Giant scrolls presented to Johor Sultan

Johor Sultan, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar (left) looks at the giant scroll that contains between 20,000 and 30,000 signatures of the public, mainly members of non-governmental organisations, presented to him at the Istana Pelangi, Johor Baru.




In a show of unity, members of non-governmental organisations (NGO), consisting of all races, presented ten giant-sized scrolls bearing more than 20,000 signatures from the public to Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar during the "Meet the Sultan" session at Istana Pasir Pelangi here this morning.



The three-metre by six-metre scrolls, to show the people's appreciation and loyalty toward the ruler, will be displayed at the Sultan Ibrahim building in Bukit Timbalan here.

The event, organised by the Johor Majlis Penyalarasan Gabungan NGO-NGO Melayu (MPGNM), saw a turnout of over 600 people from 450 NGOs who also had the opportunity to dine with Sultan Ibrahim.

LAHAD DATU: Shoot-out on the beach

Security forces using a CB90 speed boat to overtake any boats or vessels that intrudes into East Sabah waters during Ops Daulat. --

Security forces patrolling the waters off Sungai Bilis, here, were involved in a gunfight with three Sulu intruders early yesterday.


No one was wounded in the incident which occurred at about 7.30am but the security forces found a pistol, ammunition and a machete in the mangrove swamp nearby where the gunmen escaped.

Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said the gunmen were on the beach and on seeing the police boat, they opened fire.

A shootout ensued and the gunmen retreated into a mangrove swamp.

Kelantan after dark

Kelantan’s social fabric is being ripped apart by state govt’s apathy

KELANTAN Pas’ carefully managed image of an Islamic state, free of vice, is nothing more than a sham.

In a three-day tour of several main districts, including the state capital Kota Baru, the New Straits Times’ Special Probes Team uncovered a thriving vice industry involving prostitution, drugs and illegal gambling.

This begs the question: how is it that the team found out about this in three days, when the state government, which rejects everything that is unIslamic, couldn’t get a handle on the problem even after administering the state for 23 years? In many of these cases, the activities were conducted right under the noses of the state authorities and local councils.

‘Datuk Seri’ on wanted list for funding Sulu incursion

Police personnel are seen checking identity papers of passengers on a road leading to Kampung Tanduo in this file photo. A ‘Datuk Seri’ is now on the police’s most wanted list for allegedly financing the invasion of Sulu militants in Lahad Datu, Sabah.



A “Datuk Seri” is on the police’s most wanted list for allegedly financing last month’s invasion of Sulu militants in Lahad Datu, Sabah, police said today.

The Star Online quoted Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib today as saying that Datuk Seri Muhammad Ridzwan Sulaiman, who last worked as president of the Al Ehsan Islamiah Malaysia Welfare Association, was believed to be from George Town, Penang.

“Anyone with any information on his whereabouts should come forward and assist police in locating him,” Hamza was quoted as saying in a press conference at Lahad Datu today.

Dayak businessmen up in arms over Sarawak video expose

Screenshot of one of the scenes in the video clip as released by London-based activist group Global Witness.

Sarawak's Dayak corporate chiefs are reportedly seething with rage over a video exposing racist remarks by some prominent state personalities with close government links and want Putrajaya to address their economic woes.

The Borneo Post Online reported today the video, produced by UK-based environmental campaigner Global Witness, was the hottest debate topic at the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (DCCI) annual general meeting in Kuching yesterday.

According to the news portal, DCCI members took offense at the views voiced by two lawyers and cousins to Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud which were seen to demean the indigenous tribes described in the video as "squatters" on state property in the expose on endemic corruption over land deals in Malaysia's largest state.

Drug syndicates switch mules to avoid detection

Nigerian drug syndicates are recruiting other nationalities to avoid getting caught.

GE13: Nazri: We’ll see if guidelines needed for caretaker government’s role

A study will be conducted to see if guidelines are needed to govern the conduct of a caretaker government following the dissolution of Parliament for future polls, said Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.(pic)

“We are moving towards that and the Attorney-General's Chambers would be looking at guidelines to govern the conduct of a caretaker government,” the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department told reporters after signing an agreement between Malaysia and the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organisation yesterday.

At present, he said the conduct of a caretaker government is based on convention and past practices as opposed to fixed guidelines.

Jostling begins for seats in MIC

the largest Indian-based party in the country, has yet to reach a consensus on candidates to be fielded for the general election.

It is learnt the latest meeting to draw up the final list was held on Monday night but insiders revealed the list was about 80 per cent complete.

Former MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, who had declared his intention to seek another term for the Sungai Siput parliament seat if Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was agreeable, has been overlooked altogether.

According to sources, this was because the prime minister would rather have a younger candidate to contest the seat in the once MIC stronghold.

MIC vice-president and current Cameron Highlands MP Datuk S.K. Devamany has been named to contest the seat though many say he is reluctant to accept due to fears that he would be sabotaged by Subang Jaya South 's supporters.

Sources say the best candidate for Sungai Siput would be MIC youth chief T. Mohan, who is touted to be "Samy's man" and would be better received by the branches and divisions there.

 SOTHINATHAN                      PALANIVEL

MOHAN                            DALJIT SINGH

Poor day for Malaysia

A SUPERB goal in each half earned Palestine a 2-0 win over Malaysia in a charity international match at Darulmakmur Stadium in Kuantan yesterday.

The match, organised by the Sports Ministry, raised RM910,000 and the proceeds channeled to the "Palestine Fund" and "Lahad Datu Patriot Fund".

In the absence of several regulars, national coach K. Rajagobal made five changes to his side, who edged Yemen 2-1 in an Asian Cup Qualifying match last week.

Malaysia’s Mohd Amri Yahyah (right) and Palestine’s Khaled A.K. Mahdi tussle for the ball at the Darulmakmur Stadium yesterday

Fans eagerly waiting for the kick-off of the charity football match between the national team and Palestine

Landslide forces 300 to evacuate

ABOUT 300 residents of Pangsapuri Beringin in Puchong, here had to vacate their apartment units yesterday when a nearby hillslope collapsed for the second time this year.

The first incident occurred on Feb 19 and residents claimed that repairs were completed late, which resulted in the second landslide about 4.30pm yesterday.

They said an official from the Subang Jaya Municipal Council had directed residents of Block B of the apartments to evacuate to a hall nearby.

Resident Siti Zaleha Dalli, 38, described this landslide as even worse than the first one.

The landslide is also threatening a row of terrace houses near Pangsapuri Beringin

Penang CM chided for not revealing Bosch’s decision to cancel solar plant project

Gerakan has slammed Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for being irresponsible in keeping mum on Bosch Solar Energy Malaysia Sdn Bhd's decision to cancel plans to build a RM2.2bil solar facility in the state.

Penang Gerakan secretary Goh Kheng Sneah said that instead of informing the public on the big drop in investments himself, Lim delegated the announcement to investPenang executive committee chairman Datuk Simon Wong.

“This was unlike in the past three years when Lim was quick to announce any increase in investments in Penang so as to claim the credit immediately,” said Goh.

Perkasa rallies to ‘Save Selangor’ on April 6

Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Perkasa) plans to hold the “Save Selangor” gathering on April 6 to close the programme with the general election closely approaching.

Its president, Datuk Ibrahim Ali, said the gathering was scheduled to start at 3pm on that day in Section 2, here.

He said this after chairing an organising committee meeting on the gathering, here, last night.

Ibrahim said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will be invited to speak at the gathering, which was expected to be attended by 15,000 to 20,000 people.

CAP chief hits out at Guan Eng's intolerance

NGO says people are afraid to speak or voice objections for fear of upsetting CM

GEORGE TOWN: THE normally cool and calm S.M. Mohamed Idris has finally snapped and the cause of his displeasure is none other than the Penang government, namely Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

Mohamed Idris said Lim's style of governance had turned Penang into a place where an "atmosphere of intolerance" prevailed and people were afraid to speak and voice their objections for fear of upsetting him.

He said it had come to a situation where the state government thought it was more knowledgeable than anyone else and should not be questioned now that they had been chosen by the people.

GE13: ‘Permatang Pauh and Lembah Pantai MPs alleged sex videos are fake’

PKR will not be intimidated by threats made by certain parties that they would be releasing sex videos allegedly involving the Permatang Pauh and Lembah Pantai MPs.

PKR secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution told a press conference at the PKR headquarters here yesterday that some party members had watched the allegedly incriminating clips.

“A few of us were given previews of the alleged videos, which we believe are digitally manipulated.

“These accusations will not scare us. It will make us more determined to move forward in our political battle,” he said.

Spectacular aerial displays kick off Lima

The aerial display during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) 2013 kicked off in a spectacular fashion as 10 different sets of aircraft performed daredevil stunts in the skies.

Jolo money trail uncovered funding Sulu Invaders

Surveillance shows funds sent to militants in Jolo

LAHAD DATU: A MONEY trail which links armed intruders from Jolo, southern Philippines, and several individuals in Sandakan and Semporna has been detected by the authorities.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the transactions were detected via close monitoring of the terrorist group following the launch of Ops Daulat on March 5.

"We have yet to detain the suspects and this is our warning that stern action will be taken against those found channelling funds to the intruders," he said, adding that they could be hauled up for investigations under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.

Kampung Tanduo villagers, all in similar white T-shirts, walking out of their village under close supervision of security personnel after they inspected their homes and ascertained their losses yesterday.

FORMULA ONE: Footage shows Webber's dangerous move

Dramatic new footage has emerged revealing just how serious the feud is between Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber after the Australian pulled a shockingly dangerous manoeuvre after Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix had finished.

Red Bull are in turmoil after Vettel ignored their clear instruction not to challenge Webber at the climax of the race, and the German was forced to issue an apology for undermining the order which has left his colleague considering his Formula One future.

The combo picture shows fuming Mark Webber (left) cutting up Red Bull teammate Sebastian Vettel in a dangerous move after Sunday’s Malaysian Grand Prix had finished.

LIMA 2013 Picture Gallery

TUDM's Sukhoi in action during LIMA 2013 in Langkawi.

 Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak handing over the 'Jalur Gemilang' to Captain James Tan, 21, who is attempting to become the youngest solo pilot ever, to circumnavigate the world.

 Captain James Tan, 21, who is attempting to become the youngest solo pilot ever, to circumnavigate the world.

 Airshow by fighter jets wows some of the LIMA 2013 spectators.

Fighter jets getting ready for an airshow at LIMA 2013 in Langkawi.


Children get explanation on Royal Malaysian Navy special squad's attire at LIMA 2013 exhibition at Awana Porto Malai, Langkawi.

Russian jets performing an air show during LIMA 2013 demonstration.

Royal Malaysian Navy squad demonstration at LIMA 2013 in Langkawi.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin looks at a demonstration of 'self balanced two wheels electric vehicle' (SEV) during 2013 LIMA exhibition at MIEC, Langkawi

A fast interceptor boat demonstration during LIMA 2013 in Langkawi.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak looks at SME Ordnance Sdn Bhd's bullets after launching LIMA 13 in Langkawi. Also present is Malaysian armed forces chief Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin (third from right)

GE13: Parties rev up for the polls

The guessing game on the date of the general election is still on but political parties are not waiting many have already rolled out their heavy machinery for the campaign.

For the past few months, MCA, PKR, DAP and PAS have deployed customised buses and trailers that can be converted into ceramah stages at whistle-stops nationwide.

Sporting catchy names such as People's Stability, The People's Independence Tour, Dream Machine and Welfare State, the vehicles can bring the campaigners to just about anywhere.

“It's very convenient as we can set up our ceramah stage in congested areas, such as near night markets,” said MCA Treasurer Datuk Seri Tan Chai Ho.

GE13: MPs and reps putting in long hours to meet voters each day

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has arguably been the busiest politician in the run-up to the general election. But the Prime Minister is not the only one with a tight schedule as both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat intensify their campaigning without waiting for the Dewan Rakyat to be dissolved.

Politicians based in the rural Malay heartland in particular have their hands full with numerous weddings and other community events.

Kelantan Umno chief and Jeli MP Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said that he had a lot of weddings to attend.

“Also, many outstation voters are back home and it is important to touch base with them,” he added.

Explosion at UMT chancellory building caused roof to collapse

An explosion at the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu chancellory building at 11.30am caused security personnel to evacuate staff.

It is believed the explosion of an aircond unit on the third floor, at the vice chancellor's office, had caused part of the roof to collapse, said a security staff.

Three fire trucks from the state fire station arrived about 20 minutes later and deployed 16 personnel into the building.

At about 12.50pm, as an officer was about to make a statement to a group of waiting reporters at the building's frontyard, a series of small explosions broke, producing a thickening black smoke billowing from the building top.



Explosion at UMT chancellory building causes roof to collapse

Picture gallery: 2012 SPM results

The top students from SMK Derma.in Kangar, (from L) Nur Asma Hanim Badri, Arini Ayub, Ong Jia Jin, Liew Jia Yin and Tan Li Su jump in delight after obtaining excellent exam results in SPM

Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan (SMJK) Jit Sin celebrate after collecting their SPM results. 8 students for the school sored straight As.

Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Chung Hwa Wei Sin student, Ong Jia Pei, who scored 12A+ in 2012 SPM being hailed by her friends.

Principal of Sekolah Menengah Chung Hwa Wei Sin, Kuala Terengganu, Lim Geok Cheng, hands over 2012 SPM results to Ong Jia Pei, who scored 12 A+.

Some of SM All Saint Likas Kota Kinabalu SPM students sharing their joy after posting excellent results in 2012 SPM.

Some of SM All Saint Likas Kota Kinabalu SPM students sharing their joy after posting excellent results in 2012 SPM.

Eight charged over Sabah intrusion

Accused face death penalty if found guilty of waging war against the king

LAHAD DATU: EIGHT Filipino men became the first to be charged with waging war against the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and engaging in terrorism since the Sabah conflict began.

They were charged at 1pm before magistrate Amelati Parnel at the district police headquarters here, which was turned into a temporary courtroom. This was for security reasons.

The charges were read to them in the Bajau and Suluk languages. No plea was recorded.

One of the eight men facing charges over the Sabah intrusion being led under heavy guard into Tawau district police headquarters yesterday. The group will be brought before the Tawau High Court at a later date for case mention.

Actress charged with hurting ex-hubby

An actress was charged in the magistrate's court here yesterday with hurting her former husband by scratching his arm.

Sharifah Nadia Yusnita Abd Hanif, 33, pleaded not guilty to the summons charge of causing hurt to Lob Mahadir Abdul Syukur, a businessman, at Sekolah Kebangsaan Chee Wen in USJ 1, about 10.30am on Nov 25 last year.

Sharifah Nadia Yusnita Abd Hanif leaving the magistrate’s court in Petaling Jaya yesterday after pleading not guilty to a charge of causing hurt.

EC denies claims it can identify voters’ choice of candidates

The Election Commission (EC) has rejected claims by some quarters that it can identify candidates picked by voters in the coming general election.

Its deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar assured that the vote of each voter is a secret.

“EC clerks at polling centres are disallowed from writing down numbers or anything. This is the law,” he told reporters after briefing election returning officers, enforcement chiefs and the Perak police chief, here today.

Baby dies after radio-controlled helicopter goes rogue at event

A radio-controlled miniature helicopter crashed into a crowd and killed an 18-month-old girl in a freak accident that marred the official opening of the country's first synthetic football pitch here.

Little Nurdamia Hisnina was in her father's arms when the helicopter, which was being flown as a gimmick in the event on Wednesday night, flew through the crowd at the Paroi Sports Complex and slashed her head with its blades.

Anwar threatens Papa Gomo with RM100mil defamation suit over naked photo

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) has threatened blogger “Papa Gomo” with an RM100mil suit if the blogger does not withdraw a post on his website which links Anwar to another sex scandal.

In Anwar's letter of demand, he claims that the blogger had maliciously intended to damage his reputation by posting a compromising photo which the blog alleges was of Anwar.

GE13 Showdown: Is the wind of change sweeping Penang again?

BN Penang Chairman Teng Chang Yeow about how BN can turn the tide in Malaysia's 13th General Election.

Nurul Izzah hits out at police

Lembah Pantai MP claims all the force does is spy on everybody

KUALA PILAH: PARTI Keadilan Rakyat vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar has claimed that the main duty of the police is solely to spy on all Malaysians.

In her ceramah at Kampung Jemapoh here on Tuesday night, Nurul Izzah said this was why armed intruders had managed to infiltrate Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu, on Feb 12.

"What is the job of the security forces? Their job is to spy on the rakyat. Their job is to spy on the PKR leaders. Their job, on the whole, is to ensure BN (Barisan Nasional) stays successful... until our borders in Lahad Datu, Sabah, were inflitrated.



Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar
Nurul Izzah Anwar came under fire last year for allegedly promoting apostasy

LAHAD DATU:Kg Tanjung Batu mopping up pix gallery

A TUDM helicopter helping in mopping up operation at Kampung Tanjung Batu. -- Mindef photo

Mopping up operation being carried out at Kg Tanjung Batu.

An army tanker seen patrolling Kg Tanjung Batu during a mopping up operation there.

Security forces combing Kg Tanjung Batu forests for armed intruders during mopping up operation.

Malaysia battles Filipino rebel group

In 1675,Sultan Brunei asked Sultan Sulu to settle uprising conflicts, after which he was 'rewarded' with North Borneo.In 1878, the Sulu Sultan leased N Borneo to the Europeans. The agreement stated that the lease was of their own free will and was valid until the end of time. (the original words used in the agreement “ selagi ada bulan dan matahari”)

The sultanate received an annual cession* payment until today. NOT RENTAL. *Cession means to relinquish one’s right to a territory.

Lawyers in Taib video expose to face police probe, answer misconduct charges

Two lawyers secretly recorded in a covert video on shady land deals involving cousins of Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud will face an inquiry and a criminal investigation for possible misconduct after the Advocates' Association of Sarawak (AAS) lodged a complaint with the police in Kuching today.

The duo, identified as Alvin Chong and Huang Lung Ong, were shown separately in a video released by London-based activist group Global Witness as proof of shady land deals in Sarawak that appeared to implicate the state’s chief minister and his family, with parts of the clip aired on the Al-Jazeera news channel on Tuesday.

In a covert investigation, Global Witness (GW) captured on video dealings with Taib’s cousins and several other intermediaries to acquire thousands of hectares of forest land that the London-based activist said revealed the systematic corruption and illegality that lay at the heart of Malaysia’s biggest state.

London-based activist group Global Witness’ video appears to implicate the state’s chief minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud (above) and his family, with parts of the clip aired on the Al-Jazeera news channel.

LAHAD DATU: Azzimudie Kiram left Sabah since March 11

Sulu armed intruders leader Azzimudie, or Agbimuddin Kiram, had left the country on March 11 and is now hiding in the small islands of southern Philippines.


Armed Forces General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said security intelligence confirmed this, adding that Azzimudie left his followers in Sabah and fled from one island to another for shelter.

"Azzimudie is believed to have done so to avoid his location from being detected by the Moro people, and for fear that he will be arrested by the Philippine authorities," he said at a news conference with Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar at the Felda Sahabat 16 Operations Headquarters near here today.

Attorney General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail was escorted to the Lahad Datu Police Station upon arrival.