Asia Pacific Voices » malaysia

Malaysia to hang three Indonesian drug traffickers

Pim-orn — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:47:40 +0000

On July 18, the Malaysian High Court sentenced three Indonesian men to death for drug trafficking. Amri Alamsyah, aged 42; Iskandar Ibrahim, aged 33; and Muham¬madiah Hassan, aged 31; all from Aceh, were arrested in April 2005, and found guilty of trafficking 1,858.6 grams of cannabis in front of a motorcycle shop on Jalan Kampung Baru in Sungai Petani. The drugs were found in a plastic bag on the floor of the car Amri was driving.

When making their defense, the three testified that they were waiting to meet with a man at a restaurant in Sungai Petani for a roof repair job when they were arrested. They also claimed to only knew of the cannabis when it was shown to them at the police headquarter after the arrest. However, provided the proofs from the witnesses, Justice Datuk Zamani A. Rahim rejected their claims, and announced the death sentence.

The men remained calm when the sentence was delivered. It is reported, however, that they are set to appeal against the conviction soon.

Three Indonesians to hang for drug trafficking [The Star, 19 July 2010]

Singapore and Malaysia to finalize land swap deal in three months

Pim-orn — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 09:53:05 +0000

After the meeting between the Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak in Putrajaya, Malaysia on June 22, an announcement was made that the land swap proposal between the two countries will be finalized in three months. The plan is part of the project to relocate the Malaysian railway station from Tanjong Pagar to Woodlands by 1 July 2011. The two leaders agreed after the first meeting in Singapore last month that the three land parcels in Tanjong Pagar, Kranji and Woodlands, and three others in Bukit Timah will be exchanged with land parcels of equivalent value in Marina South or Ophir-Rochor, but the finalized agreement has yet to be settled.

In an interview following the announcement, Mr. Lee said that he has made several proposals for Malaysia to consider. Mr. Najib has reviewed them and raised some issues to be further discussed. Mr. Lee said, “this is a major decision, so Malaysia will think it over and Singapore will take back the comments Malaysia has made, and we will consider them and we look forward to settling the matter within three months.”

Singapore, Malaysia to finalise land swap deal in 3 months [Channel News Asia, 22 June 2010]

Malaysia terror bombing plot revealed

Pim-orn — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 03:06:33 +0000

The Malaysian police revealed for the first time on June 17 the alleged terrorist plot by ten Islamic extremists arrested on January 22. According to the report, the group planned to blow up two houses of worship in Penang and Selangor to protest against the government whom they felt was failing to uphold Islam. The group leader Aiman Al Dakkak, a Syrian university lecturer who also held regular lectures on extremist ideology at his home, was attempting to revive the South East Asian terrorist group Jemaah Islamiah (JI) by recruiting new members from Malaysian universities. According to an intelligence report, he has met with Osama Bin Laden several times.

The ten arrested in January consist of four Syrians, two Yemenis, two Nigerians, a Jordanian, and a Malaysian. All the foreigners were deported to their home countries in April, while the Malaysian, a religious teacher believed to have financed the activity, is currently kept under “restricted residence,” and have to report frequently to the police.

In response to the report, Prime Minister Najib Razak promised to prevent the revival of JI, and said that the government will cooperate with universities to stop extremist groups from recruiting new members from campuses.

Alleged terrorists planned to bomb 2 places of worship [Today Online, 18 June 2010]

Malaysia joins international community in condemning Israeli raid on Turkish ship

Pim-orn — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 03:35:08 +0000

Malaysia condemns the Israeli raid on the Turkish ship, Mavi Marmara, on the morning of May 31, which has left the fate of eleven Malaysians on board unknown.

Eleven Malaysians, including nine volunteers and two members of the media, were on board the ship, which was attacked by Israeli naval commandos off the Gaza coast. Joining the international community in condemning the Israeli attack, Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman called it a serious violation of international law, and demanded that Israel immediately release the crew and the ship.

The Mavi Marmara is the lead ship among six that serve the “Freedom Flotilla,” a program sending aid and pro-Palestinian activists to Gaza. The ship, carrying reconstruction materials, school supplies and medical equipment, was in international waters heading to Gaza when attacked by the Israeli force.

At a press conference yesterday, Former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad called on the international community to take action against Israel. Seeing such attack a “ridiculous action,” he told the press “this is against humanitarian practices. They should not block the supply ships that carried, among others, wheel chairs, medical aid and building material for homes.”

11 Malaysians on board Turkish vessel attacked by Israelis [New Straits Times, 1 June 2010]

Malaysia: Nuclear Power in 10 years?

Lim May-Ann — Wed, 05 May 2010 01:54:04 +0000

The Malaysian government has given the green light to build a nuclear power plant, planned to start opeating in 2021, revealed Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Peter Chin Fah Kui. He said that the suitability of sites were currently being discussed.

He acknowledged that "safety aspects, human resources and the location" must be examined when building this first plant, and that the final decision on whether the plant could be built or not would be determined by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

However, PM Najib Razak seemed to indicate on his blog that the plan was not a definitive one, and that officials were still studying the possibility of nuclear power.

Malaysia’s plans follow a number of Southeast Asian countries’ plans to build nuclear power plants, including Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Source:

KL gives go-ahead for nuclear power plant [Straits Times 5 May 2010]

PM Anwar Faces Possible Suspension

Nikki Soo — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 04:07:39 +0000

Malaysia’s infamous opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim faces suspension and possible ban as a member of parliament for damaging statements made against the governement’s new “1Malaysia” racial unity slogan. The opposition claims that Apco has links to Israel, and that it is behind the “1Malaysia” concept promoted by Prime Minsiter Najib Razak. They also accuse Israel of permeating into Malaysia through Apco as a Trojan horse. Apco Worldwide, an international PR consultancy firm hired by the government to change the country’s image came up with the catchphrase.

The “1Malaysia” campaign is affixed on billboards all over the country, with intentions of winning back ethnic Chinese and Indian voters to the National Front coalition that has ruled Malaysia for 52 years. Anwar was declared guilty of misguiding the Parliament House by linking Najib’s “1Malaysia” concept with Ehud Barak’s One Israel policy.

Anwar’s allegation met with strong refutation from the government, resulting in a rowdy debate in parliament before the opposition staged a walkout. The Privileges Committee will meet in June to decide on Anwar’s punishment.

Souces:
Malaysia Parliament Votes to Censure Anwar [Reuters, 22 Apr 2010]
Malaysian Opposition Leader Anwar May Be Suspended as Parliament Member [ChannelNewsAsia, 22 Apr 2010]

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Najib Defends NEM, Believes Citizens Support Change

Nikki Soo — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 08:32:47 +0000

Addressing more than 100 journalists during a dialogue session in Singapore on Tuesday, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak defended the country’s recently unveiled New Economic Model. The plan, aimed at steering Malaysia towards becoming a high-income economy, has received criticism in some sectors for eroding its deeply entrenched affirmative action policy towards the bumiputra. Groups such as Perkasa have emerged who vehemently oppose this overhaul.

The reforms come after the Barisan Nasional suffered a rude awakening at the last general elections in 2008. While seemingly confident in dealing with the predicted backlash, Najib admits that this controversial move has put him ‘on the line’, with the risk of being ousted from UMNO. This is especially so with the recent elimination of a complex quota system which protected the interests of the party president.

Citing that the new approach to Malaysia’s affirmative action is for it to be more “market-friendly, transparent, merit-based, and needs-based”, Najib believes that the new model is an appropriate response to the evident changes the public wanted.

Mr Najib and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong are expected to meet for a retreat in Singapore next month to discuss how to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Sources:
Najib: People Support Reforms [The Straits Times, 7 Apr 2010]
Malaysian PM Najib Defends Country’s New Economic Model [ChannelNewsAsia, 7 Apr 2010]

Photographs and images used on this website are obtained from publicly-accessible resources. No copyright infringement is intended.

Malaysia Unveils Bold Economic Alterations

Nikki Soo — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:35:40 +0000

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak unveiled plans for bold economic reforms on Tuesday including an overhaul of racial preferences for majority Malays, in a roadmap to achieve developed-nation status by 2020.

The “New Economic Model” was designed to boost growth, create a high-quality workforce, and attract badly needed foreign investment. The model also aims to halt Malaysia ’s “brain drain” with measures to retain skilled professionals, and make markets more competitive by phasing out price controls and subsidies. The Malaysian economy shrank by 1.7% last year due to the global recession, clearly requiring a powerful change to prop up its economy especially in the face of strong competitors in the region like Thailand and Indonesia.

This controversial overhaul is currently met with much doubt and criticism, most notably from former Prime Minister Mahathir. Defending an affirmative action policy that favours the country’s bumiputera, he also questions Najib’s ability to deliver due to delayed implementation of electricity and tax reform policies.

Signs of resistance have also begun to emerge with the formation of a Malay rights group Perkasa (Strength), but their base of support is unclear. Malaysia’s next general election is due by 2013, but may be called as early as next year.

Sources:
Malaysia to Overhaul Racial Preferences in Dash for Growth [ChannelNewsAsia, 30 Mar 2010]
Too Early to Judge Najin: Mahathir [The Straits Times, 1 Apr 2010]
Good Idea, But can Najib Pull It Off? M’sia Wonders [The Business Times, 1 Apr 2010]

Photographs and images used on this website are obtained from publicly-accesible resources. No copyright infringement is intended.

Iranian nuclear program received with mixed reactions

Jadey Huray — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 02:28:17 +0000

On Wednesday, 3rd of February, Iran launched a rocket into space, violating international law. Iran now faces the threat of new sanctions from the US and others. The incident has also increased diplomatic tensions between countries that disagree how to engage Iran, especially the US and China.

The domestically-produced Kavoshgar-3 rocket was equipped with a satellite carrying a mouse, worms and two turtles. Broadcasted live yesterday by state-run television programs, the event culminated with the unveiling of three Iranian satellites during a ceremony attended by Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The act was described as “provocative” by White House spokesman Bill Burton, amidst rising concerns among Western powers that the same technology used in the launch could be harnessed to build long-range nuclear weapons. Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki however, claims that “Iran does not seek to produce nuclear weapons” and instead is pursuing the nuclear technology for energy purposes.

Iran is now faced with threats of “severe sanctions” by the UN Security Council, the United States and other countries due to its suspected nuclear weapons programs. In a bid to target Iran’s petrol supply, the sanctions would be aimed towards non-Iranian firms that operate in the energy sector or aid Iran in any way with the production or import of refined oil products. Another Western power, Australia, has also followed suit by blocking several export shipments to Iran under suspicion of being used for its nuclear weapons program. In conjunction with UN efforts to halt Iran’s nuclear weapon program, Australia has also imposed trade sanctions on Iran. Furthermore, the US has rallied other Western powers such as Britain, France and Germany to compel the UN Security Council to pressurize Iran to abandon their nuclear program.

In contrast China, which relies on Iran as its third largest source of crude oil, is unwilling to sign on to harsher penalties against Iran and has utilized its position on the UN Security Council to veto such resolutions. China’s actions come despite warnings from US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton that China would be faced with diplomatic isolation and economic insecurity if it did not support the new sanctions against Iran. Russia another permanent member of the UN Security Council has supported China in calling for patience in their dealings with Iran and preventing harsher regulations against Iran. Malaysia has also expressed support for Iran’s right to utilize nuclear energy for civilian purposes and has refused to vote for an agreement seeking Iran to discontinue its nuclear power program. In the past both Malaysia and Hong Kong have served as hubs for “middlemen and re-export” when the United Arab Emirates increased export controls in 2007 on Iranian companies that tried to procure nuclear and weapons technology.

The inconsistency in the opinions of nations demonstrates the lack of unity on the new penalties, which some analysts say may render them as ineffective. The near-universal compliance of the sanctions is necessary for them to be successful, so that if “some countries and companies step out of doing business with Iran, others don’t fill the gap”, states Michael Jacobson, former Treasury Department terrorism-finance advisor.

Sources:

Bloomberg, “Tough Sanctions May Not Persuade Iran to Quit Nuclear Program”, January 12, 2010, http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-01-12/tough-sanctions-may-not-persuade-iran-to-quit-nuclear-program.html

Guardian, “Iran rocket launch opens can of worms in space race with west”, February 3, 2010, http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/feb/03/iran-launches-rocket-carrying-animals

Reuters, “Government calls Iran rocket launch “provocative act””, February 3, 2010, http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6124QW20100203?type=politicsNews

The New York Times, “Clinton Warns China on Iran Sanctions”, January 29, 2010, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/30/world/asia/30diplo.html

The Straits Times, “Aussie blocks shipments to Iran”, February 4, 2010, http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_486234.html

TODAY, “Iran test-fires new rocket”, February 4, 2010, http://www.todayonline.com/World/EDC100204-0000124/Iran-test-fires-new-rocket

Press TV, “West slammed for misuse of Iran nuclear drive”, January 9, 2010 http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=115735§ionid=351020104

Press TV, “Despite US Pressure, China favors talks on Iran”, February 3, 2010, http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=117784§ionid=351020104

UPDATE 2: Four killed in Thai south ahead of Thai, Malay PMs’ visit

Bill Hatch — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:17:32 +0000

UPDATE2 (Dec. 9): Unknown gunmen killed two soldiers in an ambush in Narathiwat on Dec. 8, in addition to the two killed in the market the day before. Malaysia and Thailand’s Prime Ministers are still set to meet this afternoon.

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UPDATE (Dec. 8): Just days before Malaysian and Thai leaders are set to tour Thailand’s unstable south, a bomb explosion at a market in flashpoint city Narathiwat killed two and wounded nine.

The blast happened about a kilometer away from a hotel where Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Malaysian PM Najib Razak will be staying just days from now.

Source: AFP (through Channel NewsAsia), “Two dead in bomb ahead of leaders’ visit to Thai south”, December 8, 2009, http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1023198/1/.html.

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Malaysian and Thai leaders will visit the conflict-ridden Thai south this week, where an insurgent crisis led by Muslim separatists has killed over 4,000 since violence escalated in 2004.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak will visit the southern province of Narathiwat to take a common stand against the violence.

Though the insurgency has occurred within Thailand’s official borders, and Malaysia recognizes that it is a domestic issue of Thailand, the region’s history and its proximity to Malaysia (its neighbour to the south) make it an international issue.

The province was a former independent Muslim sultanate of Malaysia before being annexed by mainly Buddhist Thailand in 1902. Thailand has in the past accused Malaysia of failing to prevent the insurgents from criss-crossing the Thai-Malay border. Meanwhile, there have been reports of Thais fleeing the area for their safety, and illegally crossing into Malaysia.

To further complicate matters, the region has been racked with floods recently.

Sources: AFP (through Channel NewsAsia), “Malaysian, Thai leaders to make peace tour,” December 6, 2009, http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1022967/1/.html

Mergawati Zulfakar, “Malaysia’s hope for peace in southern Thailand,” December 7, 2009, Malaysia Star, http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/12/7/focus/5253333&sec=focus