Archive - 30 September 2002

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is right to denounce the United States for foul play with regard to Iraq, but he doesn't appear to realise that his criticism can boomerang on him. Opposition Leader Abdul Hadi Awang points out the irony.

The widely-expected decision by the Umno supreme council on the new English policy was derailed today as party president and Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was absent due to a family tragedy.

The US embassy today confirmed that some Malaysians will have to go through extra-stringent checks when visiting the country. According to a government backbencher, even the deputy prime minister was not excluded from such checks during his visit last month to New York City.

With three days to go before nomination day for the Gaya by-election, the two opposition parties gunning for the parliamentary seat appear to be set for a showdown with each other as well as ruling party Barisan Nasional.

A Malaysian investigator is to recommend charges be filed against three guards who allegedly raped a 13-year-old Filipina at an illegal immigrants holding centre in Sabah.

Visiting Irish President Mary McAleese called on small countries to resist the attitude that "might is right" and press for international cooperation in addressing world problems.

Islamic law experts had a chance to clear the air over reported extension of hudud law to non-Muslims at a dialogue, that also heard opinions on what constitutes an Islamic state.

The arrival of a new Chinese newspaper — which could challenge the monopoly held by Sin Chew and Nanyang publishing groups — has been long awaited. But when Oriental Daily News finally made its debut yesterday, the joy was short-lived.

The National Union of Journalists yesterday voted for resolutions which will guide its activities over the next two years, including work to repeal restrictive laws that hinder the media.

PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat has sent a letter to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to "clear the situation" regarding his claim that the premier does not know how to recite the Quran.

Opposition coalition Barisan Alternatif today reiterated its call to Deputy Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to release the five reformasi activists still detained under the Internal Security Act saying he should do his "moral duty".

Based on the trend of MAS' quarterly results and improved performance, its chairperson says the national carrier may see profits soaring earlier than expected.

Deputy Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi says that the government regards extremists as a threat to "the Malaysian way of life" and is mindful of the need to clamp down on all forms of extremism whether religious, racial and ideological.

Hukuman ke atas ahli Puteri Umno Elly Zalilah Yusof yang mendakwa salah laku ketua cabang tersebut mengingatkan AMAN RAIS mengenai nasib pengadu lain yang diheret untuk diambil tindakan manakala yang diadu dilepaskan.

PAS is staying out of the upcoming Gaya by-election, to allow a one-on-one fight between its opposition front ally, Keadilan, and ruling party Barisan Nasional.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Musa Hitam is leading a group of 22 Commonwealth election observers in Pakistan to observe the country's general elections scheduled for Oct 10.

Switching the medium of instruction for Mathematics and Science is the wrong prescription for the English ailment among students. What is needed to propel a change in the situation is GAS — Goal, Attitude and Strategy.

The US embassy today confirmed a report last week that some Malaysians and visitors to Malaysia will be subjected to additional security checks. These measures will leave crucial information of these targeted individuals in the US registration database.

Violence and exploitation are the lot of poor and vulnerable women and girls, who are lured by offers that promise a better life. Typically, they are shortchanged by human traffickers, but a centre in Thailand is turning their lives around.