tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26069463670670577372011-11-07T13:38:58.565+08:00Calling all Malaysians to stand up for their country!jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1291100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-36358071434324085022011-07-13T23:00:00.002+08:002011-07-14T02:30:41.657+08:00

On that fateful Saturday, tens of thousands of Malaysians ignored government warnings and descended onto the streets of the capital to raise a simple point; that as citizens we deserve fairer and more transparent elections.They told us it was an illegal assembly, Bersih, but we understood we had the constitutional right to assemble peacefully, what more to demand for a better democracy.But when

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-47299114536018502882011-02-12T16:14:00.003+08:002011-02-12T18:08:31.877+08:00

by: Thushendran AmarakaranAn anti-Valentine’s Day campaign. ‘Awasi Jerat Hari Valentine’, to be more exact. Could a government initiative sound any more ridiculous? Granted, I’m not a big fan of the overly popularized and commercialized annual event that seems to serve little more purpose than prosper gift shop profits. If popular albeit questionable lore is to be believed, this now infamous day

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-23599575118273893232011-02-06T23:58:00.012+08:002011-02-07T15:56:22.230+08:00

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir admitted at a recent conference that Malaysia belongs to the Malays. As a citizen of this country, I would like to correct Mahathir on this. Malaysia isn't exclusive to a race. It belongs to us, Malaysians.But firstly, let me digress. The organisers of the February 1 conference, in which, Mahathir made the statement, was apparently "ordered" to bar non-Malay

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-59267374000206192982011-01-15T13:07:00.007+08:002011-01-15T16:54:40.004+08:00

Speculation suggests that the next General Elections is at hand. With all the talk of Prime Minister Najib seeking a new mandate from the people to push his agenda of reforms, it is only natural for the Pakatan Rakyat to scramble to gain or retain support from the people. But I, personally, do not agree with how the Selangor government has acted recently.The Malaysian Insider reports the Selangor

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-27852354337681650782010-04-27T23:56:00.010+08:002010-04-28T00:37:49.988+08:00

The final outcome of the Hulu Selangor by-election on April 25 was rather shocking if not disturbing especially for those who kept themselves updated by the minute on the vote count. Zaid Ibrahim's re-entry into active politics hit a brick wall when he eventually lost to MIC's P.Kamalanathan by a majority of 1,725 votes. That said, I rather not divulge into conspiracy theories lest I be

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-54239796694225080462009-11-01T21:37:00.000+08:002009-11-01T21:37:39.091+08:00

Tongues are set to wag again over the latest call for a single-school system with UMNO hardliners accusing vernacular schools as breeding grounds for racism. In all honesty, a single-school system is not a bad idea but are there enough guarantees to ensure it remains truly 'Malaysian'?I personally believe that a single-school system is the right track to long term nation building. However, I

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-69888545304359040222009-10-13T10:45:00.001+08:002009-10-13T10:45:00.108+08:00

Malaysians have made their stand. Results of a new Merdeka Center for Opinion Research poll suggested that the majority of Malaysians reject political leaders who have been tainted by money politics or sex scandals. The poll was a timely gesture as to discover how the majority of Malaysians would react to the numerous scandals and money politics that rocked the nation of late.The Merdeka Center

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-69771398792578692972009-10-03T22:41:00.000+08:002009-10-03T22:41:59.473+08:00

The decision to field Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad (image) to run for the Bagan Pinang state seat sends all sorts of wrong signals. Credibility is of the utmost importance for politicians who runs for office. But what does it mean for the Malaysian people when a candidate, who was found guilty for money politics, is allowed to contest in an election?To echo former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-11356302342104460302009-09-26T14:59:00.000+08:002009-09-26T14:59:35.859+08:00

The Royal Institution in Malaysia not only functions as a symbol of sovereignty of the Malay Rulers but is also a system to maintain check and balance within the national political fold. Malaysians expect their monarchs to remain above politics but what happens when they appear otherwise?Constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch acts as head of state whose powers are

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-38268963945459488742009-09-09T18:01:00.007+08:002011-07-28T16:40:11.127+08:00

The recent controversy surrounding the cow head protest of Section 23, Shah Alam has sparked a furore of public dissatisfaction. The Selangor state government has done all it can to satisfy both the protesters and Hindu residents but to no avail. But just when the dust begins to settle, is it possible that 'Muslim sensitivity' has been hijacked as an excuse for downright racism?On August 28, a

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-3851300953027455702009-09-01T15:11:00.003+08:002009-09-01T15:47:18.283+08:00

On August 28, a group of residents from Section 23, Shah Alam and several others from Malay NGOs protested against the relocation of a Hindu temple to their area by carrying a severed bloodied cow head to the State Secretariat building. And as we all know, the cow is considered sacred in the Hindu religion and the protesters have certainly crossed the line.Malaysiakini reported that about 50

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-47907065067864819322009-08-24T23:23:00.005+08:002009-08-26T01:12:48.697+08:00

On August 24, independent news portal Malaysiakini reported that PAS Youth is calling for a ban on MLTR's (Michael Learns To Rock) concert this September - citing it as an insult towards Muslims in the country because it is held during the fasting month of RamadhanFirstly, I would like to clarify that this is not an attack on Islam. I have enough respect for my Muslim friends to honour their

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-63129467458041003772009-08-17T23:39:00.007+08:002009-08-18T22:10:41.370+08:00

The Barisan Nasional coalition has been in power for over 50 years. However, the political monopoly has created confusion among ordinary Malaysians and politicians alike of the difference between "party" and "government". This has open doors for abuse and propaganda by the powers that be which I believe every Malaysian should therefore be aware of. It is the very reason why a government should be

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-85014755790101287732009-08-10T01:13:00.006+08:002009-08-10T20:08:29.878+08:00

Endless racial debates seem to be the main agenda for certain national newspapers like the Utusan Malaysia. Notorious for their racially themed articles, the UMNO-owned paper clearly does not reflect its president's call for 1Malaysia. If Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is sincere in making his 1Malaysia pep talk a success, the first step would be to keep Utusan Malaysia in check from its

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-9027605357458933302009-08-01T22:40:00.015+08:002009-08-12T22:01:55.610+08:00

The Internal Security Act (ISA) has never failed to provoke its fair share of controversies. The government says we need it; the foreign media says its unethical but ultimately, the majority of Malaysians want the policy scrapped for good.The preventive detention law was first drafted by the government to counter the communist insurgents during the Emergency Years. And yes, the law has been

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-12675428478819488572009-07-27T11:54:00.010+08:002009-07-27T12:39:42.452+08:00

On July 23, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek (image) said that Malaysian football is on the brink of renaissance after an impressive performance against English Premier League champions Manchester United on July 18 [source]. I'm saying that is a very shallow basis of evaluation, Mr. Minister.Shabery was also glad that the match between the Malaysian XI and Manchester United was

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-88662847763542883142009-07-18T02:22:00.004+08:002009-07-18T02:40:30.335+08:00

It is disappointing to see and hear narrow-minded things some Malaysians had to say, despite belonging to a nation of more than half a century old; let alone a multi-racial one. When will some of us learn to understand the concepts of a matured, open-minded society to move beyond such insularity?A couple of incidents that took place in the course of the week were really self-explanatory (of the

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-46174340646563702012009-07-11T03:58:00.013+08:002009-07-12T22:49:48.749+08:00

On July 9, the government decided to end the teaching of science and mathematics in English (PPSMI) in national schools, beginning 2012 onwards. Again, the Malaysian people is divided with this latest regression of an initiative set up in 2003 to ensure Malaysia remains competitive in the globalised world of information and technology. But in my opinion, the government has shamefully taken a step

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-51486075493475262402009-07-04T13:13:00.005+08:002009-08-09T01:32:09.214+08:00

The KTM Komuter which runs through the heart of the nation's capital has been awful in both quality and punctuality. Since 1995, the KTM Komuter remains the sole railway network which connects large suburban neighbourhoods and satellite towns surrounding Kuala Lumpur to the heart of the city. Many depend heavily on its service daily despite having to face frustration and annoyance ever day for

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-27422610775772992932009-06-24T13:32:00.001+08:002009-06-24T13:33:35.264+08:00

JITRA, June 21 - Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said today it would be difficult to realise the "1Malaysia" concept if the Malays are not united. [The Malaysian Insider]It has become a rhetorical statement when politicians like to say Malay unity has been split since the emergence of the Pakatan Rakyat. It annoys me every time these elected representatives

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-9273302834793030922009-06-17T09:09:00.002+08:002009-06-18T01:14:44.548+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is surprised to learn that English is not a “must pass” subject for SPM and wants public feedback on the matter. [The Star, 9/6/09]The importance of the English language as the lingua franca of knowledge and technology cannot be overstressed. The mastery of the language among Malaysians have spiralled downwards since Independence and

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-6392517689567955452009-06-10T09:09:00.004+08:002009-06-10T20:50:45.795+08:00

NILAI: The days of students taking up to 20 subjects in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination are over. Next year they will be allowed a maximum of only 10 subjects.[NST, 4/6/2009]The government's decision to cap the number of subjects taken in the SPM examinations to 10 has received a myriad of reactions from the public. In the wake of mounting public dissatisfaction over how public

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-53625908022064611662009-06-03T20:00:00.001+08:002009-06-06T02:03:44.091+08:00

We can all learn a thing or two from the recent British Parliamentary allowance scandal that has made public confidence in the House of Commons hit rock bottom. For those who may not know what it is all about, the British parliament is in dire straits over allegations of public funds abuse by several MPs - including Prime Minister Gordon Brown himself.In Britain, elected representatives in the

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-14353092935659184622009-05-27T21:41:00.002+08:002009-06-06T02:10:19.479+08:00

IPOH: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said today he was not "the menteri besar of the court" who did not have the support of the Perak people as claimed by Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat. [ 25/5/09, Bernama]May 22 is the darkest day for democracy in Malaysia - albeit having many 'darkest days' of late following the coup d'etat in Perak. The Court of Appeal

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-49715196039743320882009-05-20T09:09:00.004+08:002009-06-06T02:10:28.753+08:00

PUTRAJAYA, May 18 — Only 20 percent, or one in five, of Public Service Department (PSD) scholarships are given based on merit while the rest are allocated based on racial quotas. [The Malaysian Insider]Meritocracy - A system of a government or other organization wherein appointments are made and responsibilities are given based on demonstrated talent and ability. Nonetheless, meritocracy is a

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-25773569437017383822009-05-12T08:08:00.005+08:002009-06-06T02:10:28.205+08:00

The recent power struggle in Perak has opened a can of worms to show yet another ugly of side of a body that has the royal mandate to serve and protect - the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM). The role of the PDRM in the coup d'état by the Barisan Nasional to wrest control of the state government unconstitutionally is highly questionable, especially to those who believe in the true spirit of

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-69083051853735298172009-05-05T12:19:00.016+08:002009-06-06T02:10:35.281+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 - Malaysia will have to fundamentally rework its economy to become more productive and R&D based if it is serious about making the quantum leap to become a high income economy and move out of the income bracket currently occupied by countries such as Gabon and Botswana. [The Malaysian Insider]"Gabon? Where in the world is that?" It is an honest question many Malaysians would

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-88717421930779746372009-04-28T11:04:00.001+08:002009-06-06T02:10:46.300+08:00

IPOH, April 22 - The Perak state government will purchase a new fleet of Proton Perdanas for executive councillors to replace the Toyota Camrys bought by the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) administration. [The Malaysian Insider]This is blind patriotism personified. The newly formed Barisan Nasional (BN) state government of Perak decided on replacing the fleet of 16 Toyota Camrys as official cars, saying it

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-23806682274923834622009-04-21T08:08:00.007+08:002009-06-06T02:10:48.348+08:00

The Prime Minister also said he wanted a world-class, fact based reporting and a media that was fair and responsible in its reporting so that it could foster a constructive debate about the nation’s future. [ TheStar Online, 6/4/09]Note the words: World-class, fair, responsible and fostering constructive debate.And then we have an article published a week later by Utusan Malaysia, perceived to be

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-211388804178927232009-04-14T18:18:00.009+08:002009-06-06T02:10:49.749+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, April 12 — Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is confused, perplexed, puzzled...wonders whether the Chinese have begun to think of themselves as kingmakers in the new political landscape. [The Malaysian Insider, 12/4/09]Speaking on the loss of two by-elections (Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau) recently, Malaysia's newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (image)

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-2157473254844752182009-04-07T08:08:00.005+08:002009-06-06T02:10:56.649+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 — New prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak tonight freed 13 ISA detainees and lifted the suspension of two opposition papers — Harakah and Suara Keadilan. [The Malaysian Insider]April 3 marks the appointment of Malaysia's 6th Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak - succeeding Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the nation's helm amidst much political and economic volatility. But

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-30679991836709751582009-03-31T08:08:00.005+08:002009-06-06T02:11:14.867+08:00

Nowhere, actually...The UMNO General Assembly concluded on March 28 with much buzz as Datuk Seri Najib Razak officially takes over as party president from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The former promised reforms within UMNO and also the country to undo the much damage being done as racial tensions in Malaysia is currently being pulled to a thread.Whilst many observers a.k.a

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-77474259754310673902009-03-24T08:08:00.005+08:002009-06-06T02:11:12.024+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 - Malay right-wing group Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa today threatened that it would react to the actions of those who chose to question Malay supremacy. [The Malaysian Insider]They say old habits die hard. And in Malaysia, die hard they do. On March 22, a Malay right-wing group known as Perkasa threatened it would react to those who constantly challenge the supremacy of the

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-45161525389633101022009-03-17T08:08:00.005+08:002009-06-06T02:11:29.438+08:00

IPOH, March 14 2009— The Ipoh City Council has now taken its turn to fuss over Perak’s democracy plaque, claiming that the structure was an obstruction in a public area. [The Malaysian Insider]Idiocy knows no boundaries. That was the case for the Ipoh City Council when they issued a notice to a 'tree' for illegally erecting a plaque which the council claimed was causing public obstruction. This

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-7327131388504594242009-03-10T08:08:00.004+08:002009-06-06T02:11:31.240+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 – Malaysia will relax some of its pro-Malay economic policies as part of a major stimulus package to keep the economy from faltering further, Minister of International Trade and Industry Muhyiddin Yassin said yesterday. [The Malaysian Insider]Pro-Malay policies are damaging the country. And they know it. But nothing seems to be going around the tables of the policy makers to

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-25751231267098502452009-03-02T00:06:00.003+08:002009-06-06T02:11:24.700+08:00

- A commentary -KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26, 2009 — Toll rates will go up at five major highways from March 1, the government said in an announcement today which has already drawn sharp criticism from the Pakatan Rakyat. [The Malaysian Insider]This is absurd. It is not as if the toll rates for the five major highways (North-South Expressway, Sprint/Kerinchi/Damansara Link Highways, Ampang Elevated

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-19193192119648715052009-02-24T08:08:00.006+08:002009-06-06T02:11:29.545+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR – An Umno lawyer is understood to have been instructed by the Barisan Nasional (BN) party to seek advice from a Queen’s Counsel in London in an effort to break the constitutional impasse in Perak. [The Malaysian Insider, 22/2/09]The petulance of Malaysian politics has taken another twist. This time, it is reported that UMNO has instructed one of it's lawyers to head thousands of

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-54555188369383232812009-02-19T08:08:00.009+08:002009-06-06T02:11:37.844+08:00

-A commentary-KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 16 – Selangor Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Mohd Khir Toyo urged state executive councillor Elizabeth Wong to resign immediately after her nude photos were circulated. [The Malaysian Insider, 16/2/09]Bukit Lanjan assemblyperson and state exco member Elizabeth Wong (image) had pictures of her naked being circulated - believed to have been the work of her ex-lover.

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-7476516477952084422009-02-13T08:08:00.003+08:002009-06-06T02:11:41.442+08:00

ALOR SETAR: The Kedah Royal Household Association (PKDK) is proposing the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, ban DAP national chairman Karpal Singh from entering the state. [The Star, 12/2/09]DAP veteran leader Karpal Singh (image) announced his intention to take the Sultan of Perak to court for allegedly 'acting unconstitutionally' in the latest political coup by the Barisan Nasional coalition.

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-12980070119300040952009-02-11T08:08:00.003+08:002009-06-06T02:11:47.357+08:00

-A commentary-The Perak political fiasco has revealed the multi-facades of politicians who are willing to trade the trust and faith bestowed upon them by the people for material gains and positions of power. Three assemblypersons of the PKR declared themselves 'independent' and one re-joining UMNO 10 days after announcing his entry into the Pakatan Rakyat gave the Barisan Nasional coalition the

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-73863232570884891482009-02-05T08:08:00.004+08:002009-06-06T02:11:55.790+08:00

-A commentary-PUTRAJAYA, 4 Feb 2009: The Barisan Nasional (BN) is ready to form a new government in Perak following four assemblypersons in the state quitting their parties to support the BN, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. [The Nut Graph, 4/2/09]Look's like the Pakatan Rakyat has got a chance to taste its own medicine as the Perak state government's fate hangs on a thread

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-57925602436643747852009-02-02T08:08:00.002+08:002009-06-06T02:11:58.702+08:00

-A commentary-KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 — About 30 members of the Youth and Putera wings of Umno tonight handed a memorandum of protest to the party leadership on the intervention by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in party matters. [The Malaysian Insider, 29/1/09]The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) recently began a series of cleansing in UMNO by arresting and charging

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-75478203271987958122009-01-28T08:08:00.005+08:002009-06-06T02:12:05.646+08:00

-A commentary-Amidst the lunar new year celebrations, the week has been marred with controversies involving two deputy ministers, a Home Minister, the police and a death of a suspected car thief. The public, including friends and family of Kugan Ananthan were outraged to learn about the death of the 22 year-old while he was in police custody. Two deputy ministers of the Prime Minister's

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-56911305431131787232009-01-22T08:08:00.001+08:002009-06-06T02:12:10.345+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The DAP owes non-Muslims an apology for campaigning for PAS in the Kuala Terengganu by-election as it was tantamount to helping the Islamist party establish theocratic rule, said MCA political education bureau chairman Gan Ping Siew. [20/1/09]The March 8 spirit lives on in Kuala Terengganu and ballot-casters have shown that their passion for positive change did not wither. While

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-4113174020662044572009-01-16T08:08:00.020+08:002009-09-10T12:44:03.687+08:00

-A commentary-Disclaimer: Due to some unfortunate assumptions by certain parties, this is an anti-war article. It neither supports Hamas nor Israel but is against all kinds of violence i.e war - this is the theme the author is attempting to present.On 27 December, 2008, Israel launched massive air raids over the skies of Gaza in response to Hamas rocket fires into Israeli territory. The six-month

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-48345131230985040262009-01-13T08:08:00.016+08:002009-06-06T02:12:18.883+08:00

-A commentary-Israel has confirmed sending thousands of army reservists into Gaza, raising concerns that a deadly "third stage" of its offensive - targeting urban centres - could soon begin.[Al-Jazeera.net,12/1/09]The United Nations, a body supposedly mandated to maintain world peace continues to remain indecisive under Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon and we could well expect the usual reluctance

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-80813026297108363252009-01-10T08:08:00.009+08:002009-06-06T02:12:26.782+08:00

At least 5,000 people protested outside the US embassy in Malaysia on Friday, and around 300 held a noisy protest outside the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur to urge Arab countries to cut off oil supplies to the US and boycott Coca-Cola, Colgate and Starbucks. [Al-Jazeera.net, 9/1/09]Qatar-based news agency, Al-Jazeera reported that at least 5,000 people gathered outside the US embassy in Kuala

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-14278794235944745802009-01-05T08:08:00.014+08:002009-06-06T02:20:29.775+08:00

-A commentary-Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Zahid Hamidi concured with the proposal by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that Muslim countries boycott US-made goods in protest against the attacks on Palestinians. [The Star, 5/1/09]The recent Israeli aggression in retaliation towards Hamas' rocket attacks caused ripples of anger across the Muslim world. Malaysia, being a

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-72929701958519197102009-01-02T08:08:00.011+08:002009-06-06T02:20:27.457+08:00

MELAKA -- The government will take into consideration all aspects, including suitability and economic factors, on the proposal by the Melaka government to build a bridge across the Melaka Straits to link Malaysia and Indonesia. [Bernama, 23/12/08]The Melaka state government is planning to revive a long forgotten proposal to construct the world's longest bridge; linking the ancient state to

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-59833600238823200192008-12-30T08:08:00.010+08:002009-06-06T02:20:20.656+08:00

MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said Karpal Singh, who has been vocal on the Islamic state issue and hudud laws, appeared to have “surrendered to PAS”. [The Star, 29/12/08]KUALA LUMPUR: Pas is being forced to bow to the DAP on the hudud issue, deputy Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said. [NST, 23/12/08]Barisan Nasional leaders are exploiting any opportunity to derail any chances of

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-69440287786725647662008-12-26T08:08:00.008+08:002009-06-06T02:20:22.455+08:00

-A commentary-Yes, the very title itself does not make any sense.The Heritage Associations, Malay Cultural Organisations and Related Bodies Cooperation Network (Pewaris) recently held a protest against pig farming in the district of Masjid Tanah, Malacca where the majority of its population are Muslim Malays. Pig farming in a Malay majority area has been a hotly debated issue for some time as

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-55172428135008610012008-12-23T08:08:00.009+08:002009-06-06T02:20:15.678+08:00

PETALING JAYA: PKR and DAP should make their stand on PAS’ goal to implement hudud law should the Pakatan Rakyat win in a general election, MCA Youth Chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said. [The Star, 22/12/08]In the tense build up to the Kuala Terengganu by-election scheduled for January 17 next year, PAS made a remark that would strain the already fragile alliance with it's secular Pakatan Rakyat

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-88561712690863535582008-12-19T08:08:00.004+08:002009-06-06T02:20:18.552+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government spends RM6.01 million a year on the Prime Minister's sprawling residence in the administrative capital Putrajaya for rental and upkeep.[Daily Express Sabah, 12/12/08]Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi admitted RM6.01 million was paid annually to the state-owned corporation, Putrajaya Holdings for rental and maintenance of his official residence, the Sri

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-38559749347371016702008-12-17T08:08:00.008+08:002009-06-06T02:20:02.975+08:00

-A commentary- The police stopped a team of more than 50 cyclists in Jerit's ‘Ride for Change' campaign in Rawang yesterday in order to "save" the under-aged cyclists from being exploited. [Malaysiakini, 16/12/08]Not wanting to sound and look like the villain in what has been heavily condemned as a form power abuse, the police reasoned that 50 JERIT members were stopped because it was discovered

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-41120343143560462522008-12-16T10:10:00.002+08:002009-06-06T02:19:58.788+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The Medan Damansara Residents Association has set up a fund to raise money to support its four office bearers who are being sued by SDB Properties Sdn Bhd. [The Star, 14/12/08]A hillside developer retaliated by filing a lawsuit against a residents association for public defamation. The lawsuit was filed three months ago but was only brought to public attention in the midst of

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-24068504538716696682008-12-12T18:06:00.004+08:002009-06-06T02:19:49.701+08:00

PUTRAJAYA: The Putrajaya Corporation (PJC) chief was left red-faced when the swanky headquarters here was flooded during a high-powered business function. [NST, 12/12/08]The Putrajaya Corporation (PJC) building suffered several leaks in the roof during a heavy downpour. About 600 high-profile businessmen, journalists and VIPs were there attending a talk on global economic uncertainties. The

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-71591233889455099242008-12-09T08:08:00.002+08:002009-06-06T02:19:30.153+08:00

BUKIT MERTAJAM: A non-governmental organisation (NGO) lodged a police report alleging the torching of eight bicycles used in an expedition from Alor Star to Parliament House in KualaLumpur early yesterday while the participants were asleep. [The Star, 8/12/08]The Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas (JERIT), an NGO against civil exploitation and oppression launched a nationwide cycling expedition on

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-45896642783618199112008-12-04T09:12:00.003+08:002009-06-06T02:19:34.599+08:00

-A commentary-Malaysiakini reported that Jerlun member of parliament Mukhriz Mahathir had called on the government to abolish vernacular schools into a single national school system to enhance racial unity and help non-Malays to better understand the concept of 'ketuanan Melayu'. [1/12/08]As a non-Malay Malaysian, I agree with Mukhriz Mahathir but only to a certain extent, in which the Jerlun MP

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-8220386246272584322008-12-02T08:08:00.010+08:002009-06-06T02:19:36.600+08:00

- A commentary-PKR Youth passed a resolution today that described the teaching of science and mathematics in English as "a betrayal of the position of Bahasa Melayu as the national language". [Malaysiakini, 28/11/08]The youth wing called for the restoration of Bahasa Melayu as the medium of instruction for science and mathematics in national schools. The switch to the English language in these

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-5641571416017400582008-12-01T15:03:00.002+08:002009-06-06T02:19:16.718+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: RTM1 which becomes a dedicated news channel from Jan 1 next year, will air news from Sabah and Sarawak for half an hour during prime time. [The Star, 30/11/08]Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek announced that the East Malaysian states would be given half an hour of prime time (between 8pm tp 11pm) for state news to be aired nationwide. The channel RTM1 would do the

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-21002395758419862062008-11-26T08:08:00.007+08:002009-06-06T02:19:16.350+08:00

TEMERLOH: Pahang has appointed three pensioners as bloggers to counter slanderous comments and allegations posted on the Internet. [Bernama, 23/11/08]The government has been particularly cautious about the role of bloggers in shaping the political landscape and their likely tendencies to post criticisms of government policies on the internet.It was estimated that as many as 2 million young voters

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-64954245666066543612008-11-24T08:08:00.005+08:002009-06-06T02:19:10.885+08:00

On November 23, the Edisi 7 prime time news on the public channel, NTV7 reported that a pro-ISA gathering was held in Kuala Lumpur, organised by a coalition of NGOs known as Pewaris. It was reported that 500 people took part in the rally in support of the ISA (Internal Security Act) to remain despite the countless calls for its abolishment by various quarters of society. The group's spokesperson

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-87600897026067422782008-11-21T08:08:00.005+08:002009-06-06T02:19:09.458+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR - Perak Raja Muda Raja Nazrin Shah's speech on multiculturalism has sparked differing reactions from different groups. Malay rights lobby group Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Perkasa) supports the Raja Muda's call for immigrant communities in Malaysia to respect and accept the culture, history and system of government already in place. However, they did not acknowledge the

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-48147685778972086702008-11-20T08:08:00.004+08:002009-06-06T02:18:58.591+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR — Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad revealed today the government has stopped subsidising petrol since Nov 1 and has been effectively collecting taxes instead on petrol consumption. [The Malaysian Insider, 18/11/08]Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad (image) revealed to reporters in Parliament that the government had

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-49311841226114801002008-11-18T08:08:00.003+08:002009-06-06T02:18:56.128+08:00

KOTA BARU: Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said he disagreed with the notion of Ketuanan Melayu (Malay Supremacy) because there are no race considerations in Islam. [The Star, 17/11/08]The Chief Minister of Kelantan and PAS spiritual leader, Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat (image) was referring to the Ketuanan Melayu - an ideology proposed by UMNO that held the racist belief of

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-61703686046120786782008-11-17T08:08:00.004+08:002009-06-06T02:18:58.708+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng wants former executive councillor Dr Teng Hock Nan to explain how RM225mil in the Seberang Prai Municipal Council’s coffers (MPSP) “disappeared” in six years. [The Star, 16/11/08]Former State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Dr. Teng Hock Nan went ballistic when Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng publically voiced his frustration

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-55872663909783726512008-11-14T08:08:00.002+08:002009-06-06T02:18:46.545+08:00

KUANTAN: Bribes exceeding RM45 million changed hands during the first 10 months of the year, said Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) director-general Datuk Ahmad Said Hamdan. [The Star, 13/11/08]The ACA director-general stunned the public with his agency's latest findings when he spoke at the opening ceremony of the Leadership With Integrity Seminar in Kuantan. Ahmad Said revealed that a total of RM45

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-9378456133333191322008-11-13T11:11:00.005+08:002009-06-06T02:18:42.018+08:00

Selangor Police Chief, Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar denied that the police made arrests a candlelight vigil held recently while the participants were singing the national anthem. [Malaysiakini, 10/11/08]The infamous arrests of 24 citizens, including PJ Utara MP Tony Pua and Selangor executive councillor Ronnie Liu by the police received little praises from the public. The Royal Malaysian Police got

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-37247300899860167302008-11-12T08:08:00.013+08:002009-06-06T02:18:37.920+08:00

Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (image) has predicted a dictatorial regime under Prime Minister-designate Datuk Seri Najib Razak. [The Malaysian Insider, 10/11/08]The charismatic former Finance Minister turned Opposition head was commenting on the government's plan of a financial boost worth RM7 billion to stimulate positive economic growth in the midst of a global recession. Deputy

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-84916270592098365912008-11-10T08:08:00.009+08:002009-06-06T02:18:41.055+08:00

Police detained PJ Utara MP Tony Pua and Kampung Tunku state assemblyman Lau Weng San at a rally in PJ New Town tonight to mark the first anniversary of the Bersih movement, which started in November last year. [The Malaysian Insider, 9/11/08]MP Tony Pua and others were arrested for gathering at the PJ Civic Centre after they were earlier told not to hold a candlelight vigil in a nearby field. [

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-73430525607739118382008-11-07T08:08:00.009+08:002009-06-06T02:18:32.156+08:00

BALING (Kedah): Former defacto law minister Zaid Ibrahim has come under withering criticism from Umno politicians for saying that the concept of 'Ketuanan Melayu' or Malay supremacy championed by the party has led to failed policies. Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar led the charge, saying Mr Zaid was a traitor to his own race and should apologise for his remarks. [The Straits Times Singapore, 4

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-49525488269341172352008-11-06T08:08:00.006+08:002009-06-06T02:18:15.551+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 – It is often referred to as “this august house” but conduct in the Dewan Rakyat today plumbed new depths with obscene language that would make even a street walker protest. More than eyebrows were raised when a government MP called an opposition member a “bastard”. [The Malaysian Insider, 5/11/08]The verbal insult was directed at Ipoh Barat MP, M.Kulasegaran (image) by Pasir

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-5185184483627136092008-11-04T08:45:00.001+08:002008-11-04T08:46:22.622+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: An alleged thrashing of a member of Malaysia's royal household and his friends by the grandson of the Sultan of Johor and his bodyguards last week looks set to renew debate over the indiscretions of the royalty and whether they are immune from prosecution. [The Straits Times Singapore, 31/10/08]This piece of news probably did not get too far in the Malaysian press as the latest

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-76046821717004187062008-11-03T08:08:00.009+08:002008-11-03T09:16:52.005+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo has confirmed receiving RM100,000 from the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS), describing the payment as halal (legitimate) income. [The Star, 31/10/08]Selangor state executive councillor Ronnie Liu announced that the Pakatan-led state government would start a probe into alleged discrepancies by the Selangor State

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-26866991169753072402008-10-31T09:34:00.002+08:002008-10-31T10:34:08.647+08:00

The Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Musa Hassan said the Royal Malaysian Police will add 21 more helicopters to their fleet to improve the efficiency of the force patrolling the nation's waters. [Utusan Malaysia, 12/8/08]In a report by Utusan Malaysia dated August 12, Tan Sri Musa Hassan announced that the purchase of 21 helicopters by the Royal Police was approved by the Cabinet. The force

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-73749385105710128192008-10-30T10:10:00.004+08:002008-10-30T14:06:45.859+08:00

Selangor UMNO Youth disagrees with the state government's appointment of a non-Malay to head the state-owned Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS); accusing the PKR of being ignorant of the agency's "history and purpose" for developing the bumiputra community. [Malaysiakini, 28/10/08]Selangor Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim's decision to appoint Low Siew Moi as acting general

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-53302103568434097032008-10-28T16:15:00.002+08:002008-10-28T19:04:41.692+08:00

This is in response to the "Govt scraps Eurocopter deal!" article (27/10/08)PETALING JAYA: Negotiations to purchase 12 Eurocopter helicopters for the RMAF are still on, sources said. When contacted yesterday, a source said high-level officials of the Defence Ministry had not received any instruction from the Government to cancel the programme. [The Star, 28/10/08]On October 26, it was reported

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-5419174537536774732008-10-27T11:11:00.006+08:002008-10-28T16:51:08.977+08:00

Malaysia will ditch the RM2.3 billion Eurocopter defence deal as it battens down to face the global economic storm, sources said today. [The Malaysian Insider, 26/10/08]The government has decided to cancel the controversial Eurocopter deal that would have cost the country RM2.3 billion. It was previously understood that Malaysia would purchase 12 EC-725 Cougars to replace the aging Nuri fleet.Yet

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-63115594957384116402008-10-25T15:30:00.002+08:002008-10-26T15:43:19.452+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 - Pakatan Rakyat MP Zulkifli Nordin accused several parties including his own of disrespecting or insulting Islam in Dewan Rakyat today. [The Malaysian Insider, 23/10/08]Kulim Badar Baharu MP Zulkifli Nordin (image) made it hard for Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat MPs during the parliamentary session when he implicated that Islam has been insulted or disrespected. He

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-33875355528328560902008-10-23T08:08:00.008+08:002008-10-23T09:50:20.100+08:00

In an interview by The Star on October 22, Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar (image) spoke about his stand on various current issues dominating the headlines in the past few months; including the infamous use of the Internal Security Act (ISA) on civilians. The controversial law drew many criticism from the general public and NGOs alike; particularly the detention of Raja Petra Kamarudin

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-44192422090383878212008-10-21T10:10:00.008+08:002008-10-22T02:08:40.361+08:00

PKR Youth has revealed that Brazil purchased the Eurocopter Cougar EC-725 at RM82 million per unit while Malaysia were paying RM193 million per unit for the same model and specifications [Malaysiakini, 20/10/08]The Defense Ministry has approved the RM2.3 billion purchase of 12 Eurocopter Cougar EC-725 helicopters to replace the aging Nuri models which have been in service for the past 39 years.

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-73638150615370373532008-10-20T09:44:00.001+08:002008-10-20T09:45:14.702+08:00

LENGGONG, Oct 19 – The Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) has called on Gerakan Wanita chief Datuk Tan Lian Hoe to apologise and retract her statement which termed Malays as immigrants as it could affect racial harmony. [The Malaysian Insider, 19/10/08]Gerakan Wanita Chief Datuk Tan Lian Hoe (image) did an Ahmad Ismail à la mode when she was alleged to have called the Malays in the country immigrants

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-36139969931659762702008-10-17T08:12:00.010+08:002008-10-18T00:23:32.537+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: A police beat base in the Chow Kit area of downtown Kuala Lumpur was closed down because it was in a location that was considered unsafe, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar. [The Star, 16/10/08]Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar (image) was confronted by Opposition MP Dr Lo’ Lo’ Mohamad Ghazali (PAS-Titiwangsa) over the latest closure of a police beat base in the

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-3897104290659654302008-10-16T08:08:00.008+08:002008-10-16T18:42:25.338+08:00

With three legal suits for sedition amounting to RM41 million already knocking on their door, Utusan Malaysia played it safe by taking a different approach in propagating their political beliefs to the public. This time around, columnist Chamil Wariya (image) wrote a short fictional story about a female politician in his attempt to dodge any legal proceedings whilst sharing his point view on

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-43069606520956781142008-10-14T08:15:00.003+08:002008-10-14T17:59:27.326+08:00

Seputeh MP, Teresa Kok will file a RM30 million suit against Utusan Malaysia and columnist Mohd Zaini Hassan for defamation. [Malaysiakini, 9/10/08]The Cheras Umno division has started a fund to assist Utusan Malaysia in defending itself against a RM30mil defamation lawsuit filed by Seputeh MP Teresa Kok. [The Star, 12/10/08]On October 9, DAP Seputeh MP Teresa Kok announced that she intends to

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-60932467677284073722008-10-13T08:08:00.004+08:002008-10-13T23:47:22.166+08:00

India's top Bollywood star has been given a datukship, Malaysia's equivalent of the British knighthood, in a move criticised by opposition lawmakers and the public. [Malaysiakini, 12/10/08]Bollywood heart-throb, Shah Rukh Khan (image) was among 77 people who were conferred the title Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM), which carries the title Datuk in conjuction with the 70th birthday of Yang

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-83874562859924712272008-10-10T09:24:00.002+08:002008-10-10T10:11:19.318+08:00

Key materials based on which the sedition charge against blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin was framed have been tampered with, his lawyer J Chandra claimed today. [Malaysiakini, 9/10/08]October 9, 2008: The prosecution just admitted that the exhibit which forms the foundation of the charge against RPK was not originally taken from Malaysia-Today but was a police cut-&-paste job.They also did not deny

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-72633527486362031732008-10-09T09:39:00.003+08:002008-10-09T16:36:48.641+08:00

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has decided not to defend his Umno president post and will quit in March next year when the ruling party meets at its annual general assembly. [Malaysiakini, 8/10/08]The Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (image) has signalled that he will stepped down from his post in March 2009; making way for his second-in-command Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-28069119783724548252008-10-07T08:10:00.004+08:002008-10-08T01:04:40.571+08:00

United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO) threatens to quit Barisan Nasional unless the federal government takes serious efforts in resolving the issue of illegal immigrants in Sabah acquiring Malaysian citizenship. [Malaysiakini, 6/10/08]UPKO's threat to quit the coalition should be taken seriously by Badawi's regime when another Sabah party, the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP)

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-52187221417121923352008-10-06T09:07:00.003+08:002008-10-06T21:16:19.675+08:00

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) parliamentarian Eric Majimbun got a rude shock recently when he discovered that he shared the same surname and address in a MyKad allegedly belonging to a Filipino illegal immigrant. [Malaysiakini, 5/10/08]The population of Sabah have jumped 285 per cent from 1970 to 2000. [NST, 2/10/08]Sepanggar MP Datuk Eric Majimbun made an astonishing revelation to the Malaysian

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-73344349911277353552008-10-04T08:00:00.002+08:002008-10-06T18:36:38.155+08:00

The Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (Indigenous Peoples Network of Malaysia)'s hopes of handing a memorandum to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong were dashed when their procession to the Istana Negara was told to stop by the police. [Malaysiakini, 13/9/08]September 13 marked the first anniversary of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-55476355088388524992008-10-02T16:03:00.007+08:002008-10-03T01:02:07.913+08:00

PETALING JAYA: Sarawak plans to build 12 hydroelectric dams to meet its future industrialisation needs. [The Star, 23/7/08]The mega project will include the construction of new dams on the rivers of Ulu Air, Metjawah, Belaga, Baleh, Belepeh, Lawas, Tutoh, Limbang, Baram, Murum and Linau. The existing Batang Ai dam, on the other hand will undergo an extension.With the Bakun dam already under

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-33711779790328224992008-10-01T12:16:00.014+08:002008-10-01T19:07:05.251+08:00

UMNO vice president, Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam criticized former Health Minister Datuk Chua Jui Meng's statement that the need for the New Economic Plan (NEP) no longer exists. [Malaysiakini, 30/9/08]On September 28, Chua who is challenging for MCA's presidential post in the party polls next month, called for the Barisan Nasional government to reconsider the relevance of the NEP with the present

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-54169222176017545052008-09-30T11:58:00.003+08:002008-10-02T11:42:33.064+08:00

On September 17, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi who was then the Finance Minister switched portfolios with Defence Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. There were mixed reactions to the sudden exchange of offices but it was a matter of better-late-than-never as the future of the country's ailing economy seemed bleak.Being a graduate from University of Nottingham

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-77580194267821072792008-09-29T11:17:00.007+08:002008-09-29T17:40:00.470+08:00

About 2,000 people marched from the Dataran Merdeka to the Hindu temple opposite the Puduraya bus terminal in solidarity against the Internal Security Act; pleading for the abolishment of the Internal Security Act (ISA) and the release of all detainees. [Malaysiakini, 27/9/08]What started off as a candle light vigil for press freedom by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) and several NGOs

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-32338341007653051742008-09-26T09:27:00.005+08:002008-09-26T23:13:03.818+08:00

The Seputeh UMNO Youth division lodged a police report today against Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, claiming she had insulted the Royal Malaysian Police and the egg, which is an essential food of the underprivileged. [The Sun, 24/9/08]Teresa Kok, the DAP MP of Seputeh was released on September 19 after spending 7 days in detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA). She later revealed that while in

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-39122454857884501932008-09-24T08:17:00.003+08:002008-09-24T08:31:02.347+08:00

Will the Pakatan Rakyat continue to flourish long into the future or will it collapse under the thorns of racial politics?The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party or more commonly known as PAS is viewed by many Malaysians as a pro-Islamist political entity; aiming to establish Malaysia as a country based on Islamic principles and legal theories. While PAS still lack support from the non-Muslim community

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-76492906728417362262008-09-23T08:30:00.002+08:002008-09-23T08:42:45.590+08:00

Former Selangor menteri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo (image) has flatly denied any role in the recent seven-day detention of DAP parliamentarian Teresa Kok under the Internal Security Act (ISA). [Malaysiakini, 22/9/08]It was understood that Teresa Kok was arrested on September 12 under the Internal Security Act based on Khir Toyo's accusations against the Seputeh MP through an article in Utusan

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-67451517286403350062008-09-22T17:17:00.007+08:002008-09-23T00:53:25.930+08:00

But at least provide decent meals for them...DAP MP Teresa Kok who was detained for 7 days under the Internal Security Act, revealed that the food provided for her during police custody were similar to "dog food". [Malaysiakini, 19/9/08]The Public Complaints Bureau (BCB) will meet Seputeh MP Teresa Kok on Monday to investigate claims that she was not given proper food during her detention under

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606946367067057737.post-16379021221628944462008-09-20T11:18:00.005+08:002008-09-21T02:41:21.004+08:00

According to the police, at least.DAP Seputeh MP Teresa Kok (image) was released at 1pm today, after being held under the Internal Security Act for a week, revealed her lawyer Sankara Nair. [Malaysiakini, 19/9/08]Police investigation on Teresa Kok was said to be based on an article published by Utusan Malaysia. The writing covered the issues of the Muslim prayer call, Jawi writing, Universiti

jonathan ongnoreply@blogger.com3