Anwar to file report against IGP, AG

A police report is expected to be lodged against the police chief Musa Hassan and attorney-general A Gani Patail this morning over their alleged misconduct during Anwar Ibrahim's trials in 1998-1999.

Lawyers acting for the PKR de facto leader are expected to lodge the report.Yesterday Anwar had said that he had evidence implicating inspector-general of police Musa and AG Abdul Gani Patail in misconduct, including fabrication of evidence in the cases launched against him after his sacking from the government in 1998.He added that a fresh police report lodged against him for sodomy was a result of "interested parties to attack me in retaliation" over this evidence in his possession.

The report alleging sodomy was filed by Anwar's aide, 23-year-old Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, yesterday.Anwar claimed that the accusation against him was a "complete fabrication". PKR also said that Saiful was arrested and forced by the police to lodge such a report against Anwar.

Wan Azizah: Aide was volunteer staff

This morning party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said that Saiful was a volunteer who joined to help the party during the general election period three months ago.She added that little was known of him and that no background check was done on him as he was just a volunteer. He later become a special assistant to Anwar. Saiful is a former student leader at the Universiti Tenaga Nasional.

Wan Azizah also added that Anwar "was taking it well" with the latest happening.Anwar's lawyers are expected to hold a press conference at about 12 noon today, to be followed by one held by Anwar himself.The police have denied that Saiful was arrested and forced to fabricate evidence as claimed by PKR.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has also denied that the government was behind the new allegation against Anwar and he would let the police to investigate the matter and take necessary action.Meanwhile, Anwar's supporters have started gathering at the Quality Hotel in Shah Alam in anticipation of a police action against the politician.Many had was there overnight to monitor the situation and protect Anwar, who is at staying at a hotel to attend a two-day PKR workshop with all its elected representatives.This morning there were two police patrol vehicles outside the hotel.

Ka Ting out of presidential race

Two-term MCA president Ong Ka Ting has announced that he would not be defending his post in the upcoming party polls, paving the way for a new leadership to take over.

“After three months of deep consideration, I have decided that in the October party election, I will not defend my post,” he announced at a press statement this evening.Meanwhile, party deputy president Chan Kong Choy has also stated that he will not defend his post.With Ka Ting and Chan both bowing out, the race to helm MCA has been left wide open with vice-president Ong Tee Keat and secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan as likely front runners.

Other likely contenders include two former MCA vice-presidents - Chua Jui Meng and Dr Chua Soi Lek. Of late, the duo have sought to make a comeback and had won elections at the party's branch level.

Transition period

Explaining his move, Ka Ting said that he had initially considered resigning as MCA president following the MCA’s dismal performance in the March 8 general election. However, he decided to hold on to the post and ensure that MCA is given adequate representation in the cabinet first. “The party grassroots generally understand the current political situation and trends. They want to see a transition and strategy change in MCA in light of the current difficult challenges ahead.“This (party election) is the starting point for the transition,” added the former local goverment and housing minister. Ka Ting’s decision to quit comes as a shock to political observers even though there had been small pockets of dissenters in the party clamouring for his removal.

‘Healthy political culture’

Ka Ting’s legacy in MCA includes his “healthy political culture” campaign and a provision in the party constitution which limits members from holding party and government positions to only three terms.Having already served two terms as president, Ka Ting had the option of defending his post for a final three-year term.

At 52, Ka Ting is considered relatively young to retire from politics but he also started young in politics. He joined MCA in 1979 when he was 23.Ka Ting had previously served as a teacher before embarking on his political career as press secretary and later, political secretary to then transport minister Dr Ling Liong Sik. His rise up the ranks in the party has been rapid.He was elected MP of Pontian (later renamed Tanjung Piai) in 1990, which he held in the March 8 general election.

Following the tumultuous ‘Team A - Team B’ split from 1999-2002, Ka Ting was appointed party president in 2003 after then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad brokered a peace plan.

His presidency was legitimised in the 2005 party election when he defeated sole challenger Chua Jui Meng for the post.

Meanwhile, MCA deputy-president Chan Kong Choy is also expected to announce his retirement plans soon, starting with not defending the deputy presidency in October.

Najib: Cops took statement from Rosmah

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today denied that his wife, Rosmah Mansor, was involved in the killing of Altantuya Shaariibuu as claimed by blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin.

Najib also said Rosmah had been called in by the police to have her statement recorded following fresh allegations made by Raja Petra in his statutory declaration last Wednesday.“Yes, my wife has given her statement. Everybody will make their statement including the prime minister (Abdullah Ahmad Badawi),” he told a press conference in Parliament after a chairing a cabinet committee meeting on the illegal immigrants in Sabah.

He however did not disclose when her statement had been recorded. Najib and Rosmah have repeatedly denied involvement in the high-profile murder, describing these as nothing more than slander and a concocted story.Asked about the allegations again at today’s press conference, the deputy premier’s immediate response was: “Why are you (media) interested in garbage?”“Everything that is written and claimed is a total lie and fabricated. It’s total garbage. That’s all I want to say, it’s total garbage,” he said.

Asked to comment on the motive behind Raja Petra’s move, Najib replied: “I have no other conclusion except (to say that this) is a desperate and pathetic attempt to discredit and taint my political image.”On whether it might be politically-motivated, he said: “I can’t see any other reason.”The deputy premier welcomed the police probe and hoped that it will be concluded soon.

Raja Petra’s claims

Raja Petra has alleged that Rosmah was among three individuals who were at the scene when the Mongolian national was murdered on Oct 19, 2006.He named the two others as acting colonel Aziz Buyong, who is described as ‘a C4 expert’ and the latter’s wife, known only as Norhayati, who is also said to be Rosmah’s aide de camp.

Raja Petra further alleged that Abdullah, his son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin and a Malay ruler have been briefed on the matter and are fully aware of the allegation against Rosmah.He alleged that Abdullah has handed over a written report from military intelligence on the matter to Khairy for "safekeeping".Abdullah denied yesterday that he had received any military intelligence report over Rosmah’s alleged involvement in the murder, as claimed by Raja Petra in the legal document.Altantuya's body is alleged to have been blown up with C4 explosives at a secondary forest in Puncak Alam, Shah Alam.

Raja Petra has said he is ready to be investigated after the police launched a probe on his claims. Under Section 203 of the Penal Code, he could be charged with spreading false information and is liable, upon conviction, of being jailed up to two years or fined or both.He has already been charged with sedition over an earlier article he wrote on his Malaysia Today website, linking Najib and Rosmah to the murder. If convicted, he faces three years in jail.

Police visited Khairy too

Meanwhile, Umno Youth deputy chief and Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin said the police have also recorded a statement from him last night in the ongoing probe into Raja Petra's claims."I have told the police that I never received any military intelligence report from the prime minister or any other party," he said on the claim that he was holding the report for "safekeeping".

"I told the police that the statutory declaration, its content and allegations against me were made in bad faith," he told a press conference at the Parliament lobby this afternoon.According to him, the statement was recorded at Putrajaya last night and the process lasted about an hour. Khairy said he will discuss with his lawyer whether to take action against Raja Petra."I don't know what his motive is but this matter is based on hearsay and sources. (However,) it was turned into a statutory declaration straightaway (when it involves) such a sensitive case, there is no truth.

"Definitely when there is no truth, it tarnishes my credibility. I see this action as mala fide," said Khairy, whose name was being implicated in the high-profile murder case for the first time.Asked whether he was surprised with the claim, he answered: "Well, from the publisher of The Khairy Chronicle, I'm not surprised."When asked whether the police have also recorded a statement from his father-in-law Abdullah, Khairy said the question should be directed to the premier.Khairy Chronicle refers to a long-running series published in Raja Petra's Malaysia Today in the rise of Khairy.

Media boycott over Parliament access

More than 100 journalists are staging a boycott after the Parliament administration cut media access to the building’s lobby and barricaded the area.

In protest, journalists from all print, online and electronic media have decided to only cover the proceedings in the Dewan Rakyat and boycott all press conferences or events held outside of the chamber.The journalists were outraged and stunned by the latest ruling which has resulted in the entire lobby being cordoned off, apparently on security grounds.Security guards were stationed in the area to ensure the journalists would not enter the ‘prohibited area’, which has been fenced off with a red-tape barrier.

The barricades have restricted the journalists from moving around freely in the lobby to interview parliamentarians.The lobby is used by MPs as a meeting point and they often call impromptu press conferences in the area.This is the first time that Parliament has enforced such a ruling, and so far there has not been any official explanation for the unprecedented move.

Expect fewer reports from journalistsThis ruling came in the wake of another controversial decision setting a limit on the number of journalists covering Parliament.Last Friday, the Parliament administration issued a notice to all media organisations informing them that they could only send no more than five journalists to cover the ongoing session. [See full letter]The letter explained that the decision was due to concern over security.This has upset a number big media companies which have deployed up to a dozen of reporters each, including editors, in Parliament.

After the March 8 election where the ruling BN suffered its worst electoral outing, an average of 100 journalists have been covering the daily parliamentary proceedings. This was in light of a dramatic increase in opposition MPs as well as the unusual presence of almost all ministers or deputies in the House.

English-language daily Star assistant news editor Lee Yuk Peng slammed the ruling, saying that the journalists should be able to move freely in Parliament to perform their duties.“We should be the last group to be linked with security concerns,” said Lee, who started covering the parliament beat in 1997.“(The impact is) there will be fewer stories. It takes two hands to clap - many ministers can’t wait to talk to the journalists or give them stories,” she added.

Chinese daily Nanyang Siang Pau journalist Kam Choy Wan pointed out that newspapers have sent more reporters to cover Parliament to ensure the debate in the House is given due prominence.“This ruling definitely affected our job as it is our duty as journalists to approach government leaders in order to get their comments on current issues or government policies.
“The Parliament administrators are going after the wrong target (if the concern is over security),” she added.Even MPs not happy with the banMeanwhile, the matter was also brought up by opposition MPs in the House who protested the ruling and argued that this was tantamount to a clampdown on press freedom.

"There is no justification whatsoever for restricting reporters to a small corner as if they pose a grave danger to security and a threat to the safety of parliamentarians," said Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan) in the House.

"No MP has ever suffered personal injury or threats from reporters accredited to cover the Parliament," he said.

"By imposing such restrictions merely for the personal comfort and conveniences of certain individuals would contravene the basic spirit of democracy and respect the sanctity of Parliament where reporters can carry out their duties to communicate debate on policy in an accurate and professional manner," he added.Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) also joined his son in calling for the ban to be withdrawn.“The journalists have been treated as wild and dangerous animals that so much so they have to be caged,” said the veteran politician, adding that the ruling will become a laughing stock in the eyes of the world.

Deputy speaker Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who was presiding over the parliamentary sitting this morning, said the decision had been made by the speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia and another deputy speaker Ronald Kiandee collectively. He added that based on his visits to parliaments abroad such as in the United Kingdom and Australia, he had never seen a parliament so “chaotic” and “swarmed with reporters” as the one in Malaysia.

BN MPs 'tear down' barricades

However, the decision did not go down well with even government parliamentarians.At about 2.15pm, several backbenchers led by Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) took direct action in physically removing the barricadesThe journalists however decided to continue the boycott since there was no official revocation of the ruling from the Parliament administration.When the matter was brought up again by Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah) during the afternoon debate, speaker Pandikar Amin stood his ground and ticked off the opposition MPs for raising the issue.“Since when Bagan (Guan Eng) and Batu Gajah (Fong) are interested to become the editors?” he asked. “How do we know whether those showing the press tag are indeed journalists?”

According to the speaker, he is awaiting a response from media organisations over his ‘enquiry’ on whether it was appropriate to enforce the ‘five journalists only’ rule.Pandikar Amin said he will make a final decision after receiving feedback from the media.However, according to a copy of the notice sent to media organisations last week, it was clearly stated that the Parliament “has decided” that each paper could only send five journalists.Apart from journalists, aides and press secretaries to MPs have also been subjected to stringent security rule - they are no longer allowed to distribute their bosses’ press statements in the media room, where journalists use to file their reports.

Only MPs will be allowed to do so, according to Guan Eng’s aide Lim Swee Kuan who was asked to leave the media room by security personnel around noon today.PM, DPM, opposition functions affectedThe protest by the journalists has affected scheduled press conferences called by the Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and Pakatan Rakyat MPs from Kuala Lumpur.Abdullah was slated to chair a cabinet committee meeting on the competitiveness of palm oil in Parliament while Najib will chair two meetings - one of which is the Umno management committee meeting.Whereas the Pakatan MPs from Kuala Lumpur had planned to call a press conference on the Draft KL City Plan.

However, all the press conferences were boycotted by journalists. Only state-owned news agency Bernama sent its representatives to cover the events.On hearing the ban, the Pakatan MPs went to the media centre for their press conference but were told by journalists they would not be reporting anything apart from the debates in the House’s chamber.A scheduled launching of the official government’s weblog by Information Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek, initially slated for tomorrow at Parliament, has been postponed to another date as a result of the boycott.Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz, when asked, refused to comment.“

I am only the intermediary between the executives and the legislature. I’m not involved in this,” said the normally outspoken minister who oversees parliamentary affairs.

NUJ: Ruling puzzling

Meanwhile the National Union of Journalists called for media restriction to be lifted and freedom of movement of journalists on Parliament beat restored.NUJ Norila Mohd Daud said the union viewed the restriction as a move that would be counterproductive, and leading to the media not being able to give full coverage of the Parliament."

The action is unprecedented and appears to be an affront which will hinder journalists and media practitioners from carrying out their journalistic duties," she said in a statement today.Norila said the ruling appeared puzzling and irrational as "Parliament is the symbol of democracy".

Shahrir's motion: 129 yes, 78 no

The government today won a crucial vote in Parliament supporting its fuel price hike, which the opposition had hoped to turn it into a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahrir Abdul Samad kicked off the debate by tabling the motion this morning seeking support for, among others, the slashing of oil subsidies.
Coming on the heels of the 40 percent oil hike announced on June 4, the motion was hotly debated by members of parliament on both sides of the House before it went for a vote.

There are no surprises when it was put to vote at 7.10pm after six hours of debate - no BN parliamentarians voted against the government.The final result: 129 in favour, 78 against. The motion was passed.

BN has a total of 140 members - including two Dewan Rakyat deputy speakers - in the House, of which eleven were absent today from voting while the Pakatan Rakyat has a total of 82 MPs.Among the BN absentees were the two MPs from Sabah Progressive Party (Sapp), a coalition member that dropped a bombshell last week when it called for the no-confidence vote. They were absent from Parliament after saying they had received threats.

Met at the lobby later, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz said that the success of the motion indicated that BN backbenchers remained united."The opposition wanted to turn this into a motion of no-confidence against the prime minister but BN stayed united. There is no question of BN MPs wanting to jump to the other side," he told reporters.

The 11 BN absenteesPKR vice president and Gombak MP Azmin Ali however claimed that it was a "major success" for the opposition alliance."(BN) ‘lost' 11 votes. I know because some of them contacted me and said they will not be physically present as they don't want to be part of the motion," claimed Azmin.Of the 11 BN MPs who were not present, three were Sabahan MPs - Chua Soon Bui (Sapp-Tawau) and Eric Enchin Majimbun (Sapp-Sepanggar), as well as Raime Unggi (Umno-Tenom).Two Sarawakian MPs - James Dawos Mamit (PBB-Mambong) and Tiong Thai King (Supp-Lanang) were also absent.The remaining were ministers Zulhasnan Rafique (Umno-Setiawangsa), Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (Umno-Bagan Datoh) and Dr Rais Yatim (Umno-Jelebu), ex-ministers Rafidah Aziz (Umno-Kuala Kangsar) and Radzi Sheikh Ahmad (Umno-Kangar), and ex-deputy minister Tengku Azlan Abu Bakar (Umno-Jerantut),On the Pakatan's front, those who could not make it in time for the voting were Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR-Lembah Pantai), Gobind Singh Deo (DAP-Puchong) and Chow Kon Yeow (DAP-Tanjong). The fourth Pakatan MP who was not present could not be ascertained immediately.

Shahrir moved the motion

Earlier in the day, the government's motion moved by Shahrir was the first order of business on the first day of the second parliamentary sitting after a three-week break.

The motion stated that the price increases were part of "a global phenomenon outside the control of the government" and cannot be delayed due to the continuously rising prices globally of oil.The restructuring of oil and gas subsidies was aimed at lessening their impact on the national economy, relieving the burden on the government's financial position, and allocating subsidies more fairly to those in need, said Shahrir.

"For example, pumped petrol and diesel subsidies are expected to increase from RM8.8 billion in 2007 to RM27 billion in 2008. This is a heavy burden that the government can no longer bear," said Shahrir in his speech.He also noted that while Petronas' contributions to the government was 35 percent of the government's budget for 2007, its subsidies to the energy and non-energy sectors came up to RM15.6 billion.Despite the increasing challenges at the global environment, the government has resolved to take steps to increase economic growth and "advance the national development agenda", he added.

Reject demonstrations, protests

Despite knowing the move to increase oil and diesel prices will be an unpopular move, the government has acted responsibly by not passing that responsibility to future generations, he added.Shahrir then reiterated some of the steps taken by the government to alleviate the problems arising from dearer oil and diesel prices - cash rebates for those with low-capacity cars and motorcycles, the maintenance of diesel prices for public transport operators with ‘fleetcards' as well as electricity tariffs for households consuming less than RM43.60 worth of electricity per month.

Shahrir also said that while businesses should not worsen the situation by arbitrarily raising the prices of their goods or services to the detriment of the people, the people should reject demonstrations and public protests over the crisis of inflation."Demonstrations and protests will not benefit anybody, but will only erode confidence if economic activities and foreign investments are hindered as a result of the ensuing instability."Aware of the need to prepare in the event of a future economic recession, the government was also taking steps towards prudent spending and "calls on all quarters and the public at large to take the same steps", said Shahrir.

Giving APs to everyone

Supporting the motion, Razali Ibrahim (BN-Muar) commended the government for re-structuring its subsidies to ensure it efficiently and effectively reached the poor and others who qualified as opposed to high-income earners and foreigners.He however suggested some changes in policies, such as in the issuance of Approved Permits (APs) as to benefit the people in general instead of private individuals.He proposed that the APs are issued to governmental agencies as the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB), the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and governmental investment firm Permodalan Nasional Bhd to be redistributed equally.Opposing the motion, Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan) said the government had resulted in Malaysia gaining the dubious reputation of having increased fuel prices by more than any other government.Lim also questioned the government's seriousness in cutting costs when national petroleum firm Petronas continued to give as much as RM10 billion in subsidies to independent power producers (IPP)."The government has guaranteed billions of ringgit in profit to IPPs while the people continue to suffer," said Lim.He also said Petronas' profits of more than RM80 billion was more than enough to channel as much as RM6,000 for every household in Malaysia to ease their burdens as a result of the price hike.

Khairy riles up Pakatan MPs

In his speech debating the motion, Khairy Jamaluddin (BN-Rembau) took the opportunity not only to shoot down the points raised by Pakatan Rakyat MPs but to take jabs at component party PKR's de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak) had earlier cited the allegation that the government had used Petronas' profits to save Bumiputera Bank.Petronas had also been made to bail out shipping company Konsortium Perkapalan Bhd (KPB), in which former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's son Mirzan had a majority stake, Azmin claimed.

Khairy, however, turned the tables on PKR by noting that Anwar was the finance minister during the KPB bailout."Don't you know he was also part of the government back then? Of course, he knew where the money went," said Khairy."When he got sacked, (only) now he's speaking up. What a hypocrite!" added Khairy, resulting in several minutes of pandemonium in the House.

Describing Pakatan MPs' proposals in relation to Petronas as "simplistic and childish", he did not let up but upped the ante in levelling his attacks on Anwar.Accusing him of being a "puppet" for the International Monetary Fund (IMF), he concluded by saying that Pakatan should ask the latter for help."(Perhaps) they should ask for International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s help as they are "international loan shark and Anwar is a puppet for them," said Khairy,It led to several minutes of pandemonium as Pakatan MPs stood up in protest and loudly, but vainly, demanded a retraction.

PKR MPs cycle to Parliament as mark of protest

KUALA LUMPUR: Four Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) MPs - Tian Chua (Batu), Hee Loy Sian (PJ Selatan), N. Gobalakrishnan (Padang Serai) and Zulkifli Nordin (Kulim Bandar Baru) - cycled to Parliament Monday as a mark of protest against the recent fuel hike.

Tian Chua said move was also to "appeal to the Cabinet Ministers to understand the difficulty in using bicycles or public transport" in the country. "Changing of lifestyles is not as easy as what the Government claims," he told reporters.

He said that he and the three others had taken about 20 minutes to cycle from Bank Negara to the Dewan Rakyat.

"It's a difficult task because the road transport system here is not designed for bicycle use and cyclists will face problems cruising around town," he said.

Asked if they would cycle to Parliament again, he said the MPs would discuss it further.

"Today, because of the debate on petrol price hike, we rode our bicycles here to make a point," he said.

Shahrir's motion on price hikes tabled

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahrir Abdul Samad has tabled a motion in Parliament seeking support for the government's measures over food, oil and commodities price increases, including the reduction of oil subsidies.

Coming on the heels of the 40 percent oil hike announced on June 4, the motion is expected to be hotly debated by members of parliament on both sides of the House.DAP leader Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur), in a statement on Friday said Shahrir's motion can be turned into a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi if there are enough numbers in Parliament to defeat it.However, the two Sabah Progressive Party MPs are missing from the Parliament today in the wake of their party's move for a motion of no-confidence against the prime minister.The government's motion moved by Shahrir is the first order of business on the first day of the second parliamentary sitting after a three-week break.

The motion stated that the price increases were part of "a global phenomenon outside the control of the government" and cannot be delayed due to the continuously rising prices globally of oil.The restructuring of oil and gas subsidies is aimed at lessening their impact on the national economy, relieving the burden on the government's financial position, and allocating subsidies more fairly to those in need, said Shahrir.Despite the increasing challenges at the global environment, the government has resolved to take steps to increase economic growth and "advance the national development agenda", he added.All Malaysians, therefore, are called upon to "to be more resilient and united in together facing the global challenges and foster peace, stability and harmony".

New date, venue for huge anti-price hike rally

Organisers have made changes to the date and venue of the planned mammoth anti-fuel price hike rally which was planned to be held in Kuala Lumpur on July 5.

The rally will instead now take place the following day, July 6, a Sunday, at the Jalan Timur field in Petaling Jaya. This is the second change in date for the rally. It was first planned to have been held on July 12.

Making the announcement today at the PAS headquarters, Dr Hatta Ramly of the Anti-fuel Price Hike Protest Coalition (Protes) said the changes were to encourage more people to participate.

It would also not disrupt businesses at KLCC, a well-known shopping and commercial area at the heart of Kuala Lumpur, added the PAS Kuala Krai MP.

"There is a wide vacant field at Jalan Timur and it would be apt for the rally to be held there so that traffic congestion can be avoided as well to provide sufficient security for the participants.

"It is also a strategic and convenient location for those using the federal highway and it is also close to an LRT station," said Hatta (right).

Hatta said that he anticipates rally participants to start congregating at 10 am for various activities that the organisers have planned including talks by leaders from Pakatan Rakyat.

He also said that Protes will not be applying for a police permit claiming that they do not need to do so as ‘the gathering is a peaceful one’.

The police, nevertheless, have been informed of Protes’ plans and he expressed hope that police would provide help in controlling the traffic situation.

"We will also have our own people on stand by to help ease the anticipated traffic situation on that day," said Hatta.

Youth urged to join

PKR Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin, who was present at the press conference, asked young members of the public to join in the rally.

He said that it was important for them to join as the issue of the fuel price hike was a matter that affected everyone and that included the youth.

Protes has in the past organised numerous rallies to protest against the government’s decision to increase the price of fuel.

Past gatherings, however, would be considered small when compared to the one planned for July 6.

Last week, Protest organised a peaceful anti-fuel price hike rally at Kampung Baru which saw some 2,000 people participating (left). The march ended without any untoward incident.

That rally and several to be held before and on July 6 are to protest the recent whopping 41 percent hike in fuel prices by the government resulting in pump prices hitting RM2.70 per litre from RM1.92 previously.

"Battle of the Bands" - the KL Bar Young Lawyers Committee's Charity Nite 2008

Yes folks, it is that time of the year again. Once more, the KL Bar Young Lawyers Committee (YLC) is proud to showcase its annual Charity Nite. This year will be different from the previous years. Whilst, there may be no KL Bar Idol finals this year, but in its place, the YLC has lined up an exciting and rocking battle royale for you.

I am now happy to announce the KL Bar YLC’s Battle of the Bands 2008!This year, on Friday, June 27 2008 at SaVanh Too, Plaza Mont Kiara, we will have the good fortune of being entertained by 5 very promising bands. Yes, amongst us we have our own talented rockers and bluesmen. Lawyers and friends of all walks of life and practice will come together to raise money for charity. Before I introduce the bands, let me say a few things about the charity that we have adopted this year.

The Home that we have adopted this year is the Persatuan Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Klang Selangor. It has been the YLC’s tradition to adopt homes that aid children and/or the disabled. Pusat Penjagaan Kanak-kanak Cacat Klang, Selangor (the “Home”) is a tax-exempt shelter for children who are physically handicapped, mentally retarded, deaf, dumb, autistic and/or suffering from Down’s syndrome.

To attend to the daily needs of these special needs children, the Home provides specialized medical treatment and also sends these children to special schools. These children are also taught skills to enable them to be more independent and interactive as they head towards becoming adults. The Home currently shelters 68 children with the youngest being a 2 year old boy who unfortunately suffers from Down’s syndrome and from bone cancer. Monthly administration and operation costs of the Home run up to a substantial amount of approximately RM31,950.00.The KL YLC hopes to raise as much cash as possible for the Home.

Now, as promised, announcing the Bands.The motley 5 that came forward this year in the name of charity are:

1. Joe Latex and the Rubbertappers – a seasoned band featuring Izral Khairy, Tze, and Fahri Azzat;

2. Malayan Borneo Grasscutter Ninja Union Quartet – a mass hysteria band featuring Fareez Jinnah and his Ninjas, whoever they may be;

3. Taiko Tai and the Ringtones – a pop - rock band helmed by Lai Chee Hoe and includes Darren Teo and Tan Cheong Leong

4. Will Sing for Petrol – a fiery band led by Mohd Ashraf Abdul Jabar and comprising of Kelvin Ng and Ong Yu Jien, lawyers from Raja Daryll & Loh; and finally

5. Its OK to Adjourn – a rhythmic band featuring Mark Ho, Isa Aziz and the evergreen Dennis Appaduray

The winner, of course, will be determined, by the highest amount of donations collected and will be crowned at about 10.45 pmIn addition to the 5 bands, the crowd will be entertained to an opening act and a closing act by the 2 KL Bar Idol finalists last year!All members and their friends are encouraged to attend this year’s Charity Nite.

Details of the event are as follows:Price: RM30 nett (inclusive of food (including vegetarian options) and 2 alcoholic or non- alcoholic drinks)Time: Doors open from 7 pm onwards until lateTickets can be purchased from the KLBC Secretariat (ask for Rajan - 603-2693 3585 or email http://klbar.blogspot.com

Alternatively, you can make a personal donation to the Home itself. Please make your cheques payable to ‘Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee’ with the name of the Home on the reverse side of the cheque. If the previous editions are anything to by, this will truly be a night to be remember. Not wanting to be outdone by each other, the bands, I am told, are furiously practicing and have promised to ensure that it will be an explosive occasion. So, in the words of David Gilmour, “no more turning away”, come support the best of us in action. Make it a night to remember, all in the name of charity!Meanwhile, the Battle Rages On…

H.R. Dipendra

Chair

Young Lawyers Committee

KL Bar Paintball Battle

“Shoot the lawyers!!!”, was the battle cry. And boy, did we get shot. The Social and Arts Committee of the KL Bar Committee organised a paintball game at Tanamera, Sg Buloh on 14 June 2008 (Saturday). Everyone met at the Sg Buloh Jejantas Restaurant which was designated as the common meeting point around 9am before making the convoy to Tanamera.Upon arrival, everyone registered themselves to get their paintball gear which included a marker with 500 pellets, and a mask. A protective vest is optional for an extra RM10.00. For those who want a full camouflage outfit, they can rent it for RM5.00.

Now that this place give a good bargain or what?Roll call started at around 10am. We joined the other players and were divided into 2 teams. The first scenario that we entered was the Vietcong Field. This scenario involved a hill and each team was stationed at the top and bottom of the hill. We played an elimination round where the objective of the game was to eliminate all the players in the opposite team. The next scenario we entered was Lake Placid. This scenario is set in an oil palm plantation with a small lake in the middle. 4 barrels were placed around the lake. The objective of the game was for each team to grab 2 of its designated barrels and bring it back to base. We broke for lunch around 2pm. Lunch was Nasi Goreng Ayam provided by Tanamera’s caterers.After some rest, we began the afternoon session with the Kill House scenario.

A small hut is located in the middle of the jungle. 8 people were picked, and 6 were placed in the hut, while the other 2 were placed outside. The objective of the game was for the rest of the players to get 2 players to touch the house in order to win the game. Sounds simple? Not when the 2 players guarding the house outside happened to be good snipers, and in full camo gear.The last scenario that we played was the Killing Field. Set slightly further away from Lake Placid, again teams played in an oil palm plantation. Each team was placed at opposite end of the field, with the oil palm trees and several old tyres for covers.

Like the Vietcong Field that we played earlier, it was an elimination round until the last man standing. We finished the game at around 430pm. Suffice to say, most of us came out unscratched. We were exhausted, but happy at the same time because we had so much fun.

Lai Chee Hoe

Chair

Social, Arts & Culture Committee

BN meeting to discuss Sapp betrayal

The Barisan Nasional supreme council will be holding an emergency meeting this afternoon to discuss Sabah Progressive Party's (Sapp) shocking betrayal yesterday.The meeting will be chaired by Prime Minister and BN chairperson Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the Putra World Trade Centre at 2.30pm.The main issue on the agenda will be to discuss what action could be taken against Sapp for its 'betrayal' against the ruling coalition.

It is learnt that Sapp has not been invited to attend this meeting.Yesterday Sapp announced that it had lost confidence in Abdullah's leadership and thus would be backing a motion of no-confidence against the premier when Parliament resumes on Monday.

Sapp has two members of parliament - Dr Chua Soon Bui (Tawau) and Eric Enchin Majimbun (Sepanggar) - and four state assemblypersons in Sabah.

For now, Sapp has decided to remain in the 14-member ruling coalition.The BN meeting today may see calls being made for the Sabah-based party to be expelled from the ruling coalition.While three major BN coalition partners - MCA, MIC and Gerakan - had immediately thrown their support for Abdullah, the meeting this afternoon might also give an opportunity for other coalition members to state their stand.

Rallying behind AbdullahBN goes into this meeting knowing full well that de facto PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim is waiting in the wings to welcome any defectors so that his opposition Pakatan Rakyat coalition can form government.

Meanwhile AFP quoted Umno information chief Muhammad Muhammad Taib as saying that the decision to call for the BN meeting was made last night, after Sapp's announcement."We will be discussing, obviously, the Sapp's call for a vote of no-confidence against the prime minister. The party has painted a very misleading picture," said Muhammad, one of Abdullah's trusted lieutenants.He condemned Yong, saying other coalition members "would rally behind Abdullah" at the gathering to be attended by at least 44 coalition party leaders."It is totally out of line. He should have used the forums within the coalition to voice his dissatisfaction instead of declaring ultimatums through the press."

A split in Sapp?

Sapp's decision to move the motion of no-confidence against Abdullah does not appear to have the full support of the party's leadership.Sapp deputy president Raymond Tan, who was conspiciously absence from the press conference yesterday when party president Yong Teck Lee made the announcement, said he was "confused and embarrassed" about Sapp's move.

He added that the party's supreme council was not consulted on the matter and blamed Yong of acting on his own."It is not proper for us to do it when Abdullah is the Barisan chairperson. It is disrespectful to the prime minister," he said. Tan is Sabah deputy chief minister and infrastructure minister.Sapp's four state assemblypersons were also absent from the press conference yesterday.Sapp will be holding its supreme council meeting tomorrow to decide whether it will stay in BN.

SAPP hints coalition of independent reps

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Sabah Progessive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee, who on Wednesday declared in Kota Kinabalu that his party had lost confidence in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, has hinted the possibility of several elected representatives from Sabah abandoning Barisan Nasional (BN) to serve as independent elected representatives.

The former Sabah chief minister also ruled out the possibility of these "independent MPs" and state assemblymen joining Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)-led Pakatan Rakyat should they decide to quit the ruling coalition.Yong, who has been critical of Abdullah's political decisions on Sabah and what he described as "unpopular" measures pertaining to fuel price hikes and illegal immigrants' issues in the state, said they were not keen to cross over to a peninsula-based opposition party.

"We don't want that. What we want is if there is any political party in the state, it should be a Sabah-based party, looking after the affairs in the state and its people," he said in an interview with Bernama in Kota Kinabalu recently."We don't foresee ourselves joining any other peninsula-based opposition party if we ever decide to dump BN. Maybe only in terms of a loose coalition (with a peninsula-based opposition party)," he added.

He, however, declined to say whether SAPP itself would leave the BN."Let's wait and see," said Yong, who declared in Kota Kinabalu that the party's two members of parliament (Sepanggar and Tawau) would support a motion for a vote of no confidence against the prime minister in the coming Parliament sitting on Monday.Several SAPP leaders, when met, indicated that several state politicians from other parties had shown interest in joining the "coalition of independent representatives".

"It's not just SAPP only. It will be a bigger coalition of independent members of parliament and assemblymen, at least until the next general election," said one leader who declined to identified.It is learnt that about 10 to 18 Sabah MPs and assemblymen would announce their decision to quit BN and jump-start the "independents" pack" in a matter of days."Just watch out for this Saturday. It could be another political tsunami," an aide to the SAPP chief said.Meanwhile, a political observer said several MPs from Sabah could announce their stance in the BN after the SAPP holds its emergency supreme council meeting this Friday.

Sapp to make important announcement

Sabah Progressive Party (Sapp) is calling a press conference at 2pm today at its headquarters in Kota Kinabalu where it is expected to make an important announcement.

While speculations are rife that the party might decide to leave Barisan Nasional, sources close to the party have revealed that such a defection may not take place today.

“Today is just the first step. There might not be any defections yet,” said a source.

It is learnt that at the press conference, the party might once again call upon Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to do more for Sabah, especially in regards to solving the illegal immigrants' problem as well as poverty eradication.

“The party might even say that it has lost confidence on Abdullah's leadership,” said a source.

Anwar needs 30 MPs

Malaysiakini learnt yesterday that Sapp was calling for a press conference today to make a key announcement that will "lead to a drastic change of the political scenario in Malaysia".

In recent weeks Sapp has been identified as the most likely party to leave BN and join forces with Anwar Ibrahim's Pakatan Rakyat.

Sapp is led by outspoken former chief minister Yong Teck Lee, who in recent months has questioned Abdullah's policies towards Sabah and the federal government's inability to solve the illegal migrants' problems in the state.

The party has two members of Parliament and four state representatives.

Political commentators pointed out that even if the party pulled out of BN to join Pakatan, the defection of the two MPs would not be sufficient for rock Abdullah's BN.

Anwar needs 30 MPs to derail Abdullah and BN from power.

However Sabah sources claim that other BN coalition partners would follow Sapp out of BN if the party starts the exodus.

Syed Hamid: Fuel price won't go down

Street demonstrations against the fuel price hikes will lead only to further hardships for people caught up in the inconvenience that accompanies such gatherings, said Home Affairs Minister Syed Hamid Syed Jaafar Albar.

“The fuel prices are not going to go down. The thing is going to be there. We need to do some adjustments. By going into the streets, they are causing hardships to other people. The majority of the people would like to go on with their lives,” said Syed Hamid.“Under the difficult circumstances, we need to adjust our lives.

We need to prioritise (certain aspects of) our lives... Going onto the streets just for political gain (and) to show they are the champions (of the people is not the way).”Groups claiming to uphold the public interest can help more by “working together” with the government in alleviating the difficulties, he said. Speaking at a press conference after officiating the Asean 8th Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crimes in Kuala Lumpur, he was commenting on the mammoth anti-fuel hike gathering planned next month by opposition parties and NGOs.

In an expected but still unpopular move, the government had increased petrol and diesel prices by 40.6 and 63.3 percent respectively from June 5, due to sky-rocketing global oil prices.Following this, groups such as the Coalition Against Inflation (Protes) and the People's Anti-Oil Manipulation Movement (Geramm) kicked off a series of demonstrations.A road show has also started. In addition to getting one million signatures to petition the government to rescind the price hikes and undertake more measures to alleviate problems, this aims at mobilising a record one million people to demonstrate on July 5.

Last Friday, 2,000 people marched in protest on the streets of Kuala Lumpur, from the Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru to the headquarters of Islamic opposition party PAS.Crime rate ‘will go up’Syed Hamid, however, said there are other ways of expressing discontent against the government and its policies, such as through the general election and other “democratic practices”.“I don’t think we should import this culture of demonstrations. You can’t replace the government through demonstrations,” he said.Earlier in his speech, Syed Hamid said the spiraling prices of food, fuel and other commodities in the region is leading to the decrease of real incomes and causing hardships and social unrest.He also warned that the global economic downturn fueled by housing and financial problems in the US may lead to an increase in transnational crimes such as terrorism, human trafficking, money laundering, and cyber- and economic crimes.

Expanding on this, Syed Hamid told reporters it is a generally accepted principle that, as economic situations worsen, “people look for alternative ways in order to earn a living (including) criminally”.“Many of the syndicates that operate internationally operate from poor countries that operate internationally. The chief may come from a rich country, but they utilise and take advantage of people from the poor countries to be sources or agents to operate on the transnational front,” he said.The same scenario can be expected on the domestic front - if a lot of people are unemployed, the crime rate will be higher than usual, he warned. As such, the economic factors functioning as the ‘supply’ side of national and transnational crimes should be examined together with enforcement and preventive aspects, he added.

Dr M says it again: Don't question Malay rights

TELUK INTAN, June 15 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has told non-Malays that they should stop questioning the special rights of the Malays and count themselves privileged, having been given citizenship and other rights in this country.He urged them to understand history and realise that an agreement was reached before independence in 1957 when the Malays were willing to accept other races as people who could "share the wealth of this land". Part of the formula saw Umno allow MCA and MIC to administer the country.

"Finally, with the agreement of all parties, immigrants were accepted as citizens of Tanah Melayu and people of other races accepted the reality that Malays had special rights as indigenous people of this land. Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra willingly gave one million citizenships to Chinese and Indians. Which country in the world has given immigrants equal rights?"If the Malays were willing to accept the immigrants we should not let other people now question our rights," he said, drawing applause from a Malay majority audience, at a resthouse in Teluk Intan on Saturday.

The speaking engagement was organised by a non-governmental organisation.Defending Malay rights and painting a doom's day scenario for Malay political power have been recurring themes in Dr Mahathir's speeches across the country since election 2008. He was criticised heavily for playing the race card in a speech several weeks ago in Johor, with Malaysians accusing him of trying to drive a wedge between different races in the country.Parti Keadilan Rakyat deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali even wondered whether Dr Mahathir was laying the foundation for racial strife with his incendiary comments.But in Teluk Intan on Saturday Dr Mahathir hit back.He noted that every time Malays discuss matters related to their own race, they were accused of being racist or chauvinistic. "There appears to be an attempt to stop Malays from speaking about our rights. If we speak about our rights, we are called racists. If they speak about their rights, then it's alright," said Dr Mahathir.

The former prime minister has come one full circle in his political rhetoric. In the early days of his political career, he was part of a group of young Umno politicians known as the "Ultras".This group believed that Umno should not share political power and blamed Tunku Abdul Rahman for pandering to other races. Dr Mahathir moderated his views after becoming the prime minister in 1981, realising that anyone who wants to govern Malaysia needs the support of non-Malays.In 1995 he promoted the concept of Bangsa Malaysia.

Today he has adopted his old rhetoric, perhaps acknowledging that his goal of pushing Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi out of office will only be realised if the Malay ground, particularly Umno members are galvanised into action by fear of losing power.

Anwar: MCA MPs will defect to Pakatan

PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim has dropped the clearest hint yet of impending crossovers to Pakatan Rakyat.

“I can safely say that several MCA MPs will join us soon,” he told journalists yesterday, after opening a service centre in Bayan Baru, Penang.However, as with previous assertions of the same variety, that was all he was prepared to reveal. Anwar has been keeping the public on tenterhooks since the general election on March 8, with repeated claims of crossovers by Barisan Nasional (BN) parliamentarians, especially those in Sabah.He said that discreet meetings have been held in Hong Kong, Manila and Singapore, to avoid scrutiny, and that “even a cabinet minister met me”.

At a night rally held in City Stadium, George Town, the former deputy premier worked up the crowd with similar promises.“It’s about time that we take over. It’s only a matter of time for us to take over. We are so close to Putrajaya,” he said to roars from some 15,000 people.“It’s very soon. I will not say how (soon). But it will happen soon.”He stressed that defecting MPs would have to accept the Pakatan tenets of good governance. Anwar used the rally to obtain a ‘referendum’ on replacing the federal BN government and taking over as premier from Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

He and other Pakatan speakers exploited the escalating cost of living triggered by the fuel price hike, to bombard the BN government and raise the tempo of a disenchanted crowd.“I can guarantee you all today that if Pakatan Rakyat were to form the federal government today, we will bring down the oil price tomorrow,” said Anwar.

Salvoes against BNPenang Chief Minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, DAP advisor and Ipoh Timor MP Lim Kit Siang and PAS leader Mohamad Sabu also spoke at the rally.Anwar said the BN government is still in a state of denial over the electoral debacle and that it has remained arrogant.It has further betrayed the people’s trust with an unreasonable and inhumane fuel price hike, he said, although it has contributed to this through economic and financial mismanagement.Anwar also wondered aloud as to why BN partners are supporting Umno’s weak political leadership and wrongdoing.

Saying that BN has run out of ideas in overcoming inflation, he said only Pakatan could save the country.“Let’s join force to topple this irresponsible and arrogant government. If enough numbers support us (in Parliament), we will form the next government. The people of Penang must lead others in backing us for change to a better life,” said Anwar.Hinting that Abdullah could dissolve Parliament in a sudden move to “save his skin”, he cautioned Pakatan leaders and members to be ready for a snap election.“We must fight to win till the end,” he said.

Visit to Dewan Philharmonic

The Social, Arts and Culture Committee (“SAC”) organized a trip to watch the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra performance on 31 May 2008 at the Dewan Philharmonic. The SAC were allocated 35 tickets which were all snapped up within 3 days.

At around 8.15pm, the audience trickled in and the conductor, Hannu Lintu took the stage and opened the performance with Joseph Hadyn’s Symphony No. 103 in E flat major.

Hannu Lintu’s dynamic conducting is indeed entertaining and it is interesting to know that he is actually a rising star who was appointed as the Chief Conductor of the Tampere Philharmonic.

This symphony is nicknamed “The Drumroll” because it begins with a long roll on the timpani. It took around 29 minutes to perform “Drumroll” which was then followed by a 20 minute interval.

The second piece was rather long and took up 77 minutes despite its short, little movement subtitled Purgatorio. The symphony No. 10 was written in 1910, which was Mahler’s final composition and was only completed as a draft, and was never in a performable state by then.

The circumstances surrounding the composition of the Symphony No. 10 were also highly unusual. Although it was at Mahler’s height of his compositional powers, his life was in complete disarray when he realized that his wife was having an affair with an architect.

The long finale of the symphony incorporates music from the earlier movements and the music of the flute solo closed the symphony peacefully.

We adjourned to Chinoz at the Park for drinks after that and all of us went back dazzled by the beauty of the performance.

2,000 play 'cat and mouse' with cops

About 2,000 people marched from Kampung Baru mosque after Friday prayers to the iconic Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur to protest against last week's sharp rise in petrol prices.

However, the police have blocked Jalan Raja Abdullah - the main road leading to the destination - Kuala Lumpur City Centre - about 3km away.

Faced with the roadblocks, marchers used alternative roads instead, many of whom headed north in a circuitous route to KLCC.At 2.22pm, many of them were in Chow Kit area, north of the city, with the traffic police seen helping to control the traffic.

The marchers, led by PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub, then headed south along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman towards Jalan Sultan Ismail.However, in the effort to avoid an ugly confrontation with the police who have formed a tight cordon around KLCC, the crowd marched further south to the Sogo Department store.

And at Sogo, the crowd of about 1,000 people decided to conduct an impromptu sit-in in the middle of the busy Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, forcing traffic to a standstill.After a short while, following a brief speech by Salahuddin, the crowd dispersed from the area.

"This is a people's gathering demanding for the reduction in oil price. We will organise a bigger gathering on July 5," he told the crowd.However a small group of them continued their march towards the PAS headquarters in Jalan Raja Laut.

PAS leader Dr Dzulkifli Ahmad said that the march was a success although the police had blocked their route to the KLCC.

We were still able to express our dissatisfaction," he told Malaysiakini.

Heavy police presence

Earlier at the Friday afternoon prayers, the mosque was packed with people - numbering some 3,000, while about 500 others prayed outside.

About 1pm, PAS leaders Salahuddin, Dzulkilfi, Syed Azman Syed Nawawi and Nasaruddin Tantawi arrived at the mosque.

Just before the prayers, a mosque official urged people not to gather in the mosque compound to take part in the rally.

Earlier this morning, hundred of Federal Reserve Unit members were stationed at the Kampung Baru mosque and its surrounding areas.

Also in the vicinity was a water cannon truck and four FRU trucks.Several roads leading to Kampung Baru and other roads in the city were also blocked by the police.

Meanwhile in KLCC, dozens of police officers were seen at the entrance. One water cannon and seven FRU trucks were stationed behind KLCC at the park, along with a fire brigade truck.The rally today, one of many that is to be held in the coming weeks, is to oppose last the whopping 41 percent fuel price hike, which raised petrol prices at the pump to RM2.70 per litre.

Target - 1 mil protesters for July 12 rally

An anti-fuel hike coalition is targeting a massive one million people to participate in their oil price increase demonstration at KLCC on July 12.

At the same time, the coalition, called Geramm, will also collect one million signatures in the road-shows beginning tomorrow to petition the government to reduce the oil price.These plans were announced at a pres conference held by Geramm today.

Last week, the government announced a massive fuel hike - petrol prices were increased by 41 percent and diesel 63 percent - in line with a global surge in oil prices.Another protest against the fuel hike, targeting about 10,000 people, is being planned for tomorrow after Friday prayers.
Several other smaller protests have also taken place nationwide after the fuel hike announcement.

Najib explains why he won't challenge PM

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak has finally answered the question which has been on the tip of every Malaysians' tongue.

He said he would not challenge embattled Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for Umno's top post because he is a "true party man"."I have some options but I am a true party man. Transfer of power should be done in the most traditional way."Umno is at its lowest point today, (if there is a challenge) then Umno will be further weakened and won't be able to fight the next general election.

I don't want to inherit the party to lead it to defeat."Najib made the remarks in London during a function in Chatham House (below), a well-known think-tank on international issues.The Umno deputy president also likened himself to British Prime Minister Gordon Brown - who before coming to power was known to have consistently undermined his boss Tony Blair - drawing laughter from the audience.

Najib also commented on former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's description of him as a coward for failing to make a move on Abdullah."People can have their views. It's not about having courage or being a coward."Najib, who is son of second prime minister Abdul Razak, described himself as a man with "core values".Invoking his father's legacy, Najib added: "My father built up the party - I am a son who does not want to destroy the party."Ministers are ‘already underpaid'

Earlier during his speech, Najib had quoted free-market economist Adam Smith to argue that Malaysia's fuel subsidies had been inefficient.He cited the example of local fishermen who got diesel at RM1 per litre as it was heavily subsidised by the government."The levels of fish caught have stagnated while the use of diesel went up," lamented Najib.He said the government's move to slash fuel subsidies was "the only sensible macro policy"."In terms of the nation, we don't want to use oil wastefully," said Najib, who described last week's sharp fuel hike of around 40 percent as "politically painful" and "difficult".Najib also explained that it was "important to educate the Malaysian public that the day of reckoning will come" as the country will become a net importer of oil in four years.

Later, during the question-and-answer session, he was asked to justify the much-criticised slashing of ministers' entertainment allowances by only 10 percent, and the curbing of their all-expenses paid holidays to countries in the Asean region.Najib defended the move, saying that cabinet ministers were "already underpaid in Malaysia" relative to the private sector."Don't begrudge us for what we have," he pleaded.Najib also defended the Internal Security Act, which allowed detention without trial, citing the legislation as a key weapon in the country's defence against global and regional terrorism.However, in his speech he did not specifically name ISA, which he referred to as a "pre-emptive legislation" introduced by the British during the war against the communists."The caveat is that we don't abuse it."

Tea with Prince Andrew

The deputy prime minister also revealed that he had tea with Prince Andrew - without scones - where the second son of Queen Elizabeth argued that peace in Afghanistan could be won if there were enough military resources devoted to the war.Najib conceded that the March 8 general election results were a "watershed" for the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, where it suffered it worst electoral setback in history.He added that the results "were a very strong wake-up call".Najib then ticked off de facto PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim for his "political gamesmanship".

According to him, the opposition leader had so far declared he was going to form government - in March, April and September."We are quietly confident that we can continue to be in office," he said.Nevertheless, he sought to assure businessmen present at the talk that they need not think twice about investing in Malaysia.

PAS wants special Parliament session

Opposition party PAS today called for a special parliamentary session to be held as soon as possible to debate the recent fuel price hike.

"We are hoping for the special session to be held by early next week," said the party's member of Parliament for Kuala Selangor Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.Earlier Dzulkefly joined the party's Youth chief and chief whip in Parliament Salahuddin Ayub and Dr Lo' Lo' Ghazali to hand in a memorandum to the Parliament administrator Kamaruddin Mohamed Baria.Dzulkefly described the record-breaking fuel increase as an "extreme action" taken by the government against the public and business community.

The next parliamentary session begins on June 23.The government announced the drastic price hike last Wednesday, increasing the price of petrol by a whopping 40.6 percent, from RM1.92 per litre to RM2.70.At the same time the price of diesel was increased by a whopping 63.3 percent - from RM1.58 per litre to RM2.58.Several protests have taken place throughout the country since the announcement of the price hike.

Fuel hike: 78 sen more to RM2.70 per litre

The government has just announced that petrol price to go up by 78 sen at midnight - a 40.6 percent jump from RM1.92 per litre to RM2.70.

The price of diesel will go up 92 sen, or 58.2 percent - from RM1.58 per litre to RM2.50.

The price hikes are among government measures to cut the spiralling bill for oil subsidies, which is expected to amount to RM56 billion this year.

To offset the fuel price increase, the government is to offer rebates to motorists.Under the scheme, vehicles below 2000cc will receive a RM625 rebate annually - to compensate for 800 litres of fuel used under the new price.Motorcyclists will be given a rebate of RM120. The money will be paid by postal order.

Rebate will be paid when motorists renew the road-tax for their vehicles.The government is expected to save RM4 billion under this new subsidy restructure.If petrol is to be sold at full market prices, it could be as high as almost RM4 a litre - about 100 percent above current levels.However the government is slowly expected to head towards totally abolishing the fuel subsidy.

Police bail extended for BMC four

The four persons who are being investigated for attempted murder and rioting during a fracas at Bandar Mahkota Cheras on May 27 have had their police bail extended until next week

The bail for three has been extended to June 10 while 23-year-old Chang Jiun Haur, who was badly injured as a result of police assault, has had his bail extended until June 11.The four are being probed for allegedly attempting to cause injuries to several police personnel near the barricaded toll-free access road in Bandar Mahkota Cheras.On that day, BMC residents had gathered in numbers to tear down the barriers which were put up by toll company Grand Saga to cut off the alternate route.

The police were on standby to disperse the residents.Chang, Chan Siew Meng and two others, while trying to leave the scene were reported to have attempted to run over several members of the riot squad guarding the disputed barricade near BMC with their Proton Wira.Driver still in shockChang, the driver of the vehicle, sustained severe injuries after being assaulted by at least 20 riot police personnel that night.He was admitted into the intensive care unit at Kajang general hospital by the police. Chang was battered with bruises and severely traumatised by the incident.Today, all but Chang gave statements to the police at the Kajang police station.

Chang, who was present today, was excused from giving his statement, as he said he needed more time to recover from his state of shock.Meanwhile, Kajang police chief ACP Shakaruddin Che Mood said the investigation would be completed in the next two days. He added that almost 85 percent of the probe has been done.The four were represented by the MCA Youth legal bureau and its chief Gan Ping Sieu said that he would be writing to the inspector-general of police and the Home Ministry soon asking for an inquiry into the alleged police brutality.