Archive - 4 October 2002

The Education Ministry is all riled up over a Nanyang Siang Pau report that said some backbenchers had snubbed a ministry dinner halfway, allegedly in protest of the English language issue. One member confirms he walked out and explains why.

Gerakan deputy president Kerk Choo Ting, proclaiming himself a 'shy man', plucked up courage today to openly ask party delegates to give him the support to return as the party's No 2.

Puteri Umno members at division level should not have any 'fear' of nominating candidates other than the wing's pro-tem chief Azalina Othman Said as Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has clarified that there is no directive from the top that they should only nominate Azalina.

updated version Gerakan created history today as its women's wing votes in a new leader after 17 years. Lawyer Rhina Bhar beats former chief Kee Phaik Chin by a whisker for the top post.

Deputy Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi defended the police for their action in stopping the anti-ISA meeting on Tuesday, claiming that the organiser did not apply for a police permit nor inform the police about the function.

As de-registration looms for the bitterly divided Sarawak Nasional Party (Snap), the rebel faction is planning to form a new party. But getting approval from the authorities to set up a new party may yet be another struggle.

The organiser of an aborted Merdeka Day dialogue in Britain says it did not use the name of a student umbrella body without their consent to publicise the event, denying the charge by some quarters.

The focus of the Gerakan assembly is on the Kerk Choo Ting-Siew Kok Kan tussle for the No 2 post in the party. While Kerk is expected to prevail as the incumbent, Siew's share of votes will not be insignificant. Meanwhile, Penang Chief Minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon is quietly favoured to be Lim's successor

Demonstrate a software application for Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and get 20 computers for free. The offer, made to a few Chinese schools, saw no takers.

If Thaksin Shinawatra's reform agenda prevails, it will assure the prime minister a lasting legacy, says a Thai human rights analyst. Previous prime ministers were unwilling to consider changing the bureaucracy but Thaksin dared to.

Puteri Umno members who lodged a police report against its pro tem chief Azalina Othman Said claimed it was done with the blessings of the prime minister.

Some Muslims may wonder what all the fuss is about over the implementation of syariah laws in Malaysia which has been declared by the premier as an 'Islamic state'. But the hearts and minds of their non-Muslim brethren are struck with real fears, which serves to further complicate matters.