Rombongan 'Superbikers' berlepas ke Medan
1 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on Sunday, April 29, 2007 at 11:55 PM.
Satu lagi projek kerajaan BN. Zahid Hamidi memimpin 'raja jalan raya' ke Indonesia untuk menarik pelancong ke Malaysia!
Superbikers' Convoy Off To Medan
Superbikers Association of Malaysia (SAM) executive secretary Kenneth Ong said 50 motorcycles of 1,000 upwards as well as support equipment were also taken aboard the vessel.
"The RMN vessel, KD Mahawangsa, left Lumut at 9 pm and is expected to arrive in Medan 10 hours later," he told Bernama at the RMN base here.
The convoy also includes mechanics from Sunway Cycle and Auto Bavaria to provide technical service to motorcycles like the BMW, Honda, Aprilia, Suzuki, Ducati and Yamaha.
Ong said the convoy was aimed at attracting Indonesians to visit the country during Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
"Every biker, who is a SAM member, will be responsible for distributing pamphlets to promote Malaysia," he added.
The convoy, sponsored by the Information Ministry, is led by Deputy Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who will be riding his motorcycle, a BMW RT1200.
Labels: Islam Hadhari, Malaysia
Barah sekularisma! Penentangan mereka terhadap Islam datang dalam berbagai rupa. Ini pula berita dari Turki, selepas kehangatan tindak-tanduk pembela sekularisma di Ijok (teringat kata-kata pemimpin tinggi BN mengundi (wakil rakyat) tidak kena mengena dengan dosa dan pahala!)
April 29 - More than one million secular Turks have protested in
The crowd, carrying Turkish flags, filled
Pic - More than a million Turks rallied in
Police at the scene said that the number of demonstrators, from
"
Al Jazeera's Barnaby Phillps met many women at the rally who said they fear that their way of life, what they call a modern way of life, is under threat by the possible spread of "political Islam".
The rally came a day after Erdogan's government rejected a warning from the military over the country's disputed presidential election, calling its interference unacceptable.
No withdrawal
"It is out of the question for me to withdraw my candidacy in any way," he said.
Although Gul is the sole candidate in the election, he missed out on election in Friday's vote due to a boycott by opposition groups who object to Gul's alleged Islamist past.
The result of the vote prompted a military statement that some interpreted as a robust defence of
Gul said his decision to run for the presidency was "taken in a night" but the result of lengthy negotiations.
Court appeal
The main opposition Republican People's Party has asked the constitutional court to cancel Friday's vote, arguing that the session of parliament was inquorate.
If the court agrees, general elections set for November 4 could be brought forward.
If not, Gul could be president in a third round vote on May 9, when he needs only an absolute majority in the AKP-dominated parliament.
The prospect of Gul as president has alarmed secularists who suspect the AKP of having a secret Islamist agenda.
The ruling party argues that it is now committed to secular principles.
Sunday's protest comes after 300,000 pro-secular Turks demonstrated in
Labels: Luar Negeri, Turkey
Masyarakat Ijok juga lepaskan peluang.. Islam diwakili CikGu tajaan Islam Hadhari!
Just Call Me Cikgu, Says Parthiban
"Just call me cikgu. I prefer to be called cikgu. If they want to call me "Yang Berhormat", they can, but I prefer to be called just cikgu," he told reporters in his immediate reaction after being announced as the victor in the fiercely-fought by-election.
Parthiban, 38, a former teacher, defeated Parti Keadilan Rakyat's (PKR) Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, 61, by a 1,850-vote majority. Parthiban polled 5,884 votes against Khalid's 4,034.
Parthiban secured a higher majority compared to 1,649 by BN's Datuk K. Sivalingam in the last general election in 2004.
Parthiban, who is also Tanjung Karang MIC division secretary, said he would work to honour all promises made by BN to the people in the by-election.
Among the main issues he would strive to resolve are land titles, welfare aid and street lights.
"I will also fulfil my pledges to the constituents to the best of my ability. I will work hard for the people of Ijok," he said.
Parthiban said the BN's victory was a victory to the BN election machinery and the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
"We had expected to retain the seat with a bigger majority," he said. expressing his gratitude to every BN component party for their hardwork to ensure his victory.
Asked whether he would end his bachelorhood now that he had become a "Yang Berhormat", to the laughter of his supporters, a grinning Parthiban, said: "I've not given a thought to it yet".
Meanwhile, Khalid, a former corporate figure-turned businessman, said his defeat was not the end of his political career but instead marked the beginning of his active involvement with the opposition.
"I will not quit politics," he told reporters at his residence.
Khalid said he learnt a good lesson from the nine-day campaign period, especially on the need to strengthen the support machinery.
"I learned a lot and understood the need to prepare an effective support group for the next general election," he said.
Khalid said he would not shy away if he was offered to contest again in the next general election.
Labels: Ijok, Malaysia, Pilihanraya
Kemenangan Ijok, BN masih popular - Najib
2 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on at 12:25 AM.
Ijok Win Shows BN Still Popular Among The Masses, Says Najib
Observing that the rakyat continued to have faith in the BN, the Deputy Prime Minister said the win also illustrated their unflinching support for the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
"This is a truly significant victory as Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) had launched a very aggressive campaign... they hurled all sorts of slander against BN leaders. But we remained stoic and patient," he told reporters after the announcement of the result of the by-election at the Batang Berjuntai community hall here.
Pointing out that the BN had chalked up an increased majority in Ijok compared to the one garnered in the 2004 general election, Najib said the rakyat had opted for a responsible party, mindful that their future was inextricably linked to the BN.
The BN retained the Ijok seat when its candidate, K. Parthiban, 38, beat Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim of the PKR in the straight fight to win by a 1,850-vote majority.
The by-election was held following the death of BN assemblyman Datuk K. Sivalingam of a heart attack in Chennai, India, on April 4. In the last general election, in 2004, Sivalingam had garnered a 1,649-vote majority to beat PKR's Abdol Rahman Moharam and Mohamed Shariff Nagoorkani, an independent.
Of today's victory, Najib said: "The people have rejected the opposition by putting their trust in the BN."
On the high voter turnout of 81.88 per cent, the highest ever in the country's election history, he said: "It shows that democracy is very much alive in the hearts of the voters and they had exercised their right as enshrined in the constitution. I view this as something positive."
Najib noted that with the latest win, BN notched up its fifth consecutive by-election success, of which four with increased majority, including in the just-concluded Ijok polls.
He also denied the existence of "phantom voters" in Ijok as alleged by the opposition.
Najib hoped that the Kuala Selangor-born Pathiban would do his best to fulfil the aspirations of the Ijok electorate.
He was also asked whether the BN victory in Ijok pointed to an imminent general election.
"This is a good precursor for the next general election," he replied.
However, the deputy prime minister said the timing of the next general election would depend on many other factors.
"But we don't want to reveal (it). I'm sure the prime minister will know when to call (for the next general election)," he added.
Labels: BN, Malaysia, Najib, Pilihanraya
Worker 'dies of abuse' in
April 28 - A Malaysian newspaper reports than an Indian worker has died after being beaten and starved for eight months in one of the worst cases of migrant worker abuse in years.
R Ganesh was so badly treated that his employers eventually left him for dead in a jungle about 400km from the Malaysian capital, the New Straits Times said on Saturday.
Picture - Ganesh died in hospital a day after he was found left in the jungle, the New Straits Times said [Reuters]
Villagers who discovered Ganesh, a worker from
Doctors said he was suffering from malnutrition and dehydration as a result of starvation.
Speaking from his hospital bed on Thursday, a day before he died, Ganesh, 28, said his employers had forced him to work from 8am to midnight every day since he began work last August.
'Deprived of food'
He said: "They hit me with sticks, rubber hose and iron rod. I was also deprived of food and water. They chained my hands and legs before locking me up in a dark room in their house every night."
He was also warned not to try to escape or go to the police.
Police have arrested the employers, a middle-aged couple and their son, who run a business making chilli sauce, and are investigating the case as a murder, the paper said.
Human rights groups have urged
With Malaysians reluctant to take up menial jobs, the country is one of
Labels: Malaysia
Saya yakin kemampuan Najib - Pak Lah
0 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on Saturday, April 28, 2007 at 7:31 AM.
I've Confidence In Najib, Says Abdullah
"I've confidence in Najib as the deputy prime minister for I'm satisfied with many of the tasks he has implemented," he told reporters after launching the National Intellectual Property Day 2007 here.
The prime minister was responding to queries surrounding the opposition's personal attacks on Najib in the run-up to the Ijok state by-election in Selangor tomorrow.
Voters will cast their ballots to pick either Barisan Nasional's (BN) K. Parthiban, 38, who is Tanjung Karang MIC secretary, or Parti Keadilan Rakyat's (PKR) Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, 61, who is former Guthrie Bhd chief executive officer.
Abdullah said that Najib, in his capacity as BN deputy chairman, had on numerous occasions proven his ability to lead the BN by-election machinery.
"Although I'm the BN chairman (and it's my) responsibility to lead, he has been heading the by-election machinery all this while, proving his capability with successful outcomes," he said.
The prime minister said the opposition should not have made personal attacks against his deputy as the accusations had nothing to do with Najib.
Since campaigning started following nominations on April 19, Najib has been the target of the opposition parties which have, among others, linked him to the murder of a Mongolian woman.
Asked on Najib's statement that Abdul Khalid was contesting the seat as he was unhappy with the government over the acquisition of shares in Guthrie, Abdullah said he believed that Najib had strong basis for such statement.
"I was told that Tan Sri (Abdul) Khalid wants to take some kind of action against Datuk Seri Najib. If that's what he wants, so be it," he said.
Asked on the strategy of launching personal attacks seen in the Ijok by-election, Abdullah said it was an unfortunate situation which started when the opposition fired the first salvo.
"When one group starts to do it then the other group will respond in the same manner. The rakyat is not going to benefit at all, the rakyat wants development, they want to know what the issues are, what the chosen party and candidate can do for them. I think that's what the rakyat wants to know," he said.
Abdullah urged the voters in Ijok to turn up in large numbers tomorrow to choose an assemblyman capable of bringing development to the constituency.
"Hopefully everybody will make a beeline for the polling centres. They shouldn't allow anyone to stop them from performing their duty," he said.
He reiterated that BN had picked the right candidate to contest the Ijok seat.
"I believe that we have a good candidate this time. The man can really deliver," he added.
The seat fell vacant following the death of BN assemblyman Datuk K. Sivalingam of heart failure on April 4.
Labels: Malaysia, Pak Lah, Pilihanraya
Pelatih PLKN tidak dibenarkan bercuti ketika bapa nazak!
1 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on at 7:21 AM.
Semah Mat Ali, 52, claimed that her daughter Norliza Yusuf, 17, who is undergoing training at the camp, was allowed to visit her father, Yusuf Awang, 58, only for several hours last Saturday (April 21) when he was dying from stroke in Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital (HUSM) in Kubang Kerian and breathed his last on Monday (April 23).
This, she said, was despite the family producing a letter from the doctor to verify Yusuf's condition, which they (camp administrators) said to be incomplete.
"When her father died, Norliza was also allowed to leave the camp for only a few hours and told to return after that for several reasons, although the distance between our house and the camp is only about 30 minute's drive," she told Bernama when met in her Kampung Gong Chenggal house, here today.
She said one of the reasons given was their (camp administrators') fear that something untoward might happen to Norliza during the duration of her NS training at the camp.
Semah said Norliza, who is the fifth of six siblings, was very close to her father and was the one to bathe and feed him since she (Semah) had to go out to work in a tobacco farm in Tok Bali for income to support the family.
Norliza's sister, Norihan, 29, also regretted the treatment by the camp administrators.
"Imagine how devastated she felt being the only one in the family who was not at our father's bedside when he breathed his last," she said.
She said the NS camp administrators should exercise compassion in such a situation.
"What saddened us more was when the camp administrators turned down my appeal for my sister to be given a few days leave even when I submitted our father's death certificate," she added. sun2surf
Labels: Islam Hadhari, Malaysia, PLKN
Kerajaan Malaysia nafi tuduhan rasuah pembelian Sukhoi
0 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on Thursday, April 26, 2007 at 11:48 PM.
Apakah ini yang kini meng'hantui' mereka?
Malaysia's government dismisses graft allegation in defense contracts
KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (AP) - Malaysia's defense ministry on Thursday dismissed allegations of corruption in its purchase of Russian aircraft and French submarines, saying no hefty commissions were paid to middlemen.
In a three-page statement, the ministry said it wanted to put a stop to accusations that it misled the public about a €1 billion deal to buy three submarines in 2002 and a US$900 million contract to purchase 18 Sukhoi Su-30MK fighter aircraft the following year.
Opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim has claimed that Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is also defense minister, is corrupt and that massive commissions were paid to facilitators in the two deals.
The ministry statement comes ahead of a crucial by-election Saturday that is seen as a test of support for the ruling National Front coalition. General elections are expected late this year or in early 2008.
The National Front faces a tough challenge from the People's Justice Party, led by Anwar's wife.
Najib has denied any wrongdoing and the Ministry of Defense statement Thursday backed him up, saying all contracts were subjected to austere reviews and approved by the finance ministry.
It said accusations that it paid a 540 million ringgit (US$154 million; €129 million) commission in the submarine deal to local firm Perimekar Sdn. Bhd. were "baseless."
Perimekar has a six-year contract worth €114.96 million (US$138 million) to provide support services to French company but this doesn't constitute a commission, it said.
In the aircraft deal, it said Russian state company, Rosoboronexport, directly appointed a local company to coordinate their dealings in the country and this has nothing to do with the government.
Anwar has called for a thorough investigation into the aircraft deal, alleging that US$108 million (€84 million) in commissions were paid to IMT Defence Sdn. Bhd.
The defense ministry said it "hopes that all parties will understand the real situation and will not make any more confusing statements that could stir up negative perception" toward the ministry and the government.
Labels: Islam Hadhari, Malaysia, Rasuah
IJOK, April 26, 2007 - With just 48 hours to the by-election, Barisan Nasional candidate K. Parthiban has urged voters here to back him, reminding them that he is a local boy and well-versed with their needs.
The Barisan candidate also said he knew the people here (the Malay youth) well.
“I grew up and worked as a teacher here and am actively involved in youth movements,” he said yesterday.
Parthiban said the Malay voters have been reacting positively to him and many have pledged their support.
“I have been visiting Malay-majority areas like Kampung Bukit Badong and Jaya Setia here with Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo and was received warmly.
“The older folks treat me like a son and even hug me and give me advice when I visited them,” he said, adding that he was touched by their warm reception, especially since his parents were no longer around.
Parthiban said he understood the problems faced by the Malay community here since he too came from a poor background.
The Barisan candidate said he was also well received by the Indian and Chinese voters and was confident of a strong support from them.
“I spent yesterday visiting the Chinese voters in the villages and Ijok town and they seemed happy to see me, too.
“I give my assurance to all voters in Ijok that I will continue to visit them and listen to their problems after the by-election.
“I am here to serve the people and I will do that to the best of my ability.
“We also have an MIC service centre and Dr Mohd Khir has set up one to serve the Malay constituents,” he added.
Parthiban said as a local boy it will be easy for him to visit any area regardless of the time of day. theStarOnline
Labels: BN, Ijok, Islam Hadhari, Malaysia, Pilihanraya
Jangan undi BN sebagai protes, Mahathir kepada pengundi Ijok
0 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on at 9:34 PM.
Report: Ex-leader Mahathir calls for protest vote against government misconduct
Mahathir, who has embarked on a campaign since last year against alleged corruption and cronyism by his successor Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, said voters must not blindly support the ruling National Front coalition.
"Unless you send a signal to the government that, 'Look, if you don't behave yourself, you may not get my vote at the next election,' then the government will say, 'You see? The people are voting for us. We are doing well,'" he told independent news Web site Malaysiakini.
"If you vote (National Front) because you get a lot of money or because you get a lot of projects, you may get a rotten government," he warned.
Mahathir and his aides could not be reached for comments.
Mahathir, 81, who stepped down in late 2003 after 22 years in power, last year accused Abdullah of corruption, mismanaging the economy and compromising
The vitriolic attacks by Mahathir had shocked the nation given that he hand-picked Abdullah as his successor. Abdullah has denied the allegations.
Saturday's by-election to pick a new state legislator in Ijok in central Selangor state will give an indication of support for the National Front and Abdullah, ahead of general elections that may be held late this year or in early 2008.
The ruling coalition is being challenged by the People's Justice Party, led by the wife of opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim.
State officials have announced that 36 million ringgit (US$10 million; €7.4 million) will soon be spent to improve roads and public infrastructure in Ijok, a sleepy district comprising mostly palm oil and rubber plantations. AP
Labels: Ijok, Islam Hadhari, Mahathir, Pilihanraya
Bot mewah: PM tidak ambil tindakan terhadap Hurriyet
1 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on at 7:30 AM.
Menurut Perdana Menteri, penafian mengenai perkara itu sudah dibuat oleh syarikat pengeluar kapal layar berkenaan, Kobra Yatcllik Turizm ve Turizm Limited Company, dan disiarkan akhbar yang sama.
‘‘Adalah lebih baik sekiranya tenaga, masa dan sumber dilaburkan untuk perkara yang lebih produktif seperti pelaksanaan Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan (RMK-9) daripada memanjangkan lagi berita palsu seperti pembelian kapal layar itu,” katanya dalam jawapan bertulis bagi menjawab soalan Dr. Mohamed Hayati Othman (Pas- Pendang) di Dewan Rakyat hari ini.
Dr. Mohamed Hayati meminta Perdana Menteri menyatakan bentuk tindakan kerajaan terhadap fitnah akhbar itu yang menyatakan Abdullah menempah bot mewah di Turki.
Perdana Menteri berkata, walaupun tiada tindakan dalam kes itu, beliau tetap mendapatkan nasihat guaman dan akan mengambil tindakan yang sesuai terhadap mana-mana berita palsu yang disebarkan untuk menjatuhkan nama baiknya atau kerajaan Malaysia. UtusanOnline
Malaysia protes BBC bagi ruang udara kepada Anwar
0 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at 10:35 PM.
Malaysia protests to BBC after Anwar coverage
By Jalil Hamid and Clarence Fernandez
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) April 25 - Malaysia has complained to the BBC for giving air time to failed opposition leaders, state news agency Bernama said on Wednesday, in an apparent reference to former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim.
"It would be appropriate if the air time was given to the opposition political parties that had a place in politics in Malaysia, but why focus on people who have been rejected?" Bernama quoted Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin as saying.
"What is the objective of the BBC in doing so?" Zainuddin, a former journalist, told reporters when asked about a recent working visit to London, where he had lodged a protest with BBC World Service editors.
Bernama added: "He (Zainuddin) said the BBC move did not help to enhance relations between Britain and Malaysia and did not accord respect to the democratic decision of the Malaysian people in their rejection of the opposition political parties."
Zainuddin did not name Anwar, but an aide to the opposition figure, who is attempting a political comeback after his release from jail in 2004, said the minister was clearly targeting him.
"Of course he's referring to Anwar. Anwar is much sought after by the BBC," the aide said, adding that Anwar had recorded an interview with the BBC in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.
Labels: Islam Hadhari, Malaysia
Abdullah Gul dicadang jadi Presiden Turki
0 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at 10:35 PM.
Gul to stand for Turkish presidency
April 24 - Abdullah Gul, the Turkish foreign minister, has been chosen as the ruling party's presidential candidate for a series of parliamentray elections beginning this week.
Tayyip Erdogan, the prime minister, announced Gul's candidacy, ending speculation that he would enter the race himself.
Tayyip Erdogan [R], the Turkish prime minister, announced Gul's candidacy [AFP]
He had come under intense pressure from the country's secular establishment, which includes the army, not to run for president himself because of his religous past.
Secularists had hoped Erdogan would pick a consensus candidate to run in the election.
Parliament, where his ruling AK party has a big majority, elects the president.
Erdogan told a gathering of AK parliamentarians: "After all our research and discussions for the 11th president, our dear foreign minister Abdullah Gul has been proposed for the presidency."
Secular protests
Gul is a respected diplomat, who has overseen the launch of European Union accession talks as foreign minister.
Senior members of the AK party, which has roots in political Islam, have said they are concerned that they would lose votes in a November general election if Erdogan,
Erdogan has never said he would run but had strongly hinted at the possibility.
April 25 is the deadline for registration of candidates. Parliament will begin the first round of votes on April 27. The key vote will be held on May 9.
Elections for parliament are due in November.
The constitution says the president must remain impartial and cannot get involved in national politics, which would bar Erdogan from campaigning.
Pressure had mounted on the government in recent weeks.
Earlier this month, more than 350,000 people rallied in
Erdogan is accused of undermining secularism by, for example, trying to ease restrictions on the Muslim headscarf and promoting religious supporters in the bureaucracy.
The armed forces chief General Yasar Buyukanit and outgoing president Ahmet Necdet Sezer have warned of threats posed to the republic in comments seen as warnings to Erdogan. Agencies
Labels: Luar Negeri, Turkey
Dosa SPR berpanjangan dan memalukan - Kit Siang
2 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on Monday, April 23, 2007 at 11:09 PM.
EC's sins long and ignominious: Lim
B.Suresh Ram, the Sun
KUALA LUMPUR (April 23, 2007) - Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang says Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman is defending the indefensible when he tries to dispel the general perception that the EC is unfair, not independent and non-transparent in discharging its duties.
"The EC's record is a history of unmitigated and abysmal failure to conduct free, fair, transparent and clean elections and the 'sins' of the EC are long and ignominious," he said.
Lim asked how the EC could claim to have conducted fair and transparent elections in the past and now with the following long outstanding issues:
* Opposition parties not allowed to send polling agents to supervise the casting of postal ballots by police and security forces;
* The huge presence of 'phantom' voters;
* Inability to include all eligible voters in the electoral roll as there are at present 4.9 million eligible but unregistered voters;
* Prohibit unfair, dishonest and one-sided media coverage, whether print, radio or television during election campaigns, such as "below-the-belt" and unethical cartoons, write-ups, broadcasts and telecasts and the "fear and scare" advertisements against the Opposition;
* Prohibit money politics, not only by candidates but also by political parties;
* Prohibit abuse of government resources and funds during election campaigns;
* Short election campaigning periods that disadvantges the Opposition; and
* Abuses by the 'caretaker' government in allocating funds and giving election promises with regard to development projects and misappropriating public funds for party election campaigning, such as travelling and other misuse of public resources.
Speaking to reporters in Parliament lobby today, Lim asked whether the EC was prepared to establish its independence, professionalism and commitment to its constitutional mandate to conduct free, fair and clean elections by speaking out against all the issues. sun2surf
Labels: Pilihanraya, Rasuah, SPR
Reject Abusive Leaders, Says Rais
"Those who resort to such unbecoming behaviour ought to be ashamed of themselves as it portrays their personality.
"We do not need to resort to using course language when arguing on issues, as we've been brought up by our elders to always display good manners.
"Look at our neighbours, the Thais, who still show respect for one another even if they have differences of opinion," he added when closing a national Scouts work camp at the Jeram Toi recreational park, near here, today.
Rais was referring to the mocking and heckling that erupted into a fracas involving rival supporters before nominations for the Ijok state seat by-election last Thursday.
"Of course there are no laws to force people to be civil towards each other but some of those aspiring leaders are already showing bad manners and disrespect towards others. They should be rejected," he said.
Rais said Malaysians were not known to be disrespectful or ill-mannered, and the message for everybody to be courteous did not only come from his ministry but also from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
"We should return to the polite ways of our elders whether we are Malays, Chinese or Indians, although it may not be easy as people's attitudes change through time," he added.
Labels: Malaysia
PM: Fracas was stupid
WINDHOEK (Namibia), theStar, April 22 - It was a stupid thing to happen, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi of the fracas that occurred during nomination day for the Ijok by-election.
“Such a thing should not have happened. If you want to win the election, please do it in a way that will not create fights,” he told Malaysian reporters here.
In the incident, Barisan Nasional and Parti Keadilan Rakyat supporters hurled stones, sticks and bottles at each other, forcing police to intervene.
Abdullah, who completed his three-day official visit to Namibia yesterday, said provocation should not be used while campaigning.
“Such an approach will not guarantee victory in elections,” he said, adding that personal attacks should also have been avoided.
“I am saying this to both parties, meaning Barisan and PKR.”
Asked whether a violent trend was emerging since tussles and fights had also broken out at the Machap by-election, Abdullah said: “I hope it will not become a trend. And certainly, it is unhealthy.”
On a related matter, Abdullah jokingly said it was not necessary for him to tell people to prepare for a general election because everyone already seem to know when to start.
“Everybody seems to know after we have served three years. The moment we move into the fourth year, everybody is talking about elections,” he said.
Asked whether there were grounds for such expectation, he said people should not forget to focus on their work and ensure that projects to the people were implemented and completed.
“These are the important things. This is what the people want.”
Labels: Ijok, Malaysia, Pilihanraya
Kebajikan Melayu akan diambil pedulikan - Ahmad Zahid
0 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on Sunday, April 22, 2007 at 7:21 AM.
"Athough the Malay community had wanted a Malay candidate to be fielded in Ijok this time, it needs to realise that the BN practises a power-sharing concept," he told Bernama after campaigning in Kampung Jaya Setia here today.
He said the Malays need not worry that their welfare will be neglected as the state's leaders would ensure this will not happen.
He also took to task the opposition for engaging in personal attacks on BN leaders saying the opposition parties were resorting to that because they were bankrupt of issues.
The Ijok by-election is being held following the death of BN Assemblyman Datuk K. Sivalingam on April 4. The BN is fielding K. Parthiban while the Parti Keadilan Rakyat, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.
Polling is on April 28.
Labels: Ijok, Islam Hadhari, Malaysia, Pilihanraya
JITRA 21 April – Datuk Mohd. Johari Baharum meminta Badan Pencegah Rasuah (BPR) menyelesaikan segera kesnya yang didakwa menerima sogokan RM5 juta bagi membebaskan penjenayah yang ditahan mengikut Ordinan Darurat.
Timbalan Menteri Keselamatan Dalam Negeri itu berkata, beliau berharap badan tersebut tidak melengah-lengahkan kes berkenaan dan bertindak segera membersihkan nama beliau jika tiada pertuduhan.
Menurut beliau, meskipun kes berkenaan tidak mengganggu tugas sehariannya, namun ia telah menjejaskan kelancaran kehidupan peribadi beliau termasuk terpaksa berdepan dengan pelbagai khabar angin yang tidak elok.
“Saya bukan senang, mana-mana saya pergi pun wartawan ikut. Pukul 1 pagi pun ada orang telefon. Dalam masa sebulan ini kira azablah bagi saya.
“Siasatan sudah selesai, jadi (BPR) patut umumkanlah. Saya nak buat kerja pun senang sikit,” katanya kepada pemberita selepas merasmikan Mesyuarat Agung Tahunan Kali Ke-5 Persatuan Pegawai-pegawai Masjid Negeri Kedah Cawangan Kubang Pasu di Dewan Utama Pejabat Daerah Kubang Pasu di sini, hari ini.
Pada 4 Mac lalu, Mohd. Johari menafikan dakwaan kononnya beliau menerima sogokan itu tetapi mengaku membebaskan beberapa tahanan selepas meneliti laporan polis dan saksi bebas serta menerima pandangan Penasihat Undang-undang Kementerian Keselamatan Dalam Negeri.
Pada masa yang sama, beliau membidas pihak polis kerana tidak mengikuti prosedur dalam menyerahkan fail-fail berkaitan tahanan Ordinan Darurat dan juga kelemahan polis dalam mengemukakan bukti kes sehingga menyebabkan suspeks tidak dapat didakwa di mahkamah.
Semalam, Pemangku Ketua Pengarah BPR, Datuk Ahmad Said Hamdan berkata, BPR telah menyelesaikan siasatan awal mengenai kes itu dan menyerahkan kepada pihak pendakwaan untuk tindakan selanjutnya.
Mohd. Johari berkata, beliau telah memberikan kerjasama yang penuh dan telah menjawab semua soalan yang dikemukakan oleh BPR ketika disiasat oleh badan itu baru-baru ini.
Oleh itu katanya, badan itu sepatutnya mengumumkan hasil siasatan itu secepat mungkin bagi memudahkan beliau membuat sebarang tindakan.
Bagaimanapun Ahli Parlimen Kubang Pasu itu mengakui beliau berasa agak berdebar-debar menunggu keputusan siasatan berkenaan.
BPR serah laporan sisatan Johari ke pendakwa raya
0 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on Saturday, April 21, 2007 at 10:34 AM.
Mahu tunggu kesudahannya?
ACA submits report on Johari
PENANG, April 21 - The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) has submitted a report on its graft investigations against Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharom to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
“I have no further comments. We have completed our preliminary investigations,” ACA acting director-general Datuk Ahmad Said Hamdan told reporters after closing a ACA-media forum here yesterday.
The investigations centre on claims that Mohd Johari had allegedly received RM5.5mil for the release of criminals detained under the Emergency Ordinance.
Earlier, Ahmad Said said the ACA would set up a special committee with the mass media to streamline news reports on graft cases.
He said the committee would discuss “suitable approaches” in reporting corruption cases.
“The committee will also look into ways to educate the public via anti-corruption campaigns,” he said.
Ahmad Said said the committee was necessary as the media often faced challenges in obtaining accurate and credible information from the agency.
“This has sometimes caused friction between both parties. Probably, they are unclear about each other’s job scope.
“Through such forums and the special committee, we can promote better co-operation,” he added.
Penang ACA director Jaafar Mahad said this year the state ACA received139 tip-offs, which resulted in the arrest of 10 persons including six civil servants.
“Last year, we received 531 tip-offs which led to 27 arrests,” he said. theStarOnline
Sarawak CM to sue Malaysiakini
Malaysiakini (excerpts - see full reporti) - Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud has demanded malaysiakini to remove several articles concerning accusations of corruption allegedly linked to him and his family.
In the letter which was hand-delivered late yesterday to the malaysiakini office in
It stated that the published articles “amount to a very serious libel” against Taib and has caused him “considerable distress and embarrassment”.
“All the allegations made against our client are false and your attack against our client is wholly unjustified,” added the two-paged letter.
Malaysiakini to fight the lawsuit
Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan said the online news website intends to fight the law suit.
Labels: Malaysia, Rasuah, Taib Mahmud
'It's morally wrong but not illegal'
0 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on Thursday, April 19, 2007 at 11:28 PM.
It's morally wrong but not illegal'
PETALING JAYA (April 18, 2007): It may be morally wrong but according to Malaysian laws, Barisan Nasional ministers cannot be prohibited from using government machinery and public resources during an election campaign.
"Morally, it is wrong but technically, it is not," Malaysians for Free and Fair Elections (Mafrel) chairman Abdul Malek Hussin said in an interview today.
"This reflects a serious discrepancy in Malaysian election law because it does not clearly prohibit public resources from being utilised for campaigning," he said, comparing this to other democracies, including India, where the law provides for government officials to be prosecuted.
Former Universiti Malaya law faculty dean Datuk Dr Sothi Rachagan said the law, as it stands, cannot prevent ministers from performing their official functions during campaigning in the constituencies where elections are being held.
Sothi, who authored Law and the Electoral Process in Malaysia, noted a previous court judgment that a minister's promises did not amount to bribing voters because they fell under the broad definition of the minister's duty in office.
"People who benefit from it (this loophole) will not want to change it. No one is going to vote themselves out," he said when asked if the laws needed amendment.
Instead, Sothi suggested the long-term process of public education.
"Currently, we put too much emphasis on a minister's promises. That in itself is not a deciding factor for many voters," he said, adding that many considered social issues and not all were blinded by development promises.
Abdul Malek ruled out the possibility of empowering the Election Commission (EC) to investigate election malpractices.
"They do not have the capability to conduct investigations. It is also dangerous should the power be abused," he said.
Instead, he said the EC should be empowered to referee the access to campaign resources, which have always been readily available to incumbent parties, in a bid for fairer elections.
He also suggested that the system allow and encourage domestic election observers nationwide, and allow international observers whose presence would hopefully deter parties from malpractice attempts.
On Monday, EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman said that ministers' development promises to voters during election was not considered vote buying.
Voters in Machap benefited from development projects and promises because of its recently concluded by-election.
The Selangor government announced today a RM36 million development allocation for Ijok where a by-election will be held on April 28. sun2surf
Labels: Islam Hadhari, Malaysia, Pilihanraya
Ada pengundi Macap dirasuah - DAP
0 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 10:15 PM.
Ng Wei Aik, political secretary to DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, handed over the complaint report to EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman, substantiating it with photographs and a video-recording.
The party will also lodge a report with the Anti-Corruption Agency this week.
In a six-point statement, DAP alleged the Barisan Nasional candidate for Machap, Lai Meng Chong, and election workers had breached election laws during the campaign and polling on April 12.
The specific complaints are:
- On April 12 at 12.30am, voters had gathered at an vacant house near SJK (C) Khaik Yew, Tebong, and were given between RM50 and RM200 each. A police report was lodged the next day.
- Those who attended a karaoke session organised by the MCA were given RM20 each.
- Lobbying for votes less than 50m from the polling area. Section 26 (1) of the Election Offences Act 1954 says those wanting to lobby for votes should be 50m or more from the polling station.
Photos of BN and MCA leaders, including ministers, involved in the lobbying were handed over to EC to substantiate this complaint.
- BN allegedly spent more than RM100,000 on the by-election. Section 19 (1) of the Election Offences Act 1954 states that a candidate or his agent cannot spend more than RM100,000 for a state assembly seat.
- The fight during nomination day between a BN component party and DAP members and threats made against reporters who were on duty,
- BN candidate Lai had gone to Machap Baru on April 4 and promised a Malacca government allocation of RM6,000 to RM13,000 for five units of houses.
Abdul Rashid was not available for comments.
However, he had earlier reportedly said development promises by ministers to voters during an election could not be construed as vote-buying.
He had also said vote-buying was not the EC's problem, and that it was for the ACA to investigate.
In the Machap by-election, BN's Lai beat DAP's Liou Chen Kuang by a majority of 4,081 votes.
The Coalition for Clean and Fair Election (Bersih) today told a press conference they opposed Abdul Rashid's statement that pledges do not tantamount to vote-buying.
Its representatives, PAS Central Committee member Dr Syed Azman Syed Ahmad and Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president R. Sivarasa and DAP stalwarts Teresa Kok and Liew Chin Tong, described Abdul Rashid's statement as irresponsible.
"The chairman should re-examine his position as this shows that the EC is not transparent, and it makes fools of the people instead of fulfilling the public's demand for fair and clean elections," said Syed Azman. sun2surf
Labels: Macap, Pilihanraya, Rasuah
Anwar tak boleh berharap kejayaan besar kembali ke arena politik
0 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on at 10:14 PM.
KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 (AP) - Malaysia: Former Malaysian leader Mahathir Mohamad heaped scorn Wednesday on plans by his ex-deputy, Anwar Ibrahim, to re-enter politics, saying Anwar cannot make a major impact.
Mahathir, who fired Anwar in 1998 over accusations of homosexuality and corruption, said Anwar might still have enough public support to help his opposition People's Justice Party "win a few seats" in Malaysia's next general election.
"But making a comeback and taking over the government, that's a pipe dream," Mahathir, who retired as prime minister in 2003 after 22 years in power, told reporters.
After Mahathir fired him, Anwar was arrested, tried and convicted of corruption and sodomy, and sentenced to a total of 15 years in prison. He was released in 2004 after
Anwar has said the charges were trumped up because he had begun to challenge Mahathir's authority. Mahathir has denied any political conspiracy against Anwar.
Anwar, 59, declared earlier this month that he would run in May 26 elections for his party, even though his corruption sentence bars him from holding any political office and from running in general elections until April 2008.
Anwar's wife currently is the party's president and is expected to step aside for him to contest the post. If he succeeds, the party would have to apply to the Registrar of Societies to request that the ban on political office be waived.
General elections are not due until mid-2009, but speculation has risen that Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi might call polls by early next year.
Anwar has spent most of the past few years lecturing at universities abroad, but he recently began spending more time in Malaysia to help the opposition push for wider democratic rights. AP
Rakyat Palestin tentukan masa depan mereka - Haneyya
0 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at 10:09 PM.
From KudusYolu, April 16 - PA premier Ismael Haneyya has affirmed on Sunday that his government has two main missions namely: ending the security chaos in the Palestinian arena, and breaking the unjust economic siege on the Palestinian people.He also affirmed that the Palestinian people and its factions have done all what they believed could help weaken the siege and break it by forming the PA unity government with a political program that represents the common ground of the various political programs of the Palestinian factions.
The premier was speaking in a reception held in Gaza city on Sunday to honor Palestinian winners in the Quran memorization competition that was held in the Moroccan capital Rabat recently.
“We have done our part and agreed on a united political program; yet, the question is: what will the international community do in rescinding the 15-month-old economic blockade on the Palestinian people?”, Haneyya underlined.
On March last year, the USA and Israel along with their regional and international allies imposed crushing economic sanctions on the Palestinian people for democratically electing Hamas to govern them.
Although Haneyya acknowledged that there was some sort of change in the position of a number of EU countries regarding the embargo; yet, he noted that the changes were moving very slow.
But he warned, “If the siege persisted from few months more, the Palestinian people will definitely decide the path they will move on as they would lose confidence in the PA institutions to administer their internal affairs”.
Talking on his government’s security plan that was unanimously endorsed on Saturday, Haneyya appeared determined to end the security mess in the Palestinian arena, but he highlighted the role of the various Palestinian factions in helping his government achieve the mission.
“The Palestinian people deserve peace and order in their community because they have a noble goal; the liberation of their country, and thus, they need all what could bolster their steadfastness in the battle against the occupation”, the PA premier furthermore asserted.
Labels: Luar Negeri, Palestin
Tentera pencoroboh Ethiopia perkosa gadis Somalia
0 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on Monday, April 16, 2007 at 9:55 PM.
Published 16 April - Speaking with journalists, an 18 year old Somali girl said she was raped by Ethiopian soldiers in Mogadishu's Hamar Bille neighborhood.
Fardowsa Abdi Hashi told local stringers that she was tortured and raped by more than 10 Ethiopian soldiers.
"To my knowledge 12 Ethiopians raped me. I went unconscious," she said.
A number of women have been raped by the bloody illegal occupants. Suban Moalim Ali was raped by Ethiopian soldiers based around El-Arfid on the suburb of Mogadishu on early March.
Spokesman for Mogadishu powerful Hawiye clan, Derie Ali, condemned the incident calling it a violation against humanity.
He called on the international community about Ethiopian human rights violations against the Somali people. The Mujahideen fighters are however working on their way, and Allah Willing victory is near.
The puppet Ethiopian soldiers will face terrible damages. Invaders should be sent out at any costs. They do not have right to stay in Somalia. Shabelle
Labels: Luar Negeri, Somalia
Projek Islam Hadhari lepas satu.. satu..
'Gegar' carnival set to rock VMY 2007
KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 - Shaking up Malaysians and tourists alike, the Government is accelerating Visit Malaysia 2007 with the “Gegar” (tremor) carnival.
The Tourism Ministry and the Information Ministry have joined forces to spur “Gegar” forward, along the concept of an informative and entertaining mini carnival.
According to Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, this carnival aims to serve as the grassroots campaign for VM2007, as well as to celebrate the country’s 50 years of nationhood.
“It’s not so much of an entertainment event. It’s more of a national mission which focuses on tourism and at the same time educates the public about the country’s independence,” said Tengku Adnan when launching “Gegar” here on Saturday.
He added that the carnival would shake up major and secondary towns across the country until year’s end.
“We are expecting 50,000 to 300,000 visitors,” he said, adding that the carnival was an excellent way to also promote domestic tourism.
“This carnival also serves as a platform to promote local tourism as well as acts as a bridge for interaction and business opportunities in the tourism industry,” Tengku Adnan said.
Among the carnival highlights are tourism showcases of products and opportunities, local holiday and travel packages promotional fair, promotional campaigns by various government agencies, demonstrations of traditional games and competitions, cultural performances, lucky draws, and “Gegar” live concerts by local artistes.
Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin who was also present said: “RTM, the official broadcast media, will do its best in providing all the publicity for this carnival.”
“We are confident that the carnival will bring out the best in local tourism as well as emphasise the government’s VMY 2007 call,” he added.
The “Gegar” carnival takes place on weekends from 10am to 10pm. theStarOnline
Labels: Islam Hadhari, Malaysia
Bantuan kepada mangsa bencana dengan cepat adalah terutama - Najib
0 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on Sunday, April 15, 2007 at 9:29 AM.
Najib: Vital for aid to reach disaster victims fast
PEKAN, April 15 - Good skills in managing disaster are important in minimising the effects on people and properties, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
He said such skills included overseeing the need to have enough basic needs such as food, blankets and clothes and an efficient delivery system that would transport the necessary items to victims, intact and fast.
He also said it was equally important to ensure that the drainage system was well-maintained, otherwise floods could occur.
Those living along rivers should learn to keep them clean and not use them as dumping grounds, Najib said in his speech before presenting financial aid to 612 farmers and breeders at a convention hall here yesterday.
The recipients were hit by floods recently.
Najib, who is also Pekan MP, gave out a total of RM235,995.
Najib also said he would try to find a solution to the problems involving padi planting in Pahang Tua and Langgar.
He said Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was expected to visit the area on Wednesday to check on the planting method.
The Deputy Prime Minister also took to task the Kelantan government for failing to gazette Lojing Highlands to protect the natural resources and water catchment areas. theStarOnline
Labels: Islam Hadhari, Malaysia
Melayu dicabar berubah untuk jadi bangsa cemerlang - Najib
0 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on at 9:28 AM.
Wawasan Islam Hadhari untuk memperkasakan bangsa? Isu rasuah pun tak berkesudahan!
Najib Challenges Malays To Change Mindset To Become Great Race
"If the economic power is sturdy then, God willing, the political power will also prolong. And so, Umno's presence as the leading political administrator of the country will be beyond question," he said at the launch of the Gagasan Badan Ekonomi Melayu (GABEM) Selangor, here.
Najib said it was not that the Malays have not been successful in the economic sector but Umno wanted more Malays to become leading business figures because the Malays have yet to reach the desired pinnacle of success.
Furthermore, he said, the world was changing due to globalisation and liberalisation and the Malays could no longer be totally dependent forever on the quota system or Bumiputera privileges.
He said the Malays should be more committed and passionate in their job or business, such as Prince Al-Walid of Saudi Arabia who is one of the richest men in the world with assets estimated to be worth US$21.5 billion.
"We do not have focus, we are not dedicated, we are not passionate, may be we are passionate about other things. There are those who do not know how to become an entrepreneur or a division chief," he said.
Najib said there were among the Malays those who preferred to lobby for contracts from leaders they came across.
Unfortunately, after they get the contracts and reap the profit, they spend their money instead of investing to increase their wealth, he added.
Najib said the Umno leadership and the party's Supreme Council had set up GABEM, chaired by supreme council member Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik, as a platform to economically empower the Malays.
At the function, it was announced that GABEM would be an economic and not a political wing of Umno, but Najib said there would be collaboration among Malay political leaders, government officers, businessmen and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to uplift the socio-economic status of the Bumiputeras.
GABEM was set up to consolidate Malay political power on the basis of economic strength, and also on the awareness that there remained only 13 years more for Bumiputeras to enhance their economic standard by 2020.
Najib said that apart from enhancing wealth by re-investing part of their profit, the Malays should explore new areas in business such as satellite technology instead of venturing into only one area until it became saturated and was no longer profitable.
He cited the National Service Training Programme as an example and said many wanted to run the training camps. If too many wanted to run the camps, their returns would be dwindle because the government only recruited 100,000 national service trainees annually, he added.
He also said that many Malays were keen on the construction industry, so much so that there were now 46,000 Class F contractors, which has resulted in the highest per capita of contractors in the world.
Therefore, Najib said, Malays should be bold enough to explore new areas to garner bigger profits.
At the function, Najib asked the state government to prepare a list of Bumiputera entrepreneurs who could be empowered to progress to a higher level, saying they should be subjected to the criteria of capability, legitimacy and business acumen to generate wealth.
"We will list those with potential because we assist on the premise of not `know who' but `know how', whom we can guide to progress to a higher level," he said.
Najib also said that the Malays should have the trust factor, that is confidence and consultation like the Chinese, Japanese and Koreans who have been more successful in business in the United States compared to the other coloureds there.
"Let's not be too hasty. Let's not be jealous. When one of us makes a profit, we must feel that that person's success is the success of the Malays," he said.
Najib said he hoped that the establishment of GABEM at state level would make the Malays successful in business in Selangor, that is in the Klang Valley, and inspire the success of Malays as a whole.
Labels: Islam Hadhari, Malaysia
Taib Mahmud ugut saman akhbar atas tuduhan rasuah
1 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on Saturday, April 14, 2007 at 7:24 AM.
Sebagai rakyat dibawah pemerintahan Islam Hadhari pimpinan Pak Lah yang terus bercakap untuk memerangi rasuah, kita tunggu berita saman Taib..
Abdul Taib To Take Legal Action Over Corruption Allegation
His press secretary, Amin Sahmat, in a one-paragraph statement faxed to the media here today, said Taib had instructed his solicitors to initiate legal action to clear his name in reference to reports in the Japanese and local newspapers alleging that the chief minister was involved in corrupt practices.
Yesterday Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was quoted as saying that he was leaving it to the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) to investigate a report of RM32 million in logging kickbacks implicating Taib.
He said he had not received any report on the matter so far and no proper report had been lodged by any party for an investigation to be carried out.
Abdullah was asked to comment on a newsreport in Japan Times which claimed that Japanese shipping companies paid RM32 million to a Hong Kong agent allegedly linked to Abdul Taib.
Meanwhile, 20 Sarawak Parti Keadilan Rakyat members led by its liaison chairman, Wan Zainal Abidin Wan Senusi, lodged reports with the ACA and the police today over the allegations.
He told Bernama that the action was in response to Abdullah's comment yesterday that no report had been lodged by any party for an investigation to be carried out.
Agensi berita antarabangsa putar berita?
2 Comments Published by TasekPauh Blogspot on Thursday, April 12, 2007 at 10:26 PM.
AP's Changing Headlines Updating News or Revising Spin
by Pamela Drew, Newsvine
There is no doubt that the news business by its very nature requires that information constantly changes. The whole idea is to update reports to reflect how conditions and change over time and how new information or expert perspectives can impart another viewpoint.
That's a fact but everything that is reported doesn't need to be constantly revised. Take the AP story now on the front page of Newsvine. That had as it's headline when I first read and commented, "Red Cross Reports Situation Deteriorating in Baghdad." Okay, that should be a fairly static item and the first comment was rightly aimed at recent claims by McCain when touring the market place.
I was recently reminded that a good journalist, which apparently I am not, leads with the point of the article and fills in with fact. So the lead is the point of the story and the facts build from there. Granted my style is rambling and and opinionated byt we're talking about the Associated Press not a blogger like me.
What in tar-nation justifies a group of professionals, who are supposed to know all the rules to justify taking a headline story about the Red Cross report of conditions and changing it to this of all things. "Iran May Be Helping Iraqis Build Bombs" ? That isn't even in the same realm of relevance as a headline focus of a story. If it's about building bombs, write that from the get go, don't you think?
How did anyone in the "news" department sign off on that kind of a revision, as something other than outright spin? Mind you the link to the article that I will stick below may be changed, yet again by the time you get to it. Not only does changing the story in a situation that is static, try to make the comments seem irrelevant, what is the point of calling it news? When items like a Red Cross report that are historic facts need to be changed as the day goes on what is stable as reporting?
Never-mind the fact that when the US invaded, all the weapons stores by Saddam were left unguarded and disappeared. More than likely the "enemy" had a big hand from Uncle Sam before anyone else ever had a chance to jump in. Do these newsiness items just think the whole world has the collective memory of fruit flies or are they just so entrenched in their own ecomaginary view that they believe that rewriting fact makes it change?
Labels: Luar Negeri
