Archive - 9 March 2003

The problems facing the largest Chinese-based political party seems to be mounting, with the latest being allegations of widespread money politics with the infiltration of triads.

The fifth session of the tenth Parliament will begin tomorrow with a Royal Address from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. It will sit for 17 days till April 8. Two opposition leaders talk about their expectations of the meeting.

Thanks to Iraq, Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been gifted with a political platform to prove that he is a Muslim leader with a backbone, unlike other leaders of countries in the Islamic world.

PBDS fired its executive secretary a few days ago - an early casualty in a leadership tussle within the party. Meanwhile, debates over the actual number of branches continue.

Police have been circumventing legal and constitutional rights of client representation by recording lawyers' statements. But things may change if the court grants a declaration to stop this abuse.

Malaysia may issue up to RM18 billion in bonds this year and economic pundits today described the move as timely and crucial to bolster the economy amid fears sparked by the looming Iraq war.

Acting Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi slams the US for submitting a false report to the United Nations o­n Iraq's alleged nuclear weapons programme.

Three warships from Japan's self-defence force will make a goodwill visit to Malaysia tomorrow, a maritime official said today. It is rare for Japanese warships to call in Malaysia.

Premier-in-waiting Abdullah Ahmad Badawi vowed in remarks published in a Singapore paper today to take a tough line against the hardline Islamic opposition in Malaysia.