Biz-savvy Malays back Teresa Kok for indirectly protecting interest of small Muslim F&B operators
FARSIGHTED Malays have come out in droves to lend moral support to DAP vice-chairman Teresa Kok who has come under ferocious attack by UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh for objecting to the Malaysian Islamic Development Department’s (JAKIM) mooting of a mandatory halal certification for alcohol/pork-free eateries.
Commenting on a post by ironically opposition-slant Solisidtor (@Solisidtor) that Akmal has gone too far by labelling Kok as “Nyonya Tua”, one sensible commenter remarked that if JAKIM gets its way, it will be inevitable for small Malay businesses like pasar malam traders or roadside burger sellers having to toe the line, too.
“See who will champion their cause when they complain about the cost of getting a halal certificate which is burdensome and so on. Think first, brother, before speaking,” he shared as one commenter reckoned that Kok’s counter-argument “is rational and can be discussed from various angles”.
Giant Sarawak flag made in China, says deputy minister
State govt says it will be replaced monthly to endure harsh weather conditions.
Updated 1 hour ago · Published on 08 Sep 2024 4:34PM
Sarawak government says until it can find a local manufacturer capable of producing a flag that can withstand storms, it will source it from an overseas manufacturer. – Facebook pic, September 8, 2024.
by Stephen Then
SARAWAK has commissioned a manufacturer in China to produce a giant 25-metre by 12-metre Sarawak flag to replace the one that was blown off the 99-metre high flagpole in Kuching.
Sarawak's Deputy Minister for Public Utility and Telecommunications, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, said today that the new flag had to be made overseas after the previous one was torn apart by strong winds.
"It was ripped apart, and its cable also snapped during the storm.
"Until we can find a local manufacturer capable of producing a flag that can withstand turbulent storms, we will source it from an overseas manufacturer.
"This new one is from China," he said while attending a ceremony at the flagpole site in Kuching today.
Rahman declined to reveal the cost of producing the giant flag.
He added that the flag would be replaced monthly to ensure it could endure harsh weather conditions.
On 2 September, the largest Sarawak flag, displayed atop the controversially expensive RM30 million tallest flagpole in the state and country, ended up in the Sarawak River.
The flag was blown away by strong winds during a storm that evening.
Opposition politicians and members of the public have criticised the Gabungan Parti Sarawak state government for spending such a vast sum on the flagpole.
The flagpole is situated on the banks of the Sarawak River near the State Legislative Assembly Complex in Kuching. - September 8, 2024.
Tens of thousands of Israelis protest as calls for captive deal intensify
Huge numbers of Israelis turned out to protest against the government’s failure to secure the return of remaining captives.
A demonstrator waves Israeli and US flags during a protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government in Tel Aviv. [Ariel Schalit/AP Photo]
Published On 8 Sep 20248 Sep 2024
Tens of thousands of Israeli protesters took to the streets on Saturday in a new wave of protests to press Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to sign a deal with Hamas to free captives held in Gaza.
“I think even those who were, maybe, reluctant to go out, who are not used to protest, who are sad but prefer to be in private space within their sadness, understood our voice must join together to one huge scream: Bring the hostages with a deal. Do not risk their lives,” said one protester in Tel Aviv, Efrat Machikawa, niece of captive Gadi Moses.
The protesters have been calling on the government to agree to a ceasefire deal to free dozens of captives in Gaza. The recovery of six captives’ bodies last week has reignited the anger against Netanyahu, who has insisted on a military solution to the issue.
But most of the captives have been freed through dialogue. At least 105 captives were freed as part of a truce last November. Hamas’s demand for a ceasefire and swapping of captives with Palestinian prisoners have been rejected by Netanyahu.
Israel estimates more than 100 captives are still being held in Gaza, some of whom are believed to be killed.
Hundreds of protesters blocked main roads in Tel Aviv and Haifa, leading to clashes with the police and arrests, according to Channel 12 TV, which noted that demonstrations on Saturday were “among the largest protests the country has seen since October 7, 2023”.
Israel’s onslaught against Gaza has killed more than 40,900 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured nearly 94,700, according to local health authorities.
Israel has also curbed the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza leading to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine.
Israel faces accusations of genocide for its actions in Gaza at the International Court of Justice.
Protesters in Tel Aviv raise placards and Israeli flags during an antigovernment rally calling for action to secure the release of the captives held in Gaza. [Jack Guez/AFP]
Thousands gathered in cities across Israel, including Tel Aviv and Haifa, as well as the Karkur Junction near Haifa. [Jack Guez/AFP]
Organisers say there were 500,000 protesters in Tel Aviv, with 250,000 others joining rallies in towns elsewhere in the country. [Ariel Schalit/AP Photo]
Antigovernment protests have become an almost daily occurrence as frustration grows at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s failure to reach a deal with Hamas to exchange captives and end Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip. [Florion Goga/Reuters]
According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), there have been an average of 113 protests across Israel per month since October last year. [Leo Correa/AP Photo]
Demonstrators around a fire during the antigovernment protests in Tel Aviv. [Jack Guez/AFP]
Israel has been under increasing pressure from the United States and other allies to reach a ceasefire deal. [Jack Guez/AFP]
Houthis claim downing another US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Yemen
The Houthis have not released footage for the latest attack, but have shown downing US drones with missiles before.
The MQ-9 Reaper, made by General Atomics, has been used in bombing and surveillance missions across the region for years [Janis Laizans/Reuters]
Published On 8 Sep 20248 Sep 2024
The Houthis have claimed to have shot down a United States military drone over Yemen, in the latest attack by the group, which has disrupted shipping trade through the crucial Bab al-Mandeb Strait, drawing US strikes.
The Yemeni group has carried out dozens of attacks on ships with links to Israel in a show of solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s 11-month-old war on Gaza.
Yahya Saree, the military spokesman of the Houthi group, said in a prerecorded video message released early on Sunday that the MQ-9 Reaper was shot down by air defences over Marib as “it was carrying out hostile activities”.
This is the eighth drone of this type to be shot down since the start of the war on Gaza, he said. The group has not so far released footage of the downed attack and surveillance aircraft that costs about $30m.
The advanced drones, which can fly at altitudes up to 15,240 metres (50,000 feet) and for up to 24 hours, have been flown by US military and intelligence forces over Yemen for years. That includes during years of civil war that broke out after the Houthis rebelled against the government in late 2014. The fighting has largely ended after a UN-brokered ceasefire in December 2023.
Houthi forces will continue to mount attacks in support of Palestinians and “are in the process of strengthening defensive capabilities” to confront continuing joint air strikes by the US and United Kingdom on Yemen, according to Saree.
Video Duration 0 minutes 35 seconds0:35
US strikes in Yemen?
After the video was released, the Houthi-run Al Masirah satellite news channel reported multiple US-led strikes near the city of Ibb south of capital Sanaa.
The US military did not immediately respond to either claim of air strikes or the shooting down of the its drone over Yemen.
The latest attacks on Yemen claimed by the US military came on Friday, when its forces said they destroyed a Houthi-launched drone and a “support vehicle”.
Last week, the US military said the Houthis attacked two crude oil tankers, including the Saudi-flagged Amjad and the Panama-flagged Blue Lagoon in the Red Sea, calling them “reckless acts of terrorism”.
The Houthi military claimed responsibility for targeting the Blue Lagoon with multiple missiles and drones but did not make any mention of the Saudi tanker.
The Amjad was carrying about two million barrels of oil, according to the US military, which did not report any casualties.
In late August, the Houthis released footage of fighters boarding the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion, and detonating explosives on the ship, which has prompted concerns of an environmental disaster.
The Yemeni group, which landed an explosive-laden drone in Tel Aviv in July killing one person, have said their attacks will only stop when Israel’s killings in Gaza cease.
More than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its devastating war on October 7.
Puad wants those involved in Batu Putih appeal failure to be sued
UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Puad Zarkashi has urged the government to sue those responsible for allegedly compromising Malaysia’s sovereignty over Pedra Branca (Batu Putih), which was awarded to Singapore.
Although he did not name anyone directly, Puad hinted that former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was involved, as Dr Mahathir was in office when Malaysia decided not to appeal the decision.
He also mentioned the SG4, states headed by the PAS that have Dr Mahathir as an adviser, saying they should be sold off too.
“Therefore, we await the presentation of the Pedra Branca report in Parliament. It’s true, we will not be able to reclaim that territory. But someone must be held accountable for selling the nation’s sovereignty. He must be sued. Let’s not have SG4 sold off as well,” he said in a Facebook post.
Additionally, Puad congratulated Law and Institutional Reform Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said for Malaysia’s legal victory in the Sulu claim case. – Sept 8, 2024
The prime minister reiterated that the government does not interfere in the investigations carried out by authorities, let alone influence the actions taken. — Bernama pic
Sunday, 08 Sep 2024 4:30 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has denied allegations that his personal vendetta is behind the actions taken by authorities in certain cases.
According to Berita Harian, the prime minister emphasised that the government does not interfere in the investigations carried out by authorities, let alone influence the actions taken.
Instead, he said that anyone facing criminal cases should leave it to the authorities, particularly the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), to investigate or take action.
“Just like other cases, including major ones... I hold no grudges.
“Thank God I’ve become prime minister, despite the challenges, and thanks to the people of Port Dickson,” said Anwar, who is also a former Member of Parliament for Port Dickson.
Berita Harian reported that Anwar made these remarks during the Launch of the National Healthy Malaysia Month 2024 and the Launch of the National Health Literacy Policy, as well as the Fight Against Sugar Campaign, in Port Dickson today.
The prime minister then went on to say that any party’s questionable behaviour must be corrected to avoid affecting the people.
For example, he cited cases where certain individuals refuse to pay taxes or declare their assets.
“People accumulate billions but refuse to pay taxes or declare their assets.
“What is the point of collecting funds from them if they don’t contribute? These funds are for education, hospitals, healthcare... if we don’t correct such practices, the state may be wealthy but its people are neglected.
“I hope my colleagues understand; it’s not about grudges. I didn’t like being in prison, and I also don’t like seeing others in prison,” he was quoted as saying.
Loke also said today that the proposal by Jakim was still in its early stages and had not yet been submitted for consideration. — Picture by Raymond Manuel
Sunday, 08 Sep 2024 2:15 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 — DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has called on all quarters to avoid politicising remarks made by party vice-president Teresa Kok regarding the halal certification issue.
According to a New Straits Times report, Loke noted that as the Seputeh Member of Parliament, Kok has a duty to express her views on matters affecting the public.
“As an MP, she has the responsibility to voice her views, and what was raised is a concern, particularly from non-Muslim restaurants, which may also be affected or required to obtain halal certification.
“So, what was raised is a concern from the community, especially the non-Muslim community.
“Any policy or decision will be discussed at the Cabinet level. It doesn’t need to be politicised,” he was quoted as saying after inaugurating the Perak DAP Convention in Ipoh today.
Loke, who is also the transport minister, added that the proposal by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) was still in its early stages and had not yet been submitted for consideration.
“It will also involve amendments to the law and other aspects. So, it has not yet reached the decision-making stage. In our country, it is common for many issues to be politicised.
“That is why, within the government, we try to address these issues. Any concerns that arise can be resolved at the government level through the Cabinet,” he added.
Yesterday, Kok argued that halal certification should remain voluntary, allowing businesses to decide based on market demand rather than being mandated.
She claimed that requiring restaurants and food companies to obtain halal certification would increase operational difficulties and burden small businesses due to additional administrative costs.
Kok’s remarks appear to respond to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar’s announcement last Thursday that Jakim is reviewing a proposal to make halal certification mandatory for restaurants and food companies.
Her comments have drawn criticism from Umno leaders, the Opposition, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as the Malaysian Malay Chamber of Commerce.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim clarified that Kok’s comments did not reflect the official stance of Pakatan Harapan.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim shakes hands with a member of the public during a walkabout at the Seremban Rest and Relaxation Area (southbound) September 8, 2024. — Bernama pic
Sunday, 08 Sep 2024 10:57 AM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 — A recent statement by Seputeh MP Teresa Kok on halal certification does not reflect the position of Pakatan Harapan (PH), according to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
According to a Berita Harian report, the prime minister, who is also PH chairman, said that Kok’s comments had generated “unnecessary controversy.”
“There’s no need to create unnecessary controversy within our society.
“Certain regulations are needed to give Muslims peace of mind,” he was quoted as saying to media during the opening of the Seremban Rest and Relaxation Area (southbound) today.
Anwar also said the DAP vice chairman should have refrained from making statements that could complicate the situation further.
“If she wants to represent some parties, that’s fine... but there’s no need to make such statements openly as it does not help clarify the situation.
“We need to manage both Muslim and non-Muslim sentiments. Her approach should be to discuss properly first, not to showcase individual prowess.
“Our country is currently in a good state, politics is stable, international recognition is positive, and the economy is rising.
“Therefore, there’s no need for issues that could undermine national harmony and prosperity,” he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.
Anwar then emphasised the importance of discussing proposals or concerns during internal coalition meetings to ensure thorough review.
“If she (Kok) feels that the regulation is unnecessary in certain areas, discuss it properly,” he said.
Yesterday, Kok argued that halal certification should be voluntary, allowing businesses to make decisions based on market demand rather than being mandated.
She claimed that requiring restaurants and food companies to obtain halal certification would increase operational difficulties and burden small businesses, citing additional administrative costs.
Kok’s remarks seem to respond to Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar’s announcement last Thursday that the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) is reviewing the proposal to make halal certification mandatory for restaurants and food companies.
Her comments have been criticised by Umno leaders, the Opposition, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as the Malaysian Malay Chamber of Commerce.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said five reports related to Kok’s statement have been received nationwide. — Picture by Azneal Ishak
Sunday, 08 Sep 2024 3:55 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 — The police have initiated an investigation into Seputeh MP Teresa Kok in relation to her statement that mandatory halal certification would place a burden on traders.
According to Harian Metro, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said that five reports related to Kok’s statement have been received nationwide.
“An investigation has been opened under Section 298 of the Penal Code, Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, and Section 233 of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Act.
“The 3R (Religion, Monarchy, and Race) standard operating procedures will be followed, and all witnesses will be called to complete the investigation,” he told the Malay national daily today.
Razarudin also advised Malaysians to avoid making or responding to statements that could incite public unrest and provoke racial tensions.
“Although freedom of expression is protected under the Federal Constitution, there are limitations.
“Such statements can also constitute an offense under the Penal Code, particularly if they cause public harm. The police urge the public to adhere to the principles of the Rukun Negara,” he added.
Yesterday, Kok argued that halal certification should remain voluntary, allowing businesses to make decisions based on market demand rather than mandating it.
She claimed that requiring restaurants and food companies to obtain halal certification would complicate operations and burden small businesses with additional administrative costs.
Kok’s remarks appear to be a response to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar’s announcement last Thursday that the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) is reviewing a proposal to make halal certification mandatory for restaurants and food companies.
Her comments have attracted criticism from Umno leaders, the Opposition, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Malaysian Malay Chamber of Commerce.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim clarified that Kok’s comments do not represent the official stance of Pakatan Harapan.
Straight talking President Trump says it simply and plainly. He will remove all sanctions against Russia and also stop the war in Ukraine even as 'president-elect'. If he wins the elections on Nov 4th, he will officially take office sometime in January 2025. In the in-between he will be 'president-elect' for two months. Trump says he will stop the Ukraine war within the two months as president-elect.
https://youtu.be/m6nxJZOZdqE?si=37u7nO3g5NXjnvQD
Its really very simple. All President Trump has to do is tell the British 'stop it'. He merely has to say that the US will stop supplying weapons and giving money to Ukraine. Thats it. The Ukraine war will come to an end.
Andrei Martyanov the super hawkish Russian military analyst who lives in the United States (click here if you have 45 minutes, its worth it) says that the British were directly involved in the planning and directing of the Ukraine attack into Kursk inside Russia (I said the same thing). The British plan was indeed to capture the nuclear power plant in Kursk.
Martyanov also says that the British are putting pressure on the Biden administration to allow Ukraine to fire British supplied Storm Shadow missiles into Russia. Martyanov suggests that in such event the Russians might strike 10 Downing Street in London (the British prime minister's office) and wipe it out. Or the Russians might sink the only British destroyer at the Royal Navy's base in Cyprus.
Lets look at the bright side. If Donald Trump wins on Nov 4th, there will be peace in Europe, sanctions against Russia will be lifted and the world economy will move again.
The price of wheat and fertilisers (where Ukraine and Russia are both the world's largest producers) will drop significantly. World food prices will or should come down again.
The street demos and hunger revolutions in Egypt (which is the next item on the world stage) will get postponed for a bit.
Gas supply from Russia to Germany will resume. German industry will move again. Volkswagen need not layoff 11,000 workers etc. Or move their factories to other countries.
Lets look on the bright side.
In the meantime the Brits will be gunning for President Trump again.
They might even try to assassinate Elon Musk. If President Trump wins he will be appointing Elon Musk to head a special committee to completely audit and overhaul the efficiency of the entire US government. That makes Elon Musk a target as well.
Fresh tussle inflames MCA’s relationship with Anthony Loke and Nga Kor Ming
MCA and DAP may both be part of the ruling coalition, but their ongoing clashes have become a glaring source of division, disrupting any semblance of unity, and this could threaten to fracture the government’s stability.
Former transport minister and current MCA leader Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong has now accused his successor Anthony Loke Siew Fook of alleged double standards for “correcting” him on the cost of the proposed high-speed rail (HSR) project.
According to Wee, his statement on the cost of the HSR project was based on previous news reports saying it is expected to cost RM120 bil.
Due to the ‘inflated costs’, Wee asked the government to reconsider its implementation.
“[My sources are) a report by Singapore’s Straits Times (ST) dated Feb 19, 2024, which predicted that the cost of the HSR would increase to at least RM100 bil, and a report by New Straits Times dated Feb 22, 2024, which quoted transport analyst Rosli Azad Khan that the cost of the HSR project was expected to rise to RM120 bil.
“If these news reports are false news, and it has been over six months, why haven’t these reports been corrected by Loke? Why is Loke ‘angry’ about his comments,” Wee asked.
Yesterday (Sept 6), Loke questioned Wee on the estimated cost of the HSR project, which has spiked from RM70 bil to RM120 bil.
On the other hand, the relationship between the two parties took a bad turn with the MCA criticising Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming over a parking incident after his official vehicle was allegedly parked illegally at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC).
When asked to move the car, the driver allegedly refused and argued with the auxiliary police.
MCA Youth secretary-general Saw Yee Fung condemned the minister’s team for repeatedly disrupting public order and called for Nga to issue a public apology.
The incident sparked outrage online, with claims that the driver made controversial remarks, suggesting preferential treatment for Malay ministers over Chinese ministers.
“Nga and his team have repeatedly abused the privileges of ministerial office, monopolising public resources and disrupting public order, causing inconvenience and endangering the public,” said the MCA politician. – Sept 7, 2024
Group wants to address claims of oppression by Pahang govt.
Updated 14 hours ago · Published on 07 Sep 2024 3:51PM
Durian farmers in Raub ask to be treated as equal partners, allowing them to trade durians freely. – Pic courtesy of Raub MP Chow Yu Hui, September 7, 2024.
by Alfian Z.M. Tahir
DURIAN farmers in Raub, Pahang, are seeking a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to address claims of oppression by the Pahang government.
In a statement, the Save Musang King Alliance (Samka) highlighted that over a thousand farmers have been impacted, and it is crucial to arrange a meeting with the prime minister.
“The rally this afternoon at Dataran Pasar Sungai Klau, Raub, saw over a thousand farmers attending to express their anger. They demand the government halt the oppression from the state government and the consortium, allowing farmers to cultivate durians without fear,” said Raub MP Chow Yu Hui.
Chow explained that the livelihoods of these farmers have been severely affected, and a meeting with the prime minister and Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu is essential to address their plight.
He also noted that Anwar, before becoming prime minister, had previously met with Samka, offering some positive input.
"I will continue to fight for the rights of Raub farmers, both now and in the future. I will speak on their behalf in Parliament, fulfilling my responsibility as an MP to defend their rights,” Chow added.
Durian farmers in Raub held a peaceful two-hour rally this afternoon, protesting for their rights without any incidents. The event, called Perhimpunan Besar Pekebun 907, featured speeches from over five speakers, including Samka chief William Chang and Tanah Rata assemblyman Chiong Yoke Kong.
Police from the Raub district were present, but no disturbances were reported during the rally.
Chow emphasised that these farmers are not trespassers and that, under the Green Book Plan (Rancangan Buku Hijau), the government encouraged farmers to cultivate land.
“Farmers have long been applying for land titles and hope for fair leases from the state government, but they have so far been unsuccessful,” he said.
William Chang stated that the farmers’ demands are straightforward.
“They do not wish to fight the government, but the unfair contracts are unacceptable. The farmers ask to be treated as equal partners, allowing them to trade durians freely,” Chang said.
He added that the farmers are willing to pay reasonable land taxes and contribute to environmental conservation.
Chang warned that signing contracts with consortiums is not in the farmers’ best interests.
“In the end, they will be unable to meet the consortiums' demands and will suffer unfair treatment when durian prices drop.”
He also pointed out that the issue of unlicensed farms is not unique to Raub, affecting farmers across Malaysia, including vegetable farmers in Perak, Cameron Highlands, and ginger farmers in Bukit Tinggi.
“Their farmlands have long been insecure, and the government has not taken into account local economic development or the farmers’ interests,” he added. – September 7, 2024.
That Indian fellow's face, though at the back of the picture, is the most prominent. His face is the biggest. All the three crooks on the left will one day stand trial for the Nordstream pipeline explosion and they will go to jail. Olaf Schulz the German Chancellor will one day become the first German Chancellor to be tried for treason. Because he knew that the Nordstream pipeline supplying gas to Germany would be blown up.
They say that Volodymyr Z is now hiding out in Ukraine. They have blanked out his last name Z. I think this fellow is fake. Who is to know if he even is a real person?
If he is a real person, then he is living on borrowed time. He can spill the beans on the entire Nordstream sabotage. Those three people on the left of the picture will not let him live for too long.
As Hillary Clinton said, you cannot be raising snakes in your backyard and hope that the snakes will only bite your neighbours.
This Nordstream sabotage cock-up is going to be bigger than the Watergate scandal. Usually in cases like this, people start ending up dying or going missing. Some may go for five or ten mile walks before committing suicide.
Remember Dr David Kelly, the British weapons inspector who said he found no WMDs in Iraq. He killed himself in 2003. But his "suicide" has long been disputed even by British MPs and Cabinet Ministers.
Among those who have called for an inquest or have doubts it was a suicide are former Tory leader Michael Howard, and Liberal Democrat minister Norman Baker, who wrote a book saying Kelly was most likely murdered.
