The two men are Malaysia Today webmaster Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin and businessman and writer Syed Akbar Ali who had allegedly posted seditious remarks on the former’s website. Both pleaded not guilty.

Raja Petra was charged in a sessions court here under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948 with publishing a seditious article titled “Let’s Send the Altantuya Murderers to Hell” in his blog www.malaysia-today.net on April 25. He allegedly committed the offence in his house, No. 5, Jalan BRP 5/5, Bukit Rahman Putra, Sungai Buloh.

The 58-year-old charismatic blogger caused a stir when he refused to take up judge Nurmala Salim’s bail offer of RM5,000, choosing instead to go to Sungai Buloh prison, until the trial fixed for Oct 6-10.

If found guilty, Raja Petra can be jailed a maximum of three years and/or face a fine of up to RM5,000.

Raja Petra was represented by a six lawyers - Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal Singh, K. Balaguru, PKR’s Selayang MP William Leong, J. Chandra, DAP’s Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng and Jeswinderjit Singh.

His prosecution was a media event at the court, with blogger friends and Pakatan Rakyat politicians supporting him. Among those who turned up were Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Ipoh Timur MP Lim Kit Siang and Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar.

Raja Petra had hours earlier turned up at the Duta Court Complex, where he was told to be by the police. However, after waiting for more than an hour, he received a call on his handphone from the police telling him to go to the PJ sessions court instead.

Raja Petra was vocal in condemning the sedition charge, saying that there was nothing to be worried about.

“I have been asked if this sedition charge is part of a war on bloggers. We bloggers declared war on the government four years ago. So it is not the government who has declared war on us. We want to change the government,” said Raja Petra, who added that he was expecting to be charged.

He was detained under the Internal Security Act in 2001, and released the same year.

His departure to Sungai Buloh prison was met with bloggers shouting “Makkal Sathi”, “Reformasi” and “Suara Petra, Suara Malaysia”.

Raja Petra’s website issued a call for donation of RM1 per person to his legal aid fund. At 6.45pm, RM24,500 had been credited to his CIMB bank account, and the fund had collected an additional US$3,283.61 through a Paypal account. It has been closed since.

Meanwhile, Syed Akbar was charged in a Kuala Lumpur sessions court with publishing seditious remarks in the comment section of an article in the Malaysia Today website.

He allegedly committed the offence in the premises of Zeenath Begum Jewellers Sdn Bhd, No. 2007, Jalan Masjid India, here at 2.59pm on June 5, 2007.

The comment with the heading “It is easy to impress the Malays” was made on an article titled “Malaysia’s Organised Crime Syndicate: All Roads Lead to Putrajaya” published by blogger Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin who maintains the website.

The 48-year-old father of two was charged under the same section.

Syed Akbar, a former banker who now runs a business with his wife on Jalan Masjid India, was represented by counsel Ashok Kandiah, Haris Ibrahim and Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, Bernama reported.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Ishak Yusof, assisted by Hanafiah Zakaria, recommended to the court for him to be allowed bail of RM5,000 but Ashok pleaded for a lower amount.

Judge S. M. Komathy Suppiah set bail at RM3,000 with one surety and fixed June 10 to hear submissions by both parties on a preliminary objection raised by the defence who claimed that the charge was groundless at the start of the proceedings.

Syed Akhbar’s wife posted the bail.

In the earlier report, Blogger Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin was celebrating – by smoking too much – a day before the Government charged him with sedition.

“I have been celebrating as finally the Government is charging me,” he said.

Asked if he had slept well, he laughed and said he had a bad cough due to too much smoking.

He said his defence team would prove there was no case against him and that it was a case of “political persecution”.

“They lost in the election because of the Internet war. Malaysia Today was one of the ‘culprits’,” said Raja Petra who turned up in the Jalan Duta court complex here at 9.06am.

Earlier, a large crowd comprising bloggers, MPs, lawyers and well-wishers gathered at the court lobby in Jalan Duta.

At about 10.30am, Raja Petra said he received a call from a policeman telling him to go to the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court.

He left the Jalan Duta complex five minutes later in a friend’s car.

After the court proceedings ended, his lead counsel K. Balaguru said his client did not have money to post the RM5,000 bail while Raja Petra’s wife, Marina Lee Abdullah, said her husband wanted his online readers to contribute RM1 each for his bail.

“I tried to persuade him not to stay in the lock-up but he says that it is his stand. He is very stubborn,” added Marina.

His CIMB account number was posted on his website from morning. By 4pm, readers had contributed RM24,500 and US$3,283.61 (RM10,441.87). The donation campaign was called off at 5.30pm and the website stated that excess funds would be donated to a charitable home of Raja Petra’s choice.

Meanwhile, the Bar Council Malaysia called on the authorities to withdraw the charge against Raja Petra.

“The Sedition Act is a draconian, archaic and repressive legislation that has long outlived any perceived utility it might ever have had,” it said in a press release.

Aliran Press Statement : Sedition charge on blogger Raja Petra raises more questions

Technorati Tags: altantuya, blogger, campaign, court, election, sedition

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Pandikar Amin, 52, yang juga bekas Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, menggantikan Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib sebagai Speaker Dewan Rakyat ketujuh sejak Parlimen diwujudkan pada 1959.

Dua jawatan Timbalan Speaker Dewan Rakyat pula disandang oleh Ahli Parlimen Santubong, Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (157 undi) dan Ahli Parlimen Beluran, Datuk Ronald Kiandee (140 undi) setelah mendapat undi tertinggi mengatasi Ahli Parlimen Kepong, Dr Tan Seng Giaw (81 undi).

Istiadat pembukaan penggal kali ini, yang akan bersidang selama 16 hari sehingga 27 Mei, akan disempurnakan oleh Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin hari ini.

Persidangan Dewan Rakyat kali ini mencatat beberapa sejarah baru di mana terdapat seramai 99 orang Ahli Parlimen adalah muka baru, manakala jumlah pembangkang pula bertambah lebih empat kali ganda iaitu 82 orang.

Sementara itu Ahli Parlimen Permatang Pauh, Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail telah mencipta sejarah apabila dilantik sebagai Ketua Pembangkang wanita pertama. Perkara ini adalah apabila parti yang beliau ketuai, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) memenangi kerusi paling banyak berbanding parti pembangkang lain.

Satu lagi sejarah ialah apabila orang ramai berpeluang mengikuti sesi soal jawab Parlimen apabila RTM mula menyiarkan secara langsung sesi itu selama 30 minit sehari bermula esok 30 April sepanjang sidang Parlimen ini berjalan.

Sidang kali ini juga menyaksikan Ahli Parlimen yang mempunyai talian kekeluargaan duduk di dalam dewan yang sama. Mereka adalah Datin Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail dan anak beliau Nurul Izzah Anwar, Karpal Singh bersama anak beliau Gobind Singh Deo manakala Lim Kit Siang bersama anak beliau Lim Guan Eng.

Manakala Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad yang juga Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna mempunyai adik yang mewakili Pas iatu Khalid Abdul Samad Ahli Parlimen Shah Alam. Sementara itu sebagaimana yang semua sedia maklum menantu Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Khairy Jamaluddin turut sama-sama di Dewan Rakyat.

PKR memiliki 31 kerusi pada pilihan raya 2008 berbanding hanya satu pada 2004, DAP ada 28 kerusi, manakala Pas memiliki 23 kerusi. Manakala BN yang menang 90 peratus daripada 219 kerusi pada 2004, hanya menguasai 140 daripada 222 kerusi pada pilihan raya kali ini.

Technorati Tags: Ahli Parlimen, Dewan Rakyat, pakatan rakyat, RTM, sidang parlimen, wakil rakyat

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The Malaysian leg of the Olympic Torch Relay went on relatively smoothly yesterday, except for four people, including a family of three, who were detained briefly for displaying pro-Tibet sentiments. Those detained were a Japanese couple in their 30s and their 5-year-old son and an English woman in her 40s. They were released after being questioned by the police for several hours.

The event began at 2.25pm at Dataran Merdeka after the Olympic torch, brought by Beijing Olympic Games organising committee deputy president Jiang Xiaoyu, was lighted.

There are 80 torchbearers with Olympic Council Malaysia president Tan Sri Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja’afar was the first runner, followed by former OCM president Tan Sri Hamzah Abu Samah.

Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Cheng Yonghua was the second last runner. Cheng passed the torch to the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah. Sultan Azlan Shah was the final torchbearer and he lighted up the cauldron at the Esplanade area in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). The flame from the cauldron is transferred to a canister and taken to Jakarta for the next leg.

Other notable runners included AirAsia Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes, badminton stars Rashid Sidek, Cheah Soon Kit, Yap Kim Hock, Razif Sidek and Jailani Sidek, squash champion Nicol David, NGO activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha and AmBank Group chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim.

Some of the Beijing-bound athletes also took part as torchbearers and it was the perfect tonic before they compete in the biggest sporting event on earth in August. Among them were shuttler Lee Chong Wei and diver Bryan Nickson Lomas.

Malaysia last hosted a leg of the Olympic Torch Relay when Japan became the first Asian country to host the biggest sporting event in the world in 1964.

Photos from The Star Photo Gallery

Technorati Tags: beijing, china, malaysia, olympic, torch relay, torchbearer

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Walaupun begitu apa yang paling penting adalah memilih untuk menggunakan portal yang paling mudah dan senang. Paling ketara dan bertepatan dengan namanya, mudah.com.my merupakan portal membeli dan menjual yang mudah digunakan. Tambahan pula portal ini berpusat di negara kita sendiri Malaysia memudahkan lagi urusan kita.

Masuk sahaja ke mudah.com.my kita akan disajikan dengan peta negara Malaysia. Pilih saja mana-mana 13 negeri atau Kuala Lumpur untuk melihat barangan atau perkhidmatan yang ditawarkan atau diperlukan. Ciri ini memudahkan kita untuk mendapatkan keperluan berdasarkan kawasan berhampiran terutama barangan yang tidak boleh dihantar melalui pos seperti kereta terpakai atau rumah.

Selepas memilih satu negeri, kita akan dibawa ke mukasurat yang memaparkan senarai barangan dan perkhidmatan terkini. Di sini dengan mudah kita boleh meneruskan pencarian kepada sesuatu yang lebih khusus berdasarkan kategori, harga, negeri dan samada pengiklan persendirian atau syarikat. Di portal ini iklan oleh orang perseorangan dan syarikat diasingkan.

Jika anda ingin meletakkan iklan di portal ini juga mudah kerana semua maklumat yang perlu diisikan adalah ringkas dan pada satu mukasurat sahaja. Iklan anda akan berada dalam portal ini selama 2 bulan. Perlu dingatkan bahawa barangan tiruan dan cetak rompak tidak dibenarkan untuk diiklankan.

Secara keseluruhan rekabentuk portal ini begitu ringkas dan warna yang digunakan lembut mata memandang. Ini semua memudahkan kita menggunakan portal ini walaupun baru pertama kali mengunjunginya. Semua perkhidmatan di portal ini boleh digunakan dengan percuma.

Ulasan ini dibawa kepada anda oleh Advertlets.com dan Mudah.com.my!

Technorati Tags: beli, iklan, jual, mudah, senang

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She said this was in line with the termination of Tourism Action Councils in the states which were previously chaired by Barisan Nasional’s state executive councillors in charge of tourism in each state.

“Normally, the council works together with the state executive council and local authorities.

“But now that the leadership in the state governments have changed, we have to terminate the MoUs and the councils,” she told a post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday April 3, 2008.

Azalina said that a committee would instead be set up, with members appointed by the Federal Government similar to the format implemented in PAS-held Kelantan.

Readers of Malaysiakini said;

Kamen Lee: Azalina said it was a ‘technical’ matter when her ministry channels funds to a different committee and not the state Tourism Action Councils (TAC) like other BN-held states.

Technical? My foot! This is daylight robbery. We, as voters in Selangor, Penang, Perak, Kedah and Kelantan, are now being robbed of our much needed tourism money.

I am gutted. These are the things that BN likes to do that vindicated my choice in voting for the opposition during the recent election.

Zorgen: Irregardless of whatever explanation that was given, it is very obvious that this is discriminating against the people in the five states under the administration of Pakatan Rakyat. I suggest that the people in the five states controlled by Pakatan Rakyat should pay their income taxes to state government instead of going to federal.

By the way, Azalina and other BN (so-called) leaders must not understand anything about psychology. The more discrimination imposed on the PR states, the more the people will insist on supporting PR.

BN has never learned from their failure in Kelantan. Probably they (BN leaders) are too proud to learn from the rakyat. All these (and upcoming) discriminations already helped me to decide my vote in 13th GE. Let’s experience another round of tsunami in five years time.

Uncle Leow: If Azalina get away with this we should hold a referendum to determine that:

1. Citizens of the five states pay taxation only to their state government. The PR state government should find a law to allow us, the citizens in the PR states, to pay income tax and all federal tax directly to the state government. Only after deducting all needed expenses like for industrial development, sports, tourism and others will the balance go to the federal government for defense, transportation and other related matters.

2. Become independent and secede from Malaysia. PR states should become independent, running their own internal and foreign affairs. The PR state will maintain own foreign diplomatic corps, their own police and army. Just like the republic of Singapore and Brunei. In this way, the PR states can run their own administrative policies without conflicting BN’s. PR and BN can be friends again without causing harm to each other.

Peter Yew: Somehow her actions betray her and Azalina’s actions clearly show strong discrimination. Was she suggesting that the BN government does not trust federal funds in the hands of the PR state governments? I would venture to say that based on the corruption records of past BN state governments, the PR state governments will be able to stretch every federal ringgit more effectively.

In many countries, tourism is a state affair and tourism revenue are retained by the states. May I suggest to the PR governments to initiate their own state run tourism programmes and see how the BN government reacts.

Derek: We are all too diplomatic in our language on this issue. As far as I am concerned, Azalina is childish, immature, ignorant and vindictive if she thinks she can punish voters who voted for the PR by withholding the tourism funds. It’s the people who will suffer and that will translate into more votes for PR at the next elections.

The PM should give Azalina a public ticking off for pursuing such a shortsighted strategy. The fact he has not done so suggests he supports such vindictive discriminatory policies or maybe he is still sleeping on it. This is no way to win back the hearts and minds of the people and not just in the PR states. This kind of behavior just confirms the ignorance and arrogance of some BN Ministers.

Yow Lop Siaw: It looks like the BN has not learnt their lesson despite being badly thrashed in the GE2008. Such arrogance is unacceptable and will backlash on the BN sooner or later. The solution to this rather simple – vote BN out come the next election and make BN the opposition!

This is grossly unfair as these tourism funds are from the taxpayers and taxpayers are now being punished and denied any funding. Further more, the BN government is extremely shortsighted as any disadvantage suffered resulting from this action will hurt the country in the long run.

Tourism has contributed substantially to Malaysia’s income. Given the current political situation - which is not too encouraging to foreign investors - this may translate into lower contribution from the tourism sector, hurting our GDP even more.

Ooi Hong Leong: After reading the report, I took a look at my income tax form. It says ‘Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia’ (Internal Revenue Board of Malaysia). It does not read ‘Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Barisan Nasional’ (Internal Revenue Board of the National Front).

So I’m paying my taxes to the Malaysian government and not to the Barisan Nasional. So how come Azalina Othman treats federal funds like Barisan Nasional funds? Such acts will turn people even more against the Barisan Nasional because they are so obviously unfair. It might even inspire the electorate to kick the Barisan Nasional out of the Federal Government the next time, since how else can they ensure that they gain access to federal funds (get the benefit of their tax money)?

Ridiculous: Double talk. That is all Azalina managed to do in trying to explain her unfair and unprofessional conduct as a minister of the present government. We pay taxes to the federal government and funds for tourism are designated from our tax money and so why discriminate based on whether the state is ruled by a different political party from the federal government? Should we then stop paying taxes to the federal government since we no longer get the funding as we stay in states that have voted opposition?

Kelvin: Again and again, the BN shows their incapability to be impartial. They refuse to respect the wishes of the rakyat. They forget that it is the rakyat that gives them their position and power. Continue acting like this and I won’t be surprised, come the next election, people like Azalina will be booted out. Do not rule this country like you are managing your home or business. Remember the rakyat are watching you very closely and we know what to do when the time comes.

Another thing about Azalina is I don’t know how a person like could be a minister. I don’t see the merit at all. It seems to me like she is a weak leader with no perception and direction. I just don’t see her contribution to the country at all. Shame on her. Let’s just monitor her performance.

Truly Malaysian: It looks like you did it again Azalina. You were promoted from one portfolio to another even after in your previous ministry the car jacks and stationery cost more than the market value and now you are doing away with funds coming into the five states.

Well, I don’t blame you. I blame your boss for recruiting you and even promoting you to a bigger ministry. How ironic as it speaks volume of the present BN leadership.

Netty E Komattu: I think Azalina and BN are out of their minds to even make a statement on the tourism issue. I have to strongly agree that Azalina is thinking from her heart and not using her head before lamenting on such issues. What is our dear PM doing about this and where are the voice of the other BN ministers who wanted to see ‘change’?

Are they also suggesting that they agree with Azalina on this matter? Azalina should get the political whip for making such statement as she is digging her own grave by discouraging tourists to visit Malaysia.

Unless Azalina wants to go back to school to study geography about Malaysia and all her states, she should apologise in public and be taken off from her portfolio as a Tourism Minister. This is a clear indication that BN is not keen on the rakyat and only keen of self-interest. Maybe the next time we decide to vote in the next GE, vote for ‘complete change’ from BN to PR. At least the PR government thinks before they talk and I appreciate that as a rakyat.

Pete: I would like to ask Azalina if I can choose not to pay my taxes to the government since I am not a supporter of the present Umno goverment of Malaysia led by Abdullah? I hope Azalina can enlighten the citizens of the five states in the opposition camp if they choose not pay our taxes this year.

Like everyone else in this country run by PM Abdullah, she is talking through her nose. I am so sorry about the language but I am truly upset with this issue. Once again this useless goverment led by PM Abdullah has shown the people how idiotic the people he has chosen to be ministers are. Leaders whom I doubt possess even a PMR certificate.

The People’s Voice: As much as I would like to criticise Azalina for her actions and arrogance, it can only be said that’s how BN does things. To suppress and deprive the people of their rights. Besides, it is the only way BN cronies can continue to control and use the money.

If the funds were given to PR, they might be able to manage the money so well and put BN to shame. However, I urge all BN ministers in the federal government to continue with your discrimination. It would only make the rakyat more aware of BN’s failures. PR only stands to win as time goes by.

Selangor Resident: Well, now BN lost only five states and continues to be arrogant. At the next GE, they will lose eight states. Congratulations, Azalina! It is the arrogance of people like you who caused BN’s losses.

And please do remember it is not just the young who are watching people like you but also people in my age group between 50 - 70 all who voted for the opposition not because we love the opposition but to teach BN a lesson as it is made up of arrogant people like you.

Joseph KK Tan: Since there is more discrimination from the BN government, I strongly think that 80% of the income tax should be directed to the state governments and 20% to the federal government. This is a very fair approach for the people as well as for development.

David: Again we see how arrogant the BN ministers are. They never learn from their mistakes and keep repeating them over and over again. Dear minister, where is your direction for the national tourism industry? Tell us.We are smart enough to evaluate the correctness of your statement.

Remember this - you can fool some people most of the time, most people some of the time, but it is impossible to fool all the people all the time.

Michael Sun: Azalina’s pre-emptive strike against the PR-controlled states only shows her own immaturity as a statesman and reflects on her arrogance and ignorance. Azalina must realise that there are also BN supporters within the Pakatan Rakyat-controlled states. Most probably they are the Umno cronies with licences operating tour agencies. They would be affected when there is a slowdown in tourist arrivals. Why cut your nose to spite your face?

Her actions best personify her arrogance and abuse of ministerial power. Money in the national treasury - not Umno’s nor Azalina’s money. It is money collected from poor taxpayers like us irrespective of our political divide. PM Abdullah who claimed that he is the PM for all Malaysians, must now reprimand his minister for making this insane directive. Let’s see whether Abdullah can show us his ‘leadership’.

Transparent Malaysian: Is she just the minister of tourism for the BN states or the minister of tourism for Malaysia? Does she know the difference between serving the people of Malaysia and serving her emotional side?

With people like this in a CEO position, can Malaysia grow in tourism again? She should be discussing with each and every MB and drawing out a map of action for tourism promotion for the whole of Malaysia rather than behaving like a child.

Kew Thean Yean: Azalina’s arrogance with regard for this issue makes me absolutely livid with anger. Her defence on television when queried about this, ‘It is because we know we cannot work with them (Pakatan Rakyat)’ is unprofessional, childish and arrogant in the extreme.

It is amazing that in this current political climate our elected ministers still respond in such a childish manner - almost akin to a child refusing to work on a school project with friends because they rejected her on the playground. Azalina needs to realise that such arrogance only erodes people’s respect for her ministry and BN in the long run. For goodness’ sake Umno leaders, put a stop to this nonsense.

Choy MH: If that is Azalina’s way of punishing voters, let her tell us where she would be standing in the next election. My whole family would like to register ourselves as voters there.

It is people like her that are bringing the PM down. Meanwhile, I suggest Pak Lah be given the title Bapa Demokrasi Malaysia. We should all appreciate the fact that the transition has been peaceful.

Golateott: Allot Federal Funds to ALL the states fairly and accordingly. Azalina should not try to make us believe that the Pakatan Rakyat state governments cannot perform as good or even better than BN state governments if they manage the fund for tourism by themselves. To try to manage for them is, to say the least, suspect.

Finally, Let’s walk the talk for once. Our PM asked Malaysians, irrespective of race and religion to unite. Then why this childish tit-for-tat, call it by any other name game is still being played?

Woman in Malaysia: First of all, channeling funds to a different committee for Pakatan Rakyat (PR) states and not the state Tourism Action Councils (TAC) like other BN-held states is already discriminatory. Why is there a need to distinguish between PR states and BN states? She mentioned that the reason was because it was a ‘technical matter’. What exactly does she mean by that? Is it because she is technically the ‘Umno Minister of Tourism’?

I am also disgusted that she said ‘But if they decide to join Barisan Natsonal, it would be much better’. How would it be much better? Is she not publicly admitting that if PR were to join BN, she would channel the funds directly to them? Azalina messed up big time as the former Youth and Sports Minister. With such a vindictive minister, I fear for the future of our tourism industry.

HL Too: The behaviour of Azalina merely epitomises the philosophy of the Malaysian government ie, the people’s money belong to politicians in power. That is also the reason why the BN politicians can flagrantly use (misuse) public money as though it belongs to them. I’m sick and tired of people saying that if you do not vote Barisan, you will not get government funding. I admire the people of Kelantan who always have had sufficient moral principles not to give in to BN blackmail.

No matter how the BN government deprived the Kelantanese of development funds, they continue to insist on not voting for this very corrupt government. Azalina merely reflects the BN philosophy regarding the people’s money.

Al Tugauw: Azalina in showing the vindictiveness of the BN, is equally showing her own foolishness. Does she expect her stand, which reflects federal government policy, to endear herself and the BN to the people including those who support BN?

After all these years, the BN seems to know nothing about constitutional government, yet it expects the people to pay federal taxes. Why should people of these five states pay taxes to the federal government if they or their legitimate representatives (the state governments) are going to be discriminated against?

Does Azalina think that federal government funds only belong to the BN? If Umno (and the BN) don’t reform, then obviously it is looking for a revolution against it. Looks like the BN has not learned anything from the last election.

Disgruntled Citizen: This Azalina is a young child that is still growing up. You can know straightaway the way she talks. She does not know what she is talking about and whether what she implies will affect our country’s tourism industry or not. She is too young and inexperienced to be put into such an important ministry of our country.

She doesn’t know the meaning of foreign exchange. Tourist spending in our country is the simplest way to increase our country’s reserves. Imagine how difficult it is to export our manufactured goods to other countries to earn their money.

Karen Lee: Can I suggest this? All citizens of PR states do not pay your 2007 income tax to the LHDN. Pakatan Rakyat state governments, please open an account under Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Selangor (for Selangor),Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Perak (for Perak) and etc respectively. All citizens of PR states then pay your 2007 taxes into these accounts. After all, if we don’t pay tax to LHDN for a year, we will get a fine only.

But if everyone of us staying in the PR states pay our taxes to the states government, then the PR government can use the money as a bargaining chip against the BN federal government. Show them how cooperative the rakyat are and what the rakyat’s wishes are.

BM: Rakyat, can you all see the real colour of another one from their team? She is talking through her nose! What an unprofessional reply from a person who is supposed to be a minister. It seems we got a bunch of them over there, huh? Thank you very much, you just helped us to make our decision on who to vote for in the next election - Pakatan Rakyat!

A Malaysian Taxpayer: Lest she forget, let us remind Azalina that it is us, the Malaysian taxpayers irregardless of our political alliances, who are paying her MP allowances, etc. We are contributing to the coffers of the ministries that pays for her junkets abroad and that includes the chartered plane ride to Kathmandu to hand over the flag to the Everest climbers.

She is treating the ministry as her personal fiefdom and is spending our money any way she chooses. She should count herself lucky that she did not have to put herself to the test during GE 12 as the candidate (for reasons known only to himself) who was suppose to stand against her did not turn up at the nomination centre. Pakatan Rakyat, please have a backup candidate for GE13 so that we can sweep her away during the next tsunami. Maybe then she will not be so cocky.

Technorati Tags: barisan nasional, discriminate, pakatan rakyat, state, tourism

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Actually the PIKOM’s PC Fair are held three times in a year i.e in April, August and December. You would not want to miss it if you are looking for great bargains of computer products.

Below are the scheduled dates and venues for the first PIKOM’s PC Fair this year;

4 - 6 April 2008

• Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
• Dewan Perbandaran Taiping, Jalan Taming Sari, 34000 Taiping, Perak
• Level 5, Permata Car Park Building, Jalan Padungan, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
• Dewan Masyarakat Sandakan, Jalan Leila, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah
• Dewan Masyarakat Tawau, Jalan Bakau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah

11 - 13 April 2008

• KL Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50888 Kuala Lumpur
• Stadium Indera Mulia, Jalan Stadium Perak, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
• Berjaya Megamall, Jalan Tun Ismail, Sri Dagangan, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang
• Dewan Milenium, Bertam, 13200 Kepala Batas, Penang
• Dewan Jubli Intan Sultan Ibrahim, Jalan Arab, 84000 Muar, Johor

18 - 20 April 2008

• Penang International Sports Aren, Jalan Tun Dr Awang, 11900 Relau, Penang
• Mahkota Parade Melaka, Jalan Merdeka, 75000 Bandar Hilir, Melaka
• Sibu Trade & Exhibition Centre, Power Road, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak
• Miri Indoor Stadium, Jalan Sukan, 98000 Miri. Sarawak
• Dewan Merdeka MPM, Jalan Pinang Raja, 32040 Seri Manjung, Perak

Technorati Tags: computer, exhibition, pc fair, pikom

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The dates announced last month split the examination into two – with subjective papers held from Oct 13 to 15, and the objective papers on Nov 4 and 5. The examination was previously held in early October.

The Penilaian Menengah Rendah examination will now be held from Oct 13 to 17 this year.

Education director-general Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said the Malaysian Examinations Syndicate (MES) had taken into consideration the complaints over the split in dates. The MES set the new dates this year after getting feedback from various quarters who wanted examinations to be held nearer the end of the year to prevent truancy among students, he said.

Alimuddin said earlier that the MES was unable to hold all the PMR papers in November as the results had to be released before the end of the year. Examiners need time to mark the subjective papers while the objective papers are marked electronically.

The PMR results, he added, had to be released before the end of the year to enable students to decide which stream they wanted to opt for in Form Four, or to apply for entry into residential schools before the new school term started in early January.

The dates for the other public examinations remain the same as announced earlier – the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) from Sept 9 to 11, Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) from Oct 20 to 22, 28 and 29, and Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) from Nov 12 to Dec 6.

Technorati Tags: examination, new date, peperiksaan, PMR

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Yusni’s body was taken to the family home at No. 37, Jalan USJ 3/2, Taman Seafield Jaya, Subang Jaya, for family members, relatives and friends to pay their last respects. The funeral rites were performed at the USJ 15 mosque followed by the burial at the USJ21 Muslim cemetery.

Yusni is remembered for her comedic roles in movies in the 1980s. Among her notable achievements in her movie-acting career was winning the “Best Comedy Actress Award” at the 8th Malaysian Film Festival in 1989.

Most recently she appeared in the movie Cuci last year where she performed with Hans Isaac, Afdlin Shauki, AC Mizal and Awie. Her first movie was “Panglima Badol” in 1978. She had acted in about 20 local movies.

The Tumpat-born Yusni is survived by five children. More about her can be read at Yusni Jaafar Dalam Kenangan.

Technorati Tags: actress, film, movie, yusni

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The Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF) made its debut 27 years ago and is now the premier event for the Malaysian book industry. Since then, it has been an annual affair, looked forward to by the public and those involved in the local and international book industry year after year.

KLIBF has always attracted publishers from the USA, UK and other European and Arab countries, Australia, China, India and the ASEAN community. It has also become the market place to service librarians of Malaysian universities and colleges. Most will spend their annual budget during this 10 day event.

The KLIBF 2008 will be held as follows;

Date: 4th - 13th April 2008
Mon - Thurs: 10.00 am to 7.00 pm
Fri - Sun & Public holidays: 10.00 am to 10.00 pm
Venue: Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Entrance is free of charge.

Its aim is to exhibit the latest publications, including educational materials, published and produced locally and abroad. Besides that it will also be a meeting point for publishers, book traders and readers from around the globe.

Since the Ministry of Education places great emphasis on the learning of foreign languages such as Japanese, Korean, French, German, Arabic, Chinese and Indonesian, we foresee that there will be a growing demand for foreign rights.

Apart from the exhibition there will also be workshops and seminars for the book industry to upgrade the level of professionalism within the book industry community.

Bursting with colour, pulsating with life, Kuala Lumpur offers an incomparable Asian feast for the senses. Be welcomed by a multicultural society. Here, you will discover a delightful fusion of three main races-Malay, Chinese and Indian. With its tempting array of exotic Asian cuisine and culture, it is indeed a unique melting pot of Malaysia. This fascinating tropical, modern city is less than one hour’s drive from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

More information is available at KLIBF 2008 website.

Technorati Tags: book fair, exhibition, pwtc

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It was not the cyber-campaign that led to BN’s disastrous results as the Internet only gave an avenue for the rakyat to release some tension and to vent their frustrations. Cyberspace helped each Malaysian realise that they were not the only ones who felt distressed but there were others who were equally frustrated.

Perhaps Pak Lah needs to know that the reason for BN’s fall is the frustration of being a Malaysian. From doing business to dealing with government civil servants; there is not an occasion when corruption and graft is absent. It is so rampant. Then in the backdrop, you have overt racist remarks spoken carelessly and without thought. There are difficulties in making ends meet with the rising costs of everything.

The call for the rakyat to change their lifestyle is matched with the extravagant lifestyles of our leaders. There is arrogance and a lack of sensitivity on the part of the government. This, dear prime minister is the reason for the rakyat’s anger and if you still cannot get it then I do not know how else to get this message across.

Fifty-something: Our PM and BN miss the mark again. I’m in my 50s. I read the online alternative media, various blogs and the international news sites. I do not read the local print media or watch the local TV news. It’s not only the young who have switched to the alternative media - it’s almost everyone!

The truth is that our PM and BN refuse to acknowledge that the rakyat are no longer sheep, that the world has changed, and that the old propagandist ways don’t work in today’s world. Until they do, they’ll continue to miss the mark with the rakyat.

Peter Yew: The prime minister is missing the point. Even if BN has campaigned in cyberspace it would still lose many seats because the people are fed-up with the lies and corruption they hear. The Internet just made it easier for people to get information that mainstream media had suppressed all these years. It is to the credit of the online alternative media that they helped bring BN to its knees.

It is Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s misfortune that the Internet has come of age in Malaysia during his first term in office as PM. Mahathir would not have been able to fight it even if he had stayed on as PM instead of resigning in 2003.

Such is the power of information and truth that has now, in the hands of the people, become effective weapons to keep the nation well-governed from now on.

Ravi Chitty: It was not that the Internet or cyber-war against the government linked MSM. Rest assured that truth prevailed over lies or mere propaganda and threats. BN could have used the Internet and cyber-network to the maximum and would still have performed disastrously.

Please give credit to the rakyat who can differentiate right from wrong and truth from lies. Whilst the Internet and cyber-network did not really topple the government of the day, they certainly aided the opposition to uncover and expose the blatant lies and scandals which were the main reasons BN performed badly

Remember that it was not the cyber-campaign that turned the tide. Rather it was the lack of truth and accountability that did.

Leon Chan: I believe our dear PM is still ignorant over what had hit him and BN. Even if they had put up a strong cyber campaign, similar in line with their print media, tv and radio, the result of the election would still have been the same.

BN lost because of their arrogance and blatant unfairness - not because they did not engage in cyber campaigning. The young people are looking at both the print media and the alternative media. Mr Prime Minister, didn’t the voice of ‘change’ waken you?

Wan-Leong Jiangti: Had the consideration for the cyber-campaign been taken into account, is the PM so confident that the Malaysian citizens would have been satisfied with our recent progress?

Please acknowledge that more than just campaigns and promotions are needed to win a general election. I do not see that the strong opposition campaign influenced the citizens’ vote. The citizens just made up their minds. So please give the Malaysian citizen the credit they deserve - they have an opinion.

Henry: Abdullah Ahmad Badawi please stop giving lip services and making statements that you are the prime minister for all Malaysians. If you practice what you claim, then why is it every year so many deserving non-Bumi children have got to beg the MCA for help? You said you did not have evidence to act against corruption but isn’t the late Zakaria Deros’ palace not good enough evidence of corruption ?

It is difficult to believe what you say anymore. You say one thing today and another thing tomorrow. What you say has to be swallowed not with a pinch of salt but a handful.

Patriotic Malaysian in China: If we look at the speeches of the PM in the last two weeks, we would notice that he touched on the word ‘corruption’ and on the issue of corruption no more then two times. Why is this so? After all, this was one of the key issues the rakyat had resented for so long and this was also one of the main reasons why the BN was thrashed in the last election.

Now that the PM has included Muhd Muhd Taib in his cabinet, the people know he is not listening to the rakyat. Simple as that. Whatever his considerations, be it for balancing the power in Umno for his own survival or others, the PM’s second term is doomed to fail.

Chuacj: Pak Lah, we do not tust you anymore and the rakyat has became smarter. All these institutions, the judiciary, the police, the ACA, the mainstream press and the television stations all belong to BN.

The only thing that belong to rakyat are darkness and suffering. We do not know what is happenning especially with our money. Every goverment deal is sealed behind closed doors.

You do not even repect the Raja and Sultan. I hope we will not turn into communist country’

Dr Robin Hood: Dear Mr PM, for a start, kick out Muhammad Muhd Taib and see for yourself the positive comments you will receive. Then, make absolutely sure that Mahathir apologises to Salleh Abbas – if he refuses leave it to a royal commission to take of him without your interference.

Take on people like him. Not poor honest citizens like the Hindraf people who only demonstrated for some genuine economic, educational and business opportunities help. This way, you may stay in power and get back your two-thirds majority.

Up, Up and Away: Mr Prime Minister, I was not looking for someone to campaign in front of my eyes. I wanted a change, just like many other Malaysians who wanted changes. What matters most to everyone is his stand on certain issues affecting the rakyat.

The cyber-world is a matter of choice and however hard you campaigned in cyberspace, the election results still would not have been too far off what is was on March 8.

The above are comments made on an article Abdullah : Big Mistake To Ignore Cyber Campaign which were published in Malaysiakini on 25 March 2008.

Technorati Tags: campaign, comment, election, pak lah

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