TAIB “Highly Corrupt” – Secret US Documents Put Pressure on FBI!

Taib - time the FBI placed him
under the microscope

Secret US Government documents have stood up Sarawak Report’s  allegations about corruption in Sarawak.

A dossier of US Embassy dispatches to Washington, compiled by the Bruno Manser Foundation from the Wikileaks site, has now revealed that the United States Government has been well-informed about the extent of Taib Mahmud’s abuse of power in the state.

Australia's people smuggling law challenged

Australia's harsh laws on people smuggling were challenged in court on Tuesday, with lawyers arguing that asylum-seekers have a lawful right to come here.

Australia has a policy of mandatory detention for boatpeople and last year toughened penalties, including jail terms of up to 20 years for those smuggling them across its maritime borders.

Oil higher in Asian trade on US optimism

Oil advanced in Asian trade Tuesday on hopes that the US economy will be able to find a way out of its slump without more monetary stimulus, analysts said.

In afternoon trade, New York's main contract -- light sweet crude for October delivery -- added 29 cents to $87.56 a barrel, and Brent North Sea crude for October delivery gained 49 cents to $112.37.

Reject race politics

By R Kengadharan

We should embark on a crusade to preach inter-racial unity to propagate basic rights for all, says former ISA detainee R Kengadharan.

KUALA LUMPUR: Fifty four years after independence and we still find it extremely difficult to divorce ourselves from the politics of race.

Why? The communal feeling is still deeprooted and for most of the time, such uncontrolled feelings go overboard creating nightmares.

Weak, corrupt and untrustworthy - three words that mar 54th Merdeka

by  Iskandar Dzulkarnain

Although I do not agree with much of the Perak Mufti’s past statements, I am inclined to support some of his latest comments that the Malay split is caused by a weak government, corruption and lack of trust.

Racism is showing its ugly face everywhere. Not only are the Malays racist, but the Chinese too and so are the Indians. 

Eid protests across Syria defy tanks and troops

 By Khaled Yacoub Oweis

Security forces shot dead four demonstrators on Tuesday as people streamed out of mosques after prayers to mark the end of Ramadan and renewed protests against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, activists and residents said.

Gaddafi forces hang on in Sirte while he hides

By Samia Nakhoul and Alexander Dziadosz

Forces loyal to deposed ruler Muammar Gaddafi held out in a few Libyan towns on Tuesday even though their leader has gone to ground and most of his family has fled the country.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to All Muslim Brothers/Sisters in Malaysia & Around the Globe

We wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters in Malaysia "SELAMAT  HARI  RAYA  AIDILFITRI"

Apostasy Issues Cloud this Raya as Politicians turn Religion into a Millstone

by  Chiifen Hiu

There has been a recent uproar surrounding the issue of apostasy amongst the Muslim community, and fingers of blame have been pointed in all directions, from Christian tuition schools to opposition leaders.

But really, at a time like Hari Raya Aidilfitri, should we perhaps not be celebrating our commitment and faith, or the commitment and faith of our loved ones to Islam? Instead we are squabbling and pointing fingers; actions that stem from a place of insecurity and lack of faith, in direct contrast to what all religions call for.

Syria Force Surrounds Town after Defections: Residents

By Khaled Yacoub Oweis

An armored Syrian force surrounded a town near the city of Homs Monday and fired heavy machineguns after the defection of tens of soldiers in the area, activists and residents said.

Gaddafi Family Members Flee to Algeria Without Him

By Samia Nakhoul

The wife of Muammar Gaddafi and three of his children took refuge in Algeria on Monday but the whereabouts of the former strongman himself remained a mystery a week after rebels drove him from power.

Algeria's Foreign Ministry said Gaddafi's wife Safia, his daughter Aisha and his sons Hannibal and Mohammed had entered Algeria on Monday morning.

New Thai Govt Vows Crackdown on Insulting Royals

Thailand's new government on Friday vowed to crack down on what it described as online insults against the revered monarchy, despite widespread criticism of the country's strict lese majeste rules.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung said insulting Thailand's royals was "unacceptable" and identified an online campaign as an immediate priority.

"The first thing I must tackle as a matter of urgency are those lese majeste websites. They are not allowed during this government," he told reporters in comments that come within weeks of the new Thai government's taking power.

President-elect Says Singaporeans Want More Say

President-elect Tony Tan, the ruling party's proxy candidate who narrowly escaped defeat, said Sunday that Singaporeans have become more vocal and want more say in how they are governed.

But the former deputy prime minister said he welcomed the development as part of a maturing democracy in the city-state governed by the People's Action Party (PAP) since 1959.

"I think we must recognise the fact that there are many voices here in Singapore today. Singaporeans are more vocal, they want to make their views known," he told a news conference the day after winning a cliffhanger race.

Has Chandra Not Heard of Unity in Diversity or Is He Defending Ketuanan Melayu

by  Iskandar Dzulkarnain

Chandra - Man of flowery talk.

Going through Chandra Muzaffar’s Merdeka wish list, I had to read it 3 times before being able to grasp some of its meaning. Frankly, I had trouble understanding his flowery words.

Irene Floods Northeast, Manhattan Spared the Worst

By Edith Honan and Clare Baldwin

Hurricane Irene swept through Manhattan on Sunday but reserved the worst of its fury for towns and suburbs up and down the northeast region where driving rain and flood tides inundated homes and cut power to millions.

Syrian Forces Storm Northern Town, Fight Defectors: Residents

By Khaled Yacoub Oweis

Syrian forces stormed a town on the main road leading to Turkey Sunday after troops loyal to President Bashar al-Assad fought a night-time battle in Damascus with army defectors who had refused to shoot at a pro-democracy protest.

Gaddafi Stronghold Under Threat from Air and Land

By Samia Nakhoul

NATO warplanes bombed Muammar Gaddafi's hometown of Sirte on Sunday as forces opposed to the fallen strongman closed in on his last major bastion of support.

Lockerbie Bomber "At Death's Door" in Libya: Report

The Libyan convicted in the 1988 bombing of a U.S.-bound airliner over Lockerbie, Scotland has been found in Tripoli and appears "at death's door," CNN reported on Sunday.

Veteran Wins Tight Singapore Presidential Race

Veteran politician and banker Tony Tan was declared the winner of Singapore's presidential election Sunday after a recount gave him a razor-thin victory that exposed sharp divisions in the electorate.

The 71-year-old former deputy prime minister, seen a proxy for the ruling party, won by just 7,269 votes over his closest challenger out of 2.1 million valid votes cast in Saturday's four-way race to become head of state.

Debating M’sia’s Ethnic, Religious Divisions

By Teoh El Sen

Al Jazeera interviews Marina Mahathir, Khairy Jamaluddin and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad on Malaysia's ethnic and religious divide.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s delicate issue of race and religion was put under the global spotlight in an interview programme aired by international broadcaster Al Jazeera yesterday.

To Mahathir, Anwar is Still a He-Devil

by  Iskandar Dzulkarnain, Wong Choon Mei

Growing up under his leadership, one tends to have utmost fear for this man. 22 years as Prime Minister, his fame or infamy has stretched far and wide. When in power, many a Malay looked up to him with pride and respect. Sad to say, the moment he was out of power, even his deputy - the extra mild Abdullah Badawi - turned on him.

Apostasy : Rais, Prove That You are Not a Dirty Politician, Challenges Tony Pua

by  Tony Pua

TV1 last nite reported in its 8pm prime-time news on the existence of "Murtads in Malaysia & Singapore" Facebook group. What is most despicable and sickening is TV1 highlighting the alleged association of DAP leaders such as Tan Kok Wai, Charles Santiago, Dr Boo Cheng Hau, Ean Yong Hian Wah with the Group. TV1 even placed the spotlight on the chairman of Parti Socialis Malaysia (PSM) and ADUN for Kota Damansara Dr Nasir Hashim insinuating the betrayal of his own faith.

Syrian Authorities Warn Against Protesting in Capital

By Khaled Yacoub Oweis

Syria's Interior Ministry warned Damascus residents Saturday against demonstrating after some of the most intense protests in the capital since the start of the five-month uprising against President Bashar al-Assad.

Libyans Count Deadly Cost of Battle for Tripoli

By Maria Golovnina and Mohammed Abbas

Residents of Tripoli dug makeshift graves to bury the dead as evidence emerged of widespread summary killings during the battle for the Libyan capital.

Oil Mixed in Asian Trade

Oil was mixed in muted Asian trade Friday as investors awaited a key speech by US Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke, analysts said.

New York's main contract, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for October delivery eased 34 cents to $84.96 a barrel in the afternoon and Brent North Sea crude for October rose eight cents to $110.70.

Malaysia's Petronas Profit Surges But Outlook Weak

Malaysian state energy firm Petronas said Friday its net profit surged nearly 50 percent in the latest quarter on higher oil prices but warned the weak global economy could hit full-year profits.

Profit at Malaysia's biggest company in the three months to June 30, the first quarter of the country's financial year, grew 48.6 percent from the same period a year-earlier to 21.7 billion ringgit ($7.27 billion).

Politics Destroyed Our Beliefs, Liberty

By Pushparani Thilaganathan

It's Merdeka month and in a series of articles until Sept 16, FMT will walk along and talk to ordinary Malaysians about what 'liberty' means to them.

KUALA LUMPUR: Liberty is the cornerstone of democracy, at least that’s the feeling that’s permeating the grassroots Malaysians these days.

Comment : Who Do the Police Serve – Rakyat or Najib ?

By Jeswan Kaur

The PM's refusal to acknowledge the role of the IPCMC speaks volumes of the government's indifference to the sufferings endured by the rakyat at the hands of the police.

Police officers may drive black and white cars; however, what goes on in their jobs is a lot of gray. –Arik Matson

Sodomy II: Trial Postponed to Sept 19-23

KUALA LUMPUR - The sodomy trial of Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been postponed, and will be held from Sept 19 to 23.

Earlier Friday, DNA expert Dr Brian Leslie McDonald told the High Court that the process used by a chemist did not ensure that the sperm extracted from the rectum of complainant Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan was pure and not mixed with other cells.

'Pristine' DNA Profile Puzzling, Says Experts

How is it that three cotton swabs retrieved from the rectum of sodomy complainant Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan showed no sign of degradation when tested some 100 hours later? This is the issue that is puzzling Australian DNA expert Dr Brian McDonald.

Thousands March Anew Against Syria's Assad, 2 Killed

By Khaled Yacoub Oweis

Syrian forces killed at least two protesters on Saturday as tens of thousands of people marched again to demand the removal of President Bashar al-Assad, activists and residents said.

Libya Rebels Say "Close In" on Gaddafi

By Samia Nakhoul and Mohammed Abbas

Libyan rebels claimed to be close to capturing Muammar Gaddafi on Friday as their NATO backers bombed diehard loyalists in his tribal bastion, but there was no sign of an end to the war, or to international wrangling over Libya's riches.

Lao Airline Buys Libya-Bound Airbus Jets

Laos's state-owned airline is buying two Airbus jets originally built for a sanctions-hit Libyan carrier -- but says the green seats will go.

Lao Airlines signed a memorandum on August 2 with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus to take delivery of the A320s, an executive of the carrier who declined to be named told AFP on Thursday.

Oil Mixed Ahead of Bernanke Speech

Oil was mixed in Asian trade on Thursday ahead of a speech by US Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke, analysts said.

Prices were also underpinned by ongoing unrest in Libya with analysts saying the North African country may take longer than expected to get its crude production facilities back to normal.

Baram Dam Will Drown Rich Heritage

By Joseph Tawie

The Sarawak government appears to have little concern for environmental “heritage” in its pursuit of material gains.

KUCHING: The construction of Baram Dam will have devastating effects on the lives of Sarawak’s indigenous communities.

Some 20,000 Kayan, Kenyah and Penan will see their longhouses, villages, land and cultural heritage submerged once the dam is completed.

Is Najib Still in Control of The Country or Are These His Final Months as PM ?

by  Iskandar Dzulkarnain

Who is running the country? Isnt it Najib anymore? Has anyone any idea? We know there is talk that Najib’s time is almost up. The amount of controversy surrounding him seems to have peaked to such levels that a State Mufti has even joined in to condemn Najib’s government as weak, lacking trust and full of corruption.

Syrian Protesters Chant "Bye Gaddafi, Bashar Next"

By Khaled Oweis

Syrian protesters chanted "Bye, bye Gaddafi, Bashar your turn is coming" overnight, but President Bashar al-Assad showed few signs of cracking after months of demonstrations and his forces raided an eastern tribal region again on Thursday.

Hunted in Tripoli, Gaddafi Hurls Defiance

By Peter Graff and Ulf Laessing

Muammar Gaddafi taunted his Libyan enemies and their Western backers as rebel forces battled pockets of loyalists across Tripoli in an ever more urgent quest to find and silence the fugitive strongman.