Archive - 12 July 2003

A world conference of Islamic scholars in Kuala Lumpur agree that Muslims should reject "narrow-minded interpretations, extremist ideologies and acts of terror".

The Selangor government is also denying any knowledge of the financial details for the mega incinerator project in Broga, but a senior politician is trying to find out why that is a secret.

"Please don't ask me that question," was Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud's reaction when reporters asked him in Kuching today to comment on the new leadership line-up of PBDS.

The opposition in Penang launches a signature campaign to demand the state to direct all companies to enforce the sexual harassment code. Women must feel safe at their place of work, they say.

The National Human Rights Society (Hakam) says the Education Ministry should reinstate the seven university students suspended for alleged participation in a peaceful anti-Internal Security Act (ISA) demonstration.

Anti-ISA campaigners are concerned if four ISA detainees testifying recently at the treason trial of Indonesian cleric Abu Bakar Bashir have been coerced into submission. They now urge Suhakam to look into some unusual circumstances at Kamunting.

Two PBDS newly-elected officials aligned to the Tajem-Salang faction today dissociated themselves from the group and pledged their support for the rival Masing-Sng faction.

PAS leaders are quietly confident that they will capture Kedah in the coming polls. If that happens, it will be the third state after Kelantan and Terengganu to go under the party's Islamic rule.

An influential Islamic leader, Sheikh Mohamad Syed Tantawi of Cairo's Al-Azhar university condemns all attacks by suicide bombers, according to local media reports.