Latest : Police Brutality

A. Kugan 22, was today beaten to death by the Police while he was detained for car theft. The suspect was detained at the Taipan, Subang Jaya Police Station on the 15th Jan 2009 at a Kondominium in Puchong and it his family was not informed about the arrest. The police officers had stopped the family from identifying the body sine the family was informed about his death abt noon today. About 10.30pm Human Rights lawyer, N Surendran together with the family members had tried to persuade the staff to enter the mortuary when they was repetedly denied. Finally about 11pm when one of the staff opened the door, those who present manage to enter in. YB. Senator T. Murugiah arrived at 12.30am had called Tan Sri Musa Hassan to inform him about the seriousness of the situation. An hour later Datuk Devamany arrived to see what had actually happen to the deceased. The funeral and the post moterm report are to be held and received tomorrow.

Penang Gerakan & Teng Hock Nan Fails To Be Multiracial

Newly elected Penang Gerakan Chairman, Datuk Dr. Teng Hock Nan have been continuously sidelining Indian Members. First he failed to appoint any Indians to the State main body. Lately the appointment of Indian members as coordinators in Parliament and state constituency for Unit Penyelarasan Pelaksanaan , ICU

JPM. This is a clear early indication that Gerakan will not be fielding any Indian candidates for the 13th General Election. Penang which is the main stronghold of Gerakan for surely will loose more support especially from the Indian members due to the irresponsible action and decision by the new Penang Gerakan Chairman. Evan the Indian leaders in Gerakan have failed to voice this up. They are busy safeguarding their own interest and position for the sake of themselves, friends and cronies. Dr. Teng in a sms sent to an Indian member mentioned that, he is not racist and is indeed multiracial. I wonder if he ever knows what is Multiracial is really about.

Second Letter Against Racial Remarks By SMK Panglima Tok Garang Teacher

Tarikh : 11 September 2008

Melalui : AR Registered

YB Dato Seri Hishammudin bin Tun Hussein
Menteri Pelajaran Malaysia
Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia
Aras 10 Blog E8,
Komplek Kerajaan Parcel E,
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62604 Putrajaya

Y.B IR Dr. Wee Ka Siong
Timbalan Menteri Pelajaran Malaysia
Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia
Aras 9, blok E 8
Komplek Kerajaan Parcel E,
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan.
62604 Putrajaya.

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri / Yang Berhormat Dr,

ADUAN DAN BANTAHAN ‘KEDUA’ TERHADAP SIKAP KURANG AJAR DAN TIDAK BERETIKA SEORANG GURU DI SEKOLAH MENENGAH KEBANGSAAN TELOK PANGLIMA GARANG, KUALA LANGAT SELANGOR.

Semoga YB Dato Seri / YB Dr, sentiasa diberkati dan dikurniakan hidayah didalam melaksanakan tugas dan tangungjawap seharian disamping terus beroleh kesejasteraan yang Cemerlang, Gemilang dan Terbilang. Maka dengan yang demikian untuk kali keduanya pihak kami merujuk sekali lagi isu yang telah dilaporkan menerusi akhbar The Star Online bertarikh 4 Ogos 2008 dan surat kami bertarikh 21 Ogos 2008 adalah juga berkaitan.

Sehubungan itu, seperti yang telah dilaporkan bahawa seorang guru dari Sekolah berkenaan dengan secara sedar telah mengeluarkan kenyataan dan perkataan yang menyinggung serta menghina kaum India di Negara ini. Wajar diulangi , bahawa diantara kenyataan yang disebut adalah seperti berikut “ KELING PARIAH, NEGRO DAN MONYET HITAM”
Selain daripada itu , ialah :

i. Orang India datang / lahir dari anjing

ii. Kaum India bodoh dan kearah gangsterism serta Pencuri.

iii. Kanak kanak India adalah Pelacur

iv. Pemuda India tiada telur.

Dengan berdasarkan kewajaran kehidupan didalam sebuah Negara yang didiami oleh pelbagai kaum, maka kenyataan dan penghinaan seperti itu sepatutnya tidak berlaku. Oleh itu perbuatan itu jelas memperlihatkan unsur unsur menghina dan menjatuhkan maruah sesuatu kaum. Pada pendapat kami, berasaskan kepada pegangan agama, nilai, budaya, peradaban, falsafah kehidupan, kepercayaan, dan apa saja corak latar belakang masyarakat di Malaysia, maka perbuatan seperti itu harus dianggap sebagai perbuatan yang mempunyai niat yang jahat dan seharusnya di dikutuk.

Semua pihak harus memandang berat terhadap isu tersebut, kerana sikap berdiam diri akan hanya menyuburkan nilai nilai negatif dalam masyarakat kita dan ini sudah pasti akan ada tindak balas yang akan memunkinkan timbul masalah yang tidak sepatutnya menjadi pemangkin yang buruk kepada masyarakat keseluruhanya. Atas kewajaran tersebut, kami mengemukan beberapa persoalan dan kenyataan untuk menjadi atas pertimbangan didalam menilai semula isu berkenaan:

• Apakah wajar kenyataan tersebut keluar dari mulut seorang yang bertangung jawab dan terlatih dalam bidang pendidikan. ?

• Wajarkah individu tersebut terus dibiarkan berada dalam sebuah institusi pendidikan di Negara ini ?

• Apakah tidak ada tindakan diambil terhadap mereka yang ternyata melanggar etika dan menghina kaum kaum di Negara ini ?

• Apakah Pihak Kementerian hanya memandang sepi dan serong terhadap aduan dan tingkah laku tenaga pengajar yang secara sedar telah melakukan perbuatan yang menyalahi prinsip pendidikan Negara ?

• Apakah manusia yang sihat, waras, terlatih, berilmu, bertangungjawap, berpendidikan dan berperanan sebagai pengajar wajar mengeluarkan perkataan dan kenyataan seperti itu ?

• Apakah tidak ada kod etika yang boleh dikenakan tindakan terhadap guru berkenaan ?

Oleh yang demikian pihak kami berharap YB Dato Seri / YB Dr, dapat menilai semula kenyataan tersebut agar tindakan yang lebih proaktif dapat diambil dengan kadar segera. Kami yakin ini akan dapat membendung masalah ini daripada terus menjadi kemelut didalam masyarakat kita khususnya kaum India.

Kami yakin, bahawa YB Dato Seri / YB Dr, yang pendirian jelas dan insaf mengenai isu yang berunsur perkauman mampu memberi komitmen untuk menanganinya agar perkara ini diambil tindakan segera serta memastikan ianya tidak terjadi juga kepada kaum kaum lain di Negara ini.

Sekian terima kasih.

Yang Benar

Signed

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

Sk.

Y.A.B Dato’ Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi
Perdana Menteri Malaysia.

YB. T. Murugiah
Timbalan Menteri Di Jabatan Perdana Menteri
Jabatan Perdana Menteri

YB Dato Seri Tiong King Sing
Pengerusi BNBBC Merangkap Ahli Parlimen Bintilu

Y.Bhg. Mejar ( K ) Huan Cheng Guan
Pengerusi BN Batu Kawan, Merangkap
Setiausaha Eksekutif BNBBC

Pengetua & Pengerusi PIBG
Sek. Men. Keb. Telok Panglima Garang

AHMAD ISMAIL RUDE, STUPID, IDIOTIC, RACIST.

Two articles from The Star Online Today :

1) Get out of BN, Bukit Bendera Umno head tells Gerakan
2) Penang Gerakan cuts ties with state Umno

Ahmad Ismail have been giving statements that can create tensed and and effect the unity between all races which are living in a peaceful country. The latest press conference which was held yesterday where it ended up by tearing up the photo of former Penang Chief Minister, Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon. The action can be describe as an idiotic behavior by those who are involved in it. Lately Penang UMNO have been giving press statement that can create anger and dissatisfaction, ie :-

i) Ahmad Ismail's speech included a wide range of topics such as the divide-and-rule policy of the colonial British, the immigration of Chinese and Indians to the country, May 13 racial riots, Malay special rights and privileges, the social contract, citizenship for non-Malays and New Economic Policy.

Former Bayan Lepas assemblyperson Mohd Zain asked “non-Malays to be extra careful with their deeds and words”. “Don’t disturb and push the Malays too much. Don’t think we are quiet.“We can retaliate very aggressively,” he thumped home amidst applause from supporters. (Malaysiakini News)

ii) I am surprised with the unexpected overwhelming support I had received from Malay -Muslims across the country. It seems Malays have kept back their disgruntlement for far too long and my issue had evoked their sentiments. It is going to be a major issue now(Malaysiakini)

iii) In another development, Penang Umno secretary Azhar Ibrahim has stood by his call for the Sin Chew reporter in question to “be shot” should a May 13-type racial riot breaks out. Contacted today, Azhar reiterated firmly that, “the journalist deserved to be shot if her article causes another May 13". (Malaysiakini)

iv) Tun Dr. Mahathir commented on why the Malays should apologies since Indian or Chinese political parties / leaders didn't do so for what Hindraf and Wee Meng Chee did. (Tun's Blog)

Maybe Tun don't realize that Hindraf or Wee is not a component party or BN members for the leaders / component parties to apologies. What Ahmad Ismail has done is far different from what he is trying to relate with Hindraf or Wee. Gerakan and Dr. Koh's action to cut ties with Penang UMNO is a brave drastic action and to send a message to UMNO that we dont tolerate racial Idiotic action. Well Pak Lah should be brave now to take disciplinary action on Ahmad Ismail to prevent from making the situation worse where Gerakan would have to pull out from BN. Other top level UMNO leaders have been saying that Gerakan should not leave BN since it's Ahmad Ismail personal statement. But they dont see or pretend not to see that when Ahmad have been giving his press statement where he is being flanked by all 13 Penang UMNO Division leaders, so how would that be his personal opinion?! UMNO should take disciplinary action on Ahmad immediately, if they fail to do so, Gerakan should not hesitate to pull out of BN. Ahmad's personal mistake now has been drag into fight's and dissatisfaction between component parties. UMNO - Stop creating racial issues and Gerakan - Stand against it ( creating racial issues). SATU HATI !

Ahmad Ismail & UMNO - Stop Being Racial

This press statement as publish in Malaysiakini could cause anger and hatred. UMNO is making the situation worse. Just sent Tan Sri Dr. Koh a sms stating that we are very sad with the way they have reacted and Gerakan should make a stand in this. Ahmad Ismail have blown up things. As Dr. Koh mentioned at the TV3 News, Current Penang CM have the power and can cancel the Datukship given to Ahmad Ismail if he wish to. Well Maybe we should leave BN if they would want to be so racial!

Penang Umno Backs Ahmad, snubs Pak Lah
Athi Veerangan | Sep 5, 08 4:10pm
Source : http://malaysiakini.com/news/89166

Backed by all 13 Umno divisions from Penang, the embattled Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Ahmad Ismail today fervently defended his stand not to apologise for his alleged racist remarks against the Chinese community. All Penang Umno divisions, including Prime Minister and Umno president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's Kepala Batas, fully supported Ahmad's stance, which erupted into a national furore over the past one week. The Penang Umno's action today came as a snub against the prime minister who had earlier urged Ahmad to make an apology.

MCPX

Abdullah, who is Penang Umno chief, is scheduled to have a meeting with the division leaders tomorrow. Instead of apologising, the local Umno strongman today accused vernacular daily Sin Chiew Daily and its journalist for triggering the controversy by reporting his speech out of context, which was delivered during the recent Permatang Pauh by-election rally in Kampung Belah Dua on Aug 25. “The newspaper and reporter were the ones who should apologise to me, my family, my friends, Umno and all Malaysians for misrepresenting facts and wrongly reporting my statements,” he said, while taking a swipe at the so-called trial by media, which had publicly found him guilty without hearing his side of the story. The packed press conference was unexpectedly held under an intimidating atmosphere with the presence of some 100 Umno members, mostly from Bukit Bendera division, frequently punctuated by shouts of racial slurs and threats.

Social contract

Reading out a 16-page statement, Ahmad recollected his by-election rally speech and did not deny it contained the statement that “Chinese were immigrants squatting in this country”. However, he argued the statement was taken out of context from a lengthy speech he had delivered to a largely Malay audience at the rally. In his rally speech, Ahmad claimed he only touched on “Chinese migration to this country” when narrating Malaysia’s historical background and the social contract agreed between Malays and other races when the country attained independence. His speech included the divide-and-rule policy of the colonial British, immigration of Chinese and Indians to the country, May 13 civil riots, Malay special rights and privileges, social contract, citizenship and New Economic Policy. “What I said was a statement of facts which no one can refute. “So it’s not wrong if I were to mention those historical facts in public,” he said, while taking a swipe at all those, whom he described as “Chinese extremist leaders”, for attacking him recklessly without finding out the truth beforehand. He said even though he had clarified the contents of his speech a day after to the media, no newspapers, television channels or online portals have reported his clarification. Ahmad's statement only became a controversy after several Chinese-based political parties, notably MCA and Gerakan, began lodging a series of police reports against the Umno leader. Many have called on the Umno leadership to sack Ahmad from the party. “It is the Chinese leaders who are causing this controversy, not me. “What’s wrong if a Malay leader touched on or defended Malay rights?” asked Ahmad.

‘Gerakan can get out’

Other local Umno leaders such as state secretary Azhar Ibrahim, Bukit Mertajam division leader Musa Syeikh Fadzir and Bayan Baru division chief Mohd Zain Omar joined Ahmad to rap those who objected to Ahmad’s rally speech. Azhar blasted the relevant Sin Chiew Daily reporter as ‘idiotic’ saying that “the reporter and the newspaper should be held responsible for inciting racial hatred and conflict”. Ahmad called Gerakan acting president Dr Koh Tsu Koon as a “great liar and opportunist”, and said Gerakan can always “get out from Barisan Nasional”. He even claimed BN would not have lost in Penang in the last general election if not for the incompetency of former chief minister Koh and Gerakan. “MCA could have won more seats if not for Gerakan,” he claimed.

He accused Koh and Gerakan of seizing the opportunity by using him as a pawn to resurrect their waning credibility, position and relevance among the Chinese community. In a clear sign of defiance and internal mutiny over the controversy, Musa hit out at the Umno top leadership for apologising on behalf of the party without checking the facts with Ahmad. Deputy Prime Minister and Umno deputy president Najib Abdul Razak has already apologised over the issue to Chinese Malaysians on behalf Umno. “The national leadership can have its own stand, but Penang divisional leaders have theirs. “We fully back Ahmad on this issue,” Musa told journalists, rejecting outright Najib's apologetic gesture.

‘We can retaliate’

But the most intimidating threat came from former Bayan Lepas assemblyperson Mohd Zain, who warned “non-Malays to be extra careful with their deeds and words.” “Don’t disturb and push the Malays too much. Don’t think we are quiet. “We can retaliate very aggressively,” he thumped home amidst applause from supporters. Mohd Zain rapped Chinese and Hindus of “blowing up Muslim conversion issues out of proportion while at the same time, being quiet on Christianity conversion issues”.

Ahmad however argued that he was neither a racist nor anti-Chinese. The former municipal councillor, who is being investigated by the police under the Sedition Act 1948, said he has many Chinese friends, both personal and business, all these years. The press conference ended with a show of solidarity and strength from local Umno leaders, and shouts of ‘Hidup Melayu’ (long live Malays). Earlier in the morning, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said it was up to Umno to demonstrate its “sincerity and honesty” in dealing with the matter and taking a strong stand on Ahmad's refusal to apologise for his racist remarks. "Umno leaders must prove that they are not hypocrites by taking a stern and firm action on Ahmad," the DAP secretary-general told newsmen.

Bar Council Defends Decision To Hold Weekend Forum

It was supposed to be a Bar Council forum on Sedition Act but the dominant topic was Saturday's rowdy demonstration by a group of Muslim protesters who forced the Conversion to Islam forum to shut down. Panelists and participants agreed on one thing — the decision to hold Saturday's forum was right because it was timely and important to address a very problematic issue. Panelist HR Dipendra said the council should have been more careful in choosing the topic for the forum, in order not to be seen as provocative. "I checked in every blog that protested against the forum and they just talk about conversion to Islam and it ends there," said the lawyer. Although he believed there was no need for the organiser to apologise to anyone as the forum was timely and suitable, it was a question of "packaging the product".

Lecturer Wong Chin Huat saw the issue from a different perspective, arguing that the protest was a reflection of a competition among three Malay-based parties — Pas, Umno and Parti Keadilan Rakyat. He said Some leaders or members of the three parties feel the need to out-Islamise each other. While Lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar who was also one of the speakers said the actions by the protesters should not be interpreted as the view of the majority, as the 300 protesters who were outside protesting do not represent the majority Muslims or Islam.

Bar Council president Datuk Ambiga Sreenivasan defended her decision to end Saturday's forum earlier, saying that the safety and security of everyone in the hall was the organiser's responsibility. On Saturday, protesters from various Muslim organisations gathered outside the Bar Council building to oppose a forum to discuss conflict in family law arising from conversion of one party to Islam. The forum which was supposed to end at 1pm abruptly ended a little before 10am. Meanwhile, Sisters in Islam issued a statement to protest the extreme actions by Muslim NGOs and political parties in halting the forum, as well as to condemn the throwing of Molotov cocktail at Ambiga's former house and planting of two kerosene bombs in front of the Bar Council office. They said such violent acts only give a bad image of Muslims and Malaysian society surely does not tolerate these extremist or terrorist actions, the police should not have bowed to the aggressive tactics that forced the abrupt termination of a peaceful and mature dialogue.

According to SIS, many Muslim lawyers and Muslim participants supported the dialogue and did not regard the forum as insulting or challenging Islam. The group also said Dr Naim Mokhtar who is Syarie Prosecutor for Federal Territory's Islamic Affairs Department and former Syariah High Court judge and Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Ahmad the Director of the Syariah Law and Political Science Centre and Senior Fellow of the Institute for Islamic Understanding of Malaysia had agreed to be the panelists for the forum but pulled out at the eleventh hour. The fact was that based on the programme, three of the five panelists were Muslims. SIS was disappointed with political parties that championed human rights and freedom of speech as they had failed to practise what they preach and they have acted against their own manifesto, promised to the people, in the last general election."

Aduan Kepada Menteri Pelajaran Terhadap Guru Sekolah SMK Telok Panglima Garang, Selangor Yang Kurang Ajar.

Kepada,
Menteri Pelajaran YB Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein
Pejabat Menteri Pelajaran,
Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia,
Aras 10, Blok E8,
Kompleks Kerajaan Parcel E,
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62604 PUTRAJAYA

Pejabat Timbalan Menteri Pelajaran,
Y.B. IR. DR. WEE KA SIONG
Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia,
Aras 9, Blok E8,
Kompleks Kerajaan Parcel E,
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62604 PUTRAJAYA

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri / Yang Berhormat Dr,

ADUAN TERHADAP GURU SEKOLAH MENENGAH KEBANGSAAN TELOK PAGLIMA GARANG, KUALA LANGAT SELANGOR YANG KURANG AJAR.

Semoga Yang Berhormat Dato Seri / Yang Berhormat Dr, sentiasa dikurniakan keberkatan dan hidayah dalam melaksanakan tugas harian di samping beroleh kesejahteraa. Dengan segala hormatnya perkara diatas dan keratan akhbar The Star Online bertarikh 4hb Ogos 2008 adalah dirujuk.

Seperti yang pihak Yang Berhormat Dato Seri / Yang Berhormat Dr sedia maklum, seorang guru dari sekolah yang disebutkan diatas telah bertindak serta berkelakuan seperti orang yang kurang siuman dengan mencerca dan menghina Kaum India. Penggunaan perkataan – perkataan ‘KELING PARIAH, NEGRO, dan MONYET HITAM ’. Guru tersebut juga telah menulis perkataan Keling Pariah di papan hitam bilik darjah. Kami masyarakat India di kawasan ini amat kecewa dan AMAT TIDAK BERPUAS HATI dengan kata kata yang dikeluarkan termasuk seperti :-

i) Orang India datang / lahir dari anjing

ii) Kaum India Bodoh dan kearah gangesterism serta kecurian

ii) Kanak – kanak India adalah anak pelacur

iv) Pemuda India tiada telur

Saya cukup musykil apakah guru tersebut mengalami masalah mental atau sakit jiwa. Tiada seorang pun manusia waras akan berkelakuan sebegitu rupa. Apakah guru tersebut tidak sedar bahawa kita bermaustatin di sebuah Negara majmuk dangan pelbagai kaum, agama dan bangsa. Tidakan guru tersebut dapat memberi perspeksi negative terhadap guru – guru sekolah, Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah, Pejabat Pendidikan Negeri sekaligus seluruh Kementerian Pelajaran termasuk Menteri dan Timbalan Menterinya.

Untuk makluman Yang Berhormat Dato Seri / Yang Berhormat Dr lagi, kami sebagai pemimpin masyarakat tempatan dan juga dari ahli sebuah parti komponen BN terpakasa menjawab kepada masyarakat di peringkat akar umbi. Sudah pasti sesiapa pun yang akan berasa terkilan dengan kata – kata kesat yang telah dikeluarkan oleh seorang guru yang menghadapi masalah mental.

Oleh yang demikian, berasaskan, rungutan dan aduan serta ketidak puasan masyarakat India, satu tindakan drastik perlu diambil terhadap guru tersebut. Kewajaran tindakan bukan harus menjurus atau berdasar kepada kaum India sahaja malahan kepada seluruh warga Negara ini yang hidup aman diantara satu sama lain. Apalah ertinya berbangga dan bermegah dengan usaha mencapai Wawasan 2020 apabila terdapat duri dalam daging di kalangan kita yang ingin menghancurkan keamanan dan kemakmuran Negara. Kursus – kursus, iklan, seminar ‘BUDI BAHASA, BUDAYA KITA’ yang dijalankan oleh Kerajaan perlu diterapkan kepada bukan sahaja gugu – guru baru malahan kepada mereka yang sudah berkhidmat untuk sesuatu masa.

Semoga pihak Yang Berhormat Dato Seri / Yang Berhormat Dr, akan mengambil tindakan yang menjurus kearah mengembalikan kepercayan rakyat terhadap Kementerian Pelajaran dan Kerajaan. Sekian.

Terima Kasih

Yang Benar,
Prabakaran A/L Krishnan PJM & Velaendan A/L Pakiry PJM

s.k

Y. Bhg Huan Cheng Guan
Pengerusi BN Batu Kawan Merangkap Setiausaha Eksekuitif BNBBC


Nordin Bin Saad
Pengetua
Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Telok Panglima Garang
Kuala Langat
42500, Selangor Darul Ehsan


Pengerusi PIBG
Y.Bhg Dato’ Hj Sulaiman b Hj Karli
Kuala Langat
42500, Selangor Darul Ehsan

Source : The Star
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/8/4/nation/20080804174525&sec=nation
http://malaysiakini.com/news/87278

PSD Scholarships Should Be Given To Those Who Score On Merit

I would like to comment on Umno Youth Education Bureau Chief Ahmad Ikmal Ismail and ABIM secretary - General, Khairul Arifin Mohd Munir who have stated that the PSD scholarship for non - bumis which was increase from 10% - 45%, will effect the chances of Bumiputra to obtain scholarship. Minister in the Prime Minister Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz had announced on May 29 that there was a fairer distribution of Public Service Department scholarships for studies abroad, with 1,100 scholarships awarded to Bumiputera and 900 to non-Bumiputera students.

I feel it is time for UMNO to look into widen picture. The country surrounding us are heading towards globalization, but here we are still being harsh towards other races. It is time for UMNO to realize all their mistake and ego that have cost for the Political Tsunami at the last general election. UMNO should also realize that the Federal Goverment could only be formed if MCA, MIC and Gerakan win all their seats together with the Sabah / Sarawak political parties.

Logically, all students should not fear losing out to lesser performing candidates if they had met all the criteria set by the department. As for Outstanding bumiputera students should not worry about being deprived of scholarships if their qualifications meet the criteria set by the Public Service Department (PSD). The current PSD policy of automatically awarding scholarships to applicants who obtained 10As and above in SPM, and whose monthly family income fell below RM1,500 as announced by the prime minister in last year's budget still stands, applicants who meet this criteria need not fear losing out to lesser performing candidates. The PSD also should publish the names of those who have been given the scholarship and PSD should be more transparent and inform applying students the reasons for their rejection.

Comment By Umno Youth Education Bureau Chief Ahmad Ikmal Ismail : http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sunday/NewsBreak/20080601172716/Article/index_html

Comment By The Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement (Abim) : And this is what Bernama reported :-
The Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement (Abim) has called on the government to clarify the necessity for the Public Service Department (PSD) to increase the ratio of scholarships for non-Bumiputeras from 10 percent to 45 percent. "We object to this move because it now means that 700 scholarships for bumiputera students are gone,"

Abim secretary-general, Khairul Arifin Mohd Munir, said in view that the education quota issue was closely related to provisions in the federal constitution like Articles 153(2) and 153(3) it was therefore necessary that Malaysians be given an explanation for the move.

Makkal Osai Publication's Permit Approved

The government today changed its decision just a week after banning Makkal Osai by approving it's publishing permit today. Makkal Osai's GM M.Periasamy today told that he renewed the permit after receiving a letter from the ministry in the morning stating that his appeal has been approved. He said that no conditions have been set for the renewal of the permit. He thanked the government and the ministry for the approval and also thanked it's readers for their continued support. He also said that he met with Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar two days ago to submit the appeal letter and to explain their stand. He added that the Syed Hamid Albar did not explain why the permit was not renewed earlier but only said generally that all newspapers should maintain racial harmony.

Syed Hamid said the decision to allow the newspaper to continue publishing was based on looking after the interests of the paper's employees and that they are supporting so many people and Makkal Osai assure to follow by the guidelines and will contribute to the nation building efforts. He continue saying that their request is reasonable and it was renewed yesterday. The minister also said that his ministry was not pressured to act or came under pressure. The Home Ministry acted on the interest of the country. Makkal Osai will now continue to report on issues relating to the Indian community.

Home Minister Should Lift Ban Immediately.

The government should immediately lift the ban on Makkal Osai. I disagree with the decision by the Home Ministry to reject the renewal of Makkal Osai's publishing permit without stating any relevant reasons.The newspaper was reporting based on facts, the Home Ministry does not have a valid reason to stop renewing the publishing permit for any newspaper. If there is any news that were publish was sensitive issues which can threaten racial harmony, than Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar should seek legal action instead of banning the daily. The Home Ministry have not stated any reason for the ban. Even though the minister has legal powers, it is most unfair to reject their application without stating solid reason. The ministry should at least state the reasons clearly whether the newspaper has violated the Printing Presses and Publications Act, Sedition Act, Official Secrets Act or Internal Security Act. The license is wise to be restored because of the future of its employees are at stake but also to let know the community that we do practice press freedom. Its very sad that such a thing has happened,Makkal Osai is the heartbeat of the Tamil readers and they have been providing the community with issues relating to the Indians. This is unfair and this move will only anger the Indian community.

Relevant Authorities Should Take Action

Relevant authorities 'Should Take Action' against ISS Officer, Shah Kirit Bin Kakulal Govindji Da’wa for his speech recently. There are more than 15 videos have been updated in Youtube. Their website add is www.iis.org.my. Malaysian Hindu Sangam & Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) should look into this. Send your comments / complaints to info@hindusangam.org.my