SEOUL: North Korea’s reclusive leader Kim Jong-il unexpectedly welcomed visiting South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun on Tuesday, raising hopes for a summit aimed at ending half a century of hostility.
Kim, stiff and unsmiling in his trademark military-style brown jumpsuit, greeted Roh with a handshake in the North’s capital Pyongyang, where tens of thousands of people dressed in their finest lined the streets to cheer.
“Long life! Long life!” they chanted, waving artificial bouquets of the national flower known as Kimjongilia.
Rob, paying only the second visit to Pyongyang a South Korean leader since the peninsula’s vision some six decades ago, was originally scheduled to be greeted only by de facto head of state Kim Yong-Nam.
“This is a good sign,” a South Korean presidential official told APP in Seoul. “With Chairman Kim showing up in person to greet the president, the North side showed its sincerity toward the summit.”
In a prepared arrival statement, Roh hailed a new mood of reconciliation between the neighbors which remain technically at war from the 1950-53 Korean conflict.
“Our painful history has reminded us of the importance of peace,” Roh said. ‘Now is the time for the South and North to join hands to establish a new history of peace.”
North Korean state media said Pyongyang was “in a festive mood” and the summit with its archrival was of “weighty significance.”
The summit is aimed at “opening up a new phase for achieving peace on the Korean peninsula, prosperity common to the nation and national reunification.” The state-controlled Korean Central News Agency said.
However analysts predict the three-day summit will be heavy on symbolism but short on substance. Roh, who leaves office next year, has already said he is unlikely to focus on North Korea’s nuclear programme, fearing to spoil the atmosphere.
The summit comes amid an upbeat mood in six-nation negotiations on disarming North Korea, which tested an atomic bomb a year ago
Unlike his predecessor Kim Dae-Jung, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for paying the first visit by a South Korean leader to Pyongyang in 2000, Rob traveled by land.
In a carefully choreographed ceremony broadcast live, Roh walked across a yellow strip in the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas, stepping over the world’s last Cold War frontier.
“After I return home, many more people will do likewise. Then this line of division will finally be erased and the barrier will break down,” he said.
Tens of thousands of North Koreans waited on roads and waved as Roh’s entourage drove into Pvongyang.
Hundreds of civilians — men in dark suits and women in colourful hanbok traditional gowns-attended the formal welcoming ceremony where a military honour guard goose-stepped with fixed bayonets.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Royal Commission or motion of no confidence in Chief Justice -- Lim
SANDAKAN: Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang will move a motion of no confidence in Tan Sri Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Hakim as Chief Justice if the Prime Minister and the Cabinet fail to restore confidence in the independence and integrity of the Malaysian Judiciary and set up a royal commission of inquiry.
”I will move a substantive motion of no confidence in Tan Sri Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim as Chief Justice when Parliament reconvenes on October 22 if the Prime Minister and Cabinet evade their national duty tomorrow (today) to restore national and international confidence in the independence and integrity of Malaysian judiciary and establish a royal commission of inquiry.” Lirn said at a Press conference here yesterday.
He said the urgency of such a royal commission of inquiry has been highlighted by the current controversy and public furore over the video clip (of a lawyer in conversation with a judge over judicial appointments)‘scandal’.
Lim said the ‘scandal’ had reopened one of the most disgraceful subjects in Malaysia — the 19—year crisis of confidence in the Judiciary with the system of justice tottering from one scandal after another in the past two decades since 1988.
Public opinions are clear that Malaysia must not miss the opportunity to rectify one of the greatest national shames in five decades of nationhood — the plunge in national and international confidence the judiciary in the past 19 years from the high world esteem it had enjoyed during the first three decades of Malaysian history, especially under the first three prime ministerships of Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Abdul Razak and Tun Hussern Onn, according to him.
”The Cabinet must not abdicate from its national duty to do what is right for the country and future generations — to make Malaysians proud of the Judiciary and system of justice once again after 19 years by disbanding the three-man panel on the authenticity of the videoclip incident and its replacement by a royal commission of inquiry with wide-ranging powers to inquire into the rot in the justice system and the Judiciary,” he said.
Lim, who is also DAP Member of Parliament for Ipoh Timur, said if the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the Cabinet were not prepared to do so, at the Cabinet meeting today by establishing a royal commission of inquiry, then there is probably no other option than to explore the next logical move in Parliament
—a substantive motion of no confidence in Ahmad Fairuz as Chief Justice.
Lim pointed out this was because there were ample grounds to impeach Ahmad Fairuz for judicial misconduct and failings us Chief Justice, including:
• Failure, to honour his public undertaking when he first became Chief Justice more than four years ago to recast the Judges’ Code f Ethics 1994 to restore public confidence in judicial independence, impartiality and integrity.
• Publicly tarnishing the image of the Judiciary by failing to take action and substantiate grave charges which he made against judges for accepting bribes.
• Failure to take action against judges, including from the Federal Court, who had obstructed the course of Justice in not writing up judgments — with one case of a Federal Court judge who had a backlog of some 35 outstanding judgments since his High Court appointment.
• His call for the abolition it the common law system and its replacement by Islamic law system.
• The seven-month constitutional deadlock over the appointment of a suitable Chief Judge of Malaya after the retirement of Tan Sri Siti Normah Yaakob on January 5, 2007.
• The video clip ‘scandal’ implicating him in an expose on the perversion of the course of justice involving the fixing of judicial appointments and the fixing of court decisions and judgments.
”The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz has said that the conduct of judges cannot be debated in Parliament. He is wrong. There is nothing in the parliamentary standing orders or the Constitution preventing judicial misconducts from coming under the scrutiny and debate in Parliament except that it must be by way of a substantive motion which has to comply with a special procedure,” Lim said.
“If the Cabinet on Wednesday fails to establish a royal commission of Inquiry, I will set in motion the special procedure for the parliamentary scrutiny and debate of judicial misconduct in Parliament at the resumption of parliamentary meeting on October 22.” he added.
”I call on MPs to support a special debate in Parliament to restore national and international confidence in the Judiciary by supporting the impeachment of Tan Sri Ahmad Fairuz as Chief Justice on the floor of Parliament,” Lim said.
”I will move a substantive motion of no confidence in Tan Sri Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim as Chief Justice when Parliament reconvenes on October 22 if the Prime Minister and Cabinet evade their national duty tomorrow (today) to restore national and international confidence in the independence and integrity of Malaysian judiciary and establish a royal commission of inquiry.” Lirn said at a Press conference here yesterday.
He said the urgency of such a royal commission of inquiry has been highlighted by the current controversy and public furore over the video clip (of a lawyer in conversation with a judge over judicial appointments)‘scandal’.
Lim said the ‘scandal’ had reopened one of the most disgraceful subjects in Malaysia — the 19—year crisis of confidence in the Judiciary with the system of justice tottering from one scandal after another in the past two decades since 1988.
Public opinions are clear that Malaysia must not miss the opportunity to rectify one of the greatest national shames in five decades of nationhood — the plunge in national and international confidence the judiciary in the past 19 years from the high world esteem it had enjoyed during the first three decades of Malaysian history, especially under the first three prime ministerships of Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Abdul Razak and Tun Hussern Onn, according to him.
”The Cabinet must not abdicate from its national duty to do what is right for the country and future generations — to make Malaysians proud of the Judiciary and system of justice once again after 19 years by disbanding the three-man panel on the authenticity of the videoclip incident and its replacement by a royal commission of inquiry with wide-ranging powers to inquire into the rot in the justice system and the Judiciary,” he said.
Lim, who is also DAP Member of Parliament for Ipoh Timur, said if the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the Cabinet were not prepared to do so, at the Cabinet meeting today by establishing a royal commission of inquiry, then there is probably no other option than to explore the next logical move in Parliament
—a substantive motion of no confidence in Ahmad Fairuz as Chief Justice.
Lim pointed out this was because there were ample grounds to impeach Ahmad Fairuz for judicial misconduct and failings us Chief Justice, including:
• Failure, to honour his public undertaking when he first became Chief Justice more than four years ago to recast the Judges’ Code f Ethics 1994 to restore public confidence in judicial independence, impartiality and integrity.
• Publicly tarnishing the image of the Judiciary by failing to take action and substantiate grave charges which he made against judges for accepting bribes.
• Failure to take action against judges, including from the Federal Court, who had obstructed the course of Justice in not writing up judgments — with one case of a Federal Court judge who had a backlog of some 35 outstanding judgments since his High Court appointment.
• His call for the abolition it the common law system and its replacement by Islamic law system.
• The seven-month constitutional deadlock over the appointment of a suitable Chief Judge of Malaya after the retirement of Tan Sri Siti Normah Yaakob on January 5, 2007.
• The video clip ‘scandal’ implicating him in an expose on the perversion of the course of justice involving the fixing of judicial appointments and the fixing of court decisions and judgments.
”The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz has said that the conduct of judges cannot be debated in Parliament. He is wrong. There is nothing in the parliamentary standing orders or the Constitution preventing judicial misconducts from coming under the scrutiny and debate in Parliament except that it must be by way of a substantive motion which has to comply with a special procedure,” Lim said.
“If the Cabinet on Wednesday fails to establish a royal commission of Inquiry, I will set in motion the special procedure for the parliamentary scrutiny and debate of judicial misconduct in Parliament at the resumption of parliamentary meeting on October 22.” he added.
”I call on MPs to support a special debate in Parliament to restore national and international confidence in the Judiciary by supporting the impeachment of Tan Sri Ahmad Fairuz as Chief Justice on the floor of Parliament,” Lim said.
Tuesday 02/10/07 - Director allays fears; Amended Ordinance no threat to landowners, won't be abused: Osman
KOTA KINABLALU: The recent amendment to Section 2 (e) of the Land Acquisition Ordinance Cap 69 will not work out negatively for titled landowners and will not be abused, said the Land and Survey Department Director Datuk Osman Jamal.
He said the amendment is not a new move as it has long been implemented in Semenanjung Malaysia and also in Sarawak, and "should not be doubted, feared and is not dangerous."
"I consider this amendment was made on the basis that they (elected representatives)wanted the Ordinance to truly bring benefits for the people and the Government," he told a press conference at his office here, yesterday.
"I would like to stress here that this amendments only involves the development of public utilities such as supply of electric and water, piping and the like.
"This also includes public facilities such as roads, railway tracks, bridges and drains, but does not involve other projects as stated by various parties. These are all Government projects," he said referring to recent statements by various leaders who called for caution in enforcing the amended Ordinance.
He added that the aim of the amendment was to clarify the jurisdiction of implementing agents in land acquisition such as government department and agencies, only for the purpose of providing utilities and services, and does not include commercial, housing and industrial developments.
Osman said the question of abuse should not come about as every motion to get funding for a government project must be debated and passed by the Parliament for Federal projects or the State Assembly, where its members comprise elected representatives.
"Only after the funds have been approved either by Parliament or the State Assembly can the proposal for land acquisition be referred by the relevant government departments or agencies to the Land and Survey Department Director for processing in line with the provisions contained in the Land Acquisition Ordinance Cap 69," he said.
Osman noted that every draft of notice under Sections 4 and 5 (preliminary acquisition) or draft of declaration under Section 3 (compulsory acquisition) of the Ordinance must first be referred to the State Attorney-General or the Secretary for Natural Resources for approval whether or not it falls under the scope of public purposes.
"Landowners who are involved are free to file court cases if they find that the proposed acquisition of their land is misused for other purposes out of public purposes,"he said.
According to Osman, the phrase "Otherwise howsoever," which was the point of contention when the amendment was debated last week, has also been included in the Laws of Sarawak Land Code Chapter 81 (1958 edition).
"So far we have not heard of any accusations from landowners in Sarawak that the Government had misused the law to acquire their land for other purposes. Hence, i would like to again stress that the amendment will not pose a threat to landowners on those grounds," he said.
He also stressed that every utility and service provider under the Government, such as the Public Works Development and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd, is subject to their own specific acts, hence every development is part of a larger development plan and not done on a whim.
"Because these utilities and services have their own Acts, it means that before anything they must have a plan. For example, the PWD under the Ninth Malaysia Plan must first have a five-year plan which will be brought to the EPU (Economic Planning Unit) to discuss its suitability and if it will benefit the people or not.
"The same goes for the Land and Survey Department. Before an application is processed we want to first look at the related departments, whether they find it suitable or not.
"Hence claims that all the land will be taken one day does not make sense... we are not going to build roads and services on the whole of Sabah," he said.
Osman said that the amendment will actually bring out positive benefits to landowners, consumers and the Government.
To a question, he said that so far only two major cases involving Government land acquisition have been brought to Court, which include the case between KKIP Sdn Bhd and the residents of villages in the industrial precinct who claimed that their land was taken and sold to investors some 13 years ago.
"The case was brought to Court to scrutinise its authenticity and it was found that the land acquisition was done legally, only that the residents demanded compensation be increased," he said.
Recently, senior leaders from both Barisan Nasional (BN) ruling coalition and opposition parties voiced out their concern over potential abuse of the Ordinance, which was amended last Monday during one-day State Assembly sitting.
The bill, presented by Assistant Minister of the Chief Minister Datuk Radin Malleh, sought to amend Section 2 (e) of the Ordinance, substituting the words "or any other corporation incorporated directly by written law" with a new line, "any corporation incorporated directly by written law or by private enterprise or otherwise howsoever".
He said the amendment is not a new move as it has long been implemented in Semenanjung Malaysia and also in Sarawak, and "should not be doubted, feared and is not dangerous."
"I consider this amendment was made on the basis that they (elected representatives)wanted the Ordinance to truly bring benefits for the people and the Government," he told a press conference at his office here, yesterday.
"I would like to stress here that this amendments only involves the development of public utilities such as supply of electric and water, piping and the like.
"This also includes public facilities such as roads, railway tracks, bridges and drains, but does not involve other projects as stated by various parties. These are all Government projects," he said referring to recent statements by various leaders who called for caution in enforcing the amended Ordinance.
He added that the aim of the amendment was to clarify the jurisdiction of implementing agents in land acquisition such as government department and agencies, only for the purpose of providing utilities and services, and does not include commercial, housing and industrial developments.
Osman said the question of abuse should not come about as every motion to get funding for a government project must be debated and passed by the Parliament for Federal projects or the State Assembly, where its members comprise elected representatives.
"Only after the funds have been approved either by Parliament or the State Assembly can the proposal for land acquisition be referred by the relevant government departments or agencies to the Land and Survey Department Director for processing in line with the provisions contained in the Land Acquisition Ordinance Cap 69," he said.
Osman noted that every draft of notice under Sections 4 and 5 (preliminary acquisition) or draft of declaration under Section 3 (compulsory acquisition) of the Ordinance must first be referred to the State Attorney-General or the Secretary for Natural Resources for approval whether or not it falls under the scope of public purposes.
"Landowners who are involved are free to file court cases if they find that the proposed acquisition of their land is misused for other purposes out of public purposes,"he said.
According to Osman, the phrase "Otherwise howsoever," which was the point of contention when the amendment was debated last week, has also been included in the Laws of Sarawak Land Code Chapter 81 (1958 edition).
"So far we have not heard of any accusations from landowners in Sarawak that the Government had misused the law to acquire their land for other purposes. Hence, i would like to again stress that the amendment will not pose a threat to landowners on those grounds," he said.
He also stressed that every utility and service provider under the Government, such as the Public Works Development and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd, is subject to their own specific acts, hence every development is part of a larger development plan and not done on a whim.
"Because these utilities and services have their own Acts, it means that before anything they must have a plan. For example, the PWD under the Ninth Malaysia Plan must first have a five-year plan which will be brought to the EPU (Economic Planning Unit) to discuss its suitability and if it will benefit the people or not.
"The same goes for the Land and Survey Department. Before an application is processed we want to first look at the related departments, whether they find it suitable or not.
"Hence claims that all the land will be taken one day does not make sense... we are not going to build roads and services on the whole of Sabah," he said.
Osman said that the amendment will actually bring out positive benefits to landowners, consumers and the Government.
To a question, he said that so far only two major cases involving Government land acquisition have been brought to Court, which include the case between KKIP Sdn Bhd and the residents of villages in the industrial precinct who claimed that their land was taken and sold to investors some 13 years ago.
"The case was brought to Court to scrutinise its authenticity and it was found that the land acquisition was done legally, only that the residents demanded compensation be increased," he said.
Recently, senior leaders from both Barisan Nasional (BN) ruling coalition and opposition parties voiced out their concern over potential abuse of the Ordinance, which was amended last Monday during one-day State Assembly sitting.
The bill, presented by Assistant Minister of the Chief Minister Datuk Radin Malleh, sought to amend Section 2 (e) of the Ordinance, substituting the words "or any other corporation incorporated directly by written law" with a new line, "any corporation incorporated directly by written law or by private enterprise or otherwise howsoever".
Tuesday 02/10/07 - Online itemised billing statement for pre paid mobile users
KUALA LUMPUR: Starting yesterday, prepaid mobile phone users will be able to get their itemized billing statements online by logging on to their respective telecommunication companies’ (telco) websites.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commision (MCMC) had instructed the telcos to make the service available to their customers following a decision by Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jim Keng Yaik recently.
However, a prepaid user would not be provided with a standard billing statement like the one given to a postpaid user, an MCMC official said yesterday.
Instead, they can check their bills and usage online. But if they want their billing statements to be sent to them, there will be a nominal fee charged.” he said.
The statement of usage is now available to Maxis and Celcom prepaid users whereas DIGI prepaid customers are already enjoying the service since April 27 2004. The MCMC has set Oct 1 as the deadline for all telcos to comply with the new ruling but a check showed that Maxis has been providing the service to its prepaid customers since Sept 26.
Tuesday 02/10/07 - Woman molested while taking bath at well
Police detain local suspect who is known to victim
KOTA MARUDU: A 33-year-old man was picked up from Kampung Mampakat Darat, Batu 1 in Pitas for allegedly molesting a woman 10 years his senior.
The local suspect was detained immediately after the 43-year-old woman lodged a police report at 11.45am on September 28 , a day after the alleged incident.
District Police Chief DSP Mohd Isa Yusof said the woman claimed she was molested while taking a bath at a well in her village around 5pm Last Thursday.
“The woman claimed that the suspect, who is known to her, hugged her from behind and tried to strip her.
“She struggled and managed to escape and was chased by the suspect, who also threatened to kill her if she tells anyone of the incident,” said Mohd Isa.
The victim, whose shirt was torn in the struggle, was saved by her husband who had just arrived home.
“A police report was lodged and the suspect was arrested immediately,” said Mohd Isa, adding that the case would be investigated under Section 354 of the Penal Code for molest, which carries a maximum 10 years’ imprisonment, or with fine or whipping or with any two of such punishments.
KOTA MARUDU: A 33-year-old man was picked up from Kampung Mampakat Darat, Batu 1 in Pitas for allegedly molesting a woman 10 years his senior.
The local suspect was detained immediately after the 43-year-old woman lodged a police report at 11.45am on September 28 , a day after the alleged incident.
District Police Chief DSP Mohd Isa Yusof said the woman claimed she was molested while taking a bath at a well in her village around 5pm Last Thursday.
“The woman claimed that the suspect, who is known to her, hugged her from behind and tried to strip her.
“She struggled and managed to escape and was chased by the suspect, who also threatened to kill her if she tells anyone of the incident,” said Mohd Isa.
The victim, whose shirt was torn in the struggle, was saved by her husband who had just arrived home.
“A police report was lodged and the suspect was arrested immediately,” said Mohd Isa, adding that the case would be investigated under Section 354 of the Penal Code for molest, which carries a maximum 10 years’ imprisonment, or with fine or whipping or with any two of such punishments.
Tuesday 02/10/07 - HIGH COURT DELVES INTO TOLL PLAZA CCTV RECORDINGS
SHAH ALAM: The High Court hearing into the murder of a Mongolian woman yesterday delved into toll plaza closed- circuit television recordings, with the trial judge remarking at one point on the inaccuracy in the record of time.
Mohd Bahir Dal, 38, an assistant manager of toll highway concessionaire PLUS, told the court that there was a difference in the record if time on the movement of a jeep between the time of the recording by a CCTV camera and the time of the transaction with a touch ‘n Go card at the same toll plaza.
He said there was difference of about 15 minutes between the two actions at the Kota Damansara toll plaza which uses two differing systems.
Mohd Bahir said that on the CCTV recording, he could see a Suzuki jeep entering the Kota Damansara toll plaza at 7:14:40 on Oct 19 last year, the day the Mongolian woman, Altantuya Shaariibuu, 28, was murdered.
On Sept 24 this year, a Special Action Squad (UTK) personnel, Sgt Rosli Ibrahim, had told the court that Corporal Sirul Azhar Urnar, the second accused in the case, owned a Suzuki jeep bearing registration number CAC 1883.
Toll boothsWhen asked about the CCTV recording at the Jalan Duta toll plaza, Mohd Bahir said: “There was technical fault then (on Oct 19 2006) at the Jalan Duta toll plaza and we(PLUS) could not make any recording at that toll plaza.”
CCTV view : Jalan DutaEarlier, he had told the court that he had printed out the picture of a jeep that had passed through that toll plaza on Oct 19 last year.
He said that on June 11 and 12 this year, he had gone to the Cyber Security office with investigating officer ASP Tonny Lunggan to verify that picture.
One of the four pictures he made reference to clearly showed a jeep bearing the registration number CAC 1883.
Mohd Bahir, the 36th witness, was testifying during examination-in-chief by Deputy Public Prosecutor Tun Abdul Majid Tun Hamzah.
Besides Sirul Azhar, 36, the hearing also involves another UTL personnel, Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri, 31. Both of them are charged with murdering Altantuya at a location between lots 12843 and 16735 in the Mukim of Bukit Raja here between 10 pm on Oct 19 and 1 am on Oct 20 last year.
Abdul Razak Abdullah Baginda, 47, a political analyst, is charged with abetting them.
During cross-examination, by Azilah’s counsel Hazman Ahmad, Mohd Bahir said the position and condition of the CCTV cameras were an important factor that determined the clarity of the pictures.
“There are similarities in the three pictures, which is the image of a jeep, but I cannot conclude that they are the same vehicle,” he said.
He also said that he could not identify the driver of the jeep.
The 37th witness, Rasidi Abdul Razak, 36, a technician with Propel, said there should be synchronisation in the recording of time on the CCTV camera and any transaction using the Touch ‘n Go card as well as SmariTAG but the time could differ when there is a fault in the system.
“If there is a fault, no pictures will be recorded, all images on the display will be static, and the same goes for the time system,” he said.
Rasidi said he was asked to rectify a fault at the CCTV camera in Kota Damansara on Oct 14 last year where there was a change in the time system.
However, he said, he was unsure whether the CCTV camera at that toll plaza developed a fault on Oct 19 last year.
“The faults are caused by a lightning strike, electricity disruption or human error. These can cause a change in the time,” he said.
The 38th witness, mohamad Rasidi Ali, 34, a technician with the same company, said he was asked to repair the CCTV camera at the toll plaza on Oct 25 last year because the pictures recorded by the camera were static.
Judge Datuk Mohd Zaki Md Yasin, hearing the case which had entered its 43rd day, remarked on the inaccuracy of time recorded by the system in use at the Koita Damansara toll plaza.
He asked Mohd Bahir whether his company had not considered any way of solving the problem as the faults had occurred numerous tunes and whether the CCTV camera had been wrongly positioned at to record unclear images.
Mohd Bahir said “we have appointed someone to look into it”.
Hearing continues on Wednesdy.
Tuesday 02/10/07 Four male suspects in killing of Nurin released on police bail
PETALINGJAYA: Four suspects who were detained by police on Thursday night to assist in the Nurin Jazlin Jazimin murder probe were released on police bail on Monday.
A police spokesman said they were released at 4.56pm as police did not have strong evidence to charge them.
In fact the DNA test carried out on them did not match the foreign material found on Nurin’s body, he told reporters at the Petaling Jaya Police Headquarters, yesterday.
The four men, aged between 27 and 33, were detained during a raid at a shophouse in Section 7, Shah Alam in connection with the murder of Nurin Jazlin.
A woman who was also detained together with them had been released after her statement was recorded.
An Indonesian woman was also detained at a Ramadan Bazaar in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan at midnight on Friday to assist in the police investigation.
Nurin Jazlin, a Year Two pupil of Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Desa Setapak, was reported missing on Aug 20 after going out alone to the night market near her house.
On Sept 17, her body was found in a sports bag left at a shop in Petaling Jaya.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said he had yet to be informed about the release of the four suspects.
“I have not been informed about the release...The matter is still under investigation,” he told reporters after bunching a road safety campaign bind attending a breaking of the fast at Sri Pentas, Bandar Utama, here.
Meanwhile, a spokesman of the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) said the Indonesian woman was still being treated at the centre and the SIM card which she had swallowed had yet to be retrieved.
The spokesman said the suspect refused to take the medication given by the medical centre to retrieve the card,
A check on the 7th Floor of UMMC, where the woman was being placed, found that she was being guarded by three police personnel.
The woman, who is being placed in a room at the ward, was was being taken out in handcuffs on a wheelchair by two police personnel at 11am.
Two hours later, the woman was seen returning to her ward on the 7th Floor.
The woman was said to have swallowed a SIM card, which is believed to contain crucial information that could solve the Nurin Jazlin murder case, before police could confiscate the card while she was being taken to the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court on Saturday.
A police spokesman said they were released at 4.56pm as police did not have strong evidence to charge them.
In fact the DNA test carried out on them did not match the foreign material found on Nurin’s body, he told reporters at the Petaling Jaya Police Headquarters, yesterday.
The four men, aged between 27 and 33, were detained during a raid at a shophouse in Section 7, Shah Alam in connection with the murder of Nurin Jazlin.
A woman who was also detained together with them had been released after her statement was recorded.
An Indonesian woman was also detained at a Ramadan Bazaar in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan at midnight on Friday to assist in the police investigation.
Nurin Jazlin, a Year Two pupil of Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Desa Setapak, was reported missing on Aug 20 after going out alone to the night market near her house.
On Sept 17, her body was found in a sports bag left at a shop in Petaling Jaya.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said he had yet to be informed about the release of the four suspects.
“I have not been informed about the release...The matter is still under investigation,” he told reporters after bunching a road safety campaign bind attending a breaking of the fast at Sri Pentas, Bandar Utama, here.
Meanwhile, a spokesman of the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) said the Indonesian woman was still being treated at the centre and the SIM card which she had swallowed had yet to be retrieved.
The spokesman said the suspect refused to take the medication given by the medical centre to retrieve the card,
A check on the 7th Floor of UMMC, where the woman was being placed, found that she was being guarded by three police personnel.
The woman, who is being placed in a room at the ward, was was being taken out in handcuffs on a wheelchair by two police personnel at 11am.
Two hours later, the woman was seen returning to her ward on the 7th Floor.
The woman was said to have swallowed a SIM card, which is believed to contain crucial information that could solve the Nurin Jazlin murder case, before police could confiscate the card while she was being taken to the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court on Saturday.
Tuesday 02/10/07 -60 assemblymen urged to be real YB for rakyat
KOTA KINABALU: Stop being a ‘rubber stamp’ YB (elected representative) for the ‘power-that-be’, and be a real YB for the rakyat.
This is the message Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah deputy chairperson Christina Liew has for all the 60 State Assembly members following the outburst by the various politicians in the State, including those from the Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties over the passing of the Land Acquisition (Amendment) Enactment 2007 by the State Legislative Assembly last week, which has now become an issue.
“A responsible YB should immediately stand up and object to the passing of any amendment to the existing State laws, if he or she deemed that such a move is detrimental to the interest of the State and its people.
“There’s no point to pretend to cry over spilled milk. Being an honest and responsible YB, one should speak his or her mind against any move that is deemed to be detrimental to the public interest right on the spot and most importantly, to vote against it instead of crying over it later after the bill has been passed,” she stressed.
“Debating over the Bill is one thing but when it comes to the passing of the bill, did any of the learned YBs actually objected against the amendment is another issue altogether.” she added.
Liew thus wanted to know how many of the 60 YBs had actually voted against the passing of the amendment.
The said Bill, presented by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Radin Malleh, sought to amend Section 2, paragraph (e) in the definition of “public purpose” of the Ordinance, substituting the words “or any corporation incorporated directly by written law” with a new line, “,anv corporation incorporated directly by written law or by private enterprise or otherwise howsoever”.
This has subsequently caused many politicians in the State, including those from the Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties to voice concern over the move, especially fearing that the bill might be subjected to abuse.
Upko Vice President cum Member of Parliament for Putatan Datuk Marcus Moiigoh had even described it as ‘a very dangerous amendment’ that is ‘strangling the people, squeezing their blood’.
“If Mojigoh, Kurup or Dr Max or any BN YB that still has a little bit of conscience left, who felt strongly against the strong-arm tactic used by the ‘power-that-be’ to trample over the people’s right, we call on them to immediately quit BN and join us to fight for the people’s wellbeing and interest before the situation worsens,” she urged.
Sook Assemblyman Tan Sri Joseph Kurup when debating the Bill, stressed that the phrase “or otherwise howsoever” could have long and far-reaching implications as laws passed generally remain for many years.
He said the main concern is that the phrase may be interpreted differently in the future because the meaning of the words covers a very wide scope.
“When you add ‘or otherwise howsoever’, it means that the opportunity to acquire and develop land is open to anyone, be it the Federal Goverment, NGOs, private entities, even a group of animals,” he said.
Parti Bersatu Sabah deputy president cum Tandek Assemblyman Datuk Dr Maximus J Ongkili meanwhile said that the misinterpretation could also lead to abuse as the acquisition of the land could be done for purposes outside of those stipulated under the “public purpose” section of the Ordinance.
Radin,whcn tabling the Bill, assured that the Government will not carry out land acquisition indiscriminately for development as it understands the strain it will have on the affected residents.
He said the Government will first study the area before an acquisition is made and also study the background of those engaged to implement the projects.
“I must stress that private enterprises do not refer to individuals. The public purpose will still be preserved,” he said.
PKR national vice president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan was of opinion that the amendment was the clearly one that had not been properly thought out, as it is not about protecting the natives but protecting pro-land grabs.
This is the message Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah deputy chairperson Christina Liew has for all the 60 State Assembly members following the outburst by the various politicians in the State, including those from the Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties over the passing of the Land Acquisition (Amendment) Enactment 2007 by the State Legislative Assembly last week, which has now become an issue.
“A responsible YB should immediately stand up and object to the passing of any amendment to the existing State laws, if he or she deemed that such a move is detrimental to the interest of the State and its people.
“There’s no point to pretend to cry over spilled milk. Being an honest and responsible YB, one should speak his or her mind against any move that is deemed to be detrimental to the public interest right on the spot and most importantly, to vote against it instead of crying over it later after the bill has been passed,” she stressed.
“Debating over the Bill is one thing but when it comes to the passing of the bill, did any of the learned YBs actually objected against the amendment is another issue altogether.” she added.
Liew thus wanted to know how many of the 60 YBs had actually voted against the passing of the amendment.
The said Bill, presented by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Radin Malleh, sought to amend Section 2, paragraph (e) in the definition of “public purpose” of the Ordinance, substituting the words “or any corporation incorporated directly by written law” with a new line, “,anv corporation incorporated directly by written law or by private enterprise or otherwise howsoever”.
This has subsequently caused many politicians in the State, including those from the Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties to voice concern over the move, especially fearing that the bill might be subjected to abuse.
Upko Vice President cum Member of Parliament for Putatan Datuk Marcus Moiigoh had even described it as ‘a very dangerous amendment’ that is ‘strangling the people, squeezing their blood’.
“If Mojigoh, Kurup or Dr Max or any BN YB that still has a little bit of conscience left, who felt strongly against the strong-arm tactic used by the ‘power-that-be’ to trample over the people’s right, we call on them to immediately quit BN and join us to fight for the people’s wellbeing and interest before the situation worsens,” she urged.
Sook Assemblyman Tan Sri Joseph Kurup when debating the Bill, stressed that the phrase “or otherwise howsoever” could have long and far-reaching implications as laws passed generally remain for many years.
He said the main concern is that the phrase may be interpreted differently in the future because the meaning of the words covers a very wide scope.
“When you add ‘or otherwise howsoever’, it means that the opportunity to acquire and develop land is open to anyone, be it the Federal Goverment, NGOs, private entities, even a group of animals,” he said.
Parti Bersatu Sabah deputy president cum Tandek Assemblyman Datuk Dr Maximus J Ongkili meanwhile said that the misinterpretation could also lead to abuse as the acquisition of the land could be done for purposes outside of those stipulated under the “public purpose” section of the Ordinance.
Radin,whcn tabling the Bill, assured that the Government will not carry out land acquisition indiscriminately for development as it understands the strain it will have on the affected residents.
He said the Government will first study the area before an acquisition is made and also study the background of those engaged to implement the projects.
“I must stress that private enterprises do not refer to individuals. The public purpose will still be preserved,” he said.
PKR national vice president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan was of opinion that the amendment was the clearly one that had not been properly thought out, as it is not about protecting the natives but protecting pro-land grabs.
Tuesday 2/10/2007 - Land Acquisition (Amendment) Enactment a bad law: Kit Siang
TAWAU: Democratic Action Party (DAP) adviser Lim Kit Siang yesterday said the Land Acquisition (Amendment) Enactment 2007 passed by the State Assembly last week was a “bad law”.
He said it was totally against public interest to allow land to be acquired by any Government agency.
“The Sabah State Assembly had passed a bad law, totally against public interest by giving any Government agency the power to acquire land for public purpose,” he said.
Lim said that Sabah has a history of power abuse, lack of transparency and good governance.
“And with such a history, the Land Acquisition (Amendment) Enactment 2007 to tie up loose ends in interpretation of ‘Public Purpose’ under the Land Acquisition Ordinance (Cap.69), will be open to abuse where interest of individuals will be vulnerable.
“Most shocking, a law can be passed without proper public hearing and public consultation process,” he said.
“This is the second scandalous matter that came to my knowledge in two days since I arrived in Sabah. The first is the Bumiputera status issue of the SinoKadazandusuns that is against the Sabah’s native customs.” he said.
Kit Slang added Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Arnan and the State Cabinet should heed public objections to the law and there should be public consultation.
The bill has come under fire by various quarters since it was passed at the State Assembly on Sept 24.
Many locals have also expressed fears that if placed in the wrong hands, it could be used for abuse or benefit of the person in power of any Government agency.
He said it was totally against public interest to allow land to be acquired by any Government agency.
“The Sabah State Assembly had passed a bad law, totally against public interest by giving any Government agency the power to acquire land for public purpose,” he said.
Lim said that Sabah has a history of power abuse, lack of transparency and good governance.
“And with such a history, the Land Acquisition (Amendment) Enactment 2007 to tie up loose ends in interpretation of ‘Public Purpose’ under the Land Acquisition Ordinance (Cap.69), will be open to abuse where interest of individuals will be vulnerable.
“Most shocking, a law can be passed without proper public hearing and public consultation process,” he said.
“This is the second scandalous matter that came to my knowledge in two days since I arrived in Sabah. The first is the Bumiputera status issue of the SinoKadazandusuns that is against the Sabah’s native customs.” he said.
Kit Slang added Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Arnan and the State Cabinet should heed public objections to the law and there should be public consultation.
The bill has come under fire by various quarters since it was passed at the State Assembly on Sept 24.
Many locals have also expressed fears that if placed in the wrong hands, it could be used for abuse or benefit of the person in power of any Government agency.
Tuesday 2/10/2007 - MAS Wings launches flights to better link Sabah to world
KOTA KINABALU: MASWings, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), yesterday made its inaugural flight in Sabah from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu, which was amongst the first of 451 weekly flights to serve a network of 21 destinations in Sabah and Sarawak.
“We are delighted to take to the skies today, offering more frequencies, better schedules and connectivity and affordable fares to the communities in Sarawak and Sabah,” said MAS Chairman Datuk Dr Munir Majid.
We are also offering the full interlining services which allow customers in check in all the way to their final destinations with just one ticket. We are confident this will connect the world to the two states which are ideal destinations for business and vacation,” he said.
The new airline offers 81 domestic flights within Sabah weekly, comprising 72 Fokker 50 flights and nine Twin Otter flights. The increased flights between Sabah and Sarawak are 56(51 Fokker 50 flights and five Twin Otter flights).
Munir said MASWings will play a key role in linking up Malaysia Airlines passengers worldwide to Sarawak and Sabah.
The airlines, according to him, aggressively expanding its network in key growth markets such as South Asia, Australia and China.
MAS is also adding new routes and are in discussions with other lines to expand its hub-and-spoke network.
‘All these initiatives will draw more travelers to Kuala Lumpur and onwards to East Malaysia.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman officiated the launch ceremony at Kota Kinabalu International Airport yesterday by unveiling MASWings’ logo.
The logo, fashioned from ferns found abundantly in Sabah’s rainforests and the beak of the Hornbill, the national bird of Sarawak, reflects the unique icons of Borneo’s nature and wildlife.
After the unveiling of the logo, the Chief Minister sent off passengers on the flight and they included 15 children from the Darul Bakti Orphanage Home who were given a free flight in celebration of the auspicious event.
In Sarawak, the first flight took off from Miri to Mulu at 9.10 am. The launch event was officiated by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
MASWIngs offers 168 Fokker 50 flights and 14 Twin Otter flights weekly in Sarawak.
“We are delighted to take to the skies today, offering more frequencies, better schedules and connectivity and affordable fares to the communities in Sarawak and Sabah,” said MAS Chairman Datuk Dr Munir Majid.
We are also offering the full interlining services which allow customers in check in all the way to their final destinations with just one ticket. We are confident this will connect the world to the two states which are ideal destinations for business and vacation,” he said.
The new airline offers 81 domestic flights within Sabah weekly, comprising 72 Fokker 50 flights and nine Twin Otter flights. The increased flights between Sabah and Sarawak are 56(51 Fokker 50 flights and five Twin Otter flights).
Munir said MASWings will play a key role in linking up Malaysia Airlines passengers worldwide to Sarawak and Sabah.
The airlines, according to him, aggressively expanding its network in key growth markets such as South Asia, Australia and China.
MAS is also adding new routes and are in discussions with other lines to expand its hub-and-spoke network.
‘All these initiatives will draw more travelers to Kuala Lumpur and onwards to East Malaysia.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman officiated the launch ceremony at Kota Kinabalu International Airport yesterday by unveiling MASWings’ logo.
The logo, fashioned from ferns found abundantly in Sabah’s rainforests and the beak of the Hornbill, the national bird of Sarawak, reflects the unique icons of Borneo’s nature and wildlife.
After the unveiling of the logo, the Chief Minister sent off passengers on the flight and they included 15 children from the Darul Bakti Orphanage Home who were given a free flight in celebration of the auspicious event.
In Sarawak, the first flight took off from Miri to Mulu at 9.10 am. The launch event was officiated by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
MASWIngs offers 168 Fokker 50 flights and 14 Twin Otter flights weekly in Sarawak.
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