1,774 ATM personnel involved in UN peacekeeping missions since 2000

Bernama (18/8/08): A total of 1,774 Malaysian Defence Forces (ATM) personnel have been involved in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions since the year 2000 until now, the Dewan Rakyat was told Monday.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said of the number, 1,185 personnel were involved in peacekeeping duties while the other 589 as mission observers or staff officers.

Najib, who is also Defence Minister, said during the same period, 10 ATM peacekeepers were injured while three died.

He said the ATM's involvement in the missions was beneficial to the nation and also the ATM peacekeepers.

"Our involvement is seen as branch of our foreign policy, that is to help other nations that are facing internal or external conflicts. This benefits us in terms of image and clout.

"From the angle of the men participating in the missions, Malaysia being a peaceful nation, it gives them invaluable experience as they have to deal with real situations of conflict. This also helps improve their professionalism," he said when replying to a question from Razali Ibrahim (BN-Muar).

To a question from Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PAS-Rantau Panjang) on the compensation scheme in case of injuries or fatalities, Najib said all ATM personnel partaking in UN peacekeeping missions were well covered.

"In the case of Cpl Jun ak Sang, who died in Lebanon recently, the total compensation received by his family was in excess of RM500,000," he said.

Govt to open public debates

NST (18/8/08): The Information Ministry will not stifle efforts to organise public debates so long as suitable issues are chosen, said its minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

He said the issues chosen should not contravene the Constitution and the principles of the Rukun Negara and must not cause the peace to be threatened.

“The ministry believes a more open atmosphere (to discuss issues) is good to expand the thinking of Malaysians in facing the challenges of globalisation,” he said in a written reply to a question from Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang (PAS-Marang) in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Hadi had wanted to know if the government would expand the scope of such debates following the one held between Ahmad Shabery and Parti Keadilan Rakyat advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently on the latest round of fuel price hikes.

Ahmad Shabery said Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) would also continue to air debate programes like “Bersemuka Dengan Media”, “Blog”, “60 Minit Bersama Menteri”, “What Say You”, “Fast Forward” and others based on need to give politicians, non-governmental organisations representatives and academicians to state their views on subjects of interest to the public. (Bernama)

Opposition file motion of no-confidence on PM

Bernama (10/7/08): The opposition Thursday handed a motion of no-confidence on the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia at his office at Parliament House, here.

The motion was handed over by Opposition Leader Datin Seri Wan Azizah Ismail together with 14 Members of Parliament (MPs) from the opposition parties representing the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), PAS and DAP.

When met by reporters after handing over the motion, Wan Azizah, who is also PKR president, said the motion was under Standing Order 18 (1) and (2) which reads "That the august House takes a resolution of no-confidence in the leadership of the YAB Malaysian Prime Minister and his cabinet ministers in the governance of the country because of the erosion of public confidence in the integrity of the government."

Wan Azizah said the motion was filed following the move by the government to raise the price of fuel recently although the government had promised before the 12th general election that it would not do so.

She said this had resulted in a crisis of confidence in the Prime Minister and his cabinet ministers.

"The people are facing major crises such as the escalation in the prices of fuel, food and essential goods, as well as the increasing erosion of people's confidence in the police, Attorney-General and the judiciary as well as the rising crime rate," he said.

Wan Azizah hoped the motion would be accepted and debated by the Members of Parliament.

Meanwhile, Pandikar Amin said he would study the motion before deciding whether to accept or reject it.

"I have two or three days to study the motion and will announce my decision on Monday," he said.

Nearly 5000 entry permits given to foreign spouses since 2004

Bernama (10/7/08): The Home Ministry has approved 4,776 entry permits to foreign spouses from 2004 until May 2008, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Minister Senator Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh said of the number 1,130 permits were approved for foreign husbands and 3,646 were for foreign wives.

"Each application will have to go through procedures like security screening and interview. The time taken to process the application will depend on the quality of information provided," he said in reply to a question by Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (BN-Bintulu).

Tiong wanted to know the number of entry permits given to foreign spouses since 2004 and efforts taken to improve the processing of applications.

He said unlike social passes which need to be renewed, entry permits were given only once and would only be revoked if the holder commits an offence.

The authorities also needed five years to verify the authenticity of marriages before the applications for entry permits could be considered.

Tiong had asked why foreign spouses need to renew their permits annually and wanted the government to simplify the application procedure.

Wan Ahmad Farid told Dr Lo' Lo' Mohd Ghazali (PAS-Titiwangsa) that other than security screening and interview, the applicants for Malaysian citizenship and entry permit must speak fluent Bahasa Melayu and that the information provided would have to be verified for national security reasons.

"We admit that it is a slow process but it is done in the name of national security as the country's sovereignty must be protected."

The deputy minister added the issuance of citizenship to foreigners was a privilege and not a right.

MAS cutting cost to remain afloat, says Lajim

Bernama (10/7/08): Malaysia Airlines (MAS) can still afford to operate despite the surging global fuel price as the national carrier had embarked on cost-cutting measures to tide over with rising operational expenses, the Dewan Rakyat was told Thursday.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Lajim Ukin said MAS had reduced flight frequency to non-profitable sectors such as from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau from six to four flights a day.

He was replying to a supplementary question from Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (PAS-Kuala Selangor) on MAS' survival in the face of skyrocketing fuel prices.

To the original question from Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan (BN-Kota Belud) on the price war between MAS and AirAsia, Lajim said the price competition between the two airlines was healthy as it benefited passengers.

He said passengers had many options now to decide on their choice of travel.

RTM's prerogative to decide on guests for its programmes, says Shabery

Bernama (10/7/08): Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) has the right to decide on whom to invite for live programmes or recordings aired by its radio and television stations, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said Thursday.

He said RTM practised an open policy and gave coverage to all menteris besar and chief ministers based on the news value, be it for news programmes or talkshows.

"I myself, as information minister, have not been called for a live interview up to now, meaning that I leave it to RTM to do whatever it deems fit," he said in reply to Ahmad Kassim (PKR-Kuala Kedah) in the Dewan Rakyat.

Ahmad Kassim wanted to know whether RTM would give air time to menteris besar and chief ministers of states ruled by Pakatan Rakyat to explain their policies to the people.

Ahmad Shabery said he believed in the same principle and RTM was willing to invite parties which it felt were suitable for a particular programme, including leaders from opposition parties.

"The question of when to invite does not arise. I leave that to RTM," he said, citing as example that in the recent issue on fuel price increase the MP for Kubang, Salahuddin Ayub of PAS, was invited for the debate with the relevant minister.

"Not only was he invited but the reporter from Harakah (the PAS organ) was also invited to ask questions but an hour before the programme the Harakah (repoter) did not turn up, no representative was sent. It was Harakah that was unprofessional, not RTM," he said.

Asked whether RTM would telecast live the debate between him and Parti Keadilan Rakyat advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the fuel price increase on July 15, he said it was organised by news portal Agenda Daily and not RTM.

To a question from Datuk Lilah Yasin (BN- Jempol) on what powers the Information Minister had on private television stations which were viewed as not giving coverage to Barisan Nasional menteris besar and chief ministers in their 8pm news, he said the private radio and television stations were not under the control of the Information Ministry.

However, he said, they should use their wisdom in accordance with the set guidelines in formulating programmes for airing.

Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia working together to stabilise NR prices

Bernama (3/7/08): The government is cooperating with key natural rubber (NR) producing countries, Thailand and Indonesia, to stabilise the supply and demand of NR in the world market.

Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Senator A. Kohilan, said the cooperation among the three major producers suppling over 80 percent of the world's NR, has resulted in positive sentiment on the price.

"Under the Supply Management Scheme, the three have agreed to control their exports in the long run to bring about a better balance between supply and demand to stabilise the price," he said at a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat here Thursday.

Kohilan said this in reply to a question from Datuk Wan Abd Rahim Wan Abdullah (PAS-Kota Bharu) on the steps taken by the government to ensure high NR price in the world market.

He said in the event of an abrupt fall in the price, the three countries had agreed to reduce exports in the short term through the Agreed Export Tonnage Scheme.

Kohilan said the ministry has also implemented various programmes to increase the earnings of the smallholders.

Ministry seeks to raise salaries, allowances of prisons staff

Bernama (2/7/08): The Home Ministry has applied to the Public Service Department for an increase in the salaries, allowances and incentives of officers and staff of the Prisons Department to adjust them with those of the police force, Deputy Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung said today.

He said there was a vast difference in the salaries of prisons officers and police officers though both were categorised as being in high-risk jobs.

“For example, the new basic salary for a Grade KX17 prisons officer is RM827.94 while a police officer in a similar grade earns RM1,100, he said when replying to a question from Nasharudin Mat Isa (PAS-Bachok) in the Dewan Rakyat.

Chor said the government was also considering providing housing to prisons staff so that at least 80 per cent of them enjoy this facility.

Replying to a supplementary question, from Khairy Jamaluddin (BN-Rembau), he said there were 14,809 foreigners in prisons throughout the country. He said this large number of foreigners also contributed to the congestion in prisons which held altogether 37,446 inmates.

Chor said the total number of prisoners was 28 per cent in excess of the ideal capacity of prisons in the country, thus causing the congestion. "Under the parole system and through the building of new prisons, we can ease the congestion," he said.

Non-stop dribbling challenge set for Malaysia Book Of Records

Bernama (8/6/08): A total of 864 youths took part in a gruelling 12-hour football dribbling challenge for 87km around the capital to make their way into the Malaysia Book of Records today.

Each contestant took turn to dribble the ball for 100 metres from the starting point at Titiwangsa Lake Gardens through Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Tun Sambathan, Merdeka Square and Jalan Ipoh before ending their feat at Titiwangsa Lake Gardens.

The event, the first of its kind here, was organised by a soft drink company, Permanis Sdn Bhd.

Speaking to reporters after launching the event, Member of Parliament for Titiwangsa Dr Lo'Lo Mohd Ghazali said the dribbling challenge inculcated team spirit besides being fun.

"It improves the stamina, commitment and mental strength of the participants," she said.

Singer Faizal Tahir showed his prowess being the first contestant to dribble the ball.

The event is expected to end at about 9pm.

Inter-city train service passengers to increase by 12.5 percent

Bernama (30/6/08): The number of passengers for the inter-city train service is expected to increase by 12.5 percent a year, and cargo load for the goods train service by 5.6 percent a year, within 30 years upon completion of the double-track railway project.

Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said this was based on a study by AGN Research Associates, which found that the project was a strategic action to increase capacity and meet the country's transportation needs in view of the anticipated increase in traffic volume from 2008 until 2037.

"The study by AGN encompasses economic, engineering and environmental aspects, and other matters related to train service," he said in response to a question from Roslan Shaharum (PAS-Bukit Gantang) in the Dewan Rakyat Monday.

He said the study on the effectiveness of the proposed dual track railway project was conducted by two consultant companies -- KL Consult Associates Sdn Bhd for the Seremban-Tanjung Pagar sector and Gabungan Jurubina Sdn Bhd for the Ipoh-Padang Besar sector.

He said based on the study, the increase in Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB)'s passengers and goods was due to the increase in income elasticity of demand for travel, from 1.076 to 1.15 percent, as well as as a five-fold increase in the per capita income of residents in Peninsular Malaysia in 2037.

The study also found that the increase in population and economic activities between 2008 and 2037 would increase the volume of goods and number of passengers, he added.

To meet the increase, Ong said, the government had allocated RM792 million, which included RM100 million for the purchase of five sets of electric multiple units (EMU) with each containing four coaches, RM68 million for the purchase of 24 passenger coaches and RM624 million for 13 electric train sets (ETS), with each set having six coaches.

Opposition MPs walk out in protest over Najib's 'speech'

Bernama (30/6/08): Opposition members of parliament (MPs) on Monday walked out of the Dewan Rakyat citing violation of the standing orders when Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was allowed to add more details to last Thursday's speech by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi when tabling the mid-term review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).

Most of these MPs stayed away until Najib had completed his speech. Independent MP Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Pasir Mas) did not join the walkout, saying the move was unwise.

The walkout took place in less than an hour after Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo was suspended from the house for two days after he had raised an unrelated matter -- the issue of the sodomy allegation against Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his seeking refuge at the Turkish Embassy -- when asking a supplementary question during Question Time.

When Najib stood up to deliver his speech, which was further explanation to the motion on the mid-term review of the 9MP tabled by Abdullah, Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) objected by saying that the procedure was unusual because it was the norm for a motion to be debated after it was tabled.

Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia dismissed Lim's argument and said Najib should be allowed to give the additional details.

At this juncture, Mahfuz Omar (PAS-Pokok Sena) asked whether the prime minister's speech was not clear enough.

Lim said Najib should give the additional details by participating in the debate like the other MPs.

He had the support of several other MPs, including Chua Tian Chang (PKR-Batu), Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) and Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor).

When the Speaker insisted on Najib giving his speech, the Opposition MPs walked out of the house.

Govt may review freeze on registration for Class F contractor

Bernama (26/6/08): The Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Ministry is studying the effectiveness of a freeze in the issuance of new Class F licence, implemented in April 2005, and may reopen its registration in the future.

Minister Datuk Noh Omar said the move was necessary at the time as the number of contractors had outnumbered projects offered by the government.

He said there were 31,847 Class F contractors registered with the Contractor Service Centre (CSS) until June this year compared with 35,500 in April 2005.

"The government did a review on Class F contractors in January 2006 and had so far revoked the licences of 3,399 inactive contractors," he said in reply to Liang Teck Meng (BN-Simpang Renggam) at the Dewan Rakyat.

Noh said the contractors were assessed based on whether their accounts were active, had obtained jobs, submitted quotations, attended courses organised by CSS and had no records of abandoning projects given to them.

"Other wrongdoings include sub-contracting jobs and acting as agents to earn commission. Some of them were blacklisted," he said.

Noh also said the ministry had set up a working committee to encourage genuine joint ventures between Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera contractors as the efforts to harness them since 11 years ago had not been successful.

"The result was not very encouraging... only 11 genuine joint venture companies were be formed. We hope the non-Bumiputera can assist their Bumiputera counterparts and not merely take them in 'Ali Baba' ventures," he said in reply to Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud (PAS-Kota Raja).

On the Entrepreneur Development Institute (Insken), he said RM117.54 million had been spent to create 150,000 new entrepreneurs and upgrading the expertise of another 25,000 under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

He said until April, 792,508 entrepreneurs had repaid RM5 billion out of RM10.3 billion in loans disbursed by agencies under the ministry.

Government gives priority to OIC countries to expand trade to non-traditional marts

Bernama (26/6/08): The government always gives priority to Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) countries in its strategy to expand exports to non-traditional markets.

Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Liew Vui Keong, said Malaysia's trade with OIC countries has increased every year since 2003.

He said the amount in 2003 was RM46.1 billion, 2004 (RM61.6 billion), 2005 (RM70.1 billion), 2006 (RM83.8 billion) and 2007 (RM95.3 billion).

"Until April this year, trade with the grouping has touched RM36.1 billion," he said during the question-and-answer session of the Dewan Rakyat here today.

Liew said this in reply to a question from Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli (PAS-Kuala Krai) regarding Malaysia's trade with OIC countries during the period when the country held the presidency of the organisation (2003-2008).

He said the government has set up branch offices of Malaysia External Trade Development Corp and Malaysian Industrial Development Authority in Dubai to tap the market and investment opportunities in the Middle East

"The government has also established bilateral ties with OIC members by signing various agreements, undertaking trade missions and investments in United Arab Emirates and promotional activities to strengthen trade with them," he said.

No plans to make voter registration compulsory

Bernama (25/6/08): The government has no plans to make voter registration compulsory as the system in practice is conducive and not burdensome to the people.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said if voter registration was made mandatory, it would involve enforcement of the law and could cause problems for the people.

"Compulsory voter registration will be in violation of Article 5 of the Federal Constitution with regards to personal liberty and is against democracy as practised in this country," he said in reply to Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul Rahman (PAS-Pengkalan Chepa) in the Dewan Rakyat here today.

Mohamed Nazri said the government also believed that the high number of registered voters, comprising 73 percent of citizens who were eligible to vote, indicated the people's awareness on their right to vote as provided for in the Federal Constitution.

In addition, he said, the Election Commission (EC) was always holding roadshows and setting up tables for voter registration at shopping complexes to encourage people to register as voters if they had not done so.

"So, I would like to stress here again that we do not want to force people (to register as voters) as the decision is theirs, whether to be a voter or not. We gave the people that choice."

On voters who had died, Mohamed Nazri said the EC carried out a review regularly to remove their names from the voter list for updating purpose.

July 29 For Mention of warrants of arrest against accused in illegal assembly

Bernama (23/6/08): The Session's Court here Monday fixed July 29 for mention of the warrants of arrest on nine people, out of 10 accused, who failed to attend Monday's hearing on a charge of participating in an illegal assembly at Parliament building in December last year.

They are Kota Damansara Member of Parliament Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim, 61, PAS Youth deputy chief Nasrudin Hassan, 38, PAS Muslimat (women's wing) chief Nuridah Mohd Salleh, 47, PAS treasurer Mohd Hatta Mohd Ramli, 52, Titiwangsa Member of Parliament Dr Lo' Lo' Mohamed Ghazali, 51, Ang Hiok Gai, 51, Mohamad Sabri Sapiai, 32, Hashim Awang, 37, Azira Arifin, 34, and Mohd Badilah Muda, 33.

Ang, Nuridah and Mohd Nasir were said to be at the court earlier, but left due to some confusion and misunderstanding.

However, judge Fathiyah Idris ordered the warrant of arrest against Mohd Nasir be revoked when he attended Monday's hearing after his counsel, Mohd Radzlan Jalaludin, contacted him.

All the accused are alleged to have committed the offence at the exit road of Parliament building, Jalan Parlimen, at 11am on Dec 11, 2007.

Passage of motion proof of strong support towards Abdullah

Bernama (23/6/08): The passage of a motion on the increase in the price of fuel and other goods in the Dewan Rakyat Monday, is a reflection of the strong support by Barisan Nasional (BN) members towards the leadership of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the government.

Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the motion, which was passed through block voting -- with 129 members voted for and 78 against it -- was a very important motion and could be regarded as a vote of confidence towards the government and the prime minister.

"We are grateful as majority of members of the House supported the motion. This does not mean the government don't care for the people because if this motion is not approved, the government will bear huge costs and may run into debt.

"This shows that BN is still strong and solid and will remain so until the next election," he told reporters at the parliament lobby Monday.

Commenting on proposal by PAS MP for Shah Alam, Khalid Abd Samad, that tender be opened to foreign oil exploration companies, Ahmad Shabery said it was an unpatriotic proposal.

Meanwhile Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abd Samad, when met by reporters, said Petronas was still the oil company which had contributed immensely to the country's revenue.

He said the tabling of the motion was to give the chance to the Dewan Rakyat to garner support from the opposition members to come together and tackle whatever challenges facing the country.

Muhyiddin: Malaysia still the destination of choice for FDIs

Bernama(23/6/08): Malaysia is the still the destination of choice for foreign direct investments (FDIs) despite competition from neighbouring countries.

Minister of International Trade and Industry, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, said currently the government has initiated measures to reduce the cost of doing business here.

He said last year Malaysia attracted RM59.9 billion in FDIs and for January-April this year, the amount has reached RM23.9 billion.

"We expect the FDIs this year to be higher than in 2007," he said in reply to a question by Dr Dzulkifli Ahmad (PAS-Kuala Selangor) at the Dewan Rakyat here, Monday.

On the FDI outflow, Muhyiddin said in 2007 it involved about RM307 million from four foreign companies which decided to shift their operations to Thailand, Vietnam and China.

"Among the factors they cited were the decline in demand for their products and to take advantage of the lower labour costs in the countries concerned," he said.

Nevertheless, he said, many companies who had migrated overseas had also decided to invest here when they compared the tangible and intangible costs which were lower here.

He said the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority has identified about 300 South Korean companies, which had invested in China, decided to change their minds and move them to Vietnam, Malaysia and other countries.

Govt only saved RM1.4 bln from petrol price hike in 2006, says PM

Bernama (27/5/08): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the real subsidy savings for the Government was RM1.4 billion following the petrol, diesel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas price increase on Feb 28, 2006.

Although the price of petrol and diesel was increased by 30 sen per litre and LPG by 30 sen per kg on Feb 28, 2006, following the cut on subsidy cost, the estimated savings of RM4.4 billion as announced by the government was based on the price of world crude oil being US$61 per barrel at that time.

"However, as the price of crude oil continued to climb for several months hitting US$74 per barrel, the actual savings as at December 2006 was reduced to only RM1.4 billion," he said at the Dewan Rakyat sitting here Tuesday.

The actual savings of RM1.4 billion was based on a crude oil price of US$74 per barrel.

Abdullah said this in his written reply to a question from Salahuddin Ayub (Pas-Kubang Kerian) on the total amount of money spent from the savings of RM4.4 billion from the oil subsidy cut which was meant to be used for improving public transportation services.

Abdullah, who is also Finance Minister said the savings were channelled in stages into the National Public Transportation Trust Fund (KWAPA) which was set up in May 15, 2006.

He said among other objectives, KWAPA was established to upgrade the integrated public transportation system in the country as well as improve the quality of public transport especially in terms of coverage and frequency of services.

"A total of RM550 million has already been channelled into KWAPA and RM498.77 million have been spent and identified for expenses related to improving the public transportation system.

"The remaining savings will be channelled into KWAPA in 2009," Abdullah said.

He said the total subsidy borne by the government for petrol, diesel and LPG from 2000 till 2007 was RM37.4 billion.

For 2006, the amount of subsidy for petrol, diesel and LPG was RM7.3 billion while for last year it was RM8.7 billion and the projected amount for this year is RM18.31 billion based on a crude oil price of US$105 per barrel, he said.

"This amount will go up based on the world price of oil which has continued to rise, and is currently at US$130 per barrel," Abdullah said.

He also said the government would continue to look into the welfare of the people and on ways to reduce their burden amid the increasing price of oil.

Pakatan Rakyat leaders agree on the need for Sultans' assent on religious matters

Bernama (27/5/08): Three top leaders of Pakatan Rakyat said Tuesday they agree that the sultans' assent must be obtained prior to any action against officers associated with the state Islamic religious councils.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Ismail, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said the stand of DAP chairman Karpal Singh on the matter was the personal. opinion of the Bukit Gelugor member of parliament from the legal perspective.

"It was clarified to us by YB Karpal Singh that it was never his intention to insult the sultans," they said in a joint statement signed by them and issued at the Parliament lobby Tuesday.

They said Pakatan Rakyat was firm in its stand in upholding the position of the rulers as constitutional monarchs as provided for in the Federal Constition.

Karpal Singh has been criticised of late for having made controversial statements against the sultans and other rulers and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, resulting in 21 police reports having been lodged against him.

In another statement, the three leaders called for the boycott of the Utusan Malaysia and Mingguan Malaysia newspapers beginning Tuesday for allegedly carrying unfair and irresponsible reports.

They said the two newspapers criticised the opposition parties of purportedly still conducting the election campaign which had ended prior to the general election on March 8.

"Although there are signs that the mainstream newspapers controlled by the Barisan Nasional and Umno have begun to change and were a little more open, they are generally still unfair and biased," they said.

Use of Tamil word causes Dewan Rakyat to descend into chaos

Bernama (27/5/08): The Tamil word "ukker" (sit) used by Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Idris Haron in asking Mohd Nasir Zakaria (PAS-Padang Terap) to sit down and not interrupt him while he was speaking caused the Dewan Rakyat to descend into chaos, Tuesday.

Unhappy the word was uttered, N.Gobalakrishnan (PKR-Padang Serai) approached Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia to whisper to him that the word had sexual conotations if not pronounced properly.

His leaving his chair and approaching the Speaker got Barisan Nasional Members of Parliament (MPs) riled up and demanded that he apologise for not observing parliamentary decorum.

With Opposition MPs getting into the fray demanding an apology from Idris for uttering profanity in Parliament, the situation got out of hand until Pandikar Amin stepped in to calm things down.

Pandikar said he allowed Gobalakrishnan to approach him as he too wanted to find out what the word meant but told the MPs not to make it a habit (approach him). Curiousity got the better of some who asked what it meant but none of the Indian MPs was willing to say.

Idris also unhappy at how things turned out, then asked the Indian MPs to tell him how it should be pronounced and went on to use the Mandarin equivalent to drive home his point.

Things only settled down when PKR whip Mohamed Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak) told Gobalakrishnan to apologise and urged all parties to refrain from "causing unnecessary incidents in the august House".