ALOR SETAR, May 20 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom has called on Home Ministry to carry out an immediate investigation into a book authored by liberal Islamic activist, Irshad Manji. He said the Malaysian Islamic Development Department’s (Jakim) analysis of the book, entitled “Islam, Liberty and Love”, ...

PORT KLANG, May 20 — The high rate of road accident fatalities in the country should not be compared with the rates in other countries, said the Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha. He said each year, more than 1.3 million people throughout the world die from road accidents. “In countries like China and India, more than 100,000 people die ...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — A new group of traders based in the city now want to hold a two-day protest in front of Datuk Amibga Sreenevasan’s house over the loss of income due to the chaotic April 28 rally, despite previous protestors calling off further events at the Bersih chief’s home. Bernama reported that 60 petty traders are planning to sell ...

BERA, May 20 — Bera MP Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today officially opened the new building of a Tamil school here and said the Barisan Nasional (BN) government does not break promises or practise racial discrimination. The domestic trade, co-operatives and consumerism minister said the government had collected RM100 million to upgrade Tamil ...

PUTRAJAYA, May 20 — The Election Commission (EC) will ensure that the postal voting process for media personnel during 13th general election is transparent to avoid negative perception and complaints from various parties. Deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar said EC will avoid third parties and proposed that media personnel take ballot papers ...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — A bipartisan roundtable has urged that the proposed Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on illegal immigrants being given citizenship in Sabah be given power to identify and take action against those responsible. Yesterday's panel discussion, which included United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation secretary general ...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — Kidnap victim Nayati Shamelin Moodliar said yesterday the thought of his father rescuing him was what kept him strong through his week-long ordeal.  “I knew daddy would get me home,” Nayati (picture) was quoted as saying yesterday by The New Sunday Times.  Speaking about his ordeal for the first time, Nayati admitted he was ...

WASHINGTON, May 20 — Malaysian students should look at the world as a stage and take advantage of the enormous opportunities abroad, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said here following a luncheon and a Friday prayer session with students and embassy staff.  “You can maintain your roots but also have a global perspective by acquiring job ...

SHAH ALAM, May 20 — Several residents interviewed have lamented the poor rubbish collection in Selangor and hinted that the issue could drive the people to cast protest votes against the PKR-led state government in the next general election.  They argued that incidents of uncollected rubbish have disturbed their peace of mind and asked the ...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — Lim Guan Eng has slammed Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the police for not acting against protesters who he said “sexually harassed” Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan.  The DAP secretary general was referring in a speech last night to Tuesday’s protest in front of the Bersih chief’s house where army veterans flexed their bottoms ...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — People’s Progressive Party (PPP) president Datuk M. Kayveas says the next wave of government transformation should focus on improving the operational efficiency of local government to see that it fulfils the aspirations of the people.  The vocal politician who does not mince his words is convinced that the inefficiency of ...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang has insisted he will not run in the upcoming general election despite earlier reports that PAS had convinced its president to defend his seats.  In an interview with the Sunday Star published today, Abdul Hadi said he will withdraw after finding the best candidates to take over the Marang federal ...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 —A group of men attacked two men in Taman Setapak near here last night, killing one of them and severely injuring the other, police said.  Sentul Police chief ACP Zakaria Pagan said the dead man has been identified as S. Prabakaran, 27. His body was found at about 9 pm in a drain about 200 metres from the playground where he ...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — Former police chief Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Mohd Noor has alleged that Bersih used “Marxist” tactics, echoing his predecessor Tun Hanif Omar and accused the opposition of wanting bloodshed as it was not confident of taking over Putrajaya.  Rahim called on the government’s panel investigating the violence at Bersih’s April 28 ...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — Umno’s Young Ulama (Ilmu) will grab the chance to contest in a general election that must be held within a year amid heightening religious rhetoric as the ruling Umno battles for the key Malay vote with PAS.  Ilmu working secretariat chief Fathul Bari Mat Jahaya told The Malaysian Insider that if given the green light by the ...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 – Lim Kit Siang today said delays in the general elections will favour Pakatan Rakyat (PR), giving the opposition more time to “debunk lies” by the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN). The elections must be called within a year, but uncertainty over its date has resulted in a guessing game. “Time is on Pakatan Rakyat’s side – as any ...

SEPANG, May 19 – Improper waste management service is among the factors for the high dengue cases recorded in Selangor, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai. He said from January until May 18, 9,500 cases were registered with 20 deaths in Selangor compared to 7,850 with twelve deaths for the same period last year. “Fifty per cent of all ...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 – A group of parents today demanded a cement plant to stop operations near the Kuen Cheng (2) primary school and move out, alleging that the cement dust is giving their children coughs, eczema and boils. The cement batching plant owned by public listed Tasek Corporation Berhad (TCB) wants to continue operations, despite the ...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 – Despite the government disallowing any events involving lesbian writer Irshad Manji, her appearance today in Kuala Lumpur to promote her latest book went on without a hitch. The author (picture) who is here to promote her book “Allah, Liberty and Love,” has cancelled all her other public events, but spoke to about 70 fans ...

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 19 — PAS'spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has suggested that its proposed 'muzakarah' (talks) with Umno be held before the upcoming 13th general election. However, Nik Aziz, who is also Kelantan Menteri Besar, stressed that Umno would have to meet several conditions that would be determined by PAS if the two ...