DSAI to sue Utusan and TPM for RM100m each

KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today demanded Utusan Malaysia retract its front-page report today calling the Opposition Leader a traitor to the Malays.

He is also seeking an apology from Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for the remarks made yesterday at the Sri Gading Umno division meeting.

The DPM's remarks was the basis for the Utusan Malaysia story.

“My client has expressed deep revulsion to such an unwarranted proposition that he is a traitor to his race,” Anwar's lawyer Sankara Nair told reporters at his office here.

“This is wholly untrue and absolutely malicious,” he added.

Nair said that he had sent letters of demand to both parties earlier today seeking a retraction and public apology within seven days.

Anwar also demanded damages of RM100 million each from the publisher of Utusan Malaysia and Muhyiddin.

The Umno deputy president reportedly called Anwar the biggest traitor to the struggle of the Malays. He also accussed the PKR leader of spreading lies in an attempt to discredit Umno for its stand in defending the special rights of the Malays and the monarchy.

“He was a deputy prime minister and Umno deputy president like me today, but now he is trying to fool us to ruin our struggle,” Muhyiddin was quoted as saying by the Umno-owned daily.

He also questioned Anwar's sincerity for not raising the matter when he was in power.

“There is no problem with criticising us, because we are not perfect, but I cannot accept it if the opposition insults or shows disrespect to the Malays,” said Muhyiddin.

Umno leaders and the stable of newspapers under its control has consistently played the race card in an attempt to shore up support among the Malays.

The lynchpin of the Barisan Nasional (BN) has campaigned hard for Malay unity talks with PAS in a move to drive a wedge between PAS and its Pakatan Rakyat (PR) partners. (TMI)

Click this link to read more!

Nazri - BN wont abolish ISA despite rakyat protest

Legal action will be taken against tertiary students found taking part in anti or pro ISA gatherings, says Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin

KOTA KINABALU: The government has no intention of abolishing the Internal Security Act (ISA), a law that has ensured stability in the country, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said Saturday.

He said amendments aimed at ensuring ISA was not abused, including reducing the detention period without trial from 60 days to 30 days, could however be considered.

“The ISA is a necessary law,” said Nazri, after launching the Papar Umno membership recruitment drive and website in Papar town.

He said Barisan Nasional lawmakers would also not bow to any attempts by the opposition for a motion to abolish the ISA in Parliament.

“As long as Barisan Nasional is leading the government, the ISA will not be abolished,” Nazri said when asked about the anti ISA rally in Kuala Lumpur Saturday.

He said the rally was another attempt by opposition groups to undermine the administration of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“The Prime Minister enjoys the popularity and support of the people. This is just another way for the opposition to try to chip away this support,” Nazri added.

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that Legal action would be taken against tertiary students found participating in anti or pro ISA gatherings, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. "If there are students involved in the gatherings and if they allow themselves to be victimised and used for other people's agenda, I will not protect them," he told reporters after opening the Asean Universities Build and Break Competition 2009 in Bangi Saturday. (TheStar)

Click this link to read more!

KL stranded ahead of ISA related rallies

KUALA LUMPUR– Police mounted overnight roadblocks and helicopter overflights in Kuala Lumpur as they locked down the capital city while residents braced for conflicting rallies over the controversial Internal Security Act (ISA) that organisers say will culminate with memorandums being handed to the King on the 49th anniversary of the security law.

The one-million-strong Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) is ordering all its members to take part in a planned rally today to protest against the use of ISA, despite police warnings that the gathering would be illegal.

Another rally is being called by maverick politician Ibrahim Ali to support the law that allows detention without trial, which ironically kept him twice in detention.

Police said all rallies are illegal, vowing to ensure they will keep the protesters off the streets.

“We are making it compulsory and commanding all our members to take part in the rally,” PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub told reporters yesterday

Despite the order for all PAS members to show up, only 50,000 are expected at the rally which will also be attended by opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, along with PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and Democratic Action Party leader Lim Kit Siang.

The Abolish ISA Movement, the organiser of the rally, is hoping for a massive turnout to call for the end of a law that allows for indefinite detention without trial while Salahuddin said PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat and Abdul Hadi have decreed that the rally was not forbidden in Islam.

“It is not forbidden in Islam as the objective is to abolish the ISA. It is a noble intention,” said Salahuddin.

Protesters will gather at the Sogo shopping mall in the heart of the old city centre here before marching to the palace to hand over a memorandum to Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, urging him to repeal the Act.

While Salahuddin vowed that it would be a peaceful gathering, the authorities remained concerned about possible tensions arising between the anti-ISA demonstrators and a second group which will also march today in support of the ISA.

Pewaris, an umbrella body of Malay and Muslim non-governmental organisations, will stage its own gathering in Kuala Lumpur to fight for the retention of the security law. It is also planning to march towards the palace.

The Home Ministry has warned that it would not hesitate to take stern action against the participants of the illegal rallies.

“If they violate the law, stern action will be taken against them, no matter if they are pro-ISA or contra-ISA,” Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein warned.

“I will not compromise on this until the security and interests of the country are assured.”

Yesterday, police started setting up roadblocks at key entry points into the city as part of efforts to prevent supporters from entering and causing massive traffic jams around Kuala Lumpur and neighbouring areas.

“All those planning to attend the illegal gatherings must be prepared to face stern action from us, regardless if they are for or against the use of the ISA. We will not compromise as far as security is concerned,” said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan.

KL police chief Datuk Muhammad Sabtu Osman has also warned that police will stop and detain buses suspected of ferrying protesters.

Critics have said that the ISA is being used by the government against political opponents. The government has argued that it is a crucial tool in fighting terrorism and ensuring national security.

Human rights groups estimate at least 17 people remain in detention under ISA, mainly for alleged links to Islamic militants and forgery. (TMI)

Click this link to read more!