Thursday, July 31, 2008

Umno PJ Division Chief accuses PM and DPM of corruption

Umno PJ Division Chief accuses PM and DPM of corruption
1 Aug, 2008
(Go to the bottom of this article and click on the images)

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

Capt Zahar letter


Capt Zahar letter page 2


Capt Zahar letter page 3

Try clicking on the images below if the above does not come out:





Anwar Antes Up

Anwar Antes Up
1 Aug, 2008

Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar told a press conference yesterday that the police have wrapped up their investigation into a new sodomy allegation against Mr. Anwar. But like the 1998 case, the circumstances are questionable.

The Wall Street Journal Asia Editorial

Malaysia's high-stakes political standoff just had the ante upped. With the resignation of his wife from Parliament yesterday, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim declared he's running for office in the by-election to fill her seat. The question now is whether the government will allow him to do so.

The stakes are high for the ruling National Front. Mr. Anwar's three-party opposition coalition controls 82 of 222 parliamentary seats. If Mr. Anwar wins office -- which seems likely, given he's running for the seat he held for 17 years -- the opposition says 30 MPs would defect to their side, giving them a majority and likely felling the government. Mr. Anwar would be on his way to becoming Prime Minister.

One way to prevent this from happening would be if Mr. Anwar were convicted of a crime, thereby disqualifying him from office. Remember what happened in 1998, the last time Mr. Anwar was riding a wave of popular support across Malaysia's varied ethnic voting blocs. He was convicted of corruption and sodomy in 1999 and 2000, respectively; the sodomy conviction was overturned in 2004.

Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar told a press conference yesterday that the police have wrapped up their investigation into a new sodomy allegation against Mr. Anwar. But like the 1998 case, the circumstances are questionable. Mr. Anwar's accuser, a 23-year-old aide, is under police protection and the police report he filed remains under wraps. A medical report by a doctor who examined the aide surfaced on Monday that purportedly found no evidence of sodomy.

That puts the spotlight on the Attorney General's office, which will decide whether to charge Mr. Anwar. The AG, Abdul Gani Patail, was a lower-level official in 1998, and Mr. Anwar recently filed a police complaint accusing him of fabricating evidence in that case. A spokesman for the Prime Minister's office says the Attorney General has been recused from the current case. He says, too, that Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi won't be involved in the decision.

In an interview with the Associated Press yesterday, Mr. Abdullah suggested that Mr. Anwar had been engaged in other questionable practices. The Prime Minister told the AP that had heard "stories" of Mr. Anwar "tempting" MPs "with monetary offers to cross over to the opposition." "If it were true that money were being offered, to me it would be the worst form of corruption," he said.

So much for reforming Malaysia's democracy, or giving Mr. Anwar a fair chance at the political game.

What Abdullah and Najib says of Permatang Pauh vacancy

Friday August 1, 2008 MYT 12:48:11 PM

EC notified of Permatang Pauh vacancy

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.

Friday August 1, 2008 MYT 12:48:53 PM

Nobody will stop Anwar from contesting: PM

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.

Friday August 1, 2008 MYT 1:18:11 PM

Tough fight ahead, says Najib

By ROYCE CHEAH

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.

The interest is on what comes out of the anus...

Output matters
By Stacey Chia
Fri, Aug 01, 2008
The Straits Times


What's your type? A psychologist may 'look' into your head to gauge if you are a highly driven Type A or have a relaxed Type B personality.

A gastroenterologist will get straight to the bottom of the matter by looking at your stool type which can give an idea of the state of your health.

There is even a seven-point visual indicator - the Bristol Stool Scale - to tell how long your stool has been in your colon, and what it can mean.

The seven types on the scale, named after the British university that came up with it, are:

* Type 1 - Separate hard lumps, like nuts
* Type 2 - Sausage-shaped and lumpy
* Type 3 - Sausage-shaped with cracks
* Type 4 - Sausage-shaped, smooth and soft
* Type 5 - Soft blobs, passed out easily
* Type 6 - Fluffy pieces and mushy
* Type 7 - Watery with no solid pieces

Types 1 and 2 are considered constipated, while 6 and 7 are under the diarrhoea group; the normal stools are those that fall under types 3, 4 and 5.

Dr Yap Chin Kong from Yap Chin Kong Gastroenterology & Liver Clinic said the scale is useful in that it indicates stool 'transit time'. A long transit time implies constipation and a short transit time, diarrhoea.

Transit time is the time stool stays in the colon before it is passed out.

'Types 1 and 2 are considered constipated, while 6 and 7 are under the diarrhoea group; the normal stools are those that fall under types 3, 4 and 5,' he said.

Dr Gwee Kok Ann, consultant gastroenterologist at Gleneagles Hospital, said Type 1 stool has a transit time of over 72 hours or longer, while Type 4 - the ideal - is most easily expelled, with a transit time of 24 hours.

Dr Yap added that the usual frequency of stool being passed out ranges from three times a day to once every three days.

While most people only 'go' when they feel the urge, he believes that people should develop good toilet habit from childhood.

This means waking up early, having breakfast, then waiting for the urge to move the bowels. This will usually occur within 30 minutes to an hour for many people.

Regular exercise and eating sufficient fruits and vegetables can help in developing good toilet habit.

'Someone who gets up late and rushes off to school or work after eating breakfast quickly may develop the urge but postpone nature's call or not even have the urge because the mind overrides it,' said Dr Yap.

Not moving the bowels regularly may lead to complications for the young and very old, Dr Gwee said. A large mass of stool stuck in the rectum can cause it to overstretch.

'When this happens, the muscle in the rectum's wall loses its tone. There will then be difficulty contracting the muscle to evacuate the contents. This usually affects young children and the elderly,' he added.

He said that, should this happen, it can give rise to abdominal cramps and vomiting in children.

'As for some elderly patients, stool pellets may actually spill out without their being aware, while others may develop ulcers in the rectum arising from the pressure placed on the wall of the rectum by very hard stools,' he said.

For the layman, the scale comes in handy in noting changes in bowel patterns.

'If you have experienced a recent change in your bowel pattern without a clear reason, or if there are alarming signs such as blood, pain or fever, you should see a doctor,' said Dr Yap.

However, some doctors like Dr Tan Chi Chiu, consultant gastroenterologist and physician at Gastroenterology & Medicine International, cautioned against over-reliance on the scale as a precise gauge of transit time.

'It is not precise. Different people have different grades of stool for similar transit times,' he explained.


This story was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times, on July 30, 2008.

Anwar and the elephant in the corner

Anwar and the elephant in the corner
WJS | Jul 30, 08 4:40pm
I refer to the Malaysiakini report Anwar: It confirms plot to frame me.

The new explosive evidence disclosed by Raja Petra has confirmed what 94% of Malaysiakini’s poll respondents have suspected all along – the latest sodomy allegations against Anwar Ibrahim are trumped-up charges as a part of a greater political conspiracy.

How such confidential hospital documents were leaked to the media is beside the point. The hospital in question has not denied the authenticity of the document either (although they might be pressured by the police and other players in this conspiracy to issue a statement in the opposite) and they have in fact confiscated Malaysiakini’s copy of it.

In any ‘vibrant democracy’, such a leak will immediately trigger calls for further investigations and widening the scope of such investigations to identify the players and motives behind both sides of the story.

But instead, here in Bolehland we do things differently, being ‘vibrantly democratic’ as we are.

The police are saying that this new evidence is ‘sabotaging investigations’ instead of treating it as a new lead to extend the investigation.

The Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar, is even more disgusting by calling the police to wrap up their ‘investigations’ as soon as possible rather than expressing dismay at this turn of events and calling for a thorough review of the Anwar sodomy case up to this point.

The rakyat aren’t fools. Despite all the loud thumping and yelling through the government- controlled mainstream media, we can still notice the elephant sitting in the corner of our living rooms.

There is obviously a collusion between Umno and the police to bring down Anwar. The police, perhaps under instructions from the upper echelons of Umno, have also obviously pre-determined the outcome of the case – Anwar must be charged as guilty at any cost, and whatever evidence that might challenge this verdict are mere fabrications to ‘confuse the public’.

Sabotaging investigations? Hardly. Sabotaging a wicked conspiracy? Definitely.

The current political climate in Malaysia leaves a lot to be desired. The optimism of many after the political tsunami of March 8 has quickly degenerated into pessimistic disappointment.

Umno’s rot is eating deeper into the core of our society (with more corruption and racism than ever) and Anwar has proven to be not quite as ‘irrelevant’ as Pak Lah had wishfully thought.

Perhaps our only hope is for the Yang Di Pertuan Agong to state his lack of confidence in the current federal government and exercise his constitutional right to call for fresh elections.

Unlike an actual tsunami, however, a second political tsunami would be something that we’ll be greeting with open arms.

Malaysia's Anwar plans no-confidence vote: report

Malaysia's Anwar plans no-confidence vote: report


1 Aug, 2008

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim is gathering support to file a no-confidence vote against the government in six weeks, the Financial Times reported on Friday.

Anwar, who is fighting allegations of sodomy with a former aide, played down speculation that he would soon be formally charged.

"With all the evidence that is now before them, I don't see any reason why the authorities should continue with these investigations of alleged sodomy," Anwar was quoted as saying by Financial Times.

"In any other system where there is justice and fairness, the powers would have by now shut down the investigations and cleared my name."

The former deputy premier has said the accusation was a political scheme aimed at halting the opposition's rise.

Sodomy, even between consenting adults, is punishable by up to 20 years in prison in mainly Muslim Malaysia.

The opposition posted its best ever result during elections in March. Since then, Anwar has led a charge to try to unseat premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's coalition government.

Anwar announced on Thursday he would run for a parliamentary seat in a northern state, vacated by his wife.

(Reporting by Liau Y-Sing; Editing by David Fogarty)

The true meaning of political doublespeak

Thursday, 03-Jun-2004 9:45 AM

LOONY MALAYSIA

The true meaning of political doublespeak

January 1988

Q: Yang Berhormat, we can understand Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and Musa Hitam being strongly opposed to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohammad. But you have never been known as a strong critic of Dr Mahathir before this. Why have you aligned yourself to Team B?

A: Dr Mahathir is a dictator. He is bad for Malaysia and bad for Umno. If we want to save Malaysia and Umno, Dr Mahathir must be removed. He uses draconian laws such as the Internal Security Act to silence his critics. He does not allow dissent. He is opposed to free speech. Dr Mahathir does not believe in and will not tolerate democracy. We need a more democratic leader who respects the rights of the people.

The rights of the people must be restored. Democracy must be restored. Dr Mahathir must be removed. The future of Umno and the Malays, in fact, of all Malaysians, depend on this. I cannot remain an Umno member as long as Dr Mahathir remains its president. I will not rest until he is ousted and Umno is once again headed by a truly democratic leader. I will remain outside Umno and fight for change. The day I rejoin Umno will be the day Dr Mahathir is sent packing.

January 1999

Q: Yang Berhormat, can you give us your comments on your recent appointment as Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. What are your views on Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the President of Umno and Prime Minister of Malaysia? Do you feel, in light of your past history and strong opposition to him, you would face any problems in working with him and supporting him as your boss?

A: Well, first of all, I would like to register my thanks and gratitude to Dr Mahathir for having the trust and faith in me by appointing me as Malaysia’s new Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. I am certainly greatly honoured.

Of course, as his number two, I shall give him my undivided and complete loyalty and support. A number two must always believe in and support his boss. If he cannot, then he should resign. There are no two ways about it. There is no way a number two can work with his boss if he does not subscribe to his boss’ policies.

Dr Mahathir has done a lot for Umno and the Malays. In fact, he has done more for this entire nation than all the previous Prime Ministers put together. This country needs a man like Dr Mahathir to lead it to greater heights. Only Dr Mahathir dares face more powerful nations like the US and tell it what he thinks about it. No other world leader has the guts that Dr Mahathir has in facing these countries that imagine themselves as the police of the world and tell them what he thinks of them.

Dr Mahathir will be recorded in the history books as the greatest Prime Minister this nation has ever been blessed with. I am honoured and delighted to have the opportunity to work with him. I also pledge him my undying support and loyalty.


The above is an extract of old article (2004)
The whole article can be read here.

Wife of Anwar quits Parliament

Wife of Anwar quits Parliament

KUALA LUMPUR: The wife of Anwar Ibrahim resigned from her seat in the Malaysian Parliament on Thursday, enabling him to contest it and ultimately pursue the post of prime minister, which he has coveted for decades.

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."

Anwar Announces for Malaysia’s Parliament

Anwar Announces for Malaysia’s Parliament
31 July, 2008

Opposition leader shakes off sodomy charges to say he’ll run

anwar_ibrahim2
Apparently unfazed by the danger that he might be arrested at any time on sexual perversion charges, Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim announced he would stand in a by-election for the Penang state parliamentary seat being vacated on his behalf by his wife, Wan Azizah Ismail.

Anwar made the statement today at a press conference, The election must be called within 60 days.

There is widespread skepticism over the charge of forcible sodomy, made by a 23-year-old aide who has been tied to Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, Anwar’s rival for primacy as Malaysia’s leader. Najib first denied knowing the youth, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan. Then, after reports surfaced that he had his picture taken with Najib, the deputy prime minister said he had only spoken with him for “career counseling.” A further report surfaced from an eyewitness that Saiful had been discussing the sodomy charge with Najib, however.

Anwar spent 10 years in the political wilderness, six of them in prison after being convicted of charges of sodomy and political corruption in a case that human rights organizations widely viewed as trumped up.

The complaint by Saiful came under considerable fire when Raja Petra Kamaruddin, an influential blogger, produced a copy of a medical report indicating that a doctor’s examination of the youth had turned up no evidence of scarring or tearing that would indicate he had had anal intercourse.

Although a Kuala Lumpur web site closely aligned with Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi declared that “police have completed their investigations” and will soon charge the opposition leader. The attorney general, Abdul Ghani Patail, said he would decide whether to go forward amid signs that the Barisan Nasional, led by the United Malays National Organisation, is increasingly uncertain as to what to do. The case has been handed over to the solicitor general, Idris Harun, who will decide whether to go forward. One lawyer with close ties to UMNO said, however, that the government is likely to charge him.

There have been some attempts on blogs to discredit the physician, Mohamed Osman Abdul Hamid of Hospital Pusrawi, an Islamic Treatment Center, saying he was linked to Anwar. The hospital's general manager Wan Mahmood Wan Yaacob said the physician had actually checked Saiful for indigestion and stomach pain and not for sodomy, although the report itself clearly states that the youth wanted to file a police report – hardly something he would do for a stomach ache. According to Raja Petra, the police detained Mohamed and held him for three days in an attempt to get him to change his medical report. The police acknowledged that they had questioned Mohamed, but denied they had held him. The physician is now in hiding with his family.

With Anwar in the midst of a political comeback, many see the sodomy charges as a desperate attempt by the government to cling to power. He was arrested on July 15 and kept overnight but no charges were filed over the accusations, made by Saiful two weeks earlier. At the time, Anwar refused to provide a DNA sample, claiming that it could be misused to fake evidence against him. Police told Anwar to report back to them within 30 days.

With charges and counter charges flying back and forth, the crisis for Malaysia seems set to deepen as UMNO and it allies face the strongest challenge yet to their supremacy. The national ruling coalition lost its two-third majority in parliament for the first time since Malaysia became a country in March elections and faces an increasingly uncertain future, with the three-party opposition coalition predicting it could take power as soon as September. If Anwar wins a seat in the parliament, which seems likely, the opposition would need just 30 seats to gain a simple majority and overturn the Barisan’s 50-year reign.

If the opposition does take over, it is almost certain that opposition leaders will turn the power of the state to investigate long-standing corruption charges against UMNO leaders, particularly Najib. Anwar himself has filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Agency charging police chief Musa Hassan, who was the lead investigating officer, and Abdul Ghani Patail, who was the lead prosecutor, of fabricating evidence against him in 1998. A Royal Commission in March also exposed corrupt judiciary practices, alleging that the system has been manipulated by politicians, including Mahathir Mohamad.

Dr Osman's Key Report

Dr Osman's Key Report
1 Aug, 2008

Perhaps Dr Muhamad Osman Abdul Hamid's report is the key to the case. The report indicated that there is no evidence that Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan had been sodomised.

Dr Osman's signature and the hospital's stamp were attached on the report. The report was as well written on the hospital's official letter form.

The authorities was shocked by the unexpected medical report. Two days ago, various important spokesmen said in unison that they wanted to flush out the person who has leak the report out.

Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar angrily rebuked the person who has exposed the medical report, while the police was concerned about how the report leaked out. The Health Director-General said the private hospital is responsible for the leakage. And the hospital said it did not leak the report. They seemed to have forgotten that the key focus should be the report itself instead of the person who leaked it out. "It has strengthened Anwar's position that the entire incident is in fact a conspiracy with the intention to end his political life."

Is the report genuine? And most importantly, is it valid in terms of law? If the report is not acceptable, then it will not have much impact in the investigation and trial. But it would be a different matter if it is authentic and valid. It is expected that the future dispute will focus on the report.

Until Wednesday (30 July), Hospital Pusrawi has finally made a statement and tried to unravel the mystery.

We can see more if we view the clarification made by Hospital Pusrawi from a a broader perspective. First of all, Dr Osman does exist and he is not a virtual character. Secondly, the medical report "looks genuine".

However, intentionally or unintentionally, the five points made by the hospital seems meant to weaken the report's validity. The hospital said Dr Osman is a general practitioner and not a specialist. Thus, he is not suitable in conducting a sodomy examination. Also, Dr Osman did not conduct a comprehensive sodomy examination on Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan.

I am afraid that whether Hospital Pusrawi's statement can be accepted depends on personal view. For example, some legal experts believe that any medical report made by a qualified doctor has legal status and can be used as a reference.

Of course, how the police, procecutors and court view the report is more critical than how you and me view it. The police, of course, knew the existence of the report earlier. The problem is, whether they paid attention to the report during their investigation and whether they considered it as an evidence to the case. And does how the Attorney-General Chamber view the report? Would it affect the decision whether to charge Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim? What would be the report's role in court?

These are all hypothetical questions at the moment. But for Anwar and PKR, as well as his supporters, the medical report is perhaps a lifeboat in the vast sea. It has strengthened Anwar's position that the entire incident is in fact a conspiracy with the intention to end his political life.

Meanwhile, the medical report has become a catalyst in the society. Many people believe that since they are unable to refute the doctor and the report, it means that the case has a lot of doubts, including many loopholes in Saiful's allegations.

The police and the Attorney-General Chamber must make a reasonable explanation over the medical report if they want to charge Anwar.

When would Dr Osman show up and what would he say are also the key to the case. (By TAY TIAN YAN/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily)

Fumbling hospital denial highlights conspiracy

Fumbling hospital denial highlights conspiracy
1 Aug, 2008

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

Hospital Pusrawi made an attempt through a press statement to negate its own medical report that shows no sodomy on Saiful (Anwar’s aide). However, its repeatedly contradictory and evasive answers to probing questions from reporters during the press conference clearly revealed that the hospital was merely putting up a show to hide the truth.

In the press conference on July 30, the hospital’s general manager Wan Mahmood Wan Yaacob (accompanied by the hospital’s medical director Kamaruddin Ahmad) denied the Saiful medical report related to sodomy, considered the examining doctor as unqualified to examine for sodomy, and even cast doubt on the authenticity of the Saiful report that is in wide circulation. He made all these assertions despite overwhelming evidences to the contrary.

However, under unrelenting questioning, Wan Mahmood admitted that the report in circulation “looks the same, contents are the same” as the original report. Then why did the hospital go into the redundant measure of setting up a three-men committee to probe into the authenticity of the circulating report - which bears all the hallmarks of typical Barisan Nasional tactic to delay and prevent the truth from emerging?

Dr. Mohamed Osman Abdul Hamid who examined Saiful Bukhari Azlan at 2.00 pm on June 28 clearly stated in his report on Saiful that the patient had no bleeding, tear or scar in the rectal/anal area and that he appeared “alert, comfortable, not pale”. Under the heading “diagnosis”, Dr. Osman wrote: TRO Assault (Sodomy) (TRO stands for ‘to rule out’). It means Dr. Osman ruled out sodomy. Under the heading “rawatan” (treatment), Dr. Osman wrote: Advise to go to the government hospital (plan to do police report). It means that the doctor asked Saiful to go to a government hospital for a check-up as required by law, since he was going to make a police report.

This medical report, though brief, is a true record that Dr. Osman had examined Saiful and found no physical evidence of sodomy. Such a report could preclude subsequent medical finding to the contrary, considering that, four hours after Dr. Osman’s examination, Saiful visited Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) where he made a police report and subjected himself to another medical examination, the contents of which are now being zealously guarded by the police.

With regards to Dr. Osman’s competence, both Wan Mahmood and Kamaruddin said they “had no doubt on Mohamed’s credibility as a doctor” and further commented, “He was a good doctor”. With such an appraisal, it is puzzling how Dr. Osman, who is 56 years old and has twenty years of medical experience, could be considered as unfit to carry out a simple examination on a sodomy assault. In fact, Dr. Osman’s report is not only relevant in the court of law, it is also invaluable to the police engaged in their preliminary investigation on the veracity of this sodomy allegation.

Instead of treasuring this evidence, though, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Ismail Omar, called the disclosure of this evidence as an attempt to “sabotage” police investigations and to “confuse” the public, while he inexplicably refused to comment on this medical report. Unless he considered the report a fake, how on earth could he condemn it as an act of sabotage? The refusal by Ismail and other government leaders and officials to comment on the substance of this report, while steadfastly calling for punishment against the informer who leaked this report, is exemplary of the long established government policy of nailing the whistle-blower to protect the culprit.

Isn’t the government’s deafening silence on this report an emphatic admission that it is genuine and relevant? Isn’t Hospital Pusrawi’s feeble attempt at deception a manifestation that the authority concerned lacked the courage to discredit this report by itself?

It is pertinent to ask: Is the present police exercise an attempt to find out the truth about the sodomy allegation or is it an all-out effort to fix Anwar Ibrahim? The latter seems to be the case, judging from Deputy IGP Ismail’s response to Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar’s admonition to police to wrap up its work “as soon as possible” following the explosive revelation of the Saiful medical report. Ismail said the police had been “relentlessly seeking relevant and the latest information ….. constantly looking for new leads.” That sounds like someone who has been hunting down a serial murderer rather than investigating an alleged sodomy rapist who does not appear to have committed the offence – as per Dr. Osman’s report and Anwar’s alibi.

This Hospital Pusrawi debacle is only the latest in series of tactics that betray ill-intent to persecute Anwar, such as:

* Denying Anwar a copy of Saiful’s police report without reason.

* Ambushing and arresting Anwar in a high-handed manner that befits a top international terrorist, forcing him to sleep overnight on a cold cement floor, resulting in a flare-up of his spinal injury, which was inflicted during a similar sodomy charge 10 years ago.

* Police and top leaders harassing Anwar to submit for DNA sampling when it is neither needed nor called for. Anwar refused the requests on the ground that it may be used for fabricating false evidence just like it was done in a similar trial 10 years ago.

* Constantly casting aspersions as a sodomite against Anwar in government controlled press and TV channels.

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. Many consider this a replay of the event ten years ago when Anwar was similarly accused and persecuted. However, unlike the 1988 event when the prime mover was the Prime Minister (Mahathir Mohamad), Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi does not seem to be playing a similar role.

In fact, both the PM and Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar whose portfolio includes the police force do not appear to be on top of the police force which seems to be the mover and shaker of events that are fast changing our political landscape. Like the plot to fix Anwar, his Hollywood-style arrest, the recent gridlock of traffic in Kuala Lumpur and sealing off of Parliament House, etc. - these high-handed measures have incurred the wrath of the people, and all Abdullah and Hamid could do was to act as apologists for the police. Another example was the issue of Anwar’s DNA. Both seemed to have been duped into making a fool of themselves by publicly demanding Anwar to submit to DNA sampling when the government is already in possession of Anwar’s DNA. Did Abdullah and Hamid know about the ulterior motive of collecting Anwar’s fresh blood sample now? I bet not.

The police force is ruled with an iron fist by Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan. He and Attorney-General Gani Patail had played leading roles in the infamous trials of Anwar Ibrahim ten years ago and are now under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Agency for alleged fabrication of evidence against Anwar then. Though Abdullah said a few days ago that both Musa and Gani would not be involved with the current Anwar sodomy investigation, how convincing are such assurances when both remain bosses in their respective bodies?

We have no doubt of Abdullah’s sincerity when he asked for another two years for him to carry our reforms that he had failed to do previously. And we think the current crisis created by the sodomy allegation is a golden opportunity for him to stamp his mark as a reformer by righteously exercising the immense power vested in his hand as Prime Minister and order that rule of law be strictly observed in the resolution of this crisis.

Considering our vastly changed political landscape and the precarious economic and political situation we are in now, any repetition of the unjust treatment meted out to Anwar in 1998 will surely bring unimaginable consequences to the nation.

Ezam dared to stand in Permatang Pauh

Thursday July 31, 2008 MYT 8:22:57 PM

Ezam dared to stand in Permatang Pauh

By CHRISTINA TAN

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.

Saving gas isn't just for tree-huggers anymore

Saving gas isn't just for tree-huggers anymore

By Trystan L. Bass Posted Tue Jul 22, 2008 9:51am PDT

Pumping gas, Bradley P. Johnson, Flickr

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...

  • Use the cruise, clean the car: Forecast Earth covers the classic tricks, such as using cruise control and maintaining your car. This is a great list to begin with.

  • Hypermile your way to better mpg: Pulse-and-glide driving is how those ultra-efficient hypermilers get great mileage, even without a hybrid car.

  • Carpool at least once a week: Ask around your office and see whose route meets up with yours. Parents can also arrange carpools for driving kids to school. Alternate who drives, and you'll automatically cut gas costs.

  • Drive slower: Driving just 10 miles slower can reduce fuel consumption by 20 percent. And no, you won't burn more gas because it takes a tiny bit longer to get to your destination.

  • Don't sit idle: When you let your car idle, you might as well light a dollar bill on fire and toss it out the window. It's been proven that stopping and restarting a car uses the same gas as leaving a car idling for 6 seconds with the air conditioner on. Today's fuel-injected cars don't need to warm up in cold weather either.

  • Reduce air drag: The Rocky Mountain Institute estimates you can save 15 to 30 gallons of gas per year if you take off a roof rack just half the time. Besides, you only need it for skis when there's actually snow on the ground.

  • Ditch the drive-thru: One test in Toronto found that you can get a fast-food breakfast faster and burn less gas in your car if you park and go into the restaurant. Considering how much idling cars do in drive-thru lanes, this isn't surprising.

  • Think big, and light: Some of EcoGeek's gas-saving tips are government-based (like intelligent traffic lights and minimum fuel economy; feel free to suggest these to your local and federal representatives!). But everyone can carry less junk in the trunk.

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.

Raja Nazrin: Leaders need to be masters of soft power

Raja Nazrin: Leaders need to be masters of soft power
31 July, 2008

(The Sun) - Leaders today need to be masters of soft power because hard power, though still required to maintain law and order, is not well adapted in dealing with today’s complex and interdependent world.

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.

Year 2003: Umno tried to buy Ezam over

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 Malaysia’s Human Rights Commission to release them. In fact, even the Kamunting Review Board and the Federal Court ruled that their detentions are illegal, mala fide and violated the constitution. However, it cannot be discounted that Umno’s internal affairs also had a bearing on their release.

“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.”

Anwar not worried about possible arrest

Thursday July 31, 2008 MYT 5:10:27 PM

Anwar not worried about possible arrest

By ROYCE CHEAH

(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.

Press Statement by Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (31.7.08)

Press Statement by Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (31.7.08)

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

To Charge Or Not To Charge?

To Charge Or Not To Charge?
31 July, 2008

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)

Stop using delaying tactics, says Saiful

Stop using delaying tactics, says accuser
Jul 31, 2008
New Straits Times

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.

Anwar Threats To Seize Power A Bluff, Says PM

Anwar Threats To Seize Power A Bluff, Says PM

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)

Pas rejects Umno, commits to Pakatan Rakyat

Pas rejects any coalition with Umno, commits to Pakatan Rakyat

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — Pas has rejected any coalition government with Umno or the Barisan Nasional at both state or federal level, party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said today, ending the controversial unity talks with its ideological nemesis that have rocked both the ruling and opposition coalitions.

"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.

Wan Azizah resigns as MP, Anwar to stand in by-election

Latest:


Wan Azizah quits as MP to allow Anwar to stand in by-election. She has sent resignation letter to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia.

Anwar may be arrested 'in the next 48 hours': official

Malaysia's Anwar may be arrested 'in the next 48 hours': official

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.....

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.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Whistle-blower urged to come forward

2008/07/31
Whistle-blower urged to come forward
By : V. Shuman

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.

"Do not be afraid to come forward. If the person (whistle-blower) is afraid to reveal his identity, he can come to me or go to the police," said Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) exco member Tan Sri Robert Phang Miow Sin.

"I have handed over eight pages of a document to the Anti-Corruption Agency and there are several serious allegations they should look into."

Phang, who received the document on the alleged malpractice on July 23, was speaking at the ACA headquarters in Putrajaya yesterday.

The document is alleged to contain details on the purchase of dogs, equipment, vehicles and uniforms, made early this year, for which no tenders were called.
The whistle-blower had sent four other copies of the document to Phang to be handed over to Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar, Internal Security Ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan and ACA director-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan.

It is learnt that following the complaint, ACA officials seized some documents from Bukit Aman.

Phang commended the ACA and the IGP for their swift action.

Police have set up a committee, headed by logistics director Commissioner Datuk Mahsuri Zainal, to investigate the matter.

More than 10 officers and civilian staff of the department are being probed.

"I hope the IGP will investigate his men without fear or favour," said Phang.

ACA deputy director-general Datuk Abu Kassim Mohamed said they would carry out a thorough investigation into the matter.

THE SAIFUL BUKHARI MEDICAL REPORT

THE SAIFUL BUKHARI MEDICAL REPORT

We note that MCA cannot remain silent anymore, lest we be accused (if not already accused) of being accomplices to diabolical conspiracies.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press.

  1. We meet here today because we, being members of 7 branches of MCA PJ Utara representing more than 1000 members of MCA, wish to do our civic duty to the Rakyat.
  1. We note that MCA cannot remain silent anymore, lest we be accused (if not already accused) of being accomplices to diabolical conspiracies.
  1. In particular, we refer to the medical report widely publicized on the internet by Malaysia Today, malaysiakini and countless other blogs. We had also taken the liberty to check on the comments contained in the medical report dated 28 June 2008 conducted on Mohd Saiful Bukhari Bin Azlan by Dr Mohamed Osman Abdul Hamid, the Medical Officer at Hospital Pusrawi Sdn Bhd. Three doctors we have checked with have stated that the comments meant that the results for the alleged sodomy is ‘negative’. They also confirmed that a Doctor can never change a medical report.
  1. Assuming that the said medical report is true – and we call on Hospital Pusrawi to confirm or deny this – then:
    1. We call on the Police, the Attorney-General, the MCA top leadership and the UMNO top leadership to immediately reveal in full all the evidence against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and stop withholding vital evidence and decide to charge, or not to charge, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Deputy IGP Tan Sri Ismail Omar should also refrain from making statements that the internet reports on the said medical report were aimed at confusing the people when, in the same breath, he declines to comment on the medical report. Such statements by the Deputy IGP only serve to further the perception that the police is pulling out all stops to withhold evidence crucial to the innocence of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, a fellow citizen of our country, while at the same time fabricates, or attempts to fabricate, evidence against a fellow citizen of our country.
    1. This “bogus charge” fiasco is also causing untold damage and hurt to our economy, our integrity as a nation. Daily, we are being compared to countries like Zimbabwe and other countries where despotic rulers reign. We cannot in all conscience be a party to the machinations by executive arms of the government to withhold/fabricate evidence against a citizen of our country.
  1. Therefore, we urge the Police, the Attorney-General and the government to treat all our citizens fairly, with transparency, without withholding of crucial evidence and with the proper application of the rule of law.

MCA PJ Utara Branches:

  1. MCA SS2 Town Centre
  2. MCA SS2
  3. MCA SS4
  4. MCA Taman People’s Park
  5. MCA Gardenia Centre
  6. MCA Taman Mayang
  7. MCA Damansara Baru

Contact Persons:

  • Mr LEE CHONG BENG [Chairman, MCA SS2 Town Centre] at 012-3987851
  • Mr PETER CHEN [Legal Advisor] at 012-6824902