Najib and Rosmah, "Catch us if you can"

As expected, Prime Minister Najib Razak and wife Rosmah Mansor got off the hook in the Sodomy II trial against Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim. The Malaysian High Court set aside the subpoena filed by Anwar to make them take the witness stand.

According to Anwar and testimony from complainant Saiful Bukhari Azlan, the first couple had met with Saiful before he lodged the police report that led to the current trial. Legal experts have said that itself made them material witnesses.

But the trial judge Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah believed otherwise. He agreed with Najib and Rosmah in that they were not relevant. "Hence, I allow the applications and order the trial to continue," said Zabidin.

Anwar, who was in court, lambasted the ruling. He has accused both husband and wife of conspiring with Saiful to derail his political comeback.

"We have evidence to support that the duo was. Our position is that this was planned. Najib should come and deny it. The prosecution offered Najib and Rosmah as witnesses. If they are not relevant, why were they offered?" Anwar told reporters.

[Source: MC]

With that, it appears very much that the couple is taunting the public with the "So what, go ahead" dare. If Mahathir could turn up as a witness at the Lingam tape RCI hearing with his "I can't remember" lines, why not Najib? By not coming forward as a witness despite being subpoenaed, the perception now in the public's mind is that they have something to hide, and could be guilty of a crime. First, they refused to be interviewed as potential defence witnesses in August and now this. It surely does not augur well for a leader of a nation by not setting a good example to its rakyat. It looks as though both of them are daring the rakyat with, "Catch us if you can."

A quote from the late Steve Jobs

‎"No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true."

[Commencement speech at Stanford, 2005]

The passing of the Apple icon

Steve Jobs, the mastermind behind Apple's iPhone, iPad, iPod, iMac and iTunes, has died, Apple said. Jobs was 56.

Apple did not reveal where Jobs died or from what cause -- though in recent years he had fought pancreatic cancer and had a liver transplant.

"We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today," read a statement by Apple's board of directors. "Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve. His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts."

The homepage of Apple's website this evening switched to a full-page image of Jobs with the text, "Steve Jobs 1955-2011."

Clicking on the image revealed the additional text: "Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple."

Jobs co-founded Apple Computer in 1976 and, with his childhood friend Steve Wozniak, marketed what was considered the world's first personal computer, the Apple II.

Shortly after learning of Jobs' death, Wozniak told ABC News, "I'm shocked and disturbed."

Industry watchers called him a master innovator -- perhaps on a par with Thomas Edison -- changing the worlds of computing, recorded music and communications.

Jobs rivals in the development of personal computers, Microsoft co-founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen, immediately reacted to his death and highlighted his importance to their industry.

Allen called him "a unique tech pioneer and auteur who knew how to make amazingly great products."

Gates also extended his condolences, and added via a written statement, "Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives.

"The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come," he added. "For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it's been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely."

Jobs continued to innovate in recent years even as he battled severe health problems that prompted leaves of absence from Apple.

In 2004, he beat back an unusual form of pancreatic cancer, and in 2009 he was forced to get a liver transplant. After several years of failing health, Jobs announced on Aug. 24, 2011 that he was stepping down as Apple's chief executive.

"I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know," Jobs wrote in his letter of resignation. "Unfortunately, that day has come."

[Source: Yahoo]

First, we are. Then, we are not. Now, we are.

Yes, first we were told that we were colonised by the British. Then some bright sparks in the likes of Mahathir and the Council of Professors insisted we are not. Now the DPM says we are. Try to imagine this. We have students who are now sitting for their 'Sejarah' paper. One of the answers given by them is that our country was colonised by the British. What happens if the examiner who is marking the paper believes that the country was NOT colonised by the British. In all likelihood, the examiner would fail the student for giving the 'wrong' answer. As a result of such confusion, students have better hope that whatever answer they give, the answer has better be in line with the thinking of the examiner, and not whether it is the right or wrong answer. Can we blame our students for completing their education half-baked? The whole episode sounds like 'He loves me, he loves me not. He loves me, he loves me not. .......'

Amidst polemics on whether or not the country was colonised by the British, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin told the Dewan Rakyat today that he believes that Malaysia was indeed a British colony.

"Have we been colonised? Yes! We have been celebrating our independence every year. It can't be for nothing," he said, replying a supplementary question from Azmin Ali (PKR- Gombak) during the Question session.

Muhyiddin said that, while some argue that the Malay sultans only received 'advice' from the British, he is of the opinion that they were under the de facto, if not direct control, of the British Crown.

"They received advice from the British residents, but the advice must be accepted. They (the sultans) are not free (to rule)," he argued.

Azmin (left) also asked Muhyiddin, the education minister, if there are any plans to include the "philosophy of history" as a subject in schools, as opposed to just merely educating students on historical facts.

Muhyiddin replied that historical facts are by and large consistent, but that the interpretation of the facts - or the philosophy and understanding of history - could differ, leading to misunderstanding.

As such, the interpretation of history should be done by experts and not by laymen and politicians, he said,

Muhyiddin said a committee is in place to ensure that the subject encompasses facts and the right interpretation to enrich students’ understanding of history.

He earlier replied Shamsul Anwar Nasarah (BN-Lenggong) about government initiatives to study and review historical facts in the national education system, saying that a committee is reviewing the history syllabus.

To improve students’ grasp of history, the subject will be introduced earlier in the school system, from Year 4. This will be implemented in stages, he added.

Not 'colonised', just 'protected'

The debate on whether or not Malaysia had been colonised by the British came to a head after the National Professors Council chief Zainal Kling claimed that Malaysia had only been a “protectorate” of the British.

He based this on the fact that no document since the Pangkor Treaty 1874 states that Malaya would be colonised.

“Being a protectorate is not the same as being colonised... Only three states were colonised - Singapore, Malacca and Penang... Stop saying (Malaya) was colonised for 400 years. That is a big mistake,” he had said.

Zainal said Malaya was only colonised for two years as the Malayan Union, from early 1946 to the end of 1947, as well as while under Japanese Occupation.

[Source: Mkini]

Rais, tell the truth and shame the devil

Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim has made a dangerous statement with his false claim that at an official function he attended in the Penang, only Mandarin and English were spoken. Rais should not lie like Utusan Malaysia but prove which Penang state government official function he attended sidelined Bahasa Malaysia

I suspect that the official function that Rais is referring to is a function in Han Chiang College in Penang where he was the guest of honour representing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on 29 September 2011. I would like to remind Rais that Han Chiang College is a privately run college and the function was organised by Han Chiang and NOT by the state government.

Rais’ claims that he was the only one talking in the national language and a little bit of English, is untrue. I had also spoken in Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mandarin. Why did Rais not mention that I also spoke in Bahasa Malaysia? If Rais was unhappy with the manner Han Chiang organised the event, why then did he not convey his unhappiness with Han Chiang? Why did he not demand an explanation from Han Chiang?

Apologise if you cannot show proof

Instead Rais has chosen to unfairly blame the state government for a function that is organised by a private college. Making false allegations against the Penang state government is clearly intended to play the racist sentiment that Penang does not appreciate Bahasa Malaysia and not good for national unity. Rais had even urged the Malays in Penang to question this event.

If Rais can prove which Penang state government official function attended by him did not use Bahasa Malaysia, the Penang state government will act to correct this mistake. However if he fails to show proof, then he should withdraw his remarks and apologise. Otherwise he would be exposed as a man without honour and even a racist for trying to use this lie to work up the sentiments of the Malays.

The Penang state government wishes to express dismay at the systematic and serial attempts to undermine the Penang state government with lies and racist sentiments. Even though this is to be expected in the general elections season, raising the racial temperature is not only desperate but a highly irresponsible and reckless act that threatens the harmony and stability of our society.

Media attack

Even if BN wants to win the general elections, this victory should be with honour based on truth and not lies.

I am surprised at the ferocity of BN’s latest attacks against the Penang state government and me personally. I will not reply to Rais personal attacks against me. Rais attack follows the ludicrous report in the New Straits Times(NST) and Utusan Malaysia on 2.10.2011 that I may have disclosed national secrets to Singaporeans at a dinner and even questioned my loyalty to my country.

I can not understand why my loyalty to Malaysia is questioned by the NST news report when I do not possess any Australian PR even though I graduated from Monash University. Shouldn’t it be BN leaders who have Australian PR who should have their loyalty questioned in the NST news report?

Datuk Seri Rais, the ball is in your court, what say you?

- Lim Guan Eng is the DAP secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister

Back in 1990, when I was managing a club, I had a chance meeting with Rais Yatim in the club lobby. He had a pleasant disposition, articulated himself excellently in English with an almost English accent, and told me how he in S46, together with DAP and PAS, have plans to bring down the BN in the coming GE. He spoke excitingly of the changes that would lie ahead should the Opposition take over the government. The conversation we had lasted 10 minutes and I walked away very much impressed with Rais' commitment to the Opposition cause and his gentleman-like demeanour. During the entire time, he did not converse a word in BM. Sad to say, he is definitely a changed person now and it's all because of which side of the bread is being buttered.

Monday Humour

--------------------------------------------------------------

A DUMB BLONDE

A few days ago I was having some work done at my local garage.

A blonde came in and asked for a "seven-hundred-ten".

We all looked at each other and another customer asked,

'What is a seven-hundred- ten?'

She replied, 'You know, the little piece in the middle of the engine,

I have lost it and need a new one.'

She replied that she did not know exactly what it was

but this piece had always been there.

The mechanic gave her a piece of paper and a pen

and asked her to draw what the piece looked like.

She drew a circle and in the middle of it wrote 710.

He then took her over to a car just like hers

which had its hood up and asked 'is there a 710 on this car?'.

She pointed and said,

'Of course, its right there.' the mechanic fainted

If you're not sure what a 710 is ....

----------------------------------------------------

I e-meow U, U e-meow me

Many of our young generation of Malaysians are going to speak and write like this soon.

The Malaysian Ministry of Education (KPM) are reverting to teaching Science and Mathematics in Bahasa Malaysia,

Dear Ah Lian

Thanks you for your letters. Wrong time no see you. How anything? For me, I am quiet find.

You say in your letter your taukeh soh want you to chain your face look? Somemore you must wear high hill kick kok shoe, hope you can wok properly wit out felling over. You know, Ah Kau Kia working start in a soft where company now. Last week, he take I, Muthu & few of his junk friend to May Nonut to eat barger. After that he take we all go to kalah ok. Muthu sing and sing no stop until the sky bright. We so drown we no go toilet but pee pees on the floor. Next week, my father mother going to sellerbread 20 years Annie wear sari. My father mother going to give a fist to all the kampong people. So you must come with your hole family. My brother eye deer also to in white the kampong head. I only hope one day we no need write you and send litters to you and to me. Better I e-meow you, you e-meow me. I will ketchup you soon. And when you got time, please few free call up to me. Good bye..... Worm regret, Ah Beng ------------------------------------------------------------- MARITAL BLISS

Bill and his wife Blanche went to the state fair every year,

And every year Bill would say, " Blanche, I'd like to ride in that helicopter "

Blanche always replied, " I know, Bill, but that helicopter ride is fifty bucks,
and fifty bucks is fifty bucks! "

One year Bill and Blanche went to the fair, and Bill said,
" Blanche, I'm 75 years old. If I don't ride that helicopter,

I might never get another chance "

To this, Blanche replied, " Bill that helicopter ride is fifty bucks,

and fifty bucks is fifty bucks"

The pilot overheard the couple and said, " Folks I'll make you

a deal. I'll take the both of you for a ride. If you
can stay quiet for the entire ride and don't say a word I won't charge you a
penny! But if you say one word it's fifty dollars. "

Bill and Blanche agreed and up they went.

The pilot did all kinds of fancy maneuvers, but not a word was heard.
He did his daredevil tricks, but still not a word...

When they landed, the pilot turned to Bill and said,
" By golly , I did everything I could to get you to yell out, but you
didn't. I'm impressed! "

Bill replied, "Well, to tell you the truth I almost said something

when Blanche fell out, but you know, Fifty bucks is fifty bucks! "*

Body snatching : Syariah Court can't cite kin

After reading the following news report, only one thing comes to mind, and this is just a suggestion to all non-Muslims. The moment your loved one takes his last breath, without a second to lose, the body has to be quickly transferred from the home or hospital bed to the crematorium. Henceforth, there shall be no lying in state or wake ceremonies for the dead. Not even funeral prayers in church or temple. This is to prevent the religious body from turning up at your home with 30-50 police personnel to take the body away for burial if they so declare that the deceased was a Muslim. We do not need to distraught the family further when they are already in grief. It is really sad to see our country coming to this.

Lawyers familiar with cases of conversion say the Negri Sembilan Islamic Affairs Department (JHEAINS) cannot cite the family of the late Lawrence Selvanathan for contempt of the syariah court for cremating his remains.

According to noted syariah lawyer Muhamad Burok, this is because the family is Christian and they therefore do not fall under the jurisdiction of the syariah court.

"The jurisdiction of the syariah court, according to the Administration of the Religion of Islam (Negri Sembilan) Enactment 2003, only extends to cases where all parties are Muslim.

"This is the law, but if there is a clause that allows (the contempt action) then let me know," Muhamad (right) said when contacted.

Agreeing with him, lawyer M Kulasegaran said the federal constitution, through the inclusion of clause (1A) into Article 121, clearly states that Malaysia practices two parallel legal systems.

The clause states that the high courts have "no jurisdiction in respect of any matter within the jurisdiction of the syariah court".

It also states that the syariah court has jurisdiction only "over persons professing the religion of Islam".

"In view of this, the law does not apply to non-Muslims, subpoenas don't apply and it is my view that contempt also does not apply," Kulasegaran said.

This would therefore extend to the syariah court order obtained by JHEAINS to stop Lawrence's funeral on Sept 22 as well, added Kulasegaran, who is also DAP's Ipoh Barat MP.

"The family can look at all this with impunity," said the lawyer, who acted for the late Everest mountaineer M Moorthy's wife in the controversial body snatching case in 2005.

In that matter, S Kaliammal (right), Moorthy's widow, lost her final legal redress in the Federal Court in January this year to obtain a declaration that her late husband was still a Hindu prior to his death five years ago and that he be accorded a burial according to Hindu rites.

Agreeing with the position taken by Kulasegaran, Muhamad, argued that the syariah court order would not hold up as it was served on non-Muslim parties.

In cases where Islamic departments find that a deceased person has converted without the family's knowledge, the department could only try to persuade the family to allow him or her to be buried according to Islamic rites.

"Syariah lawyers get frustrated as the court's jurisdiction is narrow, but that is the law. The law does not allow action (in such matters)," Muhamad said.

However, another syariah lawyer, Zulkifli Che Yong said the syariah court has jurisdiction in such matters, even though the parties involved are non-Muslim.

"It depends on the subject matter. In this case, the subject is a man who is said to have converted to Islam," he said, adding that the situation may be less clear in the case of citing the family for contempt.

Political will lacking?

JHEAINS claims that it has a certificate and a video recording proving that Lawrence, 33, had converted to Islam three days before his death and had taken the name Zairy Abdullah.

The agency had at 12.40am on Sept 22, the day of his funeral, served the court order on the family stopping them from proceeding with the funeral, which was to take place at 3pm in Lukut, Port Dickson.

JHEAINS also stopped the family while they were on the way to the funeral mass; but the deceased's friends took matters into their own hands and cremated the body.

On Thursday, the department told Malaysiakini that it is looking at citing Lawrence's family for contempt for having refused to comply to the syariah court order.

In 2009, the government announced that it would amend the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976, Administration of Islamic Law (Federal Territories) Act 1993 and Islamic Family Law (Federal Territories) Act 1984 to deal with disputes over matters of conversion.

The amendments have yet to go through.

According to Kulasegaran (left), the government had formed a committee headed by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Koh Tsu Koon, and the matter was then referred to the rulers.

"Nothing has gone through. At the end of the day it's the fault of the government for not addressing this issue, which it feels is politically challenging and sensitive.

"But a pragmatic and realistic government will look at the bigger picture and see the emotional stress and fractures in families caused by this... it shows a lack of willpower by the government," Kulasegaran added.