Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak have committed corruption “of the highest order” said Capt (Ret) Dato’ Zahar Hashim, the Umno PJ Division Chief. Read his three-page letter below.
NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin
Try clicking on the images below if the above does not come out:
PUTRAJAYA: The Election Commission has confirmed it received a letter from the Dewan Rakyat Speaker at noon Friday informing of a vacancy for the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat.
The seat became vacant Thursday after PKR president and Opposition leader Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail resigned from her Permatang Pauh MP’s post.
On Thursday, EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman said a by-election should be held within 60 days after a seat has been declared vacant, adding it was the commission’s responsibility to ensure the smooth running of the election.
“We will consider all aspects to ensure the by-election is held smoothly, including the fact that it is soon going to be the fasting month,” he said.
The month of Ramadan will start on Sept 1.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi says nobody will stop PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim from contesting in the Permatang Pauh by-election.
Abdullah also said that due process of the law will continue in Anwar’s sodomy case.
At a separate press conference Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that Anwar’s decision to contest is only a step for him to bring his problems (sodomy allegation) to the people instead of solving it “the proper way”.
On Thursday, PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail resigned from her Permatang Pauh MP’s post to make way for her husband Anwar’s return to Parliament.
At a packed press conference at the PKR headquarters Thursday, Dr Wan Azizah said the decision was made after deliberating with her family, the PKR leadership and partners in Pakatan Rakyat.
"I have officially submitted my resignation as MP to Parliament Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia’s office, to make way for my husband Anwar Ibrahim to contest as a candidate for Pakatan Rakyat in a by-election as soon as possible."
At the press conference, Anwar said he was unperturbed over the possibility of being arrested or charged in the run-up to the impending by-election.
He said the Government had gone on a one-month fishing expedition and had not caught anything.
When it was mentioned that the Permatang Pauh seat looked very safe, Anwar said he felt most seats were safe for him.
KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional will have to be realistic in the coming by-election as it is going to be a tough fight in Permatang Pauh, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.
Saying that there was no way Barisan could predict the outcome, Najib added that PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had obviously made his calculations by standing in his previous constituency.
"This is a place that would afford him the best chance to win, so we will leave it to the Permatang Pauh voters to decide. We will try our best."
Najib said the Government did not feel threatened by Anwar as there was enough majority.
"However, this move by Anwar is his way of bringing his own problems to the people. The allegation against him was made by his own staff, not the Government."
Najib said there were ways to solve the problem without having to bring it to the people, specifically the Permatang Pauh voters.
"But we accept his decision and we will face it," he said to reporters Friday at a press conference.
On Thursday, PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail announced she had resigned from her Permatang Pauh MP’s post to make way for Anwar to contest in a by-election there.
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The announcement by Anwar's wife, Azizah Ismail, comes at a time of turmoil in Malaysian politics, with the party that has governed the country since independence from Britain in 1957 seemingly unable to bounce back from electoral losses in March and Anwar's increasingly confident political allies ascendant in the polls.
Anwar, who was deputy prime minister in the 1990s, is wooing fence-sitting members of the governing coalition and needs about 30 defections to dislodge the government from power. It is a prospect that political analysts here say is possible given the falling fortunes of the governing party, the United Malays National Organization.
Under normal circumstances, Anwar's election to Parliament in a by-election would seem assured. He held the seat, in the state of Penang, for 17 years before being dismissed from government in 1998 by Mahathir bin Mohamad, who was prime minister then, and sent to prison on charges sodomy and abuse of power after two highly politicized trials. Both Anwar and Azizah, who contested and held the seat while her husband was in prison, are very popular in the constituency.
But Anwar's political comeback, once thought improbable, is being fiercely resisted by the governing party. Although it is in disarray, holds sway over the police, large parts of the news media and many financial levers of power.
Anwar also faces fresh allegations of homosexual sex, which is illegal in Malaysia; he may be charged and arrested within days.
Although only 11 percent of Malaysians surveyed in a poll that was released on Thursday believe the charges, the case may complicate Anwar's run for Parliament. The by-election must be held within two months, according to Malaysian law.
Anwar leads a sometimes unwieldy partnership of parties that vows to dismantle many of the ethnic-based traditions that have guided the country's politics since independence, including an affirmative action program that benefits Malays, who are the majority population, but that angers Chinese and Indian minorities.
"We're basically gearing towards what we view as the final battle," said Elizabeth Wong, a former human rights campaigner who was one of dozens of candidates from Anwar's coalition that captured seats in March in the state-level assemblies and the Malaysian Parliament.
"I think it will determine the future of Malaysia. We have to seize the moment. It's not going to come again."
Support for the government of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi appears to have eroded further since the March elections, when Anwar's allies captured 5 of Malaysia's 13 states.
Only 28 percent of respondents in a survey conducted this month by the Merdeka Center, an independent polling organization, said they were satisfied with the government, down from 71 percent in February.
The economy is by far the top concern, chiefly rising prices and a lack of job opportunities, according to the poll. The government reduced fuel subsidies in June, causing the price of gasoline to rise about 40 percent overnight.
But in the five states controlled by Anwar and his allies, voters appear to be receptive to the new wave of leaders, many of whom came from academia, human rights groups and other nonpolitical backgrounds.
In a country that has one of the highest levels of income inequality in Asia, legal changes that make is easier for people to own land, and assistance for impoverished Malaysians, have helped give Anwar and his allies an approval rating of 57 percent.
"People feel that they've been given a better chance to speak up," said Ibrahim Suffian, director of the Merdeka Center.
Anwar has vowed to win over enough members of Parliament to form a government by the end of the year.
In an interview Thursday with The Associated Press, the prime minister accused Anwar of buying his way to power.
"I've heard so much stories, many stories of his buying, tempting them with monetary offers to cross over to the opposition," Abdullah said.
"If it were true that money were being offered, to me it would be the worst form of corruption."
It is the unanimous opinion at home and abroad that the current sodomy allegation is a political conspiracy to prevent Anwar from leading Pakatan Rakyat in an imminent take-over of power from a crumbling Barisan Nasional.
THE CORRIDORS OF POWER
Kim Quek
SHAH ALAM: PKR is challenging its former Youth chief Ezam Mohd Nor to stand against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Permatang Pauh by-election.
“We hope Umno will let Ezam to take on Anwar in the by-election.
“Let him come and contest if he dares because this is what the PKR wants,” said Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, a supreme council member and Selangor state liaison chief after a tea session with the media Thursday.
Last week, Ezam, who has joined Umno, said that he was willing to take on Anwar in a by-election and was not afraid to face his former boss if selected by the Barisan Nasional leadership.
Khalid, who is Selangor Mentri Besar, said the party congratulated and thanked PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Ismail for stepping down as Permatang Pauh MP to make way for her husband to contest in the by-election.
When asked if Anwar’s decision to stand in Permatang Pauh was expected, Khalid replied: “Sort of, but Bandar Tun Razak and Kulim were always mentioned.”
Khalid also said he was starting the campaign immediately by calling the rakyat to choose a leader who would work hard to reduce their burden, especially in the face of inflation.
On PAS rejecting the possibility of it cooperating or forming a coalition government with Umno, Khalid said it was expected.
He said he had no problems with PAS if it wanted to hold talks with Umno because he believed PAS would advise him on how to run the state and ensure that Muslims and other communities were treated fairly.
By Trystan L. Bass
Greenies aren't the only ones looking to limit their car usage these days. High gas prices are fueling inflation for everyone across America.
No matter if you drive a Prius or a Hummer, you can probably stand to save a few bucks on gas right now. Here is our collection of tips for getting the most out of each gallon...
Gas prices may not drop dramatically any time soon. So perhaps you're thinking about a new car -- like a hybrid. They've lost the tree-hugger status and are pretty mainstream. Certainly, SUVs aren't selling very well these days. Need some car advice?
If you have an older car with great mpg and you're wondering if your ride could be even more eco-friendly, check out EcoGeek's analysis of the greenest cars coming in 2010. Just don't fall for a ZAP car or that bunk about running cars with water.
In his speech themed "On Leadership" at the 17th Tun Dr Ismail Oration at Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the Raja Muda of Perak Raja Nazrin Shah said for governments, hard power is the ability to direct, punish, defend and invade and for corporations, it is the power to hire and fire and to acquire and dispose of companies.
"Soft power, on the other hand, is non-coercive. It sets agendas, persuades, shapes preferences and harnesses voluntary actions. It is marked by participation, delegation and networking, not command-and-control. In short, soft power is about working with and through people. While both may be needed, there is a greater need for soft power in today’s complex information-based world."
He said this is because people today are becoming increasingly empowered, and countries are becoming too interdependent, to be ruled by hard power alone.
"Many societies are assimilating liberal democratic values. Mass education has made people more knowledgeable and discerning. They are less compliant and more distrustful of those in authority," he said.
Raja Nazrin spoke on soft power, which is the power exercised by "transformational leaders".
Transformational leadership, he said, strives to achieve higher ideals, nobler values and superior behaviour among followers.
It encourages followers to rise above narrow self-interests and to work in the service of others towards the common good. It mobilizes people to face, rather than avoid, tough realities; to tackle difficult problems and to make hard decisions. It does not turn away from the difficulty of problems by offering fake remedies. It elevates followers to a higher moral level.
This is one of three qualities he feels leaders need in the 21st Century. The other two are:
> Charisma
"Charismatic leaders are ones who can create feelings of intense admiration, confidence and loyalty among followers. But even charismatic leaders are not immune to being challenged or abandoned by their followers. If they do not fulfil their promises or if they do not act in honourable and morally correct ways, they too can quickly lose popular support."
> Moral and Just
"Good leadership in the modern age cannot operate in a moral vacuum. International law today makes it harder than in the past for leaders to get away with genocide, corruption and abuse of power. Countries also organise embargoes and apply diplomatic pressure. When countries are perceived to behave in an immoral or unjust manner, global opinion will be marshalled against them."
Raja Nazrin said it is difficult, if not impossible, to persuade people to be idealistic and highly motivated when leaders are self-serving and interested only in retaining power and control.
"Only when leaders show themselves to be driven by higher order goals can their followers feel fully assured that they are not somehow being deceived and manipulated into serving illegitimate or self-serving causes. Otherwise conflicting values and clash of interests will give rise to widespread civil apathy or, even worse, open disobedience."
Raja Nazrin said one of Malaysia's enduring strengths has been its almost obsessive focus on effective leadership, that is, one which has to deliver the goods to the people.
"The leadership process has also, to a degree, been open and inclusive and resulted in Malaysia emerging as a shining model of development.
"As a result of its successes in human development, Malaysian society has changed. I believe that this has also made it necessary for the type of leadership to also undergo a transition from the transactional to the transformational.
"The Malaysian development ethos today is no longer framed in purely materialistic terms. Malaysians, especially the younger generation, are empowered and energised. Their demands are for more moral, open, representative, equable and equitable forms of leadership. They want leaders who can courageously cross sectarian boundaries and who depend on their intellectual and moral integrity and gravitas to attract and retain support, not just on political power and patronage," he added.FAC News - Friday, June 27, 2003 5:48 PM
Umno tried to buy Ezam over
The National Justice Party Youth Leader, Ezam Mohd Nor, has admitted that Umno sent him feelers while he was in prison.
Speaking to a crowd of about 500 supporters at the home of party President, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Ezam said, first they separated him from the rest of the Reformasi Six so that they could get him alone. Once he was isolated from the rest, they worked on him to try to woo him over.
Ezam said he was quite surprised at the speed his Official Secrets Act (OSA) trial developed. Ezam was then already under Internal Security Act (ISA) detention in the Kamunting Detention Camp together with Saari Sungib, Tian Chua, Dr Badrulamin Bahron, Lokman Noor Adam and Hishamuddin Rais.
Once the conviction was secured, Ezam was immediately transferred to the Kajang Prison to start serving his two-year jail sentence, the first time in the 43-year history of the ISA that a detainee had to simultaneously serve both an ISA detention and a jail term.
Then Ezam realised why they had hurriedly separated him from the rest for, once he was isolated, Umno made its move to try to woo him over.
Ezam said he received all sorts of approaches from Umno asking him to switch camps and abandon his “struggle to free Anwar Ibrahim from jail”.
In fact, said Ezam, his entire initial 60-day detention under the ISA, before he was sent to Kamunting, was centred on Anwar Ibrahim and not once was he interrogated about his alleged “crimes”.
Ezam and nine other party leaders and Reformasi activists were detained in April 2001 for allegedly being a threat to national security. According to the official statement released by the government, they had conspired to topple the government through violent and militant means and were involved in a plot to bring in bombs, guns, grenade launchers and Molotov Cocktails.
However, the entire 60 days interrogation was on party matters and the police tried to convince Ezam to abandon his struggle and rejoin Umno. After failing to woo him over, the police finally tried to persuade Ezam to just abandon Anwar Ibrahim.
Ezam said, the police told him he could remain in the National Justice Party and continue to oppose the government. However, he must not mention Anwar’s name in any of his speeches. In short, Ezam may continue his opposition party activities but these should not include the struggle to free Anwar.
Ezam also said they tried to convince him that Anwar was in fact guilty of all the sexual crimes he was alleged to have committed and that the police had all the evidence to support these charges.
“Until the last day of my 60-day detention the police never once produced this evidence,” said Ezam.
“When I asked them on the last day of my detention, the day before I was transferred to Kamunting, where this so-called evidence was, they replied that it was of no use showing me this evidence as I would not believe it anyway.”
Ezam said they went to great lengths to persuade him to change sides. When they failed, they compromised by agreeing that he remain in the opposition as long as he agreed to abandon Anwar. When they failed to also do this, he was packed off to Kamunting to start serving his two-year detention.
Ezam said rumours are rife that he is in the midst of making a deal with Umno. “Why should I do this now?” asked Ezam.
“If I want to this, why do this now? I should have done it at the early stages of my detention. Why should I suffer the two year detention and the OSA conviction where I have already served 10 months of my 16-month jail term?”
Ezam said he took a great risk by applying for bail.
“I have already served 10 months of my conviction,” explained Ezam.
“No doubt I was sentenced to two years jail. However, after a one-third remission, I only need to serve 16 months of this sentence.”
“My lawyers were surprised when I told them I would like to apply for bail. They cautioned me that if I fail in my appeal, the ten months I have already served would not be taken into consideration and I would have to start serving the 16 months jail sentence all over again.”
“I would therefore lose these 10 months. But, as a politician, this is the risk I have to take,” Ezam said to the crowd that broke out into thunderous applause.
Ezam then revealed that his release and that of the other five was due to a power struggle within Umno.
“It is because of the serious power struggle within Umno that I and my five comrades were released.”
“One group in Umno was opposed to our release. However, there was another group that wanted us released.”
It is said that Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was the one behind their release while the Abdullah Ahmad Badawi camp tried to block their release.
These next four months are very critical to Umno as Dr Mahathir would be leaving office in October with Abdullah supposed to take over. The last thing Abdullah wants is the Reformasi Six back in circulation where they could do much damage to Umno that is yet to settle the succession issue.
Talk amongst the Umno circles is that Dr Mahathir wants the Reformasi Six to “stir the pot” to put pressure on the party. It is hoped that this may then be too much for Abdullah to handle and there would be serious doubts raised as to whether he would be able to take over from Dr Mahathir.
For all intents and purposes, say the sources within Umno, the Reformasi Six were released so that they could become the bogeymen. Umno would then question whether Abdullah is strong enough to fend off the opposition onslaught or should Dr Mahathir stay on to save Umno.
Whatever theories one may subscribe to, the immediate and unconditional release of the Reformasi Six took everyone by surprise, the Reformasi Six included. No doubt, there was much pressure from the International community, foreign governments and
“We were not only surprised that we were released, but more surprised that our release was unconditional,” said Ezam. “This is the first time in the history of the ISA that detainees have been released without conditions attached.”
(The Star) PETALING JAYA: PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is not worried at all about the possibility of being arrested or charged in the run-up to the impending Permatang Pauh by-election.
Anwar said the Government had gone on a one-month fishing expedition and had not caught anything.
"They have not caught any fish and they can catch whatever coconut plant they may consider is fish," he said.
Anwar however added that he did not want to anticipate anything like that and reiterated that it would not affect PKR's plan.
When asked if he was afraid of being arrested following rumours that his arrest was imminent, Anwar said he could not comment on rumours.
"But I am being monitored very closely. During my recent trip to Pahang there were seven Special Branch cars following me. They spend money on this when they should be taking care of the crime rate," he said.
Anwar added that as far as he was concerned, the Opposition is still on track for the September 16 deadline.
"The Election Commission has to call for a by-election with 60 days of being notified by the Parliament Speaker."
Anwar, who was in a jovial mood, also commented about the journalists covering the event not being surprised at all about the announcement.
When pointed out that the Permatang Pauh seat looked very safe, Anwar said he felt that most seats were safe for him.
"To be honest, many offers were made including the Bandar Tun Razak and Gombak seats. But after a lot of discussions, we felt that Permatang Pauh would be the best. It is my original seat."
Anwar also said it was entirely up to Umno to decide whether his former protégé, Mohd Ezam Noor, would be his opponent in the by-election.
He said he was indebted to his wife and supporters for holding the fort while he was incarcerated.
"This decision was not an easy one and was discussed with all Pakatan Raykat and party leaders. They have offered me their full support during the by-election."
Anwar said he hoped that the Election Commission would conduct the by-election professionally and that he looked forward to participating in Parliament.
After deliberating with my family, the Keadilan party leadership and our partners in the Pakatan Rakyat, I have officially submitted my resignation as Member of Parliament of Permatang Pauh to the Speaker of Parliament YB Tan Sri Datuk Pandikar Amin Bin Hj. Mulia today to make way for my husband, Anwar Ibrahim, to contest as a candidate for Pakatan Rakyat in a by-election as soon as possible.
This is consistent with our goals towards securing a Parliamentary majority and forming a new government within this year.
This decision is the right decision for Malaysia.
The nation now faces some of the greatest challenges it has encountered since gaining independence. The UMNO-led Barisan Nasional government has mismanaged the economy and steered the nation towards a catastrophe. It has allowed the integrity of the justice system to fall into deeper infamy. It has stroked the flames of racism and driven a wedge of mistrust between Malays, Chinese and Indians, while thoroughly neglecting the needs of the indigenous peoples of Sabah and Sarawak.
Anwar Ibrahim has articulated a vision for Malaysia that has brought hope to the people. He has the experience and intelligence to reinvigorate our economy, and the charisma and integrity to unite the Malaysian people and restore credibility to our institutions of governance.
I will continue to serve as president of Parti Keadilan Rakyat and as chairperson of the Yayasan Aman (Peace Foundation).
I whole-heartedly thank my supporters in Permatang Pauh who have stood by me in the most difficult of times since September 1998 and have shared in the joy of victory we all experienced on March 8th. The future of our nation lies in the dedication and commitment to justice and freedom that I have experienced as your representative in Parliament and I look forward to many more years of serving you with sincerity and with humility.
DATUK SERI WAN AZIZAH WAN ISMAIL
President Parti Keadilan Rakyat
I assume that the whole world is aware of the medical report. According to the report, there is no evidence that Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan had been sodomised.
It should be a relief to his family, particularly his beautiful wife.
The police and the hospital did not say whether the report was genuine. Just like the whole family of the private detective, the doctor has disappeared.
How strange it is as both the key figures of the two sensitive issues have mysteriously disappeared? This reminded me of a drama, X-files. Any human who has seen aliens would disappear. Could it be aliens are actually very interested in Malaysian cases and picked them up with an UFO?
I sincerely hope that they are safe regardless whether they have been borrowed by aliens for human studies or they have gone to an unknown destination for a long vacation. Of course, I do hope that they can show up when they are needed to give testimony and reveal the truth.
We wonder why the police did not mention about the medical report as they already knew it earlier?
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said that the exposure of the medical report was intended to confuse the public. In fact, he does not have to worry as the people will only get the clearer picture when they access to more information. Moreover, it will be good if the medical report can help in clarifying the sodomy case.
If that is the case, would it be the time to make a decision – to charge or not to charge?
Even Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said that the police should make the decision as soon as possible.
If they have substantial evidence, then just charge him. Otherwise, just put an end to the case. Only more suspicions will be created if they keep delaying it. After all, the country's international image and the people's perceptions should be take into account. (By TAY TIAN YAN/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily)
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Stop delaying police investigations.
This is the message Mohd Saiful Azlan Bukhari has for Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"I urge Anwar not to use delaying tactics in the course of police investigations. I have lodged the police report and this issue is now in the hands of the police," Saiful said in a statement, which was read by his lawyer, Zamri Idrus.
Zamri said the statement had been prompted by numerous press conferences called by Anwar or his lawyers.
He likened the entire situation to "a trial before a trial".
"Despite the numerous statements made by Anwar regarding the sodomy allegations, Saiful is content to leave the matter in the hands of the police as they are investigating the case," Zamri said at Nikko Hotel yesterday.
"I have no reason or motive to be malicious towards Anwar.
"I am patient and waiting for police to bring the perpetrator to justice," Saiful said.
On June 28, Saiful lodged a police report at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital beat base alleging that he had been sexually assaulted by Anwar.
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia's leader on Thursday (31 July) dismissed his rival Anwar Ibrahim's threat to seize power as a "bluff," but ruled out imposing emergency measures if street violence breaks out to protest a sodomy accusation against the opposition figurehead.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi also promised justice would be served in the sodomy case against Anwar, the second time he is facing such an accusation.
While denying any government conspiracy, Abdullah indicated that the complaint to police made by a 23-year-old former aide of being sodomized by Anwar would not be taken lightly.
"This man pleads for justice," Abdullah said. "We care about (Anwar) more than we care about this man? That is very odd. He needs justice; that is what he is crying for. We cannot ignore that."
The comment indicated that authorities would not be slowed down by a medical report by a doctor who examined the male aide on 28 June. The doctor found no evidence of sodomy, and sent the aide to a government hospital for a second opinion.
The result of the second examination is not known, but the aide made the police complaint the same day.
Anwar says the charges were fabricated to stop him from challenging the government. After leading the opposition to spectacular results in the March general elections, Anwar has been threatening to bring down the government with parliamentary defections.
Asked whether Anwar was bluffing, Abdullah said that "so far, it is going toward that direction."
"Whether he bluffs or not (it seems) he wants to keep his popularity afloat all the time like a stock market share," Abdullah added.
He ruled out imposing emergency rule if Anwar's supporters hold street protests to denounce the latest accusation.
"I don't think we are going down that road; definitely not," Abdullah said. "Why should (protests) get out of hand? That would be very unbecoming of the party that intends to be the government of Malaysia, to take laws into their own hands and demonstrate as they wish."
Abdullah said he believes Anwar is trying to bribe government lawmakers to defect.
"I've heard so much stories, many stories of his buying, tempting them with monetary offers to cross over to the opposition," said Abdullah, whose ruling coalition holds a slim 30-seat majority over Anwar's opposition alliance in the 222-member Parliament.
"If it were true that money were being offered, to me it would be the worst form of corruption," Abdullah said.
He claimed that a majority of ruling party member are loyal to him. Asked if he has the support of 80% to 90% of party bosses, he said: "Certainly around that area."
Anwar denies the bribery accusation.
The sodomy accusation has revived memories of how Anwar was ousted from the Cabinet in 1998 after serving as former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's deputy for five years. Anwar was then accused of sodomizing his family driver and abusing his power to cover up the deed.
Anwar was convicted of both charges and sentenced to 15 years in prison, despite his claim that he was framed to quash his challenge to Mahathir. Malaysia's highest court freed Anwar in 2004 when it overturned his sodomy conviction.
The corruption conviction, however, barred him from contesting the March elections. The ban expired in April, and he is expected to contest a by-election soon in a bid to return to Parliament. (By VIJAY JOSHI/ AP)
"The issue of Umno's offer to Pas therefore does not arise," Abdul Hadi said after a rare joint meeting between Pas's central working committee and its highest decision-making body, the Majlis Syura Ulamak (religious scholars consultative council).
Pas has been embroiled with the secret meetings between its leaders including Abdul Hadi and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, and Umno's offer to some state Pas leaders to form coalition state governments in Perak and Selangor — both now under the federal opposition's Pakatan Rakyat. Umno, however, has not invited Pas to join other Barisan Nasional state governments.
Abdul Hadi also reaffirmed the party's commitment to Pakatan Rakyat, the nascent coalition that groups the Islamist party with Parti Keadilan Rakyat and the Democratic Action Party that denied BN its traditional two-thirds parliamentary majority in the 222-seat Parliament with its 82 seats and unprecedented control of five states.
He said Pas was grateful to the non-Muslim community for supporting the party in the March 8 general election, adding it was prepared to meet political organisations and non-governmental organisations to discuss issues of mutual interest.
He urged Umno members to quit en masse and join the Pakatan Rakyat coalition members.
31 July, 2008
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - Malaysia's opposition figurehead Anwar Ibrahim may be arrested in the next 48 hours, a senior party official said Thursday, saying it was to stop him contesting a by-election.
Anwar has been accused of sodomy, which he denies, saying it is a politically motivated move to stop him challenging the government.
"We will not rule out the possibility of Anwar being arrested. And it looks like they are planning to charge him by Monday," Tian Chua, Keadilan party's information chief, told AFP.
"They may arrest him in the next 48 hours. It is aimed to prevent him from contesting in a by-election," he added.
Anwar scheduled a press conference for 0700 GMT Thursday. Party officials said it is about his by-election plan.
Anwar said Wednesday he will fight a by-election later this year and form a new government despite the sodomy allegation hanging over him.
"There are thousands of criminal cases not properly investigated. Why pursue this with zeal and in an unjust way? Is it because I will participate in a by-election?" Anwar told reporters.
"You want me to withdraw? No. I will continue to pursue the change. Let's see if they want to charge me," he said after being interviewed by Islamic sharia enforcement officials over the allegations.
Anwar has said the claims of a young male aide, a repeat of charges that saw him jailed a decade ago before being overturned, have been fabricated to block his plans to topple the coalition that has ruled Malaysia for half a century.
He has demanded that police stop the investigation and called the aide, 23-year-old Mohamad Saiful Bukhari Azlan, an "outright liar" who was working with others in power to frame him.
Prophet Muhammad SAW once said:
“Within my people will be those who hold steadfast to the truth. They will not feel burdened by any obstacle that they are faced with, until the time when Allah’s commands come to them.” (Narrated by Muslim and Bukhari)
How many people in Malaysia can "hold steadfast to the truth"?
Malaysia is in dire need of such people especially in this period of time. Whistle blowers face the fear of being arrested. Political muscle is being flexed all around.
The Military knows who uses their C4.
The Immigration knows who asked to erase records.
The Police knows who did what.
The doctors know their professionalism and should not bow to political harassment, should not feel "burdened" by the obstacles they may be facing.
The people by the side of the politicians.Abdul Razak Baginda knows!
Many Malaysians know many secrets. Look into your heart, your conscience. Look into the future, the future of our next generations. The country needs conscientious and brave people to come forth and help it move in the right direction, the direction of a corruption-free, morally intact and fair government.
“Within my people will be those who hold steadfast to the truth. They will not feel burdened by any obstacle that they are faced with, until the time when Allah’s commands come to them.”PUTRAJAYA: The whistle-blower who had alleged malpractice in purchases worth RM98 million by the police early this year, was yesterday urged to come forward.
We note that MCA cannot remain silent anymore, lest we be accused (if not already accused) of being accomplices to diabolical conspiracies.
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