Yusof Ghani

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.

Kerajaan akan meneruskan hukuman sebat terhadap pendatang asing yang masuk ke Malaysia secara haram bagi mengekang kebanjiran pekerja tanpa izin di negara ini.

The Umno disciplinary committee today heard complaints against Puteri Umno chief Azalina Othman Said by disgruntled members who accuse the leader of a myriad of wrongdoings, ranging from graft to gangsterism.

Hundreds of schools in Sabah and Sarawak may lose out when the new education policy is implemented next year, emphasising the use of computers. The problem? No electricity supply.

Malaysian scientists should not desire to roll in money, but focus on gaining recognition for their work. Winning the Nobel Prize should be more fulfilling than owning a private jet or a yacht, says the prime minister.

The Malaysian prime minister and his deputy are not exempted from the strict security procedures imposed on visitors to the United States since the war on terrorism began. Dr Mahathir Mohamad relates his own experience and expresses disappointment with the manner US security officers have treated Malaysian dignitaries.

The most controversial figure in Anwar Ibrahim's corruption trial, Ummi Hafilda Ali, who is now eyeing the Puteri Umno top post, today demanded Umno leaders to stop practising double standard and investigate allegations against Azalina Othman Said. Ummi Hafilda challenged the wing's chief to prove her innocence, as Anwar once had the guts to do so.

Scientists and peasants sit together in Kuala Lumpur for the first time to discuss the threat of genetic engineering on human and the environment. Their final verdict — the world can actually survive without having to endanger it by resorting to planting genetically engineered crops. There is enough food for the world's six billion people and more.

Giant companies spend millions of ringgit to convince consumers that genetically engineered food is safe and that it can help solve many of the world's problems. However, a conference aims to show other safer scientific solutions should and can be found.

Public Bank Bhd, voted the best local bank for four years now, is involved in a face-off with employees who claim that they are being 'terrorised' by the management.

Puteri Umno was set up to draw young Malay women into politics. However, this objective may not be achieved if its inaugural election is marred by dirty tactics.

The bid for Puteri Umno's top post is now a four-cornered fight as businesswoman Mazibah Mohd Zin enters the fray. She refutes rumours she is in to split votes and insists she is not sponsored by anyone.

Electing Azalina as the Puteri Umno chief could prove disastrous for the wing, says her rival Raihan Suleiman Palestine. Yet Azalina has received 10 nominations while her potential contenders have none.

Umno deputy president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has given the green light for the three potential candidates, including pro tem chief Azalina Othman Said, to contest for the top post in Puteri Umno. Abdullah says as long as you are a woman, an Umno member and below the age of 40, you can contest.

It will be business as usual for the corporate world as their taxes will remain at the existing rate, according to the 2003 Budget. However, Finance Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is optimistic that it is still competitive compared with those in neighbouring countries.

Anybody can be nominated to contest for the Puteri Umno chief post, but Umno secretary-general Khalil Yaackob says, only the party's management committee can decide on their eligibility.

Even before Puteri Umno's forthcoming inaugural election, a contender for the top post is already challenging incumbent Azalina Othman Said by querying the 38-year-old lawyer's eligibility as a member, much less a candidate.

Several Puteri Umno state leaders have expressed their undivided support for the wing's chief Azalina Othman Said. They say while the divisions can nominate anyone they deem fit, it is Azalina who possesses the mettle to lead the wing.

A report 'as thick as a telephone directory' has been submitted to the Umno management committee pertaining to alleged wrongdoings of Puteri Umno chief Azalina Othman Said. The complainant believes more such reports will be lodged by other disgruntled members.

Malaysian consumers must be prepared for another hike in fuel price despite the government saying otherwise. Petrol station operators say the hike will not only burden consumers but burn a hole in their pockets as well.

Despite its internal crisis spilling into the open, Umno vice-president Muhammad Muhd Taib is hoping that the Puteri Umno members will be 'mature' enough to resolve it internally and not rope in high-ranking party leaders into the squabble.

updated version The timing could not be more crucial. With Puteri Umno's maiden election just around the corner, an ex-aide to the movement's chief is blowing the whistle on discrepancies under Azalina Othman Said's leadership.

Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad turut menerima hakikat bahawa ketiadaan pekerja asing telah menjejaskan pembangunan di negara ini. Bagaimanapun, beliau mengingatkan para majikan supaya tidak lagi menggaji pekerja tanpa izin.