Selangor mufti criticises Obedient Wives Club

SELANGOR mufti Datuk Mohd Tamyes Abd Wahid yesterday lambasted the Obedient Wives Club, saying its on-going campaign, Rasulullah Tokoh Seks Suci Islam, was degrading.

Such a campaign would only tarnish the image of Prophet Muhammad, he said.

Tamyes added that OWC's "highly unusual campaign" in honour of the prophet's birthday on Feb 5, or 12th Rabiul Awal in the Islamic calendar, could degrade the prophet and Islam instead of helping to tackle the growing moral decay among Muslims.

"This campaign can tarnish Prophet's Muhammad's image. This is not the way to commemorate his birthday. He did not marry just for sex. He married women from different tribes to bring the Arabs together and spread Islam."

Fireworks blast kills newly-wed Fireworks placed in launcher blow up in man’s face

A MAN was killed when fireworks blew up in his face just 30 minutes into the Lunar new year on Monday.

By Shaow Yong, 26, who had tied the knot only last month and whose wife is expecting, had almost half his head blown off in the 12.30am incident.

By and his family had taken part in a reunion dinner in Taman Seputeh, Luyang, and were celebrating the turn of the year when the incident occurred.

City police chief Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Sofi Zakaria said the deceased was alone in front of the house when he lit the fireworks.


It is understood By had placed the fireworks inside a tube which he was using as a launcher. When it did not go off, he had walked towards to the tube to check.

Just as he reached the tube, the fireworks blew up.

Selangor mufti criticises Obedient Wives Club

A Perak Islamic Affairs Department officer removing posters on display at a ‘Rasulullah Tokoh Seks Suci Islam’ campaign in Ipoh yesterday organised by the Obedient Wives Club. Pic by Ikhwan Munir


SELANGOR mufti Datuk Mohd Tamyes Abd Wahid yesterday lambasted the Obedient Wives Club, saying its on-going campaign, Rasulullah Tokoh Seks Suci Islam, was degrading.

Such a campaign would only tarnish the image of Prophet Muhammad, he said.

Lion dance galore

To usher in the Chinese New Year, several hotels and malls bring in lion dance troupes to entertain patrons and visitors.

2 nurseries in Taman Permata sealed off

The Selangor Welfare Department today temporarily sealed off the nursery in Taman Permata where two babies died recently.

Department director Nik Omar Nik Ab Rahman said a special team is also probing the daycare centre in which the two babies were registered under.

"The unlicensed nursery was next door to the day care centre, and was under the same management. The babies were sent to the nursery to be cared for.

Can Putrajaya clarify whose assets were frozen, Kit Siang asks

DAP’s Lim Kit Siang pushed the federal government to explain the prime minister’s asset freeze announcement on the scandal-tainted RM336.64 million national cattle farming project.

The veteran lawmaker said that the government needed the clear the air over allegations of confusion between which NFC it had acted on, whether it was the national feedlot centre project, or the national feedlot corporation that it picked to run the operations.

“With the claim that the Auditor-General had confused the two entities, NFC and NFCorp, Malaysians want to know whether the freezing of assets announced by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak earlier this month was with regard to NFC or NFCorp or both,” he said in a statement today.

“Who can give this clarification?” Lim (picture) pressed.

Cyber Cheongsam

Fashion designer Hideaki Lim specialises in the unique Cyber Cheongsam Batik, a design which has captured the interest of the fashion community this Chinese New Year.

Clerk falls to her death after tiff with boyfriend

Inconsolable: The parking attendant sitting next to Kah Kah’s body after she fell from the 17th floor of an apartment in Batu Uban Wednesday.


A 21-year-old parking attendant clung to the body of his girlfriend and sobbed for almost 45 minutes after she fell from the 17th floor of an apartment building after a quarrel with him.

Even after the police arrived and covered her body with a piece of white cloth, the man refused to let go.

The body of Lau Kah Kah, 22, who worked as a clerk, was found lying under a broken awning at the walkway of the apartment by her boyfriend who had rushed there.

Four more universities get autonomy

In a bid to promote excellence in local varsities, the Higher Education Ministry today granted the prized autonomy status to four more universities who now have flexibility in finance, administration and academic matters.

Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) join the elite list which includes Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) - the first local varsity to achieve the status on Jan 8.

There are currently 20 public universities nationwide.

Customs targets RM31.1 bilion tax revenue collection for 2012

The Royal Malaysian Customs Department targets to achieve a total of RM31.1 bilion tax revenue collection this year.

Stiffer penalties for sale of unregistered medicine

Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob (2nd from right) Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai (2nd from left) give a go at calligraphy at the CNY Open House organised by the Kuantan Tionghua societies in Kuantan.

The Health Ministry is considering the proposal of stiffer penalties, such as imprisonment, for those found guilty of selling unregistered medicine which endangered the public, said its minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

The ministry is amending several laws related to acts governing the sector, to protect consumers and take sterner action against those who breach regulations, he said.

No need to amend Act - Minister

There is no need to amend the Road Transport Act 1987 as the mandatory jail sentence for dangerous driving leading to the death of accident victims is already provided under the act.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha in a statement today said studies, however, could be done to gauge the effectiveness of the existing law with the aim of improving it in future.

He said there are six sections that incorporated prison sentences - varying between three months to 10 years - based on the seriousness of the offences committed by drivers.

"The offences were causing death by reckless or dangerous driving, reckless and dangerous driving, careless and inconsiderate driving, driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs and being in charge of motor vehicles when under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs," he said.

Record RM30.4bil collection by Customs last year

The Customs Department made a record collection of RM30.4bil last year, the highest amount it ever collected for the country.

Its director-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Khalid Yusuf said the previous highest collection was in 2008 with RM28.6bil, adding last year's revenue was RM2.05bil (or 7.24%) more than 2010.

“We are proud of this achievement and together with the help of the public and corporate citizens, we aim to collect more revenue for the government so that it can continue with the nation building process,” he said at the national level World Customs Day celebration.

Guan Eng: Ministers, not kin, must declare assets

Lim Guan Eng said today that public officials should declare their assets but appeared to agree with Umno minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz to exclude family members.

However, the Penang Chief Minister stressed that declarations should be verified by independent audit firms instead of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), which he labelled a Barisan Nasional (BN) “tool”.

“The first step is to start with ministers and those who hold positions of public trust, not with family members, because they may have their own sources of income,” Lim (picture) told a press conference today.

Nazri warns Bersih not to take to the streets

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz warned the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) that it will have to face the law if it takes to the streets again.

He was referring to some 30,000 people who took to the streets during the Bersih 2.0 rally on July 9 last year, demanding clean and fair elections, in the face of a massive crackdown by the authorities.

Commenting on a threat by Bersih 2.0 chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenivasan on Tuesday to take Bersih to the streets again over the PSC adopting only four out of its 41 proposals, Nazri said Ambiga does not represent the people and has no business making demands.

“They do not have any business to go to the streets. You go to the streets, then you face the law,” warned Nazri.

DIY CNY Decoration: Dragon Boat

Sail into the Year of the Dragon with a handmade dragon boat! Chin Sook Yee shows us how.

Mindef says RM9b patrol ship bill to be paid over two Malaysia Plans

Pakatan MPs (left to right) Dr Dzulkefly, Pua and Saifuddin outside the Mindef headquarters in Kuala Lumpur


The government said today that the price tag for six naval patrol ships appeared to rise from RM6 billion to RM9 billion as the cost is split into two Malaysia Plans (RMK).

Both Barisan Nasional (BN) backbenchers and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) MPs told reporters after meeting top defence ministry (Mindef) officials this afternoon that the RM6 billion figure mentioned by Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in Parliament last year was “the ceiling for RMK10” which runs from 2011-2015.

“Another RM3 billion is under RMK11 as such huge expenditure needs to be spread out. But the price has always been RM9 billion since the navy first requested the six littoral combatant ships (LCS) in 2008.

“So the minister (Zahid) was right and wrong,” said BN backbenchers vice chief Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

PAS not worried about Hasan Ali's road show

PAS is not worried over the nationwide road show by former Selangor PAS commissioner Datuk Dr Hasan Ali, said PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

He said Hasan was longer a member of PAS and he could do anything as long as they were not under the party's name.

Ahmad Yunus replaces Hasan Ali

UNEXPECTED CHOICE: Ahmad Yunus taking his oath of office at Istana Bukit Kayangan yesterday. He will take charge of the Malay customs, youth and sports portfolio


In a somewhat surprising move, Sijangkang assemblyman Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi was sworn in as Selangor executive councillor yesterday, replacing renegade former PAS chief Datuk Dr Hasan Ali.

Ahmad Yunus’ appointment also meant a restructuring of the state’s portfolio for administration.

Major aspects of the portfolio previously held by Hasan — Islamic affairs, infrastructure and public amenities — will now be taken over by Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Ahmad Yunus, who was sworn in at Istana Bukit Kayangan yesterday, will only be looking after matters relating to Malay customs, youth and sports effective yesterday.

Abdul Khalid said, after the swearing-in, the restructuring of the portfolio was conducted to ensure a smooth administration.

BN, PR reps positive on parliamentary oversight for defence deals

Saifuddin’s turn to talk to media as Pua (centre) and Dzulkefly look outside the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Kuala Lumpur January 19 2012.


ides of the divide signalled their support for a parliamentary committee to oversee defence deals which have been a source of controversy in recent years due to their multi-billion ringgit price tags.

Pakatan Rakyat (PR) had proposed the panel in today’s meeting with the defence ministry (Mindef) top brass and the idea was “supported in principle” by backbenchers from the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN).

“The minister (Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) did not reject the proposal and said he will consider it. Even the BN backbenchers club (BNBBC) gave positive signals,” PAS research chief Dzulkefly Ahmad told reporters.

Former NUJ president joins DAP

ormer National Union of Journalists (NUJ) president Mohd Hata Wahari today announced that he has joined the DAP.

In a press conference at the DAP headquarters here, the former Utusan Malaysia senior journalist said he joined DAP because he believed in its principles.

"I believe DAP is the right platform for me to fight for press freedom," he said, adding that the party is one which can spur the movement towards a better Malaysia.

He also said he did not join on any pre-conditions or in hopes of contesting in the elections.

"I joined without conditions as a member because I believe DAP has been unfairly vilified in the mainstream press as a racist party," he said.

He added that he will be focusing on dispelling those notions in his hometown of Kluang, Johor.

Hata had remained relatively low-profile since his sacking last April from Utusan for making remarks deemed ruinous to the papers reputation.

Education Ministry to work with Cambridge Malaysian Education and Development Trust

Education minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin says the collaboration is to enhance the teaching of English in schools.

Section of old Istana to be converted into MICE centre

A section of the old Istana Negara (pix) here will be converted into a meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition (Mice) centre, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

She said the proposal was approved at today's Cabinet meeting.

A special committee from the Malaysian convention and exhibition bureau would be appointed to evaluate and study the proposal, she added.

Seven PSC proposal for 13th GE - EC

The Election Commission (EC) has agreed to implement seven out of 10 proposals presented by the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), in the coming 13th general election, said EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof.

The remainder three which involved non-resident voters, absentee voters abroad and changing of registration areas were still being studied, he said.

"The seven proposals which would be implemented for the 13th General Election are the use of indelible ink; early voting by police and armed forces and their spouses; extending the electoral roll display from seven to 14 days; abolishing the objection process and withdrawal period for candidates; cleaning up of the electoral roll; and strengthening the Election Commission " said Abdul Aziz.

Rafizi ‘glad’ Sharizat’s suing

Rafizi Ramli welcomed the defamation suit filed by Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil against him today, saying it would help uncover more dirt on the scandal-hit National Feedlot Corporation (NFC).

The PKR strategic director said he was “more than glad” to go to court as this would allow him to subpoena NFC for company documents which could buttress the party’s claims against Shahrizat and her family.

Five hurt in explosions at KL court complex (Update)

The damaged Perodua Kembara.A man receiving treatment for an injury on his face.

Five people suffered minor injuries in three explosions at the vicinity of the Jalan Duta court complex here Monday morning, said City police chief DCP Mohamad Salleh.

"All five received outpatient treatment at Kuala Lumpur Hospital.

"The explosives were home-made devices with timers. Ball bearings, batteries and wires were found at the scene," he added.

He said that the first explosion happened at 10.20am under a police cone at Jalan Khidmat Usaha about 300m from the court house.

Explosions outside court after acquittal

Five men were lightly injured in three small blasts outside the Jalan Duta court complex here this morning, right after Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was acquitted of a charge of sodomy, said city police chief Datuk Mohamad Salleh.

He said the five men had been given outpatient treatment at the city general hospital.

The explosives were believed to have been planted in three traffic cones outside the courthouse.

“The explosives were home-made devices with timers. Ball bearings, batteries and wires were found at the scene,” Mohamad was reported as saying by English-language daily The Star.

Thousands gather for Sodomy II verdict

People gather at the court complex despite the drizzle in the early hours of January 9, 2012.

Hundreds of people are still walking past a tight cordon of policemen at the Jalan Duta court complex this morning to join thousands of supporters gathering ahead of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Sodomy II verdict, expected to be delivered shortly after 9am.

Supporters had begun thronging the courthouse from as early as 5am, some huddling under umbrellas as the skies poured down a steady drizzle upon them.

Hours before sodomy verdict, Anwar tells supporters to keep the faith

Anwar speaking at his ceramah in Kampung Pandan on January 8, 2012.A section of the crowd who came to listen to Anwar at his ceramah in Kampung Pandan on January 8, 2012.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim raced across the capital city last night, spending his potential last hours as a free man making his final appeal to supporters to continue fighting for political reform before today’s verdict in his sodomy trial.

The de facto PKR leader pledged to a crowd of close to 5,000 at the final stop in Kampung Pandan here that “Umno leaders may cage my body but not my spirit.” It was his biggest crowd in his whirlwind meet with supporters in the capital city.

Anwar's last supper: Thousands throng KL

Thousands flooded Kampung Baru in the capital city tonight to listen to opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's 'final message' before tomorrow's sodomy trial verdict at Duta Court.

NONEWith Anwar were top opposition leaders such as PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu, and PKR vice presidents Nurul Izzah Anwar and Tian Chua, PKR Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin and even national poet A Samad Said.

About 5,000 supporters also filled the Sultan Sulaiman club field to listen to the leader.

901 Rally: Supporters gather at carpark .Press waits outside court complex . 901 Rally: Tian Chua arrives 901 Rally: Tian Chua arrives .

PKR's Subang MP R. Sivarasa, Datuk S. Ambiga and A. Samad Said arrive at the Jalan Duta court. Meanwhile, police are thoroughly checking the bags of those going into the court complex.






PKR Vice President Tian Chua leads the crowd that gathered at the Kuala Lumpur High Court where the verdict of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim second sodomy trial will be heard.







The press is made to wait outside the gates of the Jalan Duta court early Monday morning waiting the verdict on whether Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim sodomised his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan three years ago.

Sodomy II: Anwar not guilty

Anwar acknowledges the crowd at the court complex.The scene at the main gate.Anwar arrives at the Jalan Duta courts.A man dressed as Justice Bao arrives at the Jalan Duta court complex

High Court judge Justice Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah will deliver his verdict Monday on whether Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim sodomised his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, then 23, three years ago.

These are the live updates from the The Star team at the scene at the KL Court Complex at Jalan Duta and the trial:

10.05am: Anwar leaving the court complex amidst a sea of supporters who are cheering him on. He thanks Wan Azizah for standing by him and credits Karpal Singh as the intelligent defence counsel.

10am: Anwar supporters have formed a long human chain to give him and other Pakatan leaders unimpeded access to the mosque. Traffic is smooth for now, hardly any cars. Part of the crowd has moved off to the mosque or gone home, but still many in front of the court house to greet Anwar.

PKS deputy president Azmin Ali: "We are grateful the court has set Anwar free. It proves that at the end of the day, truth will prevail. Since the first day, we are confident Anwar is not guilty."

9.40am: PKR Youth wing members and other supporters waiting for Anwar to emerge from the court house, and are most likely going to escort him to Masjid Wilayah.

Other supporters assemble and sit in front of the complex main gate to cheer and celebrate Anwar's acquittal.

Court acquits Anwar, judge says possible ‘samples compromised’

Supporters of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim start gathering outside the Kuala Lumpur High Court in Jalan Duta in the early morning .Strong police presence outside the Kuala Lumpur High Court in Jalan Duta in the early morning of January 9, 2012.

The High Court today acquitted Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of a charge of sodomising his former male aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan.

Judge Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah ruled that the prosecution had not done enough to prove Anwar had committed sodomy against Saiful.

“The court does not exclude the possibility the (DNA) samples were compromised.

“Therefore the accused is acquitted,” he ruled to shouts of joy from Anwar’s supporters and family.

Anwar, 64, had been similarly indicted of sodomy over a decade ago and was found guilty. He spent six years in jail before being exonerated.

The High Court’s decision this time, ahead of the 13th general election, will likely give a boost to Anwar’s Pakatan Rakyat (PR) pact’s plans to take over Putrajaya.

Soi Lek renews warning to Pakatan’s Chinese support

Dr Chua maintains support for PR will see the Chinese society being shut out from the corridors of power.

Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek today restated his warning that the Chinese society would be left without representation in the government if it only supported opposition parties.

The MCA president, who pledged last April to pull the party out of all government posts if it did not improve on its Election 2008 performance, repeated his assertion that Chinese support for DAP’s “two-party system” would “become a two-race system.”

“If all Chinese supports the opposition, there would be a loss in representation in the government.

“With the Chinese outside the government and the Malays in the government, this will be unhealthy and bad for integration and social cohesion,” he told reporters in Kluang yesterday.

The former health minister said no Chinese-based party could form the government on its own but must co-operate with Malay-based parties.