Archive - 21 June 2003

Dr Mahathir Mohamad says that it was up to the new leadership to decide on the future of his ex-deputy Anwar Ibrahim after wrapping up his last Umno assembly today.

Unlike last year when he broke into tears after announcing his wish to quit, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's last speech as Umno leader at the party's general assembly turned out to be a rather tame affair.

Najib Tun Razak today publicly vowed that he would support the decision of prime-minister-in-waiting Abdullah Ahmad Badawi when he picks his deputy later this year.

The troubled Dayak-based party's congress, scheduled next month, may not take place after its credentials committee broke up over disagreements between its two factions. The dramatic defection of two key leaders has also changed the power equation within the party.

Yesterday was World Refugee Day - for some, secure in their new nation-states, this marked a day to be thankful. For many others, it passed, yet another day of uncertainty in foreign soil, a place they can never call home.

The government has lifted all export and equity curbs on foreign participation in manufacturing to woo investment amid stiff regional competition, Trade Minister Rafidah Aziz said today.

PAS' organ Harakah early this week apologised for publishing a cartoon said to be offensive to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Now two Umno ministers are asked to apologise for their threats which led to the shelving of an international Islamic conference.

For a start, says SIM KWANG YANG, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will bring a new style of leadership into office.

Despite the brutal war in Aceh, Malaysia is reluctant to accord special protection to those fleeing from the violence. But that doesn't stop them from seeking refuge in the country.