THE upcoming by-election in Bukit Selambau, Kedah, on 7 April will be tricky. At least in Bukit Gantang and Batang Ai, by-elections were called as a result of the incumbents’ deaths. The Bukit Selambau by-election was called because the incumbent, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)’s V Arumugam, tendered his resignation after alleging that he was bribed […]
Speaker receives court order on illegal assembly sitting
IPOH, 4 MARCH 2009: The lawyers representing Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and six state executive councillors today handed over an injunction issued by the High Court refraining State Assembly Speaker V Sivakumar from holding any illegal state assembly sitting. The court order was handed over by Farid Zul Azlan Abdul Shani, […]
MCMC constantly monitoring text messages
KUALA LUMPUR, 4 MARCH 2009: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is constantly monitoring text messages sent by individuals and content providers. Deputy Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum said those spreading obscene, fraudulent or threatening text messages can have action taken against them under the law. Replying to Raime Unggi […]
Speaker can be investigated for alleged misconduct
ALOR GAJAH, 4 MARCH 2009: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has the power to investigate allegations of misconduct against Perak State Legislative Assembly Speaker V Sivakumar. “He is not immune from action under the law. Investigation can be made if he had acted beyond the scope of his official duties,” MACC’s Legal and Prosecution Division […]
Meeting under tree was to embarrass nation: Zambry
PARIT BUNTAR, 4 MARCH 2009: Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said yesterday’s “emergency session” of the state assembly, held under a tree, was to embarrass the nation in the eyes of the world. “I don’t want to speculate, but we can see that they had prepared for the session, with some carrying posters […]
Arguing over “Allah”
By Shanon Shah“Before this they demanded to use the Malay language for their Bibles. Then they demanded to use the word ‘Allah’ for Christian publications. Today they demand to use the word ‘Allah’ without restrictions. After this, they will demand the right to convert Malays to Christianity without restrictions. What else will they end up demanding?!” PARTI […]
Medicine for the mind (and more)
By N Shashi KalaI’VE had a lot of time on my hands of late, giving me ample opportunity to catch up on my reading. Unfortunately, my reading list is not as extensive as I would have liked, being limited by what I have at hand. Last week, I read through the second very chuckle-some volume of Amir Muhammad’s […]
Scaling the language barrier
By Wong Chin HuatTHE English language is now promoting interethnic unity in Malaysia, albeit unintentionally. Malay, Chinese and Tamil educationists who were once natural enemies have now joined forces to oppose the English for Teaching Mathematics and Science (ETeMS) policy. Politically, leaders in the Barisan Nasional (BN) are divided on whether to continue the policy, while the Pakatan […]
Let the people decide
By Datuk Ambiga SreenevasanIT must be appreciated that the events unfolding in Perak are unprecedented and involve complex legal issues. It is impossible to provide a conclusive opinion on them. Some matters may, however, be addressed generally as a matter of principle. Today 27 assemblypersons in Perak were prevented by the OCPD from entering the state secretariat building, […]
Politicians, politicking and parties
By The Nut Graph and BFM 89.9AMONG others, from 23 Feb to 1 Mar 2009, the Chinese media highlighted the internal politicking within the MCA, while the Malay press talked about the upcoming Umno polls. In the Tamil press, MIC president Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu was in the spotlight: firstly, in his open spat with Penang Deputy Chief Minister II […]
