Pak Lah warned Anwar not to bribe his BN MP

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has warned his rival Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim not to bribe lawmakers to defect to the opposition.

Anwar has repeatedly pledged to topple Abdullah’s administration through parliamentary defections by mid-September.

Abdullah tells The Associated Press in an interview today he has heard many stories about Anwar allegedly tempting government legislators "with monetary offers”.

Abdullah says if this proved true, it would "be the worst form of corruption to buy people to bring down the government that has been established by the will of the people."

Anwar needs 30 lawmakers to defect for the opposition to seize power. But he is fighting a sodomy accusation that could derail his career for the second time in a decade. — AP
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Azizah resigned, pave way to Anwar

In the wake of rumours on Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's imminent arrest, his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail today resigned as Permatang Pauh MP to make way for him to contest in a by-election in his hometown.

Dr Wan Azizah, the parliamentary opposition leader who will keep her Parti Keadilan Rakyat president post, said she sent the resignation letter to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia today.

Pandikar, who is in Sabah at the moment and will respond on Monday, is expected to notify the Election Commission immediately. A by-election must be called within 60 days after the notification date.

"I thank my supporters in Permatang Pauh who have stood by me in the most difficult times since September 1998 and have shared the joy of victory we all experienced on March 8," Dr Wan Azizah told a packed press conference at the PKR headquarters here today.

The three-term MP, speaking with Anwar beside her, said he would be a good choice for voters as he had articulated a vision for Malaysia that had brought hope to the people.

Anwar, who is facing fresh sodomy allegations, thanked his wife for holding the family and the party since his ordeal a decade ago. "I had intentionally wanted to contest in the Kulim Bandar Baharu parliamentary seat. Unfortunately the on-going petition in court is dragging and taking time.

"After some consultation with my legal time we realised that it cannot be resolved within one month," he said, referring to Barisan Nasional's petition to declare the parliamentary constituency in Kedah null and void after PKR won the seat in the recent general election.

In an immediate reaction, Anwar's former mentor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said: "A loving wife can't do anything better. I am sure my own wife will do the same."

Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar also confirmed today that police have completed investigations into the sodomy accusations made by Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan last month. Syed Hamid said the investigation papers are with the Attorney-General's Chambers for further action.

The Malaysian Insider reported this morning that Solicitor-General Datuk Idrus Harun is expected to lead the prosecution if Anwar has a case to answer.

Excerpt from http://www.malaysianinsider.com/index.php/headlines/42-lead-stories/2422-anwar-sticks-to-safe-seat-as-arrest-looms
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Dr. Osman medical report is relevant to Saiful sodomy claim - Experts

While the physical examination of Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan appeared to be brief and not sodomy-related, it is nevertheless still relevant, says experts.
Medical exam raises reasonable doubt
Doctor found 'no physical evidence'

On statement by Pusrawi that Dr Osman report is not sodomy related, here are some of the comments by rakyat.

‘Then why pray tell me, would the doctor look at his anus? For fun?'
On Hospital: It wasn't a sodomy probe

Meng: I don't know, I am not a trained medical doctor but I find the latest statement by the hospital most puzzling. They said it was not a sodomy inspection.

The doctor, after being told that the alleged victim was sodomised three hours ago, found no tear, found no pus (assuming infection) and found no blood. The patient looked fine.

This was not a sodomy inspection? Let's not be anal. Then why pray tell me, would the doctor look at his anus?

For fun? The fact is that the doctor's inspection found no evidence of sodomy.

Drop the case. Now.

A Sepet Guy: Having worked in the emergency departments of a few hospitals, I fully agree that the doctor at Hospital Pusrawi is not in a position to decisively state whether Saiful had been sodomised or not.

And all the more in a hospital like Pusrawi that has no forensic pathology support. And to be fair to Hospital Pusrawi, I disagree with those who say that from the medical report, it is clear that sodomy did not happen.

Nevertheless, I think the value of this leaked medical report lies in these two points:

1. Should this report prove to be authentic, we can for sure say one thing - there was no gross injury on Saiful's private parts at that time he was presented for medical examination.

If there were gross injuries like redness, swelling, bleeding, abrasions, bruises, etc etc, any doctor regardless of whether he is a specialist or not, would be able to recognise it.

But having said that, no gross injuries does not mean sodomy had not happened before.

2. More importantly, should this report prove to be true and because this was Saiful's first medical visit before he was referred to a government hospital, this would prevents anyone from coming out with a fabricated medical report saying that there was gross injuries on Saiful's body.

And that is where the greatest value of this report lies - not in disproving sodomy, but in preventing any further fabrication.

Perry: How ridiculous! Hospital Pusrawi states that Dr Mohd Osman Abd Hamid's examination (however basic) was not sodomy related. What?

We all read the good doctor's report. It states ‘the patient was alleged(ly) assaulted by plastic item into the anus - wanting to do report'.

He only examines Saiful's anus, obviously because of the complaint that he was sodomised (by plastic, though).

Furthermore, when quizzed on the authenticity of the report leaked to the media, the hospital replied: ‘Looks the same, contents are the same'. He confirmed the report!

How can they expect us to now believe the report was not in relation to the sodomy accusation?

Are there no ethics left with Malaysians? Are there no principles, no courage left?

This is a sad day for Malaysia, but the culprits will pay for it sooner or later. God willing.

Non-Medical Malaysian: What kind of non-sodomy examination is this Hospital Pusrawi talking about when the terms used are as follows:

‘Zero active bleeding', ‘Zero ulcer or pus' and ‘zero tear and scar'?

Malaysian-Thru-And-Thru: This is so ridiculous! Does it really matter if Dr Muhammad Osman Abdul Hamid is a 'specialist' or not?

He followed medical protocol when this Saiful approached the said hospital for a check-up following pains that he was 'suffering'.

Frankly, the hospital should remain silent unless they have got some other more intelligent facts to share with the media.

The comments they made only serves to make the hospital authorities in this country look very incompetent and unreliable.

Dr SodoMee: What's the reason of denying the report saying it wasn't a ‘sodomy examination' and it wasn't perform by a ‘specialist'?

What kind of specialist do we need to perform a backside examination? PhD in sodomy? Does our university have this course?

Why is it each time something crops up that shows Anwar is innocent, there'll be very swift action from the police and all the related parties to deny it?

Why is it when there is even the slightest hint or allegation from some party that Anwar has done something bad, the police will be up in arms with 15 cars to arrest a 61-year-old man with a bad back and who is unlikely to run away anywhere?

The faster the counterattacks comes from the police and Umno in a brutish manner, the more easier it is to see which party has a reason to hide certain issues.

And I'm 100% positive the official report from KLH (which is their last resort and being heavily defended by Syed Hamid) will be 100% opposite of the original report from Pusrawi.

When the report from KLH is out, I would like to meet the doctor in charge of doing this examination, which university he goes to and which course he attended.

I want my son to study the same course in the future because being a ‘sodomy specialist' has a very bright future in Malaysia's Umno-run government!

CH Siew: It is interesting that the hospital comes back telling everyone that it is not a sodomy examination. Then pray tell, what examination was it?

So what was the purpose of such a detailed examination? Whatever the doctor jotted down on the form, there is no indication of any injury at all - no tearing of skin, muscles or even the presence of any foreign object.

When this evidence was release, no one questioned its authenticity. It seems that everyone was caught red-handed. Instead, the police complained that someone was sabotaging their investigation and Syed Hamid Albar said the government would only depend on the HKL report.

My question is why be so quick to write off new evidence unless you are determined to make someone guilty?

Yes, Anwar must be found guilty or many people will be brought down starting from the doctors who altered their reports all the way to DPM and even the PM.

Correct, Correct, Correct: In denying that the medical examination conducted by staff member Dr Muhammad Osman Abdul Hamid on Saiful Bukhari Azlan was related to sodomy, Pusrawi's general manager Wan Mahmud Wan Yaakob's famous comments were ‘Looks the same, contents are the same'.

Do I smell a rat somewhere? Going by the famous criteria of VK Lingam in the infamous video clip recently, of course Dr Osman's examination wasn't a sodomy examination - but it looks like a sodomy examination anyway if we read between the lines of what Wan Mahmud Wan Yaakob said above.

Let the people judge for themselves whether Wan Mahmud Wan Yaakob is correct, correct, correct about the report.

Disgusted: It is indeed outrageous how far these people in high places are willing to propagate their lies, even after events with the surfacing of the leaked medical report from Pusrawi Hospital seem to suggest otherwise.

Now they have the gall to suggest that the medical report is not sodomy-related. In any ordinary circumstance, the logical and wise thing to do would be to bring the doctor involved to the fore and let him speak.

Instead, in this Bolehland, anyone deemed to make a stand unfavourable to the government has the habit of going missing.

By hook or by crook, somehow the so-called investigations must only point to one direction - that Anwar is guilty, no matter how weak the chain of evidence seems to suggest.

It seems to me the repeat of 1998 is eminent. As long as you fix the referee in a football match, he will award you a penalty kick no matter how ridiculous the circumstances look.

In this case I am afraid the match is already fixed, and the winner is already determined.

Our civil society must not remain silent on such blatant abuse of public institutions for the political survival of a few.

Perhaps it is high time that our Yang Di Pertuan Agong haul up those who serve under His Royal Highness like the police chief to answer for putting his good name in disrepute.

Dr Hlasim: As a medical practitioner myself, I am shocked by the publication of the medical report on Saiful, Anwar's accuser. It has violated a patient's confidentiality with is the fundamental right of a patient who is seeking treatment or assessment from a medical practitioner.

Even if the medical report is true, Anwar's legal team should use it in the court to squash the charge rather than using the media to win the war of public perception. I am not sure now if the report can be used in court if Anwar is charged because of this irresponsible publication.

I really hope the doctor will come forward and reveal the truth. If he didn't give his consent for the publication, then shame on the media that published the report. It is a disgrace to fight for the justice of one person but violate the rights of another person.

If Anwar's team is talking about justice then an injustice has been committed by the publication of the medical report. I am not a government supporter nor an Anwar supporter.

Yes, he was wrongly jailed for a crime he did not committ but he fought hard, and he gains my respect for that. This time, I am not sure if I am able to give him the same respect.

He should fight the accusation in the court and if he believes there is conspiracy against him, then he should reveal it in the court. Berani kerana benar, takut kerana salah.

The truth always prevails!


On Health DG: Ministry will stick by HKL's findings

Mooshie Mooshie: Dear Syed Hamid Albar, do not get cute with us. We, the public, demand to know if the government actually knew about this report from Pusrawi.

You have said the police are constantly following and looking out for new leads. So is this a new lead or not?

Arumugan: Never in history has a government agency, leader or ruling politician ever retracted a false statement for fear of losing public confidence.

These false statements will be upheld as long as possible, and the agencies will continue to portray themselves the ultimate decision-makers on the issue, irrespective of any implications.

Thereupon they will exercise the ‘hundred days' theory of making the issue smaller and smaller until people forget or forgive them. How nice is it to have power of this sort?

Fairplay: It is totally absurd for Ismail Merican to make such a statement.

The private practitioners are all registered with the health ministry, which means licences to practice are only valid after the doctor has fulfilled the ministry's requirements.

Hospital Pusrawi doctors, too, follow standard operating procedures, and hence, Dr Mohd Osman's report is a valid document that can be produced in the court.

By the way, what procedure does one need to follow to examine Saiful's anud? I hope Merican will list the protocol.

On Stop witch-hunt, end sodomy probe

/news/87004
Peter Ooi: The authorities should listen to Karpal Singh who is a very senior and excellent criminal lawyer. With his vast experience in criminal law, I believe he is an authority in this field.

Knowing that with the revelation of the latest medical report on Saiful, he more or less knows that the case against Anwar is extremely weakened. Thus, let us not waste time and money chasing rainbows.

Instead, the police and the attorney-general's chambers should pool all their energy to solve issues that affect the public's welfare especially corruption , murder and abuse of power.

According to the deputy IGP, the police are relentlessly searching for evidence and I believe they must be working extremely hard. This is a good sign for it indicates that police are capable of channeling their resources to solve serious cases.

This brings to my mind the many serious high-profile cases which almost every one knows about and that the police were 'relentlessly' trying to solve but without conclusion.

If only they had pursue these cases as relentlessly as they are now purusing Awar's case, I believe they would come up a definite sucesses.

To the police, please do the right thing.


On Anwar: It confirms plot to frame me

Lim Leong: With the revelation that there was an initial medical report showing no medical evidence of sodomy and that the police have a copy of the first report, I find it absolutely incredible that the police did not probe the possibility that the accusation against Anwar might be fabricated.

Instead, all the police machinery was put in to high gear to have a one-sided probe that ended with Anwar being arrested with a convoy of commandos.

I urge all the government officials not to further insult the intelligence of the Malaysian people by insisting that the police are running a professional and fair investigation.

In a fair and just criminal justice system, you have to prove ‘beyond reasonable doubt' before you can convict someone.

In this case, I would argue that there is more than reasonable doubt that the evidence is fabricated and police are serving the interests of their political masters rather than the interests of the people.

Meng Yee: It appears that Anwar Ibrahim is going to be charged, as the home minister has given the green light publicly for the police to charge him.

Once again as we saw in 1998, the entire government machine is out to get Anwar Ibrahim and stop him from becoming Malaysia's sixth prime minister.

This is against the democratic process of our country and we humbly call on our King to step in and stop this nonsense, as it is clear that Anwar is being charged as guilty until proven innocent.
This government is now illegitimate and I call on all fellow Malaysians from both sides of the political divide to reject this kind of persecution of a fellow Malaysian.

Reject the leaders. Boo them at every public event, do not give them the common courtesy of human beings. Refuse to move your cars when outriders come speeding down the highway - if many of us do it, we can put a stop to this nonsense.

Boycott functions by the government and hold protests outside every international function. We can sent them a message - that we do not want them anymore. Do us all a favour and go.


On 'Regrettable' but leaked report valid: Lawyer

William D: Based on the medical report issued by Dr Mohamed Osman Abdul Hamid, I believe it is now in order to bring Saiful to book for making false police reports and perjury.

The party that should be concerned with all these goings-on is the Malaysian Medical Association.

Strangely, since this medical report was released, we have failed to hear a squeak from them, especially considering one of their colleagues may have to go into hiding for fear of his life.


On Police to keep investigating sodomy case

A Sad Malaysian: As a Malaysian who lives overseas and looking at the events around Anwar's sodomy accusation, I cannot help but feel sad and disappointed with the police force.

The only way for Malaysia to get out of their current mess is for the King to step in and do the decent thing by dissolving parliament and calling for fresh elections.

Let the people decide the future of Malaysia. Is there such a provision in our constitution?

KB: When the Pusrawi medical report came out, the police said this was an attempt to sabotage the investigations.

With this slip of the tongue which is actually a slip of the mind, the police have confirmed that there is a conspiracy against Anwar.

New evidence does not sabotage an investigation. It helps the investigation along. However, certain types of evidence may sabotage a conspiracy.

Let's not take this slip of the mind lightly. It can reveal a lot about one's inner thoughts and intentions.

So are the police conducting an investigation or a conspiracy?

Excerpt from http://malaysiakini.com/news/87029
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Fuel price may drop following world crop fuel prices

Falling world crude prices has prompted the Cabinet to consider cutting pump prices in Malaysia that had sparked a record 27-year-high inflation rate last month.



Several Cabinet ministers said a reduction in pump prices was discussed during the weekly meeting yesterday but declined to elaborate, saying Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would make an announcement soon.

The government raised petrol prices by 41 per cent and diesel prices by 60 per cent early June, prompting protests and drove inflation to 7.7. per cent for that month as higher transport costs pushed other prices. Petrol is now sold at RM2.70 a litre from RM1.92 previously, while diesel shot up one ringgit to RM2.58 a litre currrently.

The government had said it could not afford fuel subsidies due to the soaring crude prices but is stilll providing a 30-sen discount to the market rate.

Crude oil fell from its lowest close in 12 weeks yesterday on speculation demand in Asia and the US may slow after near-record prices reduced consumption.

A US Energy Department report today may show that gasoline supplies rose for a fifth week, according to a Bloomberg News survey. Gasoline use has slipped for 14 straight weeks as high pump prices kept people closer to home, MasterCard Inc reported yesterday.

"The key consideration in the market this week has been demand destruction,'' said Christopher Bellew, a senior broker at Bache Commodities Ltd in London. "All the warning signs about the US economy have prompted speculators to reduce their exposure so that the next layer of support is at US$117 (RM386).''

Crude oil for September delivery fell as much as 94 cents, or 0.8 per cent, to US$121.25 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It was US$121.94 at 12.52pm London time. On Tuesday, it fell US$2.54, or 2 per cent, to US$122.19 a barrel, the lowest close since May 6. Prices have dropped more than US$25 a barrel, or 17 per cent, from their July 11 record.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Khaled Nordin said the Cabinet discussed lower pump prices and the mechanics was being worked out which Information Minister Datuk Shabery Cheek confirmed but declined to elaborate.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad said Abdullah would make the announcement at an appropriate time. He was quoted on Tuesday as saying the government might reduce fuel prices if crude oil prices stay at US$125 per barrel for at least three weeks.

Shahrir said if that was the case then a reduction in prices could come within the year to enable the Government to keep its pledge of maintaining a 30-sen per litre subsidy.

"Why not, it would be good news, right?" he told the Bloomberg News service.
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Rodwan and Saiful connection

Who is Rodwan, other than the fact that he works for the IGP and is known as the police chief’s bagman and go-between with the organised crime syndicate that controls all the drugs, prostitution, loan-sharking and gambling rackets?

THE CORRIDORS OF POWER

Malaysia Today

At 2.30pm on Wednesday, 25 June 2008, Senior Assistant Commissioner (SAC) II Mohd Rodwan Mohd Yusof met Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan in room 619 of the Concorde Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Prior to this secret meeting, Rodwan and Saiful spoke on the phone at least eight (8) times.

Three days later, at 2.00pm on 28 June 2008, Saiful went to see Dr Mohamed Osman Abdul Hamid of the Hospital Pusrawi to ‘complain’ that he had been sodomised by ‘a very important person’ and that he wished to lodge a police report. The doctor, however, found no traces or evidence that he had been sodomised and suggested, for purposes of the police report, that Saiful go to a government hospital.

Who is Rodwan, other than the fact that he works for the IGP and is known as the police chief’s bagman and go-between with the organised crime syndicate that controls all the drugs, prostitution, loan-sharking and gambling rackets? Well, read the following archived reports to get a better understanding of this scumbag and slime-ball named Rodwan. Maybe then you can understand why he met Saiful in a hotel room three days before the sodomy allegation against Anwar Ibrahim exploded.


*************************************************

Berita Harian
Rabu, 30 Disember 1998

Seorang pakar forensik Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) memberitahu Mahkamah Tinggi di sini hari ini bahawa contoh darah Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tidak boleh digunakan untuk ujian DNA kerana ia diambil dan disediakan bagi ujian HIV, Hepatitis B dan VD (penyakit kelamin).

Dr Zahari Noor berkata, oleh kerana itu beliau menolak permintaan polis sebanyak dua kali supaya contoh darah itu digunakan untuk ujian DNA. Menurutnya, ketika di Ibu Pejabat Polis Bukit Aman pada 28 September lalu bagi mengambil darah Anwar, beliau ditanya oleh Asisten Mohd Rodwan Mohd Yusof sama ada ujian DNA boleh dilakukan terhadap Anwar. Katanya, beliau menasihatkan polis supaya tidak mengambil darah Anwar untuk ujian DNA kerana Anwar hanya memberi persetujuan supaya darahnya digunakan bagi ujian HIV, Hepatitis B dan VD.

"Pada 15 Oktober lalu, Mohd Rodwan dan SAC I (Senior Asisten Komisioner) Musa Hassan datang ke HKL dan bertanya sama ada mereka boleh mengambil contoh darah Anwar untuk analisis DNA," katanya.

Dr Zahari: Kami memberikan empat sebab kepada polis mengapa ujian DNA tidak boleh dilakukan terhadap darah Anwar:

* contoh itu tidak disediakan untuk analisis DNA,

* ia tidak sesuai untuk ujian DNA,

* pendapat kami ialah keputusan ujian DNA itu tidak boleh dipercayai.

* ia boleh membawa keputusan yang mengelirukan kerana kami menyimpan contoh darah itu di dalam bekas biasa tanpa pengawet atau EDTA.

Katanya, mereka kemudian mencadangkan kepada polis bahawa mereka bersedia pada bila-bila masa untuk mengambil contoh darah Anwar di penjara Sungai Buloh untuk ujian DNA jika tertuduh membenarkannya.

************************************************

"In 1998-1999 trials, Anwar experienced the phenomenon of fabrication of DNA evidence. We had SAC Rodwan illegally removing DNA samples from forensic custody. In cross-examination of the prosecution's witnesses it was exposed that DNA taken from blood samples was planted on the infamous mattress," said Sivarasa.

"When confronted with this fact the prosecution amended its charge and persuaded the judge, Augustine Paul, to expunge the entire DNA evidence from the record, preventing Anwar's lawyers from responding."

*************************************************

Police have never dilly-dallied in investigating the alleged sodomy against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim since the case was reported to police on June 28, said Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar. He said the police, instead, had been relentlessly seeking relevant and the latest information, besides giving the case priority, as it was a high-profile case.

"We want to solve this case as soon as possible. The investigating officer is constantly looking for new leads. We are doing our best and we need the cooperation of all quarters concerned," he told Bernama when contacted here Tuesday.

Ismail was asked to comment on Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar's statement on Monday, asking for police to speed up the investigations into the sodomy allegation against the Parti Keadilan Rakyat advisor.

He said since the police investigations began, some quarters had been making speculations and statements that could interfere with the investigations.

"I wish to warn everyone, including bloggers, not to disturb police investigations by disseminating material or information that is inaccurate or false.

"Action will be taken against those who deliberately try to interfere with the investigations. Let the police do a meticulous job," he added.

*************************************************

Sources told The Malaysian Insider that investigators are "crossing the t's and dotting the i's" and will be relying on Anwar's DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) samples from 1998 when he faced similar charges which cost him the chance to be prime minister.

"Nobody wants a repeat of 1998 when the prosecution had to amend the charges. Anwar has alleged that he had an alibi for the 24 hours on the day the offence took place. So the authorities have to check everything out," said an official who is familiar with the investigations.

"We understand that there is an attempt to quash credibility of the case even before the matter goes to court. The police cannot say too much because then they will be accused of trial by media and ministers cannot say much because they will be accused to interference.

"This case is built on strong scientific evidence," the official added.

*************************************************

This was posted on Susan Loone’s blog:

Susan,

I would like to write the following statement in the name of GOD whom I believe.

I am a government doctor in the rank of consultant working in Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL). I know personally the doctors who examined Saiful on that day - 28 June 2008.

The so-called medical report mentioned in the NST is a fabrication or imagination by the UMNO paper. There is no such medical report submitted to the polis yet.

When examining Saiful, the specialist could not find any signs of Saiful being sodomised. Saiful was very cheerful, unlike real sodomised patients who will usually be very sad and disturbed.

Saiful was subsequently admitted to the ward and observed for a day. He was completely well in the ward and not emotionally disturbed.

Please let RPK know of this.

Excerpt from http://us2.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/10560/84/
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Bus fares to increase before Hari Raya - Noh Omar

The Government has agreed to increase stage and express bus fares but has not decided on the quantum.

Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar said the new fares would be announced before Hari Raya in October.

Noh, however, shot down the Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association’s appeal for a 100% fare increase, saying it would be a great burden on the public.

“Their appeal for an increase cannot be refused but a 100% increase means a RM30 fare would be RM60. This is too high,” he said, adding that the memorandum from the association was accepted during the National Inflation Council meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on Monday.

Noh said the ministry has drawn up a formula on the fare increase, which it now has to discuss with the association.

“We understand their financial problem because prices of diesel, tyre and engine oil have gone up a few times since 2005, while fares have not increased,” he told reporters after presenting excellence award to 68 ministry staff here yesterday.

Noh also said that the Government was looking into the operators’ other problems, including complaints that they could not sell tickets yet for the Hari Raya season for fear there would not be enough buses.

“They said some buses do not want to operate during the festive season because it is only full for a one-way journey such as Kuala Lumpur to Johor and returns with fewer passengers,” he said.

Among ideas the Government was studying to help prevent bus companies from incurring losses, particularly when running services to rural areas, was to issue permits for them to transport school children and factory workers.

He said Mara was incurring losses of about RM3mil per year providing subsidised transport at Felda schemes.

The ministry was also studying the possibility of allowing the 20,000 school bus operators to ferry members of the public after they had sent students to school, to enable them to increase their income, he added.

Association president Datuk Ashfar Ali, however, insisted that the Government meets its three requests: an increase in diesel quota for both stage and express buses, a 100% fare increase and goodies for the industry in the coming Budget.

Excerpt from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/30/nation/21952174&sec=nation
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Anwar to be charged for sodomy soon - MalaysianInsider

The police have completed their investigations into sodomy allegations against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and are going to charge the opposition icon soon for sodomising his accuser Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan.

Sources told The Malaysian Insider that investigators are "crossing the t's and dotting the i's" and will be relying on Anwar's DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) samples from 1998 when he faced similar charges which cost him the chance to be prime minister.

"Nobody wants a repeat of 1998 when the prosecution had to amend the charges. Anwar has alleged that he had an alibi for the 24 hours on the day the offence took place. So the authorities have to check everything out," said an official who is familiar with the investigations.

"We understand that there is an attempt to quash credibility of the case even before the matter goes to court. The police cannot say too much because then they will be accused of trial by media and ministers cannot say much because they will be accused to interference.
"This case is built on strong scientific evidence," the official added.

Anwar has claimed that he is a victim of a political conspiracy and has refused to give a blood sample for DNA tests, saying that it could be used to fabricate evidence against him.

Waving the leaked medical report today, Anwar called on the police to drop the case, saying it was proof there was a plot to implicate him in a repeat of the 1998 case.

"How else can we fathom why the police during the last four weeks of their 'thorough and professional investigations' have overlooked such a critical piece of evidence?

"I condemn in the strongest terms their negligence, dishonesty and recklessness in humiliating the nation by dragging us all through this vile and filthy charade," Anwar said.

Police arrested him on July 16 an hour before he was due to be questioned, causing a furore as it was similar to the chain of events a decade ago when he was charged with corruption and sodomy. Anwar was convicted on both charges and spent six years in jail before being freed in 2004 when his sodomy appeal was upheld.

Earlier today. Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said police will not cease investigations into the allegations against the former deputy prime minister despite a leaked medical report that states Saiful has no medical evidence of sodomy. The former male aide to Anwar lodged a police report on June 28, alleging that he had been sodomised by Anwar in a condominium on June 26.

"This is just one aspect of the investigations. The police are piecing together evidence, let them do their job and complete their investigations," Syed Hamid said. "As it is, they haven't charged Anwar with anything yet," he added.

The Malaysia Today news portal yesterday revealed a medical report dated June 28 that indicated the lack of evidence of anal intercourse, with its editor Raja Petra Kamarudin also claiming that the examining doctor, Dr Mohamed Osman Abdul Hamid, had gone into hiding because the police had attempted to have him change his medical report to implicate Anwar.

The police have denied the allegation.

"We interviewed the doctor in the early stages of our investigations following the police report lodged by Mohd Saiful," said Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar.

"But we did not arrest the doctor or detain him for three days as alleged by the Malaysia Today report. We don't have any plans to do so either," he said.

Excerpt from http://themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/headlines/42-lead-stories/
2365-anwar-to-be-charged-for-sodomy-as-police-wrap-up-probe
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Malaysia battled Chelsea to 2 nail loss

Chelsea rounded off their pre-season tour of Asia with a 2-0 win over a Malaysia select XI thanks to goals by Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole on Tuesday.


The Champions League finalists secured the third win of their three-leg tour in hot and humid conditions in front of a crowd of 80,000 at the Shah Alam stadium.

The Malaysians battled hard to fend off a Chelsea side orchestrated by new signing Deco and the industrious Anelka, who put the visitors ahead after 26 minutes.

The France striker latched on to a neat through ball from Joe Cole, skipped past the defence and slotted home into the bottom right hand corner from inside the penalty area.
The hosts created a handful of chances and forward Amiral Hadi Zainal almost opened the scoring inside three minutes when he broke free in the area and fired inches wide of the far post.

He also blew a perfect opportunity to equalise before halftime when he popped up unmarked in the box but fired a weak effort past the post with Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech beaten.
Portugal midfielder Deco then came close to a memorable first goal in a Chelsea shirt when his spectacular volley from 22 metres was tipped over the bar by the Malaysian keeper.
Chelsea grabbed their second goal eight minutes after the break when Ashley Cole received a Frank Lampard pass and blasted the ball into the top right hand corner from five metres.
The match was a stark contrast to the previous two games, when Chelsea romped to 7-0 and 4-0 victories over Chinese sides.

Premier League Chelsea's Brazilian manager Luiz Felipe Scolari said the rugged pitch hampered his team's performance and he was relieved that his players came out unscathed.
'I crossed my fingers to finish without injuries,' he told reporters. 'It was impossible to play on this pitch, my players tried to play but it was difficult, but I saw some players play better than in the other games.'

Malaysia coach B Sathianathan said: 'I'm surprised. Everyone thought Chelsea would steamroll past us but they didn't.'





Excerpt from http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=558397&sec=england&cc=4716
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Anwar - I might be arrested very soon

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has hinted that he might be arrested again very soon in connection with sodomy allegations against him which he described as a conspiracy to destroy his political career.

"I heard the news from KL… Who knows maybe I'll arrested tonight or maybe tomorrow," he said without elaborating, when addressing a few thousand people at a ceramah in Negri Sembilan late last night.

The Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader spoke for about an hour when addressing the crowd at a Pas service centre in Jempol, about 85km from here.

It is learnt that the police have completed their investigations into the sodomy allegations and will charge Anwar soon.

At the ceramah, Anwar reiterated the points made during his press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday that the allegations made by his accuser Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan had no merit, as proven by a leaked medical report that there was no evidence of sodomy on his accuser.

He had asked the authorities to stop the investigation immediately, claiming that they had nothing to charge him with.

Anwar also spent a lot time retelling the mostly rural dwellers about his ordeal when he was arrested by the police as well as when he was at the Kuala Lumpur hospital for his medical examination on July 16.


A section of the crowd who turned out for Anwar’s ceramah last night.

"The police asked me whether I did it or not (sodomy), and I said, no, no, no, I didn't do it," he said, recalling the five-hour questioning by the police on the day he was arrested.

To win the hearts of his local supporters, the former deputy prime minister also said he would announce "in a day or two" his plan to re-enter Parliament (after he was sacked and subsequently jailed in late 1998).

"For now (my decision is) Kulim but who knows, it could be (that I would contest in) Port Dickson or Teluk Kemang (both in Negri Sembilan)," he said with the crowd roaring with laughter.

On Sunday night in Kulim, Kedah, Anwar announced to thousands of his supporters that he had chosen the Kulim Bandar Baharu parliamentary seat for his official political comeback.

There will be a by-election for the constituency if an election court decides on Aug 19 that the result of the March 8 general election is null and void due to the failure of the winner, the PKR's Zulkifli Noordin, to comply with election laws.

Excerpt from Malaysianinsider http://themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/headlines/42-lead-stories/2368-anwar-hints-at-imminent-arrest
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Proton Perdana RM1.07m maintenance bill, suspects nabbed

The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) has arrested three car workshop owners and seized eight of the 16 Proton Perdana V6 Executive cars owned by the Terengganu Government.

ACA enforcement director Datuk Shukri Abdull said one of the suspects was arrested on Friday and the other two on Saturday in connection with the RM1.07mil maintenance bill for the cars.

He said the men, aged between 30 and 50, have been remanded for four days since yesterday under the Anti-Corruption Act 1967 to assist in investigations.

“Investigations are still ongoing and we require more information to complete investigations,” he said.

Shukri also did not rule out the possibility more people would be arrested over the matter.

He said 10 people have been called up by his agency to give their statements.

“We won’t hesitate to call anyone. If investigations show any involvement by a state exco member or top government officials, then they will be called up as well to give their statements,” he said.


The real thing: Proton Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed with a genuine Proton Perdana gearbox during a press conference Sunday. He said unauthorised service centres using non-genuine parts led to the high cost of maintenance of the cars in Terengganu. – RAYMOND OOI / The Star

On July 22, the Terengganu Mentri Besar’s office revealed in a statement that the state government had been spending too much money since 2004 on the maintenance of the Proton Perdana used by state exco members.

Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said that the state had bought 14 Mercedes Benz E200 Kompressor cars at RM3.43mil to replace the Proton Perdanas in a move to “cut costs”.

Last Wednesday, ACA officers visited the State Secretariat and State Treasury at Wisma Darul Iman in Kuala Terengganu to question senior officials and four drivers over the issue.

The officers removed several documents, including the servicing bills of the Proton Perdanas.

Related Stories:
Proton suspends Terengganu dealer over discrepancies
Seizure of cars forces exco men to use Mercs
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Istanbul Square Bombing, 15 dead

Two bombs exploded minutes apart in a packed Istanbul square last night, killing 15 and injuring more than 150 in what the city governor said was a terror attack.
Many were injured in the second blast after they rushed to the area to help the casualties of the first explosion in the working-class Gungoren neighbourhood, witnesses said. The blasts were about 10 minutes apart.

"There is no doubt that this is a terror attack," Gov. Muammer Guler told reporters. "The fact that there was a crowd in the area has increased the number of casualties," he added.

The governor's office said 154 people were injured. Of those, 15 were in critical condition, a government official at the scene said. Police were investigating who was behind the blasts.
CNN-Turk television, citing security sources, said police suspect Kurdish rebels may be responsible for the attack. It said intelligence reports had suggested the rebels were planning a bombing campaign in Turkish cities.

However, officials did not accuse any specific group.

"We know it is a terrorist attack, but which organisation is responsible — we don't yet have that information," Deputy Prime Minister Hayati Yazici told journalists at the scene of the attacks.

Kurdish, leftist and Islamic militants are active in Istanbul and have carried out past bombings in the city. On July 9, gunmen believed to be inspired by al-Qaida opened fire on police guarding the US consulate in Istanbul, killing three officers. Three attackers also died in a shootout with police.

Both of yesterday's blasts were in a square closed to traffic where people congregate at night.

An Associated Press reporter who arrived to the scene shortly after the explosions saw at least 12 people lying on the ground. Broken glass, clothing, shop mannequins and other debris were strewn on the ground and bomb squads in white overalls were inspecting the scene.

Many of the injured waited for medical treatment, their faces and bodies covered with blood. Several people who appeared seriously wounded were wrapped in blankets and carried to ambulances waiting near the site of the blasts.

The first explosion was in a telephone booth," said Huseyin Senturk, who owns a shoe shop metres away from where the blasts occurred. "The second explosion was some 40 meters away."

"The first explosion was not very strong," Senturk added. "Several people came to see what was going on. That's when the second explosion occurred and it injured many onlookers."

The second explosion could be heard a mile away.

Guler said the bombs were placed in trash cans.

Kurdish rebels belonging to the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, have been fighting for self-rule in southeastern Turkey since 1984. The violence has killed tens of thousands of people since then.

Turkey has conducted frequent air raids on suspected rebel positions in northern Iraq, including one earlier yesterday. Earlier this year, it launched a weeklong ground offensive against the rebels.

Although most of the fighting in concentrated in rural areas of southeastern Turkey, the rebels occasionally launch bombing campaigns in Turkish cities and tourist resorts. — AP
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Anwar Saga - No sodomy says doctor's report

The doctor’s report says it very clearly. Saiful was never sodomised, either by Anwar or anyone else. Why is the government still pursuing the case against Anwar? And why are they looking for the doctor who has now gone underground with his whole family?

NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin

On 21 July 2008, I published an article in this same column called HOW, YET AGAIN, THEY ARE TRYING TO FABRICATE EVIDENCE AGAINST ANWAR. (Read the article here ).

In that article I mentioned as follows:

You see, they asked a certain doctor from a certain hospital to conduct an examination on Saiful. The doctor did so and he came out with a report that said there is no evidence Anwar had ever penetrated or sodomised the young man. The police then picked up the doctor and detained him for three days. As much as they tried to force him to change his report to implicate Anwar he refused to do so.

Until today, the doctor stands by his report that there is no evidence Anwar had sodomised Saiful. He knows he is going to be made to pay for this but he doesn’t care. He is not going to change his report and say that Anwar sodomised Saiful whatever they do to him. Exasperated, the police had to release Anwar on personal bond or police bail. The doctor refuses to doctor his report and neither does Anwar want to volunteer his new specimen.

Well, that doctor’s name is Dr Mohamed Osman Abdul Hamid from the Hospital Pusrawi and he has now taken his entire family and has gone into hiding because the police are looking for him and they want him to change his medical report.

At 2.00pm on 28 June 2008, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Bin Azlan went to see Dr Mohamed Osman to complain about a pain he is suffering in his anus. Saiful told the doctor that he had been assaulted by ‘a very important person’ -- meaning, of course, sodomised by Anwar Ibrahim.

Dr Mohamed Osman examined Saiful but found no evidence that he had been sodomised, either by Anwar Ibrahim or anyone else for that matter. The doctor’s report (which can be viewed below) says that there is zero (0) skin tearing, zero (0) active bleeding, zero (0) traces of pus, etc., which basically means he can’t be suffering from a pain in the anus as what he alleges.

The doctor’s diagnosis is that he rules out or TRO (to rule out) assault (sodomised). In short: Mohd Saiful Bukhari Bin Azlan is not suffering any pain in the anus and neither was he assaulted or sodomised in the anus.

Saiful then said he would like to make a police report so Dr Mohamed Osman suggested he go for a second medical examination at a government hospital. Saiful did so and the doctor at the government hospital also came out with the same diagnosis. Nevertheless, Saiful still made his police report at the pondok police in the hospital.

In spite of the doctors all confirming that Saiful was never sodomised, the police still pursued the case. Anwar Ibrahim was subsequently arrested by about 20 SWAT members in Balaclavas and armed to the teeth in a dramatic movie-style action-packed drama in front of his house after he had confirmed he would be reporting to the police station at 2.00pm as required.

The police detained Anwar in the lockup until the next morning and even brought him to the hospital for examination and to try to obtain his specimen for what the police say are for purposes of doing a DNA profile. The fact that the police already have Anwar’s DNA profile from 1998, plus the doctors from both hospitals confirm that Saiful was never sodomised, did not seem to matter.

Clearly the government is attempting to fabricate evidence against Anwar and is trying to indict him on trumped-up charges of sodomy. And who but the slime-ball AG and scumbag IGP, the same two players in the 1998 episode, can be behind this latest travesty of justice.

The doctor’s report says it very clearly. Saiful was never sodomised, either by Anwar or anyone else. Why is the government still pursuing the case against Anwar? And why are they looking for the doctor who has now gone underground with his whole family?

Civil society movements, NGOs and the Malaysian Bar Council must not remain silent. The police have already detained the doctor for three days but he still refuses to doctor his medical report. Anwar did not sodomise Saiful and the doctor’s report says it very clearly. And the police also have a copy of this same report that I have published below so they know what I know. And now Malaysians also already know what I and the police know -- that Saiful was never sodomised by anyone.

ADDENDUMS




Excerpt from http://w1.malaysia-today.net/content/view/10433/84/
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