Rais praises Bush shoe thrower

Malaysia's foreign minister on Friday praised an Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at U.S. President George W. Bush earlier this week, calling it retaliation for the invasion of Iraq.

"The best show of retaliation so far is the shoe throwing act by that remarkable reporter who gave President Bush his final farewell last week," Foreign Minister Rais Yatim said at an event to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the United Nations.

"That shoe throwing episode, in my view is truly the best Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) to the leader who coined the phrase 'axis of evil' to denote Iran, Iraq and North Korea," Rais said, according to the advance text of his speech.

Copies of the speech, entitled "The Importance of Peace and Harmony in multiracial Malaysia" were distributed to the media by his office.

TV reporter Muntazer al-Zaidi shot to fame when he called Bush a "dog" in Arabic at a news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in Baghdad last Sunday and threw both his shoes at Bush -- a grave insult in the Arab world.

The incident, replayed again and again on television and the Internet around the world, has been widely condemned in diplomatic circles but the source of great mirth among many ordinary people in the Middle East and beyond.

Zaidi has even been hailed a hero by some commentators, with offers of employment and even proposals of marriage, but he faces criminal charges in Iraq for the attempted assault.

Zaidi was brought before an investigating judge on Tuesday and admitted "aggression against a president", a crime that could incur a 15-year sentence, judicial officials said. He could face trial soon.

On Thursday, the Iraqi prime minister's office said Zaidi had apologised for the incident.

"Zaidi said in his letter that his big ugly act cannot be excused," Maliki's media advisor said.

Mostly Muslim Malaysia, a Southeast Asian country of 27 million people, opposed the Iraq war but is an ally of the U.S. and won favour from Washington after it cracked down on Islamic militants after the 9/11 attacks.

Rais has twice been the country's foreign minister and usually is known for more measured tones. - By David Chance, Fri Dec 19, 2008 5:39pm IST © Thomson Reuters 2008 All rights reserved

Qaeda deputy lauds dead Bali bombers, slams Saudis

Al-Qaeda number two Ayman Zawahiri paid tribute to three Indonesian Islamists executed last month for the deadly Bali bombings in 2002, in an Internet audio message released on Monday. [as-sahab media's video here]

Zawahiri also slammed the Saudi royal family, accusing it of working with the United States and Israel against jihadists in the Palestinian territories, Afghanistan and Iraq.

He praised the three Bali bombers, saying "they knew the price of their action and they paid it with satisfaction.

"They faced a long journey of torture, imprisonment and oppression. They received the verdict joyfully," Zawahiri said in the 20-minute message made available by the US-based SITE Intelligence Group.

Zawahiri called the three "steadfast heroes" and warned of consequences. "I remind the crusaders that killing our brothers will only increase our determination to vex them and eventually drive them out of Muslim countries."

Indonesian Islamists Amrozi, his brother Mukhlas and ringleader Imam Samudra were executed by firing squad on November 9 for the attacks on packed nightspots on the holiday island of Bali which killed 202 people.

On the Saudi royal family, Zawahiri accused them of "working with the United States and Israel to undermine jihadist resistance in Palestine, Afghanistan and Iraq."

He described a Saudi-sponsored UN conference on religious tolerance last month as a "ridiculous farce" and "only another trick to negotiate and meet with the Israelis." -- Agence France-Presse - 12/1/2008 5:12 PM GMT

afp: World leaders plead for religious tolerance

Mumbai attacks: Probe shows no links to Malaysia

An initial probe into the Mumbai attacks has not uncovered any links to Malaysia, said consul-general in Mumbai, Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah.

He said the Indian authorities had denied newspaper reports that the terrorists had used Malaysian travel documents and credit cards.

This was revealed to the consul-general by senior police investigators but there is still no official statement from the Indian government on this so-called link.

"Investigations are ongoing with the help of the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the United States and India's own Central Bureau of Investigation, their police and other enforcement and intelligence agencies," Wan Zaidi said.

It is reliably learnt that Indian authorities have also sought the assistance of British and United States intelligence following reports of the terrorists' links with international criminals.

He added the authorities had yet to ascertain the authenticity of news reports that Malaysian credit cards were discovered in the knapsacks of several terrorists killed in shoot-outs with Indian crack Black Cat commandos.

He also denied reports that eight of the terrorists were living in Mumbai for a month prior to the attack and were posing as Malaysian students.

"If there were any truth to these reports, then Malaysia would have been linked to the terrorist attacks," he said when contacted in Mumbai.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said police were liaising with Interpol on the matter.

"The claims are unsubstantiated. This is an allegation that does not have any evidence," he said after a National Economic Council meeting.

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. -- By: Adrian David, NST

Malaysia probes Mumbai attack credit cards, denies terror link

Malaysian police are investigating reports that Malaysian-issued credit cards were found in the belongings of the terrorists involved in the Mumbai attacks, according to reports Sunday.

Indian media reported Saturday that Malaysian credit cards were discovered in the knapsacks of several terrorists who were killed in shootouts with Indian military commandos after attacks which officials say left 195 people dead and 295 injured.

"These reports have to be verified first as it is too early to make assumptions," deputy police chief Ismail Omar told the New Straits Times newspaper.

nst: Mumbai terror: Probe into credit card link

"Police will look into the possibility that the credit cards could have been forged," he added.

Meanwhile, home minister Syed Hamid Albar said Malaysia had no links with the terrorists, responding to another Indian news report that nine of the gunmen claimed to be Malaysian students when they travelled to Mumbai several months ago.

He said the attackers had no link to any Malaysian group and that the security services were monitoring the situation closely although India had yet to contact them over the matter, he told the Star daily.

"There is always close cooperation among security forces," he told the paper.

"Of course, if there is any information, anything that is considered useful or necessary, there will be an exchange of information," he added.

"However, there are no links and no information to that effect."

News reports of the unconfirmed Malaysian link in the attacks are a potential concern for the Malaysian government because of parallels to a visit to the country by the September 11, 2001 terrorists before they launched attacks on the United States. -- Agence France-Presse - 11/30/2008 5:56 AM GMT

Mumbai attacks: Al-Qaeda methods & ideology; Malaysian ICs

Indian and American intelligence sources tell ABS-CBN that there is increasing evidence that the attacks in Mumbai were carried out by a Pakistani militant group linked to Al-Qaeda. The primary suspects, they say, are Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Lashkar-e-Toiba has denied it’s behind the attacks.

Indian intelligence sources say that one of the gunmen now in custody told Indian authorities that he – along with seven others – pretended to be students, rented an apartment in Mumbai and meticulously staked out the targets. Allegedly, they carried Malaysian identity cards. A Pakistani national, he told authorities he was trained by Lashkar-e-Toiba – taught to hijack a sea vessel and carry out urban warfare. These are tactics used by Al-Qaeda in past terror attacks, honed and passed along in its training camps; Lashkar-e-Toiba has long been linked to Al-Qaeda.

The ties are clear if we take the facts in Mumbai and compare them with the history of Al-Qaeda and its affiliate groups. … (more)


Terrorist groups in South Asia change their names often. Once a terrorist group is identified, often it just changes its name. For example, one of the first groups discovered with an Al-Qaeda link was Harkat-ul-Unsar (it also has links to the Philippines). The group changed its name to Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, and when they were declared terrorists, they changed their name again …. to Jaish-e-Mohammed.

The Mumbai attacks are well-planned and coordinated using tactics and methods that reflect a very familiar virulent ideology. It shows the evolution of terrorist groups – how homegrown and foreign tactics are merging and creating new threats. The roots leading to Al-Qaeda are clear. We just have to follow the links. -- By MARIA A. RESSA, ABS-CBN News 11/29/2008 9:16 PM

Indonesia’s DPR wants CIA book banned

Indonesia’s House (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat) Speaker Agung Laksono on Monday said he had requested the Attorney General's Office (AGO) ban a recently published translation of a book on CIA history, which claims an important Indonesian figure was a CIA agent.

"We have entrusted the matter to the AGO," he said as quoted by tempointeraktif.com.

The book, titled Legacy of Ashes, The History of the CIA and written by New York Times journalist Tim Weiner, discusses CIA history in relation to international political events including the bloody political situation in Indonesia of 1965.

Weiner quoted former CIA top agent Clyde McAvoy saying "Adam Malik was a CIA agent in 1964".

Malik was Indonesia's top diplomat and served as the country's vice president from 1978 to 1983.
Separately on Monday, AGO spokesman Jasman Panjaitan said his office was still analyzing the book and had yet to decide whether to ban it.

"Our Social-Political Affairs Directorate is studying the book. We are looking into the substance of the book, and have yet to summon its writer," he said.

Jasman, however, said Malik's family could file a complaint over the book if they felt slandered. (anb/ewd) -- The Jakarta Post Mon, 11/24/2008 4:47 PM (GMT +9)

ibnuhasyim: Bekas Wakil Presiden Indonesia Adalah Agen CIA..

Iraq's al-Sadr Urges Rejection of US-Iraqi Deal

pix: Demonstrators carry banner during rally in Baghdad to protest draft US-Iraqi security agreement, 18 Oct 2008

Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has called on Iraq's parliament to reject a security agreement with the United States, as tens of thousands of his supporters rallied in Baghdad against the deal.

The demonstrators chanted anti-U.S. slogans and waved Iraqi flags as they marched from the capital's Sadr City district to the central Mustansiriyah Square Saturday.

A Sadr aide read aloud a statement from the influential cleric, who urged Iraqi lawmakers not to vote for the proposed security deal. He said the agreement will not end the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq, and will not give sovereignty to the Iraqi people.

The mass demonstration comes as U.S. and Iraqi leaders try to build political support for the draft security agreement. The deal would allow for the extension of the presence of American forces in Iraq after their United Nations mandate expires on December 31.

The U.S. Defense Department spokesman, Geoff Morrell, has said the draft includes target dates for the withdrawal of at least some of the 154,000 U.S. troops stationed in Iraq.

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice briefed key members of Congress on the draft Friday to try to build broad political backing for it. It has not been publicly released.

The Bush administration has said the text does not need ratification by Congress. But a final deal will require the approval of Iraq's parliament and other bodies.

Separately Saturday, Bahrain's foreign minister arrived in Iraq's capital for a visit aimed at improving bilateral relations between the countries.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters. -- source: VOA News 18 October 2008

Direct Democracy: Islam will rulez the world, insha Allah!.. says Obamahdi in responze to Gaddafi’s kashf kawni and tasarruf

Yeah!.. nothing is impossible. This is something unique; it is the stage where one should look for the truth of aw adna.

[YouTube] Muammar Gaddafi's Endorsement of Muslim Brother Obama on 6/11

Libya's Gaddafi promises wide political and economic reforms
AFP BENGHAZI, Libya, Mon.:
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi today promised wide political and economic reforms that he said would see ministries dismantled and oil revenues going directly into the pockets of the people.
The reforms would come into effect at the beginning of 2009, Gaddafi said in a speech marking the anniversary of the coup that brought him to power on September 1, 1969.
“Libyans should all be ready to receive a share of the oil revenues starting from the beginning of next year,” Gaddafi told the Popular Congress, which serves as Libya’s parliament, in the Mediterranean city of Benghazi.
All ministries except foreign affairs, defence, security and justice would be dismantled, he added in the speech, which he began delivering late yesterday and which continued into the early hours of today.
“You always accuse the popular committees (ministries) of corruption and poor management. These complaints will never end. So everyone (should) have their share (of oil revenues) in their pockets and manage,” Gaddafi said. - AFP

Gaddafi says Libyans should get oil cash directly
Reuters (Writing by Lamine Ghanmi; editing by Andrew Roche)
BENGHAZI, Libya, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi on Monday accused corrupt officials of looting the country's oil wealth and said its 5 million people should be given the money directly.
Gaddafi urged a sweeping reform of government bureaucracy, saying most of the cabinet system should be dismantled to free Libyans from red tape and protect the state budget from corruption.
"You have to be ready, each Libyan will get directly his share of the oil money," Gaddafi told a gathering of his supporters including ministers, top military and police officers and members of the General People's Congress, the country's top executive and legislative body.
"The implementation will start at the beginning of next year," he said, for the first time giving a date for the direct sharing of oil wealth. Gaddafi was speaking on the 39th anniversary of the army coup that brought him to power.
Tripoli's government wants to raise oil output to three million barrels per day by about 2012, from 1.6 million now.
Many Libyans say they have not benefited from rising oil revenues and foreign investment after Libya in 2003 abandoned prohibited weapons programmes and ended its international isolation.
"Corruption is linked to bureaucracy everywhere in the world. The solution to ending corruption is to end this administration which manages money spending, and put the money directly in people's hands," Gaddafi said in the speech, broadcast live on Libyan television.
PURGE
Gaddafi named justice, defence, interior and foreign ministries as the only ministries which would be spared the purge of bureaucracy.
"Corruption and theft of public money will remain if bureaucracy remains," he said, giving the example of state bank officials who had stolen millions in public funds and complaints by Libyans of corruption, misamanagement and nepotism.
Gaddafi said Libyans should not fear the consequences of changes which, he said, would encourage them to create a private sector that would make them healthier, richer and freer.
He said Libyans should decide for themselves how to spend the oil money, such as on better education for their children, healthcare and the freer import of goods to counter monopolies and fight price increases.
He warned that direct sharing of oil money and the dismantling of bureaucracy would unleash "chaos in the first stage", but added:
"Libyans, with oil money directly in their hands and bureaucracy dismantled, will set up a genuine popular administration and form a society of the masses ruled by a genuine direct democracy." - Reuters

“Just AS the MOORS conquered SPAIN for 800 years. Does the US intend to become the next Islamo/Christian battle ground?” taraisastar asked...

Coca-Cola Joins Islamic Caliphate

"The Coca Cola bottling company will be displaying the same symbol that appears on the flag of every Islamic country in the world.

Coca-Cola celebrates with its consumers the joy of sharing, togetherness and acceptance throughout Ramadan. Coca-Cola consumers will feed orphans everyday during the holy month of Ramadan.
Muslims throughout the Muslim world celebrate the advent of Ramadan, that holy month of giving and sharing, and the important spiritual occasion for Muslims throughout the world. In Saudi Arabia, Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to strengthen relationships not only between family members, but also between all categories of the society.
Coca-Cola, in line with its social responsibility programs, is organizing a creative marketing campaign during the holy month of Ramadan for the benefit of “Insan” (Charity Committee for Orphans Care). The campaign will provide Coca-Cola consumers a unique opportunity to provide care to orphans during the blessed month of Ramadan. 10 % of Coca-Cola sold products (2.25L, 1.75L and 1L) carrying the campaign theme will go to “Insan”. Campaign proceeds will be dedicated to provide meals allowance to orphans during Ramadan.
“Insan” (Charity Committee for Orphans Care) is an organization that seeks to provide care and support to orphans. Insan receives support from all categories of the society, and is under the auspices of Prince Faisal ben Salman ben Abdul Aziz. Throughout the campaign, 10% of Coca-cola products purchased by Ramadan fasters will go to Insan to provide meals to orphans everyday during the holy month of Ramadan.
Expressing his appreciation to Coca-cola initiative, Prince Faisal ben Salman said, "Undoubtedly, Coca-Cola initiative to dedicate part of its sales returns for the orphans in Riyadh area is an obvious indication of the Company's interest to serve its community. We are proud with Coca-cola initiative and expect more from them."
Mr. Amer Ahmed Public Affairs and Communications Manager, Coca-Cola Export ‎Corporation‎ said: "Coca-cola believes that contributing to social events an essential part of its strategies. We have already participated in several important events throughout Coca-cola history in the Kingdom, specially that Coca-cola product have become an important element of the Saudi beverages."
"Coca-cola commitment to the Saudi community is not limited to this initiative. Instead, it is an ongoing and long-term commitment. We have several plans to extend support to Insan and other charity organizations in the Kingdom," Amer Ahmed added.
© 2008 Al Bawaba (http://www.albawaba.com/)

"The company has now become part of the Khilafah and will be providing prayer rugs for all of its employees.
"Allahuuuuu Akbaaaaar COKE!" takbir Point Rider Republican.

Selamat Menyambut Ramadhan Al-Mubarak

Fasting is one of the obligatory functions of the faith, next only to the prescribed 5 times a day prayers, in importance. It trains the Muslims to guard themselves against evil as well as conditions them to suffer physical affliction and exercise self control in the defence of faith and the faithful.
“O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you, as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you may guard against evil.” [2:al-Baqarah:183]
Fasting is a means of restraining and controlling the nafs, so that contentment and all the other blessings of this great discipline may be experienced. The fasting of the ordinary man is to withhold only from food and drink. The fasting of the pious man is to curb sensory desires, to refrain from looking at the unlawful, hearing the harmful, and thinking about the distasteful, or about what stimulates the lower nature. The fasting of a true believer is to seal the heart from paying any attention to other-than-Allah (ghayrallah), and safeguard himself with thorough awareness of the Divine laws.
Fasting, although not as perfectly regulated and decisive as in Islam, was prescribed for the followers of the previous Prophets also, and was also in vogue, in varying forms, in different parts of the world. Among the Jews it was done in times of sorrow and affliction. Among the Hindus in India, fasting is undertaken as a penance or to achieve spiritual power. The Sabians were also prescribed fasting for one full month and the object of fasting among them was almost identical to Islamic fasting.
The month of Ramadhan al-Mubarak is that in which the complete Qur’an was revealed to the Holy Prophet (saw) in the night of Qadr (Qadr:1,Dukhan:3). Thereafter he was intimated to deliver it gradually to the people as and when Allah (swt) deemed it suitable.
“Ramadhan is the month in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind and clear proofs of the guidance and the criterion of right and wrong.” [2:al-Baqarah:185]
All schools of Islam agree that the whole Quran was sent to bayt ul-makmur and thereafter it was revealed to the Holy Prophet (saw) on suitable occasions during a period of 23 years. Bayt ul-makmur is said to be the celestial counterpart of the holy Ka’bah. It is an allegorical term used for the heart of the Holy Prophet (saw).
The Qur’an is a guidance to mankind, and the Holy Prophet (according to Nisa:9, A’raf:158, Anbiya:107) had been sent as a Messenger to all mankind; therefore, Islam is a universal religion. According to Matthew 15: 4 Prophet Jesus (as) had said: "I was sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and to them alone."

Takbiir!.. Al-Laahu Akbar!

Malaysian troops in Mindanao to stay; Our services are needed, says Foreign Minister

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Iran suggests Asia parliament formation

pix: Iran's FM Mottaki speaks to reporters.
Iran suggests Asia parliament formation
Sun, 03 Aug 2008 09:47:04
Iran's foreign minister has proposed the foundation of an Asian parliament to play a more active role in the international community.
"The Asian unions including the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) , the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) should strengthen convergence within the framework of an Asian parliament with the aim of playing a greater international role," Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki told reporters in Sri Lanka Saturday.
Mottaki is in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo to attend the 15th SAARC summit. Iran has observer status in the organization.
Mottaki expressed hope that practical measures would be taken in the near future aimed at bolstering political and economic cooperation between Tehran and SAARC member countries.
He said that the expansion of Tehran-Colombo relations would prepare the appropriate groundwork for participation of Iranian companies in various projects in Sri Lanka.
SAARC was established in 1985 to provide a platform for the peoples of South Asia to work together in a spirit of friendship, trust and understanding. It aims to accelerate the process of economic and social development in member states.
Senior officials from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives Islands, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are attending the two-day SAARC summit. China, Iran, Japan, Mauritius, South Korea and the US are taking part as observers.
SF/MR/BGH

Peace In Mindanao: Philippines says more work needed on peace deal with Muslim rebels

Agence France-Presse - 7/25/2008 7:43 AM GMT
Philippines says more work needed on peace deal with Muslim rebels
A draft peace agreement with Muslim rebels waging a separatist campaign in the southern Philippines needs a lot more work before it can be signed, President Gloria Arroyo's spokesman said Friday.
Government negotiators resumed consultations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Malaysia on Thursday expecting to set a timetable to sign an agreement on revenue-sharing on natural resources that would be a cornerstone of a political settlement.
"There is no good news yet," Arroyo spokesman Jesus Dureza told reporters.
The two sides had announced last week that they had reached a deal on "ancestral domain" in the Muslim-populated areas of the largely Roman Catholic country that the rebels claim as their homeland.
Formal peace talks with the 12,000-member guerrilla group, which signed a ceasefire with Manila in 2003, had stalled for months due to disagreements over what authority the MILF would exercise over the areas they claim as their ancestral homeland.
"The meetings are still ongoing and therefore there is no date yet set for the signing of the ancestral domain (deal)," Dureza said, while insisting that the delay was not a setback.
The type and powers of a Muslim government that would rule the area however "is still something that has to be worked on," Dureza said.
The nearly four decades-old rebellion has left thousands dead and left Mindanao, the southern third of the country, mired in poverty.
The government has offered a federal-style state for the Muslims, which make up a large minority in the country.
The Muslims now have a self-rule area that includes four provinces in the south, created after a 1996 peace agreement with another Muslim rebel faction.
However, Dureza said any agreement to be signed with the MILF would not be automatically implemented but would have to be enacted by law or by constitutional amendments.
"Hopefully we'll have a final settlement as a legacy of the president before she leaves office," Dureza said. Arroyo's term ends in mid-2010.
"She wants to leave a peaceful legacy of a developed and peaceful Mindanao," he added.

OPINION: Manila's peace bid and vested interests by JOHN TEO

Disaster relief and the military: Asia-Pacific nations collaborate to enhance airpower

Asia-Pacific nations collaborate to enhance airpower

by Capt. Genieve David

13th Air Force Public Affairs

7/23/2008 - KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AFPN) -- More than 80 participants from 20 nations are meeting to discuss and collaborate during the 2008 Pacific Rim Airpower Symposium July 21 through 25 in Kuala Lumpur.
Hosted by Royal Malaysian air force and U.S. Pacific Air Forces' 13th Air Force officials, this year's symposium focuses on early phases of humanitarian assistance disaster relief operations including preparing for future sustained and multinational operations, command relationships, and search and rescue cross agency coordination.
The Pacific Rim Airpower Symposium encourages the building of relationships and aims to enhance cooperation among the air forces of Pacific nations. Represented in the four-day symposium are delegations from Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United States and Vietnam.
"Through this symposium, we have a great opportunity to share and understand what each nation brings to the battlefield," said Lt. Gen. Loyd S. "Chip" Utterback, the 13th Air Force commander. "Our greatest capability comes from our ability to plan."
Symposium briefings and panel discussions include presentations from participating nations that allow representatives to discuss their air force's unique circumstances, capabilities and challenges. Discussions will lay the foundation for further meetings at a higher level.
Through these type of exchanges, the air forces of the Asia-Pacific region can efficiently work together toward mutually beneficial goals. As participants learn more about each Pacific Rim nation's unique contribution to regional stability and security, they enhance their understanding of the region's collective airpower resources and capabilities.
"As a regional partner, we need to be better prepared," said Royal Malaysian air force Lt. Gen. Dato Rodzali bin Daug, the air operation commander. "Especially in identifying potential disaster areas and stocking up on necessary relief (supplies). We need to respond quickly without being hindered by bureaucratic intricacies."

Malaysia tells US to stop interfering in Anwar's case

Stop making statements on Anwar
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS
SINGAPORE: Kuala Lumpur wants Washington to abstain from making further statements pertaining to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the country's rule of law set-up.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim said he had informed United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice of this during their bilateral talks Thursday.
Rais said he had informed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi that he would meet Rice while attending the Asean Ministerial Meeting and would take the opportunity to talk to her on this issue.

"I had explained to Rice that investigations against Anwar over sodomy allegations were not politically motivated whatsoever.
"I had also specifically itemised the Criminal Procedure Code which is an age-old instrument of administration of criminal law in the Commonwealth.
"I spoke to her on this to point out the fact that we have an entrenched and recognised system of criminal law," he told Malaysian reporters here.
Rice had earlier Thursday called on Malaysia to be transparent and abide strictly by the law when handling Anwar's investigations.

Business leaders urge Asia to lead the way

source:text- AP via themalaysianinsider>
KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 — As an emerging centre of world power, Asia must take the lead in finding solutions to crises such as the surge in fuel and food prices because global institutions such as World Trade Organisation are proving to be impotent, business leaders said today.

The comments came at the annual World Economic Forum on East Asia, a high-profile gathering of business and government leaders, in Kuala Lumpur.As economic clout drifts away from the United States and Europe to Asia it must spearhead the resolution of economic crises, said Yashwant Sinha, India's former finance minister.
Global institutions that deal with economic problems are looking "pretty out of date", Barclays Plc chairman Marcus Agius told the forum's first session.
"I believe that the international institutions we have at the moment – including the World Trade Organisation – are woefully inadequate in dealing with the global challenges," said Sinha.
He gave the example of the crisis in the world stock markets stemming from the subprime mortage debacle in the United States.
Had the crisis occurred anywhere in Asia or Latin America, a "huge team" from the International Monetary Fund would have descended there with advice, just as it did during the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis, Sinha said.
"There is a major regulatory failing in the US. What is the IMF doing about the US.? Nothing," said Sinha, also a former foreign minister.
"Global institutions are inadequate. They are not responding to global challenges," he said, highlighting record-high crude oil prices, which reached nearly US$140 (RM458) last week before settling at US$134.86 on Friday.
Rapid hikes in the price of rice and other agriculture products have also set off riots and protests from Africa to Asia and elevated fears of a global food crisis.
"I would say that this is where there is an opportunity for Asia. There are a whole host of things that Asian nations can do together. We must start writing the rules of the game," said Sinha, now a member of India's Parliament.
Asian countries must help each other in dealing with crises because the US can no longer be expected to be "the locomotive of the global economy", said Yoshimi Watanabe, Japan's minister of financial services and administrative reforms.
"The Asian countries are in the same boat, we share the same destiny," he said.
Asia, led by India and China, will define the global economy in the future, thanks to its insatiable demand for consumer goods, investment opportunities and rapidly growing economies, those attending the forum were told.
"The shift in the economy around the world has been dramatic," Lord Peter Levene, chairman of London-based Lloyd's, the world's biggest insurance market, told reporters before the start of the conference.
"If you're travelling in Europe and the United States, there's a feeling of doom and gloom. Here you step off the plane and it's the opposite. This is the right place to be at the moment," Levene said.
Still, Asian governments are confronted with a wide range of risks, Levene said, noting that China is spending immense time and expense to deal with natural disasters and other threats.
"Up to very recently, the (Asian) region was a follower in the global agenda. This is the first time the region is becoming a leader," said Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, chairman of the Swiss food and drinks giant Nestle. — AP

Council To Spearhead ECER Development, Says PM

KUALA TERENGGANU, June 14 (Bernama) -- The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) Development Council will spearhead implementation of the ECER master plan and play the main role in determining the direction, policy and strategy for its development.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in stating this Saturday, said the council, set up under an Act of Parliament, would also generate and promote economic and social developments as well as private sector investments in the region.

"The setting up of the council, as an authority, is important to ensure that the ECER master plan is implemented in an efficient and orderly manner," he said at the launch of the council here Saturday.
"With this, the policies, planning and implementation by all parties can be streamlined in an organised and comprehensive way for the welfare of the local people," he added.

Abdullah said besides promoting economic activities in the ECER, the council would also study the impact of development programmes to ensure that socio-economic development was being carried out in tandem.

He also said that to ensure the success of the ECER, he has appointed members from the highest level for the council with himself taking on the responsibility of chairman.

Other members included Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman and Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, he said.
Abdullah said to strengthen the council, he has appointed Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Amirsham A. Aziz as representatives of the federal government.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan has also ben appointed to represent the civil service, he said.
The Prime Minister named Petronas' president and chief executive officer Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican and IOI Corp's executive chairman Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng as representatives of the private sector.

Abdullah said at the management and operations level, the council will be led by Datuk Jebasingam Issace John as the chief executive officer.
"He was involved in drawing up the ECER master plan and is supported by a team which is capable of carrying out the council's functions effectively," he said.

Abdullah said the council has a heavy responsibility to ensure that the ECER objectives are achieved.
"As the chairman, I will ensure that the council acts efficiently, effectively and impartially," he said.

On progress of the ECER so far, Abdullah said he was satisfied with the ECER secretariat for its efforts in developing several projects and programmes.

Among them is the setting of Centres of Excellence at five universities in the region, namely Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Universiti Darul Iman, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Universiti Teknologi Mara and Universiti Malaysia Kelantan.
According to him, such centres are in line with the ECER objectives to encourage research and development, which can lead to related commercial industries coming up in the region.

On the agriculture sector, Abdullah said several initiatives had started to be implemented.
Among them is the development of three agro valleys in Bachok-Setiu-Kuala Berang, Pekan-Rompin-Mersing and Kuantan-Maran areas, a herbal and biotech park in Gua Musang, Kelantan, and a fruit park in Lanchang, Pahang.

He said for the petrochemical sector, development of the Kertih Plastic Park had started and results were shown with an initial investment of RM50 million for factory and infrastructure.

Abdullah said the government would continue to support the ECER by providing the optimum infrastructure.
He said the mid-term review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan would look into the allocations for the infrastructure development of the ECER as well as the other economic regions. -- BERNAMA

Indonesia to examine Australian PM's Asia-Pacific plan

source: Agence France-Presse - 6/6/2008 6:53 AM GMT – via MSN Malaysia News

Indonesia is "really keen" to examine an ambitious plan by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to create a European Union-style grouping for the Asia-Pacific, an official said Friday.
Government officials in Australia's closest neighbour said they would discuss the proposal with Rudd when he makes his first prime ministerial visit to Jakarta to meet President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono next week.
"We're following the issue with interest. We are really keen to study the issue further," foreign ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah said.
"I suppose the visit of PM Rudd next week to Indonesia will be an occasion for us to have a clear reference of what exactly (is) the vision of his statement," Faizasyah said.
Yudhoyono spokesman Dino Patti Djalal confirmed Jakarta was looking closely at the proposal and would discuss it when the leaders meet during Rudd's June 12-14 visit.
"We are actively reading the idea proposed by the prime minister and we will look forward to hearing more about it when the president meets him in mid-June," he said.
Rudd said Thursday an Asia-Pacific Community including the massive economies of China, India, the United States and Japan could be established by 2020.
A fluent Mandarin speaker and ardent Sinophile, the Labor prime minister has made closer engagement with Asia a foreign policy priority since his election last November.

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.

World Bank warns tidal flood may engulf Jakarta today

source: AP via Yahoo! Malaysia News
JAKARTA, Indonesia (5/30/08) - The World Bank has warned that an exceptionally high tide could inundate the Indonesian capital next week (6/3/08 -ed.), forcing thousands of people to flee their homes and cutting off a major highway.
The situation _ exacerbated by global warming and the fact that Jakarta is sinking up to 2 inches (6 centimeters) a year _ could mean that the flooding will exceed last November's roof-high levels in the hardest-hit areas, said Hongjoo Hahm, the bank's infrastructure expert.
"This is just the beginning," Hahm said, as he pointed to homes reaching a mile (1.5 kilometers) inland that will likely be affected next Tuesday (6/3/08 -ed.) and Wednesday (6/4/08) -ed.) by the 18-year semiannual tide cycle. "It's getting worse and worse."
The 18-year high tide cycles occur when the sun and moon are in direct alignment and making their closest approach to the Earth. Other factors, such as global warming or El Nino and La Nina, have made the sea swells even larger in recent years, Hahm said.
The government should consider building a dike to protect Jakarta Bay, he said, "but that will cost billions of U.S. dollars."
Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago nation, is one of the world's largest contributors of carbon dioxide emissions, because of the rapid pace of deforestation. But experts say the country is also at risk of becoming one of the biggest victims of climate change.
Rising sea waters especially pose a threat to coastal cities like Jakarta, which has sunk at least 7 feet (2 meters) in the last three decades because of excessive ground water extraction, said Hahm.

Restoring Peace In Complex Emergencies: Give military bigger role in disaster relief ops, says Najib

SINGAPORE: The military has to be given greater role in carrying out humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as it has the capability and experience to handle such crisis situations. "It has to be recognised that military is a critical component in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief," Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak told an international security dialogue yesterday.
Najib, who is also the defence minister, said the recent natural disasters in Myanmar and China had proven the military's important role in humanitarian relief operations. The traditional relief mechanism, which incorporated the government, business and volunteer organisations that for years had been adequate to meet the needs for relief work were found to be inefficient and ineffective when dealing with crises involving an entire nation.

Speaking at a plenary session themed "Restoring Peace In Complex Emergencies" at the 7th IISS (International Institute for Strategic Studies) Asia Security Summit - The Shangri-La Dialogue, Najib said challenges of such magnitude required for a more comprehensive and dynamic approach. He said the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management should recognise the military role if it wanted to increase its capacity building to enable it to undertake assistance in a more effective manner.
Although there were diverging views on the military involvement, there was wider consensus among Asean countries that the armed forces indeed had a key role in the area. "This is in line with the secondary or peace time role of the military in support of the ideals of a security community,” said Najib, who is also Defence Minister, noting that the standby arrangement under the Asean Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response, which were still being finalised, would facilitate deployment of military and civilian components at short notice.
On the centre, Najib said he hoped it could provide the leadership for regional response as it would deal with multiple contributors and agencies, and coordinate its activities effectively and eliminate the risk of inappropriate use of funds and resources. The Deputy Prime Minister also emphasised on the need to share information as it was vital for bthe success of the complex emergency operations.
On restoring security in complex emergencies, Najib said he was of the view that such efforts should not be undertaken on the basis of a unilateral action and Iraq was a classic example in the case. He said it was of utmost importance to respect the sovereignty of the affected state to dispel fear of interference into the internal affairs of that particular state. “Therefore, upon restoring security, there should be graceful exit by the countries involved in the process,” Najib said.
He said peace building in a complex emergency must be based on trust and transparency and the mediator should not dictate terms and conditions in cases where there was a need for parties to negotiate settlements. “Instead, it was important to create a conducive environment for them to negotiate to ensure lasting peace,” he added.
Speaking at a media conference after the summit, Najib said the cyclone tragedy serves as an acid test for Asean’s capability in helping its members faced with a real crisis. He said it was important for Asean, as an association, to show the world it had come a long way and that in the Myanmar case it should be able to help the country.
He said Asean was willing to send more military personnel and logistics requirements such as helicopters and boats to help distribute foreign aid to the victims who remained cut off in the cyclone-stricken zones and were starving.