Angkasa to help bust boycott by Saundry Shop boycott sales of subsidised sugar because of burden getting new license

Federation of Sundry Goods Merchants Associations of Malaysia may boycott over the new government new license requirement for sugar selling


Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob wants the co operative association to help distribute sugar if boycott occurs.


MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek .
Some 7,000 co-cooperatives nationwide will be mobilised to distribute the controlled items of sugar, flour and cooking oil if the Federation of Sundry Goods Merchants Associations of Malaysia stops selling these items on June 15 over the issue of licensing.

National Co-operative Organisation of Malaysia (Angkasa) deputy chairman Datuk Abdul Fattah Abdullah said the organisation was ready to help ensure uninterrupted supply of these items by setting up a distribution network.

He said the decision was made following the statement on Tuesday by Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob who wanted the co-operative sector to distribute these items in the event the sundry shops refuse to budge from their stand.

Grocers threaten to stop sales over new licence

Sundry shop owners across the country are threatening to stop selling sugar, cooking oil and flour after June 15 if the Najib administration insists on requiring them to be licensed to sell these items.

MCA president Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek met members of the Federation of Sundry Goods Merchants Association of Malaysia, who voiced the threat.

He told them he would appeal to the government to intervene and find a solution.

“The move is not a protest but the association feels it’s an additional burden on them,” Chua told reporters today.

He said the federation represents 20,000 shops across the country that continue to serve most Malaysians despite the increasing number of supermarkets and hypermarkets.

APCO chief to testify at Anwar’s rights panel hearing

APCO Worldwide chief executive officer Brad Staples will appear before the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee tomorrow to testify against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim over his claims the company has Israeli links.

“The CEO himself will be here,” said a source close to the powerful Parliament committee.

He told The Malaysian Insider APCO Worldwide’s Europe, Middle East and Africa regional CEO is expected to tell the panel that Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1 Malaysia has nothing to do with One Israel.

“That is all we are interested to find out. We are not interested in anything else,” said the MP who spoke anonymously.

Ministry to table maternity leave package to Cabinet-90 day maternity leave.

The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry will soon table to the Cabinet a maternity leave package and other attractive perks for a more family-friendly working environment.


Its minister, Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said, the package proposed a 90-day maternity leave plan, which also offers other perks for fathers.

"The package will not only benefit mothers, but also fathers and help balance work and personal life," she told the Dewan Rakyat here
today.

Govt not forcing consumers to pay bills

THE government has never intended to force anyone to pay any utility bill, including that for Indah Water Konsortium (IWK), Deputy Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Noriah Kasnon said.



Replying to a question from Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham (DAP-Beruas) in the Dewan Rakyat today, she said the responsibility to settle the bills is actually stated in the agreement between the consumers and the service providers.

“If the consumers do not settle their bills, the providers can demand payment using the procedures stated in the law. In this respect (IWK), it is the Water Services Industry Act," she said.

Focus on growth first, Rafidah tells Bumiputeras

The veteran politician said there will be those in Perkasa who did not share Ibrahim’s views.

Former international trade and industry minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz has urged Bumiputeras to focus on the growth aspect in the New Economic Model (NEM) instead of harping on their own personal agenda.

Lauding the NEM as the way forward for Malaysia to achieve economic growth, Rafidah pointed out that groups that opposed the initiative were only being “counter-productive” and narrow-minded.

“Groups like Perkasa, they are only looking at the NEM through one perspective. They regard it as their right to put their two cents’ worth forward but this can be counter-productive.

Bursa mum whether Vincent Tan did wrong

Bursa Malaysia today refused comment over the status of tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan's listed Berjaya Corporation's claim in a filing last month with the exchange that Ascot Sports Sdn Bhd had been issued a sports betting licence by the Finance Ministry, which the ministry denied yesterday.

The exchange referred The Malaysian Insider to the company's announcement of its intended acquisition of a controlling stake in Ascot Sports as it was not unconditional.

“Bursa Malaysia highlighted to Malaysian Insider that the conditions of the re-issuance of the licence is stated in the announcement made by Berjaya Corp Berhad on 12 May 2010,” a Bursa official wrote in an e-mail response to questions about whether Berjaya Corporation would be queried.

In the announcement, Berjaya Corporation had stated that “the Minister of Finance has given its approval for the re-issuance to Ascot of the licence to carry out sports betting operations upon certain terms and conditions.

MP: Who's lying - Ministy of Finance or Berjaya? MoF denied giving license to Ascot while Berjaya said already have.

Contradictory statements by the Finance Ministry and Berjaya Corporation Bhd over the controversial sports betting licence have raised questions as to who is telling the truth.

In a notice to Bursa Malaysia on May 12, the company stated: 'The Finance Ministry had given its approval for the re-issuance to Ascot of the licence to carry out sports betting operations.'

Copies of the notice were distributed this morning to journalists by Petaling Jaya MP Tony Pua, at the Parliament lobby.

Finance Minister Najib Abdul Razak, in a written parliamentary reply yesterday had said the government has yet to issue the licence because public feedback is still being sought and additional terms and conditions are still being drafted.

PM dispels fears of possible bankruptcy

Najib says the financial position of the federal government will continue to be monitored and controlled responsibly

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today moved to quell fears raised by a minister that Malaysia would one day go the way of Greece and Iceland and become a bankrupt nation.

In a written response to a question by Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timor) in Parliament, the premier gave an assurance that the government was taking steps to ensure that Malaysia’s debts would be reduced and maintained at a manageable level.

“Malaysia will not face problems like what is happening at present in Greece and Iceland.

GAS cancels rally, plans anti-Samy VCDs

Gerakan Anti-SamyVellu (GAS) is going ahead with its mission to topple the MIC president despite attempts to derail it, said the movement's founder and sacked party member V Mugilan.

The former MIC deputy Youth chief, in dismissing reports of GAS’ irrelevance, said the movement will be launching 500,000 VCDs soon detailing Samy Vellu's failures in relation to the Indian community.

“There is no truth that GAS has no support. It is utter rubbish. Everyday I attend to hundreds of calls giving me support.

GAS to release VCD on why Samy Vellu must go - Alleged Samy Vellu work against BN in 2008 elections.

Leaders of the Gerakan Anti-Samy Vellu (GAS) said the movement will soon release a 30-minute VCD on why MIC chief S Samy Vellu must step down sooner rather than later.

Thousands of copies of the VCD - in both Tamil and English - will be distributed to Indians and other members of the public within two weeks, they told a press conference in Petaling Jaya this afternoon.

However, former deputy MIC Youth leader and central working committee member V Mugilan declined comment on the mode of distribution of the VCDs, noting the high possibility of sabotage if details are revealed.

Among others, the VCD will portray Samy Vellu's failures and explain why he should relinquish his position as party president.

Najib’s ratings breach 70pc mark

Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s approval ratings rose slightly in the latest Merdeka Center survey released today, rising from 69 per cent in April to 72 per cent in May bolstered by a sense that the nation was headed in the right direction.

The Merdeka Center had polled 1,028 randomly selected voters in Peninsular Malaysia by telephone between May 6 and 16, just ahead of the Sibu by-election which the prime minister’s Barisan Nasional (BN) lost.

Treasury disputes Idris Jala’s data-major embarrassment for the minister charged with overseeing the administration’s key performance indicators (KPIs).

Photo of a page of the ministry presentation to the BNBBC.

The Ministry of Finance disputed today findings made by Datuk Idris Jala and his Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) in his argument for immediate subsidy cuts, in a major embarrassment for the minister charged with overseeing the administration’s key performance indicators (KPIs).

Treasury officers briefed Barisan Nasional (BN) backbenchers in Parliament today and indicated Idris (picture), the former Malaysia Airlines boss hailed as a hero for turning around the national carrier, had overstated his case for subsidy cuts with flawed statistics.

Six family members die in accident

In the latest in a series of tragic accidents involving family members, six people died when the Proton Iswara car they were travelling in collided with a trailer at KM78 along the Kuantan-Segamat road near Pekan, at 8.45 last night.

Pekan Deputy OCPD, DSP Amran Sidek said the dead were identified as car driver Norfaizah Mansor, 31, her four children Norsyahira Atika Saudi, 13, Norsufia Saudi, 10, Norsuhaila Saudi, seven, and Mohd Shahrul Amir Saudi, three, as well as Norfaizah's younger brother, Mohd Saiful Anwar Mansor, 14.

Amran said all the victims were returning home to Pekan after visiting Norfaizah's parents in Keratong 2, Rompin when the accident happened.

Privileges committee denies Anwar legal counsel

The parliamentary rights and privileges committee has convened its meeting to consider the propriety of specific remarks made in the House by Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim.

Wearing a beige suit and brown-and-yellow tie, Anwar (left) entered the room about 12.35pm, a little over an hour after the session was scheduled to start.

However, he was asked to leave the room while the committee decided on his formal requests for an open hearing and legal representation.

No lawyer for Anwar- Not allow for legal lawyers in Right and Privileges hearing.MPs not allow to view the processding also.

Denied legal representation in Right and Privilege hearing.MPs also denied to view the processding.


OPPOSITION Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was denied the right to have his lawyer Datuk S. Ambiga present during a Rights and Privileges Committee hearing which started this afternoon.

Anwar, who is accused of misleading the house over the Apco Worldwide issue, attended the first part of the meeting but was asked to leave shortly afterwards.

Committee members Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) and R. Sivarasa (PKR-Subang) said it was disappointing the majority of the members voted against Anwar having legal representation during the hearing.

Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia chaired today's meeting. The committee members present, besides Karpal and Sivarasa, were deputy speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee, Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn (BN-Alor Gajah), Datuk Razali Ibrahim (BN-Muar) and Nancy Shukri (BN-Batang Sadong).

Gaza Aid Ship Incident A Moral Victory For Malaysia - Najib

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said on Sunday the 12 Malaysian activists who were on board a Gaza-bound aid ship subjected to a violent and bloody Israeli attack on Monday had achieved a huge moral victory for Malaysia and its people.

The prime minister said the incident involving the Turkish ship "Mavi Marmara", in which nine Turkish activists were killed, had sparked worldwide awareness of the atrocities of the Israeli regime, leading to global condemnation, including in the United States.

No entry to Anwar's hearing, MPs livid when they are allowed to join in the Anwar's Rights and Priveges hearing.

Opposition Members of Parliament were livid that they were not allowed to sit in for Anwar's Rights and Privieges hearing.

Court to decide on Bung Moktar's appeal on Thursday-1 month jail and fine for marrying without consent from 1st wife.

The Syariah High Court here will decide on Thursday the appeal filed by Kinabatangan Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Bung Moktar Radin and actress Zizie Izette A.Samad to seek acceptance and registration of their marriage by the Federal Territories Marriage, Divorce and Reconciliation Registrar.

The appeal was filed in line with Section 12 (2) of the Islamic Family Law (Federal Territories) Act 1984 (Act 303).

Syarie Senior Judge Mohd Abdul Radzi Abdul Latif today heard the testimonies from Bung Moktar, 51, Zizie, 32, and her brother who acted as the 'wali' (guardian), Ahmad Shahazami, 48, and her two other siblings (as witnesses), Samzy Fuzette, 34 and Shaheizy Sam, 28.

Malaysians largest consumers of seafood in Southeast Asia

from left.. WWF Malaysia CEO Datuk Dr Dionysius S.K.Sharma,
S.O.S ambassador Datuk Chef Wan and Malaysia Nature Society
Executive Director Dr Loh Chi Leong at the official laucnh of Save
Our Seafood (S.O.S) campaign..

Malaysians are the biggest consumers of seafood in Southeast Asia with an average consumption of 1.4 billion kg every year, say WWF-Malaysia and Malaysian Nature Society.

The organisations, in launching the ‘Save Our Seafood’ campaign in conjunction with World Oceans Day today, urged all Malaysians to practise a sustainable seafood consumption lifestyle.

Perak seeks heritage listingfor Ipoh

 

Following in the footsteps of George Town and Malacca, the Perak state government is now seeking to list Ipoh as a world heritage site under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

"Efforts are already under way. We are now preparing the nomination dossier and are expecting to submit it to Unesco in two months," senior state executive councillor Datuk Hamidah Osman said after launching the Ipoh Heritage Trail here yesterday.

GAS rally a 'success' despite lower turnout

Former MIC deputy youth chief V Mugilan has called today's Gerakan Anti Samy (GAS) rally at the Mines Convention Centre in Serdang a success, despite the use of "gangster tactics" to derail the event.

Only 3,500 people turned up for the rally when Mugilan had expected 15,000.

Mugilan pinned the blame on the disappointing crowd-size on money being slashed to stop people from joining to the rally.

"RM5 million has been spent to stop people from coming to the rally," claimed Mugilan.

"Buses from Penang and Pahang have been stopped. RM5,000 was paid for every bus not to come today."

Neverthelss, Mugilan said GAS had succeeded in reaching out to the rakyat to convey its message loudly and clearly.

No evidence of corruption in Semesta - SELCAT

Kapar Member of Parliament S. Manikavasagam

The initial findings of the Selangor Select Committee on Competency, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) show there is no evidence of corruption in the Selangor-owned sand mining company, Kumpulan Semesta Sdn Bhd (KSSB).

This was the conclusion of Selcat at the end of its three-day inquiry today.

Selcat chairman Teng Chang Kim said, however, there was an indication of mismanagement and loopholes in KSSB's administrative system.

KP Samy to sue Vell Paari

KP Samy,a suspended MIC Central Working Committee member planning to sue Vell Paari and few others for the accusations and defamation remarks which was published in a Tamil daily newspaper recently.

Major Changes To MIC In Six Months, Says Samy Vellu

Major changes are expected to take place in the MIC in the next six months, including an overhaul of the party's machinery, party president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said on Sunday.

Without elaborating on the changes, the MIC supremo said he was determined to hand over a stable party with an efficient and effective machinery to his successor.

However, Samy Vellu hinted that the changes would include replacing branch leaders who were performing poorly and not to the expectations of the party members and the Indian community.

Netanyahu: Today we saw the difference between a flotilla of peace activists - with whom we disagree, but whose right to a different opinion we respect - and a flotilla of hate organized by violent, terrorism-supporting extremists.-Navy takes over Rachel Corrie without incident

IDF naval commandos took control Saturday of the Rachel Corrie, a ship trying to breach the maritime blockade on the Gaza Strip. The Israel Defense Forces said Saturday that the activists on board, who included Irish and Malaysian citizens, did not enter into any confrontations with the troops.

"Today we saw the difference between a flotilla of peace activists - with whom we disagree, but whose right to a different opinion we respect - and a flotilla of hate organized by violent, terrorism-supporting extremists," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday following the takeover.

Israeli Military Boards Gaza Aid Ship

The Rachel Corrie aid ship entered the military port of Ashdod in southern Israel after it was intercepted by the Israeli Navy on Saturday.

Israel prevented a new attempt to break its blockade of Gaza on Saturday when its naval commandos boarded an Irish-owned vessel carrying humanitarian supplies and prominent activists and steered it to this Israeli port.

There were no attempts at resistance or reports of violence, the Israeli military said.

Anwar wants medical notes - Anway sodomy case

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is seeking to get all documents and materials from three government doctors to enable an Australian expert to assist him in his sodomy charge.

Lead defence counsel Karpal Singh, who filed a notice of motion at the High Court criminal registry yesterday morning, described the application as important as it would set a precedent on the amount of documents which could be made available to the defence during a trial.

KJ: If there hundreds of ships, what can Israel do? UMNO youth protests of Isreal embargo

Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin led the BN Youth anti-Israel protest after Friday prayers at the National Mosque.

Some 200 people, Umno Youth leaders and members and NGOs attended the protest.

Khairy told reporters later that his group will not join the rally at the US embassy as it is billed as an opposition event.

He adds that it is better to have multiple protests.

Vincent Tan takes his detractors to task-alleged only minorities protests and it all about politics.

Berjaya Corporation chairman and chief executive officer Tan Sri Vincent Tan today lashed out at his detractors, saying the negative reaction to the re-issue of the sports betting licence to Ascot Sports is "all about politics".

Tan told a press conference there are "loud voices from the minority...against sports betting" but he is "totally convinced it is all about politics."

All the three Pakatan Rakyat-ruled states of Selangor, Penang and Kedah have banned sports betting, saying they will revoke the premises licence of betting outlets that collect sports bets.

Rachel Corrie seized by Israeli navy

The MV Rachel Corrie, the last of the humanitarian aid flotilla to Israeli-blockaded Gaza and with six Malaysian peace activists on board, was seized by Israeli naval forces at about 2.45pm (Malaysian time) today, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.

According to a Wisma Putra spokesperson, the vessel is being escorted to Ashdod port in Israel.

The 19 activists on board the vessel were reported unharmed, the spokeperson said.

HKL doc: No injuries, but there was penetration - Anwar Sodomy Trial.

Anwar claims he was meeting with people in the unit next to the one where Saiful had testified that the opposition leader propositioned him for sex after he delivered a document.

Three 17-year-olds claim they were molested by rapist taxi driver

Three other victims of a rapist cabbie have stepped forward to say that they have been molested by the man since January.

The girls, who described the man as a smooth-talker, said he only made them strip and fondled them, but did not rape them.

Pakatan flays Vincent Tan’s ‘charity’ move

Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders scoffed at Tan Sri Vincent Tan’s gesture to donate RM525 million profit from selling part of his sports betting company and justification for legalising that business.

The tycoon announced yesterday that the entire payout from selling 70 per cent of Ascot Sports Sdn Bhd to his listed Berjaya Corp Bhd will be donated to his Better Malaysia Foundation.

Pakatan MPs demand special sitting of parliament for debate against Isreal attacks on humanitarian aid ships.

In addition to the above demonstration, PAS and other opposition parties and groups held a third protest shortly afterwards at the US embassy.

Among those present at this third protest, among others, were PKR vice-president R Sivarasah, PKR strategic director Tian Chua, PAS deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa, PAS Kuala Selangor MP Dzulkifli Ahmad, PAS information chief Mahfuz Omar, PKR Wanita chief Zuraidah Kamaruddin, PKR's Pantai Jerejak state representative Sim Tze Tzin and Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar.

The Pakatan Rakyat leaders demanded that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak convene a special sitting of Parliament within 48 hours to debate the Israeli attacks on humanitarian aid ships yesterday.

MCA gets 2 out of 3 cabinet wishes - Unable to gain International Trade Ministrial posts.

Datuk Chor Chee Heung get the full Housing Ministrial post.


Dr Chua seek no ministrial posts.However, his son Labis MP got deputy agricultural posts amid alleged deal with Najib for the post.Father post given to son.

MCA got almost all that it wanted in the cabinet reshuffle. Although the party did not get the post of international trade and industry minister it was eyeing, its wish to have the deputy agriculture and agro-based industry and deputy home minister portfolios was granted.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, who kept his promise not to seek a cabinet post, told Sin Chew Daily today the party had been fighting for a portfolio in the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry for years.

Pakatan Youth: Sever ties with Apco now

Pakatan Rakyat youth wings today demanded that the federal government terminates its contract with public relations firm Apco Worldwide, following Israel's deadly assault on the Gaza-bound flotilla to distribute humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

PM, Soi Lek defends Chua junior appointment

Dr Chua said his son’s selection was necessitated by a dearth of MCA MPs

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek today defended the appointment of the latter’s son as deputy minister in yesterday’s Cabinet reshuffle, denying there was any form of nepotism involved or that they had brokered an agreement.

Instead, Soi Lek claimed that he had submitted Chua Tee Yong’s name to the prime minister for consideration as his son was one of the only two MPs in MCA who did not have and have never held any government post.

The MCA has 15 MPs in Parliament.

MIC members GAS asking MIC President to quit in 1 week time.-MIED belongs to Indians

PAC to call Sime Darby and Pos Malaysia for inquiry

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will call up the management of Sime Darby Bhd and Pos Malaysia Bhd to explain the losses incurred by the two government linked companies.

Its chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmi Khalid said the PAC decided to hold an inquiry on the matter as it involved public interest.

"We have decided to call them during the second week of Parliament. The actual date will be arranged by the secretariat," said Azmi after chairing the PAC meeting today. Parliament starts on Monday.

Save our volunteers: Najib

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak has instructed Wisma Putra to work for the safe return of Malaysian volunteers taking part in the pro-Palestine flotilla, which was attacked by Israeli forces yesterday.

"I have asked Wisma Putra to strive to save our volunteers. Right now, it is very difficult to get any information and there is no direct communication with the parties involved," he told a press conference after the launch of SMIDEX 2010: SME Innovation Showcase at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.

Fiery protests in KL against Israel's deadly attack

Outraged Malaysians have gathered in two separate places to protest against the deadly attack on a Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotilla which left up to 19 dead yesterday.

Under the watchful eyes of a unit of Light Strike Force personnel as well as 30 uniformed police and a police helicopter hovering above, about 200 protesters from mostly Malay- and Muslim-based NGOs burned and stepped on photos of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside the US embassy in Jalan Tun Razak.

Besides locals such as members of Malay Consultative Council (MPM), Malay-based NGO Perkasa and student group GPMS, there were also about 100 Palestinians taking part in the demonstration

Flotilla attack: Don't just condemn, says Dr M - Isreal are rogues without human feelings.They just don't care.

More could be done by the world's nations, including Malaysia, to help activists detained from the Mavi Marmara ship than to just condemn the brutal aggression by the Israeli regime on the flotilla bringing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"I think something more is needed than just condemnation by the governments of the world. You can condemn...but the Israelis just don't care," he said here today at a press conference on the upcoming "Structural Transformation of the Malaysian Economy" roundtable and public dialogue organised by the Perdana Leadership Foundation and the New Club of Paris.

Malaysians on Mavi Marmara unhurt

Samsulkamal Abdul Latip and Ashwad Ismail

All the 12 Malaysians on board the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara are unhurt and several countries have offered their assistance to help secure their release, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said today.

The ship was in a convoy of six vessels bound for Gaza with humanitarian aid for the Palestinians when they were raided by Israeli commandos on yesterday morning. At least nine people were reported killed and several hurt.

BN Youth burn Israeli flag .Sent in Memo to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon

While other groups protested and delivered memos to the US embassy, BN Youth, led by Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin delivered their memo to the Secretary-General to the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon.