KEC Medina: Wanted - Malaysian partners

source: BusinessTimes By Azlan Abu Bakar alan@nstp.com.my
KNOWLEDGE Economic City Developers Co Ltd (KECD) is in talks with Malaysian companies to rope them in as partners and long-term investors for the US$8 billion (RM26 billion) Knowledge Economic City (KEC) development in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
Its chief executive officer Tahir Mohammed Bawazir said the company has identified several interested parties and hopes to conclude some deals soon.
"We plan to leverage on the expertise of Malaysian companies from various sectors and hope more will come in as partners and investors," he told Business Times in Kuala Lumpur.

Tahir said that as the project develops, KECD will continue to seek investors, partners and sub-developers as well as establish joint ventures with strategic partners to develop and operate key component areas.
Since its launch in 2006, KECD has signed memorandums of understanding and contracts with several Malaysian companies and the government.
They include Malaysian Multimedia Development Corp, HELP University College, Multimedia University and, the latest, iTopia Sdn Bhd.
Consultancy contracts have been awarded to MSC Technology Centre.
"The project is expected to bring about 10 billion Saudi riyal (RM9 billion) a year into the region once it is completed by 2020," Tahir said.
The KEC is one of four economic cities being developed in Saudi Arabia to boost regional development by focusing on intellectual property, knowledge-based, medical, hospitality, tourism and multimedia industries.
Other economic cities being developed by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority are the King Abdullah Economic City, Prince Abdul Aziz ibn Musaed Economic City and the Jizan Economic City.
The five million sq m KEC includes a theme park, educational institutions, integrated hospitality complex (with private medical centre, nursing and medical schools, senior assisted living community), residential, commercial and retail components.
"KEC Medina aims to utilise Saudi Arabia's second competitive advantage after energy - its strategic location as a link between East and West," Tahir said.
The project is expected to create more than 20,000 jobs and accommodation for about 150,000 people.

Iskandar Malaysia a project for Singapore to grow, says Mahathir

source: thestar via malaysia-today
JOHOR BARU: The Iskandar Malaysia project is a platform for Singapore to expand its sovereignty, said former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He explained that the project was intended to lure Singaporeans and Malay land would be sold to them for 10 times its worth.

“After the land is sold, the Malays will be driven to live at the edge of the forest and even the forest itself.

“In the end, the area in the Iskandar Malaysia will be filled with Singaporeans and populated with only 15% Malays,” he said yesterday during a forum and dialogue on the recent general election organised by Johor Umno grassroots and MyKMU.net.

Meanwhile, former Parit Sulong MP Datuk Noraini Ahmad (Datuk Ruhanie Ahmad, kuda-kepang.blogspot.com –ed.) said the project was designed to ease the creation of “Singapura Raya” where Singapore wanted to expand its land area.

Earlier in a statement as Perdana Global Peace Organisation chairman, Dr Mahathir condemned the move to allow American oil and gas company Halliburton to set up its RM200mil manufacturing plant in Iskandar Malaysia.

He said more than a million Iraqis had died when the United States invaded Iraq, and firms such as Halliburton had benefited from American control of oil flow in West Asia.

Dr Mahathir said the Government should not allow such companies to channel their ill-gotten profits to Malaysia.

Agence France-Presse - 5/18/2008 4:59 AM GMT
Project could force Malays from key state: Mahathir
Wealthy Singaporean investors may force ethnic Malays from a Malaysian state being touted as a key economic zone, former premier Mahathir Mohamad has warned.

Malaysia launched an ambitious project in 2006 to transform the idyllic southern Johor state into a metropolis to woo foreign investment and compete with neighbouring Singapore for manufacturing and logistics businesses.

Mahathir said the 17.7 billion-ringgit (4.8 billion-dollar) Iskandar Malaysia project was aimed at luring Singaporean investors and could see Malays forced out.

"After the land is sold, the Malays will be driven to live at the edge of the forest and even in the forest itself," Mahathir said in a weekend speech in Johor, the Star newspaper reported.

"In the end, the area in Iskandar Malaysia will be filled with Singaporeans and populated with only 15 percent Malays."

Mahathir has been a vocal critic of Malaysia's government since Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi aborted some of his projects, including a plan to build a bridge linking Johor and Singapore

Ex-Malaysian Leader Calls For Ban On HALLIBURTON
(AP) KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Saturday slammed the government's move to allow U.S. oilfield services provider Halliburton Co. to begin operating in Malaysia, saying the country doesn't need "blood money."

"It is appalling that we have allowed this war-profiteering company to invest in Malaysia," he said in a statement, referring to Halliburton's contracts in Iraq for the U.S. government. "Are we so void of our humanity that we have to allow these war criminals to come in and thrive in our economy?"

Mahathir, who remains a respected figure in the Islamic world after his retirement in 2003 after 22 years in power, urged the government to ban Halliburton from using their "ill-gotten profits to operate in any way" in Malaysia.

Halliburton recently launched a 200 million ringgit ($62.5 million) manufacturing center in the Iskandar Malaysia economic hub in southern Johor state.

Mahathir, a vocal critic of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, accused Halliburton, once led by Vice President Dick Cheney, of raking in billions of dollars in profits from the Iraq war.

Halliburton's stock price surged from $10 before the war to around $46 now after the company won a series of contracts in Iraq amounting to nearly $20 billion, he said.

"Do we really need the blood money of a neo-conservative entity that has played a role in the murder of innocent Iraqis to fund our development?" he said.

He described Cheney and President Bush as "war criminals" who should be put on trial for the Iraq war. Mahathir now heads the Perdana Global Peace Organization, a private group.

Iskandar Malaysia chief Ikmal Hijaz Hashim has defended Halliburton's investment, saying it will create jobs and benefit the country. The Iskandar hub is among five massive development programs nationwide by the government to woo investment and spur growth in rural areas.

11th MSC-IAP Meeting: Abdullah Wants IAP Members To Look Into Food Production

source: bernama via msc malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today urged the Malaysian International Advisory Panel (IAP) to consider the role of new technologies, innovation and applications in helping to increase food production and enhance the management of food and energy resources. "Given the current global economic scenario, with the world average food prices going up by 75 per cent since 2000, I feel it is perhaps the most opportune time to put Information Communication and Technology (ICT), agriculture and biotechnology to work to overcome some of the challenges that Malaysia and the rest of the world are currently facing," he said in his opening speech of the 11th Malaysia IAP Meeting held here. The prime minister said a flagship application which combined efforts in agriculture and biotechnology, along with advances in ICT, could be undertaken if there was enough interest.

"Perhaps, these could be the area of discussion and I invite IAP members to give their views on this," he said.

Abdullah said the Malaysian government will continue to build its strength by continuing to undertake sound economic policy management as well as diversifying the economic sector and our export destinations.

"Domestic demand constitutes about 87 per cent of total Gross Domestic Product (GDP), boding well as a cushion against the negative effects of an increasingly unstable global economy.

"My government is committed to moving the Malaysian economy up the value chain. We will also continue to implement growth-centered as well as people-centered programmes and initiatives under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP)," he said. Meanwhile, Abdullah said the country had achieved much on the ICT front as after 12 years, MSC Malaysia was now home to more than 2,000 companies including home grown companies and multinationals, of which about 100 were leading global companies. "In 2007, MSC-status companies' turnover was approximately RM13.6 billion - an increase of more than 25 per cent compared to 2002.

"MSC Malaysia-status companies are also exporting more with the export figure from 2007 reported to be RM4.9 billion, this represents an increase of more than 40 per cent compared to 2002," said prime minister.

Abdullah said about RM800 million was spent by these companies in Research and Development (R&D) last year, which was more than three times the amount spent in 2002. To date, a total of 2,178 intellectual properties (IPs) of various kinds had been registered, he added.

Food Watch: Sarawak primed to be country's top rice-producing state

sources: text - nstonline, ricemap - d.i.d sarawak

KUCHING: With a vast area suitable for padi planting, Sarawak would be the country's main rice producer in the near future, state Secretary Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot said yesterday. He said this would help overcome the national rice shortage.

"Under the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score), food-based industries are the top industries prioritised by the government," he said at a public forum on "rising prices and the people's welfare: current measures and future steps", organised by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (Isis).

Baya said the food-based industries included rice, palm oil, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture. "The state government will promote and develop these industries in a big way to meet the needs of both the local and export markets."

He also said a Halal Park would be built on a 10,000ha piece of land in Tanjung Manis in the Mukah Division. He said the federal government had identified Sarawak as one of the country's halal hubs under the Ninth Malaysia Plan. A vast stretch of land, from Tanjung Manis to Bakam in Miri Division, will have many development areas within Score.

Baya said the agriculture sector to be developed within Score would be the catalyst for modern farming in the state. "It will help the efforts to increase the production of food in terms of meat, fruits and vegetables. The efforts are quite relevant as we strive to reach self-sufficiency in food production."
He said Sarawak was feeling the effects of rising food prices brought about by rising fuel prices.
The Consumer Price Index jumped from 1.7 per cent last year to 2.8 per cent in the first quarter of this year.

Isis chairman and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Mohamed Jawhar Hassan said the soaring prices of food, if not contained, would have a serious effect on the people's well-being and the country.

In Asia, he said about one billion people were seriously affected by the increase in food prices. Worldwide, 33 countries were being threatened, socially and politically, by the food crisis due to many factors, including the rising price of oil.

He said there were people who predicted that the price of oil could reach US$200 per barrel (RM638), from the present US$125 per barrel.

The views at the forum would be submitted to the federal government, he added.

Indonesian poor to get 1.5 billion dollars in cash to offset fuel price hike: reports

source:AFP via MSN Malaysia News

Indonesia plans to transfer more than 1.5 billion dollars in cash to the poor to offset the cost of a planned hike in fuel prices, reports said Thursday.

The compensation program would see 14.18 trillion rupiah (1.53 billion dollars) transferred to 19.1 million poor families; the Bisnis Indonesia daily quoted Welfare Minister Aburizal Bakrie as saying.

The plan, which would reach 76.4 million people, would be distributed in monthly payments of 100,000 rupiah per household, the Jakarta Post reported.

Indonesia announced its intention to raise fuel prices last week, with rising global oil prices meaning the country is spending increasing amounts on its multibillion dollar subsidy scheme.

The price rise would be no more than 30 percent on average, Bakrie was quoted as saying by the Post.

A 30 percent rise would see the cost of premium gasoline climb to 6,000 rupiah (65 cents) a litre (2.46 dollars a US gallon) from 4,500 rupiah.

The administration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono says the move is essential to cut back the ballooning cost of its subsidy scheme, which outstrips spending on social programs and infrastructure.

But the government is facing mounting opposition from the street as well as parliament, where most parties have reportedly turned against the plan in a bid to win favour with voters ahead of elections next year.

Indonesia last raised its fuel price by 126 percent in 2005, sparking widespread street protests.

KL City Plan 2020: KLites, time to speak up!

taken from nstonline:azira shaharuddin

KUALA LUMPUR: If you are unhappy with the air, the water, the streets you walk or issues related to the city, now is the time to speak out.

After more than 20 years of preparation, the Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020 is ready, and its draft copies can be viewed by the public from today.

The places to see the draft plans are City Hall (main lobby), Berjaya Times Square, TTDI Community Centre (library), KL Sentral (level 1), Gombak Community Centre, Carrefour Wangsa Maju (ground floor), Bandar Tun Razak Community Centre, Tesco Ampang, Kampung Kerinchi Community Centre, and Mid Valley City (level 1 and 2).

KLites have until June 30 to give their opinions on the draft plan to City Hall or voice their objections. After the deadline, the plan will be approved. Among the locations earmarked for development are Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Berjaya Times Square, TTDI Community Centre (library), KL Sentral station and Mid Valley City.
With the availability of the draft plan, the public can now have a good idea of how KL is going to be developed in the future.

Seputeh MP Teresa Kok said she hopes the views and requests of the public are accepted by City Hall and incorporated into the plan.

She urged members of the public to get a copy of the plan (which will be on sale from today), study it and voice their opinions.

Teresa said she was invited twice for meetings with City Hall to formulate the plan but she could not attend as the notice was given at the last minute.

"It gives the impression that Kuala Lumpur City Hall doesn't want to consult the MPs," she said.

Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai said: "Members of the public should get a copy of the book as this has important consequences on our way of living in the future.

He said the plan defines usage of land in the city and other important aspects of town planning such as public transport, basic amenities and green lungs.

He suggested that Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique allow all the Kuala Lumpur MPs to attend the meetings to study proposals and objections by KLites and residents' associations.

"We are representatives of the people, we know our areas well, he said.

Tan said he would meet soon with residents in Cheras and tell them what would happen to their neighbourhoods.

"I will gather their feedback and give it to City Hall on their behalf."

Local government and city planning expert, Derek Fernandez said the draft plan is a detailed zoning and development plan of Kuala Lumpur as required by law since 1984.

"It's an important plan to determine locations of the high rise projects, green lungs and many more. It's like the architect plan of a house such as the location of the bathroom, bedroom but on a bigger scale," he said.

Derek said if the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2020 is approved with everything clearly spelt out, it would lead to fewer disputes with the residents and the local authorities.

"If the plan is too general, it can give rise to contentious issues. But once the plan is gazetted, there would be no more public hearing and the residents have to comply with everything in the plan," he said.

He said city folk should ask for the right to be heard even after the plan was approved as even the Petaling Jaya Local Draft Plan 1 allows it.

PM: RM11.8b to build Putrajaya

source: the malaysian insider
KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 ─ RM11.8 billion. That's the cost to develop Putrajaya, the new federal government administrative centre. To be exact, it is RM11,831 million.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi disclosed this in a written reply in the Dewan Rakyat to Liew Chin Tong (DAP-Bukit Bendera) yesterday.

Abdullah said it covered the construction of government offices and quarters, the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) and the official residences of the prime minister, deputy prime minister, ministers and judges.

"Apart from that, it also covered the development of infrastructure such as tunnels, roads, bridges, towers as well as public amenities like parks, squares and lakes," he said.

Abdullah said the government offices in Putrajaya were constructed under the build, lease and transfer method. Putrajaya Holdings constructed the buildings on government land, leased them to the government for 25 years at a monthly charge of RM2.50 per sq ft and, at the end of the concession period, transferred the buildings to the government.

The prime minister said the government paid Putrajaya Holdings an annual rent of RM929.7 million last year. It paid RM878.1 million in 2006, RM732 million in 2005 and RM434 million in 2004. ─ Bernama

three Muslim men and two soldiers with a government-backed militia killed in Thai south: police

source: AFP via Yahoo! Malaysia News
NARATHIWAT, Thailand (AFP) - - Suspected separatist rebels have shot dead five people in the insurgency-hit Thai south, police said on Tuesday.

Two soldiers with a government-backed militia were killed when they were off-duty Monday evening in Narathiwat, one of three southern provinces beset by a bloody separatist movement.

Also Monday, three Muslim men were killed in two separate attacks in nearby Pattani province, police in the region said.

The slew of killings came two days after Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej paid his first visit to the restive region since taking office in January. He said on his Sunday television show that the violence had recently eased.

More than 3,000 people have been killed since separatist unrest broke out in January 2004 in the south, which was an autonomous Malay Muslim sultanate until mainly Buddhist Thailand annexed it in 1902, provoking decades of tension.

Malaysia to spend 1.472 billion ringgit to subsidise rice farmers this year

source: AFP via MSN Malaysia News
Malaysia will spend 1.472 billion ringgit (458 million dollars) this year to subsidise rice farmers and import more rice from Thailand to bolster its stockpile, the agriculture minister said Tuesday. Agriculture minister Mustapa Mohamed said the government would also spend an additional 254 million ringgit to boost local rice production, as the price of Asia's staple diet continued to soar. "We want to make sure that the interest of the low-income earners are protected and that is why the government is willing to accept a big loss as a result of the large subsidies we are giving," Mustapa told reporters. "We cannot afford to let down the poor in society who will be hit the hardest by the increase in rice prices," he added.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi late Monday announced the country would, for the first time, spend at least 725 million ringgit to subsidise foreign rice imports to keep retail prices of the staple affordable. He also said the price of two popular local rice types -- a higher quality and an average grade -- will be capped from June 1 to keep manufacturers from raising their prices further and burdening consumers. The minimum guaranteed market price has also been raised to benefit farmers who sell rice to encourage them to grow more of the crop. -- MORE

Measures to keep price of rice down KUALA LUMPUR: The government announced measures to hold down the price of rice yesterday, including securing supplies of price-controlled 15 per cent broken rice and setting price caps for two other grades of the grain. Full Story
Move to cost govt RM719m a year KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's move to raise the retirement age of civil servants will cost the government about RM719 million a year starting from next year, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said. Full Story
Thai sellers want us to pay more BANGKOK: The Malaysian government and Thai rice exporters are deadlocked over the "price tag" for new purchases, with the world's biggest rice exporter insisting on the current market level of about US$1,000 (RM3,197) a tonne. Full Story

iProperty.com Malaysia Wins Best Property Portal Award

text taken from bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- iProperty.com Malaysia has been named the country's Best Property Portal in the CNBC Asia Pacific Property Awards 2008.
Other property portals within the extensive iProperty.com network, including Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines, also clinched similar awards for their respective markets.

iProperty.com is the first company to have ever won an award in four countries for the same category at the International Property Awards, iProperty.com said in a statement today.

The CNBC Asia Pacific Property Awards is part of the International Property Awards, which began in 1995 in London, and has since established itself as the premier annual programme that distinguishes Asia Pacific companies with the highest levels of achievement in a range of property-related fields in 21 categories.

Winners are usually identified as companies and individuals raising the standards by providing excellent skills and services and continually reaching new heights in quality and innovation.

Patrick Grove, Executive Chairman of the iProperty.com Group, said: "In Malaysia, we are already the clear market leader in the online property space, with over 35,000 quality property listings by over 1,500 accredited real estate agents and the country's top developers."

He said the prestigious win definitely reinforces its position in Malaysia and the region as Asia’s leading online property group.

Malaysian phased pullout of troops to begin May 10: minister

Source: AFP via MSN Malaysia News
Malaysia's foreign minister says his country will pull out its peacekeeping forces from the troubled Philippine province of Mindanao in a phased withdrawal beginning May 10.

Rais Yatim, who was on a two-day working trip to the Philippines, said his government was unable to continue with an unlimited deployment in the international monitoring team (IMT), according to a foreign ministry statement released late Wednesday.

Rais said he hoped the Malaysian decision would "give an opportunity to both groups to reevaluate the issues under discussion in the context of the peace process," the statement added.

He said however that Malaysia was committed to helping resolve the Philippine situation.

On Wednesday Rais met with Philippine President Gloria Arroyo and foreign secretary Alberto Romulo following a call from Manila for Malaysia to continue to support the peace process in the country's south after its pullout.

Last month, Malaysia said it would not send more monitors of a 2003 ceasefire between Manila and separatist rebels in Mindanao once their current mandate expires in September.

Manila and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) struck a deal last November to create a Muslim homeland in the country's south but further talks have not been successful.

Malaysian troops have made up the bulk of an international team that has been monitoring the ceasefire since 2004.

updates:
Malaysian troops begin pullout from troubled Philippine south
Agence France-Presse - 5/10/2008 8:36 AM GMT
Malaysian soldiers who were monitoring a ceasefire between the Philippine government and Muslim separatists on Saturday began their pullout from the troubled southern island, eyewitnesses and airport officials said.

The withdrawal of 40 Malaysian troops from four cities in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao will leave just 21 Malaysian soldiers in the south.

A Malaysian military cargo plane flew to the cities of Davao and General Santos to pick up contingents there before stopping in Cotabato and the port city of Zamboanga before returning to Malaysia.

The head of the monitoring team, Major General Bin Yashin Daud, earlier said that the rest of the team, who are still in Cotabato City, would return to Malaysia when their mandate ends in September.

Malaysian forces had made up the bulk of the international team monitoring a ceasefire signed in 2003 between the Philippine government and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which was intended to pave the way for peace talks. -- MORE

Libya sends peacekeepers as Malaysia pulls out: Philippines
Agence France-Presse - 5/12/2008 10:46 AM GMT
Libya is to boost its peacekeeping force in the southern Philippines, a Filipino official said Monday, as Malaysia began pulling out its troops amid an impasse in peace talks with Muslim separatists.
President Gloria Arroyo asked Libya to help as Malaysia began a phased withdrawal of its 40 soldiers and policemen from the southern island of Mindanao.
Tripoli, which already has six monitors on Mindanao, has agreed to send 25 people to fill the void left by the Malaysians, said Jesus Dureza, an Arroyo adviser on the peace process.
The small multinational peacekeeping team has been monitoring a ceasefire between Manila and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) since 2003 and is credited with reducing conflict and tensions in the region.
Manila's political settlement with the 12,000-member MILF has become bogged down in recent months over the breadth of territory to be put under the rebel group's control.
Kuala Lumpur said last week it would not continue with an unlimited deployment in the monitoring team without any apparent progress in the peace talks, sparking fears of renewed civil war.
"The Libyan government has agreed to send 25 ceasefire monitors to assist (and) sustain the ceasefire in Mindanao," Dureza said in a statement.
Spokesmen for the Libyan embassy here could not be reached for comment late Monday.

Three-phase plan to develop Sabah: Visiting foreign journalists given briefing on the SDC

text taken from nstonline
KOTA KINABALU: Journalists from 17 countries, including South Africa and Ukraine, are expected to report on steps being taken to turn Sabah into one of the most liveable places in Asia within two decades.

Institute for Development Studies Sabah (IDS) executive director Datuk Dr Mohd Yaakub Johari told 30 visiting journalists that the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) blueprint, launched in January, will make this vision come true in three phases.

He said the first phase focuses on addressing the basic elements to support tourism development and laying the foundations for future growth. World-class tourism infrastructure and services will be put in place, including nurturing a vibrant arts and culture scene.

"Phase two will focus on strengthening Sabah's position as a premier eco-adventure destination through conservation, research and sustainable development of new tourism products anchored by signature resorts.

"Phase three will see Sabah being transformed into one of the most liveable places in Asia - a bustling metropolis within a tropical paradise," Mohd Yaakub added.

The journalists, who spent six days here, attended a briefing on the state's development corridor on Tuesday.

Apart from several Malaysians, the other journalists were from Zimbabwe, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Laos, Seychelles, Brunei and Indonesia.

Mohd Yaakub said among the major goals of the SDC was to triple Sabah's per capita gross domestic product to RM14,800 during the 18-year period set for the plan.

The SDC is also expected to create 900,000 new jobs, reduce unemployment to 3.5 per cent and eradicate poverty.

Mohd Yaakib said agriculture and specific projects, including the Pulau Banggi High Impact Rural Development Programme that will see 4,000ha of land developed into rubber plantations by Felcra Bhd, will help eradicate poverty in rural areas.

"Other poverty eradication measures include encouraging the low-income group to participate in planting cash crops."

He also said oil palm would remain the leading agriculture crop and that integrated farming such as livestock breeding would be encouraged at plantations.

He said to lure investors, competitive incentive packages would be offered to promote the agriculture, services and manufacturing sectors in the state.

T’ganu State Legislative Assembly: SPEECH FROM THE THRONE - Eradicate poverty, says regent

Pix: Tengku Sri Panglima Raja Tengku Baderulzaman Sultan Mahmud inspecting the guard of honour mounted by the Federal Reserve Unit’s 105-member Sixth Battalion at the opening of the state assembly yesterday.
KUALA TERENGGANU: The head of the Regency Advisory Council opened the state assembly yesterday with a call for the government to continue serving the best interest of the people.
"The government must improve the people's quality of life, help improve the living standards of those in the low-income bracket and eradicate hardcore poverty.

"It should also look at human capital development programmes and check the social economic imbalance between each district," said Tengku Sri Panglima Raja Tengku Baderulzaman Sultan Mahmud.

"Attention must also be given to create an innovative society, improve productivity levels and competitiveness in every sector."

He said the results of the recent general election delivered a clear message of the people's desire for change and transparency in the implementation of policies.

"Leaders and the government chosen by the people must fulfill their responsibility fairly and honestly."

Tengku Baderulzaman commented that the ongoing projects implemented under the state development master plan (2004-2008) were on the right track towards creating a sense of well-being and prosperity for the people.

However, he urged the government to diversify the economy, especially in the tourism, agriculture and services sectors to sustain economic growth.

He added that last year, the federal government had allocated RM7.2 billion for Terengganu under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, while the state allocated RM4.1 billion in the same period.
With such large allocations, he said, it was important for co-operation between the state and federal governments. This was to ensure the effectiveness of the agencies so that the funds spent benefited the rakyat.

Tengku Baderulzaman also said the government should focus on reducing poverty to a lower level from the 6.5 per cent last year and to completely eradicate hardcore poverty by 2010.
"I want the delivery, supervision and co-ordination of poverty eradication programmes among and between agencies to meet the objective."

However, he also urged the people to play their part in ensuring a bright future for the state. "The people must be instilled with the culture of giving and creating, not asking. The subsidy mentality must be removed," he added. "I also urge the people to revive the 'muhibah' spirit and respect one another irrespective of race. This has been our foundation for peace and development."

source: nstonline

Update May 8, 2008
TERENGGANU RESTORES SULTAN'S POWER TO APPOINT ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS OFFICERS KUALA TERENGGANU, May 8 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu State Legislative Assembly today unanimously approved the Islamic Religious Affairs Administration Enactment (Terengganu) (Amendment) 2008 Bill which hands back to the sultan the absolute power to select and appoint members of the Terengganu Islamic Affairs and Malay Customs Council. Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said the jurisdiction to appoint members of the council had been with the menteri besar under the Islamic Religious Affairs Administration Enactment (Terengganu) 2001. "The amendment only hands back the power to the original authority, and I do not see any major implication arising out of this move. We are more at ease with the current scenario because we do not want any matter to be politicised," he said when approached after the adjournment of the assembly. Section 8 of the enactment had been amended to reflect that the council should comprise a president, a deputy president, a mufti and not more than 14 other members appointed by the sultan at his discretion. Section 11 had been amended to give absolute power to the sultan to revoke the appointment of any member of the council while Section 13 had been amended arising from the amendment to Section 8. -- BERNAMA ERE ERE MGN

5th Mihas: Bridging the Global Halal Market

5th Mihas
Bridging the Global Halal Market

Penang to work with federal govt on NCER projects for the sake of the state and its people

taken from NST: By : Audrey Dermawan

GEORGE TOWN: The state government has agreed to adopt the Northern Corridor Implementation Agency Act 2007 for the smooth implementation of all projects under the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER)
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state executive councillors gave their endorsement during Friday's exco meeting, after two months of extensive discussions. He said he believes Penang is the first Pakatan Rakyat state within the NCER to adopt the Act. The other two PR state governments, Kedah and Perak, have not made any public statements.

Despite reservations from various quarters that the Act would give more power to the federal authority which is promoting the NCER, Lim said the state government was prepared to work with the federal government in the interests of the people. "This is a very important decision. We are willing to co-operate with the federal authority to ensure the people here benefit from the various development projects, such as the Second Penang Bridge and the monorail project.
"I also want to give my assurance that the people's interest will not be compromised in any way," Lim said after a courtesy call by the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (Penang branch) yesterday.

Lim said he received a letter from the prime minister, dated March 28, requesting him to adopt the Act.

The Act was passed in Parliament last year and signed by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin on Feb 5. It was gazetted on Feb 14.

"I will hand over a letter on the state's acceptance to the prime minister personally," said Lim.

The NCER was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi last July. Sime Darby Bhd was given the task of master planning the NCER, while the job of implementing the project fell to the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA).
The long-term development plan, which covers Perlis, Kedah, Penang and northern Perak, is aimed at unleashing the economic potential of the northern sector of the peninsula and and raising the income of its people.

There are 11 members, including the prime minister, the deputy prime minister, the Menteris Besar and Chief Ministers of the four states, two federal ministers, a civil servant and two representatives from the private sector in the NCIA. Lim is the sole representative from Penang.

Asked to comment on the alleged land scam in the state, Lim said he would give former deputy chief minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rashid Abdullah another two weeks to meet with him to discuss the issue. The original deadline was April 28, but Lim said he was extending it after a statement by deputy opposition chief Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya that the matter was best discussed in private rather than in public.

Update
Guan Eng tells PM: Penang has adopted Northern Corridor Act
KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — The Penang government today formally informed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi it has adopted the Northern Corridor Implementation Agency (NCIA) Act to manage the implementation of projects under the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) programme.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng conveyed to Abdullah the Pakatan Rakyat government's adoption of the Act at a 20-minute meeting he had with the prime minister at the latter's office at Parliament House.
The Act paves the way for the setting up of the NCIA, the agency responsible for developing socio-economic related strategies, policies and the overall direction of the NCER.
The state executive council unanimously agreed on May 3 to adopt the Act.
Lim told reporters at the Parliament lobby that the meeting with Abdullah was to inform the prime minister of the state government's decision to implement the Act from May 15.
The NCER programme is a federal government initiative to accelerate socio-economic growth and elevate income levels in Perlis, Kedah, Penang and northern Perak. — Bernama

WiEF: Iskandar Malaysia hits 70pc investment target, says IRDA ceo

Taken from NST - By : Hamidah Atan in Kuwait
ISKANDAR Malaysia, the country's southern economic corridor, is progressing well. More than 70 per cent of the US$14.9 billion (RM47 billion) investment targeted by 2010 had already been achieved, Iskandar Regional Development Authority chief executive officer Datuk Ikmal Hijaz Hashim said.

He was speaking to Malaysian journalists on the sidelines of the fourth World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) , of which Malaysia is the chair. Speaking after a parallel session on "Infrastructure And Real Estate Development" where he was one of the presenters, Ikmal said commitments had been received for investments valued at more than US$10.4 billion.

Ikmal said the ambitious project was well-positioned in view of its strategic location. A comprehensive development plan that stretches until 2025 had also been laid down and this would further promote and facilitate economic development.

An international destination resort on 1,200 hectares, a cyber city, golf village, creative park and a heritage district are among the distinctive features planned for Iskandar. It would also see 1.46 million high-value jobs created by 2025. "There are already many industries operating in the region, including petrochemical, tourism and services. All this will be strengthened with healthcare services, education, financial and creative industries," said Ikmal.

Eighteen months after its launch, Iskandar is now entering Phase 3 of its development. "In July, Johor's new state administrative centre will be completed. This will add vibrancy to the area," Ikmal said.He also said that Iskandar remained one of Malaysia's favourite places for foreign direct investments. Twenty-six developers are already involved in the project. "We have big names such as UEM, Sime UEP Properties Bhd and Gamuda."

The Iskandar Regional Development Authority will launch a security blueprint to make the region safe for investors as well as local residents. "Besides the deployment of more security personnel and police officers, the government will invest about RM300 million to build 30 police stations in the area." Ikmal said consultants would be appointed to carry out a study on the blueprint, which was expected to be ready within four months.

Meanwhile, UEM Group international business senior director Datuk Rosli Sharif said through WIEF, the group was able to showcase its capabilities as well as past, present and future projects in Malaysia such as the Nusajaya, North-South Expressway, second Penang Bridge, and the Bukit Jalil Sports Complex. They also showcased projects outside the country, including the construction of highways in India and Qatar. UEM is a platinum sponsor for the forum. "By participating in WIEF, we hope to be able to attract potential business partners, especially from countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Qatar."

Dewan Rakyat - Day 2 : SPEECH FROM THE THRONE

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Opens First Session of 12th Parliament KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) -- The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, Tuesday opened the first session of the 12th Parliament following the general election on March 8.

ROYAL TOUCH: THE Yang diPertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, receiving the royal address from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in conjunction with the opening of the 12th Parliamentary session. In his speech, the King said the government would strive to retain its subsidies and other forms of assistance to enable the people to face the consequences of rising fuel prices in the international market. - NST PIX by Effendy Rashid

Govt to Retain Subsidies, Says Yang di-Pertuan Agong KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) -- The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, said Tuesday the government would strive to retain its subsidies and other forms of assistance to enable the people face the consequences of rising fuel prices in the international market.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Wants Economic Corridors to Benefit All the People KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) -- The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, wants the government to ensure that its five regional economic development corridors will benefit all the people.

Khilafah: Council of the Ummah (Majlis ul-Ummah) and Government struct

The purpose of man and the ultimate goal of his life is obedience to God’s will as enshrined in the Shari’ah and defined by it. The divine Shari’ah is Sovereign. The Khalifah is bound to implement it.

The scholars have agreed that the divine rules are addressed to all; therefore, non-Muslim citizens of the Khilafah have the same rights as Muslims in voicing their opinions and being members of the regional assembly or majlis ul-ummah.

The Khilafah has its own system of values and priorities, which can only be revealed by contemplating over its structure.

Servanthood: Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may God be pleased with him) is the greatest wali after the Prophets

The greatness of a saint lies not in vision or perception; it lies in serving God. Man is the servant of God and in the service of God lays his perfection and glory. The more one serves God, the more perfect one is. If he thinks that he can transcend the boundaries of servanthood, or that it is a mark of perfection, he is most ignorant, and farthest removed from the right path.

The measure of a wali’s greatness is his faith and his obedience to God. Miracles (karamah) are no criterion. The revelation of secrets (kashf) or the control over events (tasarruf), are not necessarily better than those acts which do not produce them. If a kashf and tasarruf is not helpful for religion it is a worldly thing: a lot of infidels, pagans and men of the book perform them, whereas many Muslims don’t.

The best of the saints of God are those who follow the Prophet most closely: that is why Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may God be pleased with him) is the greatest wali after the Prophets.

rules of shari’ah for all

The duties of the Shari’ah are for the novice as well as for the accomplished. In this matter an ordinary Muslim and the most perfect Gnostic are one. It is the amateur Sufis and unworthy heretics trying to throw away the yoke of the Shari’ah who say that the rules of the Shari’ah are for the laity.

In their view, what is required of the Sufi is to attain gnosis (ma’rifat), just as what is required of the amirs and the sultans is to rule with justice. They say that the purpose of obeying the Shari’ah is to gain knowledge; consequently, when knowledge is gained the duties of the Shari’ah decline.

In support of this they cite the verse of the Qur’aan: ‘Serve your Lord till you get yaqin,’ taking yaqin to mean God, following the interpretation of Sahl Tustari. That is to say, the duty of serving God comes to an end when one gets to know Him.

But if Sahl takes yaqin in the sense of God, what he apparently means is that the feeling of obligation in serving God disappears when one comes to know Him truly; he does not mean that the service itself drops.

To be sure, that would be sheer heresy and infidelity.