KUALA LUMPUR, 2 July 2009: Amendments to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) Act were passed despite protests by opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) today who questioned the neutrality of some commissioners and of the selection committee. The Act now no longer states that the prime minister is not bound by the recommendations of […]
Current Issues
Influenza A(H1N1): 48 new cases detected
KUALA LUMPUR, 2 July 2009: Forty eight new cases of Influenza A(H1N1), comprising 40 imported and eight locally-transmitted cases, were detected as of 8am today, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 244. Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said of the 48 new cases, 36 involved Malaysians and the other […]
Guan Eng: Kedah situation “desperate”
By Deborah LohKUALA LUMPUR, 2 July 2009: While other Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders today glossed over Kedah DAP’s pullout of the state government, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng had a different view. Lim, who is also Penang Chief Minister, said the situation in Kedah was “desperate” enough that the party’s top leadership would be meeting to decide […]
PAS Youth calls on govt to wipe out power abuse, graft
KUALA LUMPUR, 2 July 2009: PAS Youth today called on the government to make sure there is no abuse of power or corruption in the implementation of government policies to enable the economic liberalisation measures announced by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak achieve their objectives. PAS Youth information chief Suhaizan Kaiat said […]
PR unveils ministerial committees (Updated 4.30pm)
By Deborah LohUpdated 4.30pm, 2 July 2009 PKR vice-president Azmin Ali, with PAS’s Salahuddin Ayub (left), DAP’s Chong Eng, and Tony Pua (standing) KUALA LUMPUR, 2 July 2009: Pakatan Rakyat (PR) today announced its 25 parliamentary ministerial committees, each co-chaired by a Member of Parliament (MP) from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), PAS and DAP. Each committee will […]
Riot at Semenyih detention camp
KUALA LUMPUR, 2 July 2009: A small riot broke out at the Semenyih immigration camp near Kajang about 8pm last night involving 30 Bangladeshi, Indonesian and Myanmarese detainees. In the incident, the illegal immigrants broke the walls of their rooms. Kajang police district chief ACP Shakarudin Che Mood, when contacted, said swift action by Immigration […]
Oh Ei Sun is PM’s new political secretary
KUALA LUMPUR, 2 July 2009: Academician Oh Ei Sun, who is a highly-sought international speaker-trainer-motivator, consultant and entrepreneur, has been appointed political secretary to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. An official from the Prime Minister’s Office said the appointment was effective 16 June 2009. The 35-year-old Sabahan, trained in law, management and engineering, has […]
Civil servants and the art of silence
By Deborah LohINCREDULOUS. That’s how a journalist feels when a senior civil servant responds to a request for information with a flat refusal to answer. Following the commentary on the need for a Freedom of Information Act, it is timely to relate another story about failed attempts to get answers on matters of public interest from the […]
Progress in Selangor’s water negotiations
PETALING JAYA, 1 July 2009: Konsortium Abass Sdn Bhd (Abass)’s acceptance of the Selangor government’s offer to buy its water-related assets for RM946 million is a sign of progress in the state’s efforts to restructure its water services industry. “The state government would like to thank Abass for its decision which has taken the state […]
Decision in Mohan Singh case on 6 July
By Deborah LohSHAH ALAM, 1 July 2009: The High Court will decide which court has jurisdiction to hear competing claims over the body of Mohan Singh al/l Janot Singh on Monday, 6 July 2009. High Court judge Rosnaini Saub announced this today after the final round of arguments on the matter was made in court today. Both […]