Archive - 11 March 2008

The embattled MCA president said he was doing so to take responsibility for the party's poor showing in the general election.

‘When you are in jail, you lose all your humility. You have to fight everyday to stop yourself from turning into a mere digit,’ says the new Penang CM who was officially sworn in today.

Indian NGOs today urged the Indian community to forget MIC and start engaging the civil society to help them elevate their status.

The demand comes from the National Union of Bank Employees, which blamed the ex-premier’s tenure for spawing ‘years of pent-up frustration’.

It may be two more days before the menteri besar is named, as the Sultan of Perak considers the three names submitted today.

The five opposition-led state governments will pursue business-friendly, free-market policies, assures PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.

About 35 people representing various organisations have agreed to create a new political platform for the Indian community to highlight issues affecting them.

There have been offers but they have not succumbed, said the PKR de facto leader, without revealing details.

Economists said growth could be affected if the new coalitions running five states clash with the federal government over planned infrastructure mega-projects.

'I don't like the term 'opposition head'. We are the government in waiting,' PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim told a press conference at his Petaling Jaya office today.

Residents are not alone in their frustration over the rising crime rate - even the police feel that their hands are tied.

Malaysian voters said an emphatic ‘No’ to shortcomings of the government of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi - the mood is one of quiet jubilance.

Kamaruddin Jaafar said changing lifestyles was not the party's top priority as it works to form coalitions with other parties to rule the newly acquired states.

It’s time to close the gap between the inflation rate and interest rate in Malaysia, to avoid runaway inflation.

comment For the opposition parties, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to demonstrate their competence to take over the helm of the entire country by doing a good job of running the five states.

analysis How did this happen? Why did no one, including myself, see this happening? How can we account for this massive swing towards the opposition?

The swearing in of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for his second term dominated the newspapers today.

analysis The whys and wherefores may never be made public, but opposition PKR is being credited with having at least a little to do with the MCA’s abysmal performance.

breaking news updated 12.55pm Zakaria gained infamy when he had a run-in with the law for not submitting building plans for his mansion, dubbed as an istana (palace) by his detractors.

updated 7.45pm The newly-minted Penang chief minister unveils a set of new initiatives for the state including doing away with NEP in favour of non-racially-based policies.