any amount of local/ foreign or bumiputra/non-bumiputra mix in the manufacturing sector.A similar move should be expanded to the trading and services sector as well, he said.

MALAYSIAKINI REPORTED THAT PAS'S STAND ON THIS DIFFERENT FROM PKR'S. I WONDER WHAT IS PAKATAN'S STAND ON THIS?

PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub said that the 30-percent equity must be retained and defended "even if the target has been reached"
(ref: PAS Youth warns MCA not to harp on NEP)

***************************************************

i would like to quote YB DATUK ZAID IBRAHIM ( former de facto Law Minister)

Referring to my previous post :

• MULTI RACIAL MALAYSIA : A BLESSING NOT A CURSE!!!
• RACIST OR IGNORANT ???

MALAYSIANS, They have a different mindset now. Those days, where we used to get impressed by world tallest building and cyber city are long gone. Their expectation level evolved now.

They want to see a government that not only brings development, but a government that is transparent, democratic and fair in dealing with national issues. They want a government that is not perceived as looking after the interests of one community, but of all.

As the ruling government, its barisan's responsibility to EVOLVE / reform accordingly.

Few days ago, our PM, Pak lah addressed it in his 5 to-do-list. ( ref :A MESSAGE FROM PAK LAH TO THE RAKYAT)

I would like to see the Government and Barisan renew their commitment towards building a united and harmonious nation. Society has seen an alarming decline in interracial and inter-religious relations.

Various issues have cropped up which threaten to tear the very fabric of Malaysian life. We need to tackle these issues head-on, through dialogue; deal with the issues constructively and even-handedly; ensure greater clarity and certainty for the people; and focus on the points that unite us, rather than the points that divide us.

For this reason, I will convene a Barisan Nasional convention early next year. This is a long-term effort that I hope to kick-start and continue to contribute towards.

Race based parties should dance a changed tune. They should be championing the causes of the community that they represent and will articulate their frustrations to the government while, at the same time, not neglecting the other communities.
It has to be a bit more multi-racial. Things have to be issue-centric, rather than ethno-centric.

FOR THE RAKYAT:

Since our expectation level evolved, the level of acceptance and sensitivity should evolve as well.

ACCEPTANCE and SENSITIVITY
We should learn to accept the changes. YES we should voice out our disagreements, but we should also acknowledge the changes.
The country's social-economical development is like to-be-baked-pie. When our NEED expands, we should ask for a bigger pie to be baked, NOT asking the piece that belongs to OTHERS.


RELATED MIC NEWS : ( 10/08/2008)

MIC to shed racist approach in tackling problems

The MIC will shed the racial approach and adopt a multi-racial stance in dealing with the people’s problems, said party president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu.

He said problems facing the Indian community could only be resolved through a non-racist approach, as evident after the 2008 general election.

Samy Vellu said there must be understanding and respect among all races and a new give-and-take attitude.

“The MIC will continue to fight for the Indian community when its rights are infringed. But we will only ask what is rightfully ours, without infringing on the rights of the other communities,” he told reporters here today.

Referring to my previous post MULTI RACIAL MALAYSIA : A BLESSING NOT A CURSE!!!

Championing one particular race & being a racist ..... differences?

For this, i would like to quote the WORDS OF YB DATUK ZAID IBRAHIM ( former de facto Law Minister)



So, To put a STOP to this CURSE, we( Rakyat) and our leaders should first revise some history lesson......

PROCLAMATION OF INDEPENDENCE

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful. Praise be to God, the Lord of the Universe and may the blessings and peace of God be upon His Messengers.

WHEREAS the time has now arrived when the people of the Persekutuan Tanah Melayu will assume the status of a free independent and sovereign nation among nations of the World

AND WHEREAS by an agreement styled the Federation of Malaya Agreement, 1957, between Her Majesty the Queen and Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Malay States it was agreed that the Malay States of Johore, Pahang, Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, Trengganu and Perak and the former Settlements of Malacca and Penang should as from the 31st. day of August, 1957, be formed into a new Federation of States by the name of Persekutuan Tanah Melayu

AND WHEREAS it was further agreed between the parties to the said agreement that the Settlements of Malacca and Penang aforesaid should as from the said date cease to form part of Her Majesty's dominions and that Her Majesty should cease to exercise any sovereignty over them

AND WHEREAS it was further agreed by the parties aforesaid that the Federation of Malaya Agreement, 1948, and all other agreements subsisting between Her Majesty the Queen and Their Highnesses the Rulers or any one of them immediately before the said date should be revoked as from the date and that all powers and jurisdiction of Her Majesty or of the Parliament of the United Kingdom in or in respect of the Settlements aforesaid or the Malay States or the Federation as a whole should come to an end

AND WHEREAS effect has been given to the Federation of Malaya Agreement, 1957, by Her Majesty the Queen, Their Highnesses the Rulers, the Parliament of the United Kingdom and the Legislatures of the Federation and of the Malay States

AND WHEREAS a constitution for the Government of the Persekutuan Tanah Melayu has been established as the supreme law thereof

AND WHEREAS by the Federal Constitution aforesaid provision is made to safeguard the rights and prevogatives of Their Highnesses the Rulers and the fundamental rights and liberties of the people and to provide for the peaceful and orderly advancement of the Persekutuan Tanah Melayu as a constitutional monarchy based on Parliamentary democracy

AND WHEREAS the Federal Constituton aforesaid having been approved by an Ordinance of the Federal Legislatures, by the Enacments of the Malay States and by resolutions of the Legislatures of Malacca and Penang has come into force on the 31st. day of August 1957, aforesaid

NOW In the name of God the Compassionate, the Merciful, I TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN PUTRA ibni AL-MARHUM SULTAN ABDUL HAMID HALIMSHAH, PRIME MINISTER OF THE PERSEKUTUAN TANAH MELAYU, with the concurrence and approval of Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Malay States do hereby proclaim and declare on behalf of the people of the Persekutuan Tanah Melayu that as from the thirty first day of August, nineteen hundred and fifty seven, the Persekutuan Tanah Melayu comprising the States of Johore, Pahang, Negri Semblian, Selangor, Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, Trengganu, Perak, Malacca and Penang is and with God's blessing shall be for ever a sovereign democratic and independent State founded upon the principles of liberty and justice and ever seeking the welfare and happiness of its people and the maintenance of a just peace among all nations.

Prime Minister

Kuala Lumpur, 31st. Day of August 1957

Negaraku, tanah tumpahnya darahku,
Rakyat hidup, bersatu dan maju,
Rahmat bahagia, Tuhan kurniakan,
Raja kita, selamat bertakhta.
Rahmat bahagia, Tuhan kurniakan,
Raja kita, selamat bertakhta.

MY MALAYSIA is a multi-ethnic, multi- cultural and multilingual society. YES, we have everything. Its a GIFT to be born as a malaysian.

We used to see this 'multi' thingys as a blessing, the world envied us for this. Malaysia .... another word for social harmony and a peace loving country.

BUT

WHAT WENT WRONG NOW??? IS THIS BLESSING SLOWLY TRANSFORMING TO A CURSE???

I read with interest and pain a news report and a so called "cerpen sastera"

First

HINDRAF has been declared illegal! ( Ref : Gov't declares Hindraf an illegal organisation)
The home minister found the organization's activities contravened the Societies Act 1966 and if left unchecked, the organization could pose a threat to public order, peace, security and morality in Malaysia.

Well, its the responsibility on home minster to do what it takes to safeguard the racial harmony.

HINDRAF, unregistered, fractured, not properly organized and with a conflicting leadership structure. BUT, we have to accept the fact that it is not just an organization, IT IS the VOICE of minority malaysian indians who want to be treated with respect and enjoy equality and a fair share of the national wealth to advance economically like everybody else.

There was a comment post by brandan kuppusamy in thestar a week ago.

USE CARROT NOT STICK

The reality is there is an urgent need for both Hindraf and the authorities to step back and find common grounds and engage in a meaningful dialogue that would benefit both the Tamil poor and the Barisan which needs their support.

If the Barisan is serious about re-inventing itself and regaining lost ground it has to reach out and engage, not condemn or alienate.

The Barisan can transform itself and be a patron of the Tamil underclass and it only takes sympathy, wisdom and understanding to form a new partnership with the Tamil poor.

Threatening and showing the big stick are counter-productive and would only worsen the situation.

It is time to talk softly. ( Read more : USE CARROT NOT STICK)

I do agree with Mr. Brandan's view, but the term 'tamil underclass' is best to be mentioned as Malaysian Indians.

Second,

A so called "cerpen sastera" published in utusan malaysia (Ref: POLITIK BARU YB J) .
IT IS ONE PIECE OF **** THAT CAN REALLY CAUSE CHAOS!!!

The only ACCEPTABLE AND RATIONAL point in this cerpen is,


to be continued...................

by
Dr. PUNITHAN SHAN

• ESTABLISHING the Judicial Appointments Commission to enhance the stature of the judiciary.

• ESTABLISHING the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission with greater powers of investigation and enforcement.

• ESTABLISHING the Special Complaints Commission to enhance the integrity and effectiveness of enforcement agencies.

• STRENGTHENING and enlarging the Social Safety Net to ensure aid to all, regardless of race and religion.

• HOLDING a Barisan Nasional convention to improve inter-racial and inter-religious relations.

I would like to see the Government and Barisan renew their commitment towards building a united and harmonious nation. Society has seen an alarming decline in interracial and inter-religious relations.

Various issues have cropped up which threaten to tear the very fabric of Malaysian life. We need to tackle these issues head-on, through dialogue; deal with the issues constructively and even-handedly; ensure greater clarity and certainty for the people; and focus on the points that unite us, rather than the points that divide us.

For this reason, I will convene a Barisan Nasional convention early next year. This is a long-term effort that I hope to kick-start and continue to contribute towards.

RELATED POSTS:

• PAK LAH'S TO-DO-LIST & UMNO'S MUST-DO-LIST
• PAK LAH : BAPA DEMOKRASI MALAYSIA

Pak Lah's transition plan met a dead end. Well... human beings are gifted with the ability to PLAN. But only GOD decides. I see this as God's "design" for a better Malaysia.

A good leader DO NOT abondan his party and people in bad times. BN is suffering a really BAD TIME now. Pal lah ONCE AGAIN proved that he is a "good man" , when he announce a short but essential To-do-list before he resign.

ESTABLISHING the Judicial Appointments Commission to enhance the stature of the judiciary.

ESTABLISHING the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission with greater powers of investigation and enforcement.

ESTABLISHING the Special Complaints Commission to enhance the integrity and effectiveness of enforcement agencies.

STRENGTHENING and enlarging the Social Safety Net to ensure aid to all, regardless of race and religion.

HOLDING a Barisan Nasional convention to improve inter-racial and inter-religious relations.

Refering to the to-do-list above, i read with interest a article published in The Star Online. Its on 10 things UMNO must do. ( Ref : Thestar.com.my)

It may be just too much to expect the nexus between business and politics to be nixed just like that. But certainly a lot, lot more can be done to ensure that patronage politics does not do undue damage to the interests of the country.

One easy way of doing that is to ensure that the awarding of contracts is more transparent and follows guidelines. The next point shows how this can be done.

Religious issues have often been deliberately manipulated by all shades of politicians for their own narrow benefits, not of the community even but of the politicians who seek to be champions of their own race and religion.

There are real problems of religion, especially when it comes to things like conversion and the rights of individuals. These won’t go away if their honest, frank and considered discussion is suppressed - they merely surface somewhere else. Politicians must facilitate the discussion of religious issues rather than suppress it, in the spirit of acceptance and tolerance.

Long ago, Bahasa Malaysia was accepted as the national language. There is no issue there. What we have to do is to think of how we can get our people to equip themselves with everything that they need to thrive in a very competitive world.

One of that is mastery of the English language and we must not let our affection for the Malay, Chinese and Tamil languages stand in the way of that. If we can’t agree, then perhaps the best way is to give people genuine choice in the kind of education they want. As long as language gets politicised, it’s going to be very difficult to move forward.

The old mode of working among the BN coalition was to shout and to draw the lines and this was especially so with Umno. The approach was well, rather confrontational.

And, of course, when the lines are drawn, they are pretty difficult to redraw. It would be far better to seek reconciliation through accommodation and consultation instead. In that mode, chances for solution - rather than stop-gap measures - are infinitely better.