Zaki’s rise explained

The Star (7/11/2007): THE appointment of Tan Sri Zaki Tun Azmi as the new Court of Appeal president should not raise any eyebrows because it is not the first time that a legal practitioner has been chosen for senior judiciary post.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abd Aziz also said there was nothing wrong with his quick move upwards.

“There is no law against fast track appointments nor is it unconstitutional,” he said at the Parliament lobby yesterday.

Zaki’s appointment was announced by the Prime Minister on Wednesday.

He takes over from Datuk Abdul Hamid Mohamad who has been appointed the country’s new Chief Justice following the retirement of Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim on Oct 3.

He was earlier appointed Federal Court Judge in September.

Nazri said, as a lawyer, Zaki was invited to sit in the disciplinary panel of Umno because he was a lawyer with integrity.

On his background as a lawyer, Nazri said Zaki was not the first legal practitioner to hold a high position in the judiciary.

Nazri said former Chief Justice of the Federal Court Tun Dzaiddin Abdullah, who retired on March 14, 2003, was the first legal practitioner to become a Chief Justice of the Federal Court.

Later, Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal Singh welcomed Abdul Hamid’s appointment as the new CJ.

“We have confidence that he can help restore public confidence in the judiciary,” he said, adding that Abdul Hamid had inherited a judiciary plagued by allegations of corruption.

On Zaki's appointment, Karpal, who is DAP national chairman and a veteran lawyer, said it created a bit of apprehension among lawyers, given his political ties.

PAS Youth Chief Salahuddin Ayub expressed surprise over Zaki’s appointment and said it should have been based on rank and file.

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Wisma Putra needs to actively counter negative foreign media reports

Bernama (13/11/2007): A number of backbenchers today urged the Foreign Ministry to be more proactive in countering negative foreign media reports on Malaysia.

They felt that Wisma Putra officers should not bow to outside pressure, but should always explain the government's policies to the foreigners and Malaysian students abroad.

Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) said although Malaysia was a small country, it was well known as a critic over universal issues.

While debating on the Supply Bill 2008 in the Dewan Rakyat here today, he also questioned Wisma Putra's action with regard to a neighbouring country's media that frequently rubbished Malaysia although the country's leaders spoke of the good relations between both countries.

"We want our Foreign Ministry to make a firm stand by explaining that the good bilateral relations should not be compromised.

Datuk Mahadzir Mohd Khir (BN-Sungai Petani) who joined the debate, questioned the effectiveness of the ministry in explaining issues to Malaysian students abroad.

"Has the ministry provided a website to disseminate information on the issues and arising situations in the country?" he asked.

Datuk Dr Rahman Ismail (BN-Gombak) questioned the extent of the role and efforts by Malaysia's envoys and representatives overseas in enhancing the country's image and in organising programmes to attract more investors and promoting Malaysia, for instance, in becoming a halal hub.

Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian), on the other hand, questioned Malaysia's preparedness in presenting its claims over Batu Putih at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

He said this was because Singapore appeared to be more prepared in presenting its case before the court while its delegation comprised individuals with very wide legal experience.

"As a Malaysian, I hope the decision will favour us... but are we satisfied with the experts who are representing our country?"

Malaysia's delegation to the ICJ is led by Ambassador at Large Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Mohamad, Malaysian ambassador to the Netherlands Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin and Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail.

The lawyers defending Malaysia's stand over its claims are Prof Elihu Lauterpacht, Prof James Crawford, Prof Nicolas Jan Schrijver, Prof Marcelo G.Kohen and Penelope Nevil.

Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum said the government provided an annual assistance of RM180,000 to the Palestine embassy here to run its operations, besides RM700 monthly for its utility bills.

"We will also be giving a new Perdana V6 car to the new Palestinian ambassador at the end of this month," he added.

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Advice to Dr Faiz to stay single unhealthy, MP says

Bernama (27/11/2007): It is unhealthy and a discrimination, says Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah) of the advice to spaceman Maj Dr Faiz Khaleed to stay single until 2011.

"Was it a policy?," she asked. It would only put pressure on Dr Faiz and those interested to participate in the National Spaceman Programme in the future, she said when debating the Supply Bill 2008 in the Dewan Rakyat Tuesday.

On Nov 10, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis said Dr Faiz was not encouraged to get married until the mission to send another Malaysian to outer space is realised in 2011.

This was to ensure Dr Faiz remain focus on the training, he said.

It was not a coercion, he explained. But, the spaceman had to think seriously of the matter before deciding on getting married, he added.

In his reaction, Dr Faiz said he would heed to the advice. Not getting married was not a major problem, he said, because he knew that his main priority now was to realise the country's mission.

Fong also raised Russia's offer to sell to Malaysia the Soyuz TMA-11 craft that carried first national spaceman Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha to the International Space Station last month.

She wanted to know how far the negotiation had gone into and urged to government to disclose the offer price.

Datuk Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar (BN-Larut) welcomed the purchase, saying that the capsule could serve as a symbol of Malaysia's first voyage into space and a historical artefact for display to future generations.

Salahuddin Ayub (Pas-Kubang Kerian) said Malaysia should emulate Iran which had signed an agreement for technology transfer as part of the contract for the purchase of Sukhoi aircraft.

"They bought Sukhoi and asked for technology transfers. Today, they can build aircraft using the technology obtained. We bought Sukhoi and sent a spaceman," he said.

He urged the government to give due consideration before deciding on buying the Soyuz.

Wong Nai Chee (BN-Kota Melaka) said buying the Soyuz capsule was only a waste of tax payers' money because the spaceman programme in itself was enough to inspire the people.

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No ACA officer was under graft probe from 2005 till Sept - Abdullah

Bernama (21/11/2007): No Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) officer was investigated for corruption between 2005 and September this year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told the Dewan Rakyat Wednesday.

However, 549 policemen were under ACA probe for alleged corruption during the same period, he said in his written reply to Salahuddin Ayub (Pas-Kubang Kerian).

Of the total, 269 cases are still being investigated, he told Salahuddin who wanted to know the number of ACA and police officers investigated for curruption.

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Cops seeking writer’s real identity

The Star (5/12/2007): POLICE are still seeking the real identity of a documentary writer whose article, which was posted on the Prime Minister’s Depart-ment (JPM) website, allegedly contained seditious elements.

In a written reply to Salahuddin Ayub (PAS - Kubang Kerian), Internal Security Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said police were still continuing investigations on the writer known as Dr Ng Seng, as “it is believed that the writer did not use his real name.”

Abdullah also said allocations for the police force had been increasing steadily over the last few years, with some RM3.44bil set aside this year for seven departments or activities.

Almost two-thirds of the money went for management and logistics, compared to crime investigation, security risk and public safety.

The highest allocation went to management activities, with RM1.138bil this year compared to RM1.086bil last year, he said in a written reply to Teresa Kok (DAP - Seputeh).

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Joint panel meant to expedite IDR development, says Abdullah

Bernama (26/6/2007): Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the creation of the Malaysia-Singapore joint ministerial committee is meant to facilitate the implementation of development plans for the Iskandar Development Region (IDR) in Johor.

The prime minister said the committee, formed on May 15 following approval by the two countries, would only play the role of facilitator to expedite the implementation of government decisions on IDR.

“It’s not an adviser or a body that formulates policies or a consultant for IDR development,” he said in a written reply to Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) at the Dewan Rakyat Tuesday.

Salahuddin enquired about the authority of the special committee in monitoring development initiatives in the IDR.

Abdullah said the committee, among others, would discuss ways to enhance transportation between IDR and Singapore.

Co-chaired by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohd Effendi Norwawi, the committee is also tasked with identifying measures to quicken immigration procedures in Johor and Singapore and promote tourism.

It is also to specify other potential areas for bilateral cooperation that can further develop the IDR and coordinate discussions and the implementation of activities involving the related agencies with regard to suggestions put forward by the committee.

However, Abdullah said, the committee would not make any investment decisions as the matter is under the jurisdiction of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA).

“IRDA is responsible for IDR’s overall development and is the decision-making body on all issues pertaining to foreign investments,” he added.

IDR will be developed on a 2,217sq km site covering five local authorities — Johor Baharu, Johor Baharu Tengah, Kulai, Pasir Gudang and Pontian.

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Top cop: Normal for ACA to probe

NST (13/7/07): Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said he was not worried about the Anti-Corruption Agency investigation into allegations of corruption against him.

“Why should I be afraid and worry about it? I did not do anything wrong. It is nothing,” he said yesterday.

He said it was normal for the ACA to investigate a report.

He was speaking after opening a function at the Police College in Cheras in conjunction with the 50th Merdeka celebration.

Earlier in his speech, Musa said police would not tolerate corruption and this scourge threatened the safety and stability of the nation. He said police had stepped up their commitment to provide an honest service to the public.

ACA director-general Datuk Ahmad Said Hamdan said the agency would follow up on the allegations of corruption on the Internet against Musa.

He added that no statement had been taken from Musa.

On Tuesday, Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum told the Dewan Rakyat that he had instructed his officers to lodge a report with the ACA about the allegations against Musa.

Johari said he had also contacted Bukit Aman for an explanation.

He said this in reply to a question from Salahuddin Ayub (Pas-Kubang Kerian).

Salahuddin wanted to know if the ministry was aware of the allegation that Musa had received RM2.1 million for the release of a group of gangsters, and if so, what action had been taken.

Musa had denied the allegations accusing him of graft and having triad links.

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14 questions have to be skipped because of missing MPs

The Star (13/11/2007): Many MPs, including executives, were absent from Parliament, forcing 14 of the 25 questions to be skipped.

This prompted Speaker Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib to urge the backbenchers and executives to be present if they knew their questions were in the Order Paper of the day.

Absenteeism was still high despite a reminder from Ramli two weeks ago when several MPs did not show up.

Ramli had then said those absent would have their names recorded.

All of those absent yesterday were from Barisan Nasional, except for Salahuddin Ayub (PAS – Kubang Kerian).

The ministries that were not represented were Defence and Foreign Affairs.

Finance Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya read out the answers from the Defence Ministry for question number 16, which was asked by Syed Hood Syed Edros (BN – Parit Sulong).

But when there was another question for the Defence Ministry, Natural Resources and Environment Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Sazmi Miah said written answers would be given.

When the question for the Foreign Ministry was called out, Youth and Sports Ministry parliamentary secretary S. Vigneswaran told the House that the answers would be given in a written reply.

Since all the questions had been called out and most of them were skipped, Abdul Fatah Harun (PAS – Rantau Panjang) requested for question number 11 that was earlier skipped to be answered.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz then rushed into the Dewan to answer the question.

Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang stood up and asked how so many MPs could be absent, including ministries’ representatives.

“How can this be? The questions were submitted two months ago. Yang di-Pertua (Ramli) should reprimand those absent. What is the point of BN having nine over 10 majority? ” he said.

Last year, many MPs were absent during the Umno general assembly, including six who were not Umno members.

There were so many questions skipped that the proceedings went back to question one again.

During the debate, the proceedings were adjourned as three more MPs needed to be present to meet the quorum of 26.

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