PM: Susilo is a friend, forever

PM: Susilo is a friend, forever

PM: Susilo is a friend, forever

Posted: 19 Dec 2013 08:01 AM PST

JAKARTA: IN his closing remarks yesterday  after the    annual summit talks with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak   paid   tribute to a dear friend, who may not be around at next year's summit.

"We will always be friends, now and forever," said Najib of Susilo. He said his relationship with "Bapak Presiden" went beyond formal ties.

Susilo, 64, is completing his second and final five-year term as president.

This annual consultation, the 10th in its series between Malaysian and Indonesian leaders, will be his last.

Constitutionally, Susilo is barred from seeking a third term in the presidential elections in July.

Witnessed by nearly 30 cabinet ministers from both sides and under the glare of television and still cameras, Najib used the occasion to heap praises on the man who had helped much in putting bilateral economic, business and people-to-people ties on a much stronger footing than ever.

Widely known in Indonesia by his initials "SBY", Susilo was sworn into office on Oct 20, 2004, together with Jusuf Kalla, another of Najib's good friend, as vice-president.

Susilo ran for re-election in 2009, with Boediono as his running mate, and won with an outright majority in the first round of balloting. He was sworn in for a second term on Oct 20, 2009.

His rise to the top office in Indonesia coincided with Najib's appointment as deputy prime minister in 2004. Najib went on to become premier in 2009.

Both Susilo and Najib are leaders of neighbouring states with a common culture and language.

But, what is more important is that their personal bond and relationship have strengthened over the years.

Both have grown comfortable with each other and can take jokes.

Speaking at Istana Merdeka, the presidential palace in central here, Najib and Susilo acknowledged that the fruits of Indonesia-Malaysia cooperation were seen every year and had the opportunity to increase.

"Our cooperation and partnership continue to increase from year to year," said Susilo.

"We are often unaware that there are many achievements we can obtain.

"We are maintaining this momentum to further expand (our partnership) in the future."

After their joint press conference, Najib and Susilo were joined by their wives, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and Kristiani Herawati, for lunch in the next building.

The four made their way there on a golf buggy.

Susilo drove the buggy, while Najib sat next to him and took a "selfie". Rosmah and Kristiani sat in the back.

For lunch, they sampled "salad ayam panggang, sos paprika, soto padang and nasi kapau", said a palace chef.

The outgoing Indonesian leader has laid a strong foundation for Malaysia-Indonesia ties, despite some "irritants" from time to time.

Najib can certainly count on him to smoothen out ties between the two countries in the future.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and greeted by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the Istana Merdeka in Jakarta yesterday. Pic by Zahari Zakaria

Cuepacs seeks senatorship

Posted: 19 Dec 2013 08:01 AM PST

20 December 2013| last updated at 11:19PM
By TASNIM LOKMAN | news@nst.com.my

 KUALA LUMPUR: THE Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil  Services (Cuepacs) has proposed a senatorship for its leader to enable it to continue fighting for civil servants in the country.

Its newly elected president, Azih Muda, who is also Amalgamated National Union of Local Authorities Employees president, said the proposal had been submitted to Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

"The senatorship should be perfect for Datuk Omar (Osman, who is formerly Cuepacs president) as he has vast experience in handling civil servants. If they (the government) can accord senatorship to the Malaysian Trades Union Congress and leaders of other bodies or groups, why not one for someone who represents the civil servants?"

Azih, who has been Cuepacs deputy president 1 for seven years, defeated Malaysian Forces Civil Servants Union president Ahmad Shah Mohd Zain by a 390-vote majority at its triennial congress yesterday. He garnered 701 votes while Ahmad Shah had 311.

Replacing Azih is Zainal Ismail, who is also Perak Cuepacs deputy president. Johor Cuepacs chief Mohd Shamam Jaes is Cuepacs deputy president 2.

Secretary-general Lok Yim Peng retained her post while Adnan Mat, Abdul Rahman Mohd Nordin and Mahamad Baharum were voted in as Cuepacs deputy secretaries-general.

Azih said his three-year plan included setting RM4,000 as the minimum wage for support staff, such as drivers. Those with Penilaian Menengah Rendah qualifications will also be eligible if his plan goes through.

"The cost of living is getting higher. So, the government must look into public welfare by providing more allowances and incentives.

"We feel that a monthly salary of RM4,000 for drivers is ideal with the country moving towards achieving a fully developed nation status."

Former president Datuk Omar Osman (right) is unable to hold back his tears after relinquishing his post of seven years at Cuepacs' triennial congress in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. With him is the new president, Azih Muda. Pic by Abdullah Yusof

Celebrate VMY14 and win prizes

Posted: 19 Dec 2013 08:01 AM PST

20 December 2013| last updated at 11:15PM

Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab said the contest was aimed at urging Malaysians to assist in promoting the event.

"We hope to see the support and participation of the people in making this much-anticipated event a success. Participants stand a chance at winning attractive monthly prizes, which include domestic travel packages and hotel accommodations."

Participants are required to snap photos of the VMY sticker on their car with any local tourist attraction as the backdrop and upload and share it with 10 friends on www.facebook.com/CutiCuti1Malaysia.

The contest will be held from Jan 1 to March 31, and the lucky winners will be chosen each month.

The VMY 2014 stickers, which features the mascot of next year's event, the proboscis monkey, are distributed at 15 locations nationwide, including the Sungai Besi Toll in Selangor, the Skudai Toll in Johor, the Ayer Keroh Toll in Malacca, the Penang Bridge Toll, the Senawang Toll in Seremban, the Batu Tiga in Shah Alam, the Hutan Kampung Toll in Kedah and Tapah R&R in Perak.

They are also being issued in the Jabor Toll in Terengganu, the Tun Salahudin Bridge Toll in Sarawak, the Kuala Perlis Jetty, KB Mall in Kelantan, Kota Kinabalu Airport in Sabah, Kuantan Sentral, the Urban Transformation Centre in Bentong, Pahang as well as all Tourism Malaysia state offices and Tourist Information Centres around the country.

For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia's Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/CutiCuti1Malaysia.

Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab showing VMY 2014 stickers featuring the mascot of next year's event, the proboscis monkey. Pic by Rosela Ismail

30,988 score all As

Posted: 19 Dec 2013 08:01 AM PST

PUTRAJAYA: A TOTAL of 30,988 or 7.33 per cent of the 422,506 candidates of  the last batch of students sitting the Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) examination this year, scored grade A in all subjects, compared with 30,474 last year.

Education director-general Datuk Dr Khair Mohamad Yusof said this was an increase of 0.41 per cent or 514 candidates, who scored all As, from last year's results.

"There was improvement in all subjects, except Bahasa Melayu, which saw a drop of 0.03 point in Subject Grade Point Average (GPMP) from 2.32 last year."

Khair said the number of candidates who obtained Grade E in all subjects increased to 307 (0.07 per cent) from 241 last year.

"The results showed urban candidates outperformed those in rural areas," he said, adding that the number of urban candidates who scored A in all subjects rose 0.64 per cent, from 8.81 per cent last year to 9.45 per cent this year, while in the rural areas, there was a 0.73 per cent increase in top scorers.

Khair said the results showed candidates scored better in English, while Mathematics and Science saw an increase of 0.03 and 0.04 GPMP point, respectively.

He said the performance of those with special needs, totalling 2,300 candidates, saw a slight drop of straight A scorers, from 14 to 11.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in congratulating those who excelled in PMR, said he hoped the students would be able to sustain their efforts towards achieving bigger successes in the future.

"Congratulations to all students who achieved excellent results in the PMR. Carry on with your efforts as this is the start of bigger successes to come," he tweeted.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also education minister, also conveyed his congratulations to the candidates who excelled in this year's PMR.

"Congratulations to students who achieved outstanding results in the PMR. Congratulations and thanks to the parents and teachers for their sacrifice and toil," he tweeted.

In Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory Education Department director Abdullah Mad Yunus said although the number of straight As students decreased to 1,683 compared to 1,838 last year, the GPMP for 10 of the 14 subjects was higher than the average grade at the national level.

"Overall performance improved as the state average grade index of 2.57 is higher than the national average grade index of 2.67," he said, adding the results correlated with the lower number of students who sat for the examinations this year (19,440 students) compared with last year's 20,846.

The top four performing schools in Kuala Lumpur which scored 100 per cent passing rate were SM Sains Selangor, SM Agama Kuala Lumpur, SM Kebangsaan Aminuddin Baki and SM Agama Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan.

In Johor, state Education Department director Mohd Nor A. Ghani said 3,948 candidates, including three special needs students, scored straight As, compared with 3,916 candidates last year.

He said SMK Sultan Ismail recorded the highest number of straight A scorers (155 students), followed by SMK Tinggi Kluang (144) and Sekolah Tun Fatimah (130).

He said the state overall achievement improved this year with a State Average Grade (GPN) of 2.65 as compared with 2.69 last year.

In Sarawak, state Education Department director Datuk Abdillah Adam said more rural students scored straight As this year.

"This year's results showed the gap between urban and rural students had narrowed," he said, adding 1,729 of the 37,375 candidates scored all As, an increase of 0.05 per cent, from 4.58 per cent last year to 4.63 per cent this year. He said the achievement was the best in 11 years.

In Penang, state Education director Datuk Ahmad Tarmizi Kamaruddin said, 2,268 of the 23,164 candidates obtained all As, including 232 students with 9As and 1,633 with 8As, Bernama reported.

He said SM Sains Tun Syed Sheh Shahabuddin emerged the best school, followed by SMK Bukit Jambul and SMK Agama Al-Irshad.

In Kedah, the number of candidates who scored all As increased to 6.8 per cent, from 5.94 per cent last year.

Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir said the number of candidates who scored all As increased by 0.14 per cent, from 2,083 in 2012 to 2,264 this year, Bernama reported.

"This showed an increase of 2.52 per cent, from 64.29 per cent last year to 66.78 per cent this year. The average grade increased by 0.08 point, from 2.81 last year to 2.73 this year," he said at SMK Sultanah Bahiyah today.

He said 13 schools obtained 100 per cent passes in PMR this year.

In Malacca, state Education Department director Kasim Mohamad said 1,011 of the 13,661 candidates obtained all As, an increase of 0.56 per cent from 982 candidates last year. He said the State Average Grade (GPN) was the best in 10 years and six schools obtained 100 per cent passes.

The six schools were SM Sains Muzaffar Shah, SMK Tinggi Perempuan Melaka, SMK Ghafar Baba, SMKA Sharifah Rodziah, SMK Dang Anum and SMA (JAIM) Assaiyidah Khadijah.

In Terengganu, state Education Department director Zakaria Hussin said this year's result was the best in nine years with 1,733 or 8.19 per cent of the 21,159 candidates obtaining all As, an increase of 175 people or 1.04 per cent from 1,558 candidates (7.15 per cent) last year. Twenty-eight of the 138 schools achieved GPN of between 1.00 and 1.80, he added.

In Perak, State Education Director Muhamat Roli Hassan said 3,200 students scored straight As, compared with 3,176 candidates last year. He said 38,872 candidates sat for the PMR examination at 315 centres in the state and 2,205 candidates from urban schools and 905 students from rural schools obtained A in all subjects.

In Negri Sembilan, 1,653 candidates from government schools obtained A in all subjects.

The 10 schools were Kolej Tunku Kurshiah; Sekolah Datuk Abdul Razak; SM Sains Rembau; SM Sains Tuanku Ja'afar; SM Agama Persekutuan Labu; SMK Agama Datuk Haji Abu Hassan; SMK King George Kelima; Sekolah Berasrama Penuh Integrasi Jempol; SMK Agama Sheikh Haji Mohd Said and SMK Puteri.

In Sabah, state Education Department deputy director Maimunah Suhaibul said 23,622 candidates or 63.86 per cent obtained D in all subjects, adding that the number of candidates who obtained straight As dropped to 916 people this year, from 922 last year.

The 10 schools with the best results were SM Sains Lahad Datu, SM Sains Sabah, SMKA Kota Kinabalu, SM Islamiah, Tawau; SMKA Tun Ahmad Shah, SMKA Mohd Ali, Ranau; SMKA Sandakan, SM St Micheal, Penampang; SMKA Tun Mustapha and SM St All Saints.

In Perlis, 307 candidates obtained A in all subjects compared with 244 candidates last year.

In Kelantan, this year's result was the best in six years, said state Education Department director Hussain Awang as 1,655 or 6.78 per cent of the 34,000 candidates obtained straight As. Additional reporting by Goh Pei Pei, Balqis Nasir, Esther Landau and Sarah Rahim

Nursyuhaddah Abu Hassan Asha'ari, 15, revelling in her 8As results at SMK Bukit Bandaraya, Lorong Maarof, Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Pic by Salhani Ibrahim

2 charged with abducting baby

Posted: 19 Dec 2013 08:01 AM PST

20 December 2013| last updated at 11:16PM
By MELISSA DARLYNE CHOW | news@nst.com.my

 GEORGE TOWN: TWO women appeared before the Sessions Court here yesterday to face two counts of kidnapping and trafficking a 7-month-old baby.

Clerk Zuzita Ahmad, 43, and shop assistant Ooi Hooi Ling, 36, claimed trial to the offences.

On the first charge, the duo allegedly kidnapped the baby from the care of her grandmother at a flat in Lorong Lembah Ria 1, Taman Happy Valley, at 3.30pm last Thursday.

The second offence was allegedly committed at the surau of a longhouse in Tanjung Tokong at 5pm the same day.

Under Section 363 of the Penal Code, the kidnapping offence carries a maximum seven years' jail and fine, while the second offence, under Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, carries a maximum 20 years' jail and fine upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Lim Cheah Yit asked the court not to grant bail to the two accused on the grounds that the offences were serious.

She said human trafficking was becoming rampant and should be stamped out.

"Both accused know the complainant, who is the baby's grandmother.

"There is a risk if both the accused were granted bail, they would threaten and harass the complainant.

"They know where the grandmother and infant stay.

"It is also in the interest of the public. The prosecution objects to bail being granted."

Zuzita, in pleading for bail, said she had an ailing mother to care for, as well as schoolgoing children.

"I have someone to bail me out. I will also hire a lawyer."

Ooi told the court that someone would be posting bail for her.

Sessions Court judge Wan Norzanuar Wan Ahmad denied bail to both accused and fixed Jan 22 for case management.

Both accused were not represented.

Zuzita Ahmad and Ooi Hooi Ling being led out of the Sessions Court in George Town yesterday. Pic by Asman Ibrahim

End to maid impasse?

Posted: 19 Dec 2013 08:01 AM PST

JAKARTA: INDONESIAN domestic maids may return in big numbers to Malaysia under a proposed deal announced by the Malaysian and Indonesian governments yesterday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said, after wide-ranging bilateral talks with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Jakarta, key private sector groups in both countries might be roped in again to handle the recruitment of maids.

Arrivals of Indonesian maids in Malaysia have dwindled after the government capped the cost structure of hiring the maids at RM4,511, well below the Malaysian Association of Foreign Maid Agencies' (Papa) proposed rate of RM7,500.

"I have agreed that the MoU (signed in Nov 2011 in Bali, Indonesia) on the cooperation in labour, especially with regard to domestic maids, be expanded to include the private sectors that represent both nations," he told a news conference at the presidential palace.

"An MoU should be signed between Papa and Apjati (its Indonesian counterpart -- Association of Indonesian Manpower Services).

"If both sides sign the MoU, I am confident that the number of Indonesian domestic maids in Malaysia can reach our desired levels.

"So far, only 513 maids have arrived in Malaysia under the current (government-to-government) mechanism."

Indonesia imposed a temporary freeze on the supply of maids to Malaysia on June 26, 2009, following reports of abuse by employers.

The freeze was lifted following an agreement between Najib and Susilo in December 2011.

Meanwhile, Apjati was optimistic that the latest arrangement agreed by the two leaders would help resolve the impasse on the arrival of foreign maids to Malaysia.

Najib and Susilo, who had an hour-long meeting, followed by their delegation meeting at their annual consultation, also discussed a host of other issues, including haze, transnational crime, student visas, trade and the marketing of palm oil.

Both leaders also spoke on the issue of spying following recent claims of an alleged American-led spying network in Asia, and Malaysia's initiative on the global movement of moderates.

Susilo said Najib has agreed to support Jakarta's move to galvanise Asean nations at the next Asean leaders' summit in Myanmar in April 2014 to reject spying within the Asean member states and from outside Asean.

The only Asean state implicated in the spying scandal so far is Singapore.

The annual consultation, the 10th in the series and the fourth between Najib and the Indonesian leader, has made much progress in bilateral relations in recent years, a fact acknowledged by both leaders.

"This has been a very productive mechanism," Najib said.

Eight Malaysian ministers and 19 Indonesian ministers attended yesterday's talks, underpinning the commitment by the two sides to take their relations to greater heights.

Later, Susilo and his wife hosted Najib and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, for lunch at Istana Negara.

Earlier, after their talks at Istana Merdeka in central Jakarta, Najib and Susilo witnessed the signing of two MoUs, one on youth and sports cooperation and the other on student visa programmes.

Najib also spoke on the need to step up bilateral trade and investments to drive the economic growth of the two resource-rich nations.

Both Malaysia and Indonesia are the world's top palm oil producers and are key oil and gas producers.

He said there should be a major shift in trade ties to help achieve the targeted bilateral trade volumes of US$30 billion (RM98.3 billion) by 2015, up from US$20-$23 billion this year.

He said trade ministers from both countries were finding ways to step up trade, including by removing some non-tariff barriers and mutually recognising halal certifications produced by both countries.

On palm oil, both sides agreed to step up bilateral cooperation to ensure more stable prices and jointly fight the anti-palm lobby in Western countries.

On the perennial haze problem caused by forest fires in Sumatra, Susilo said Indonesia and Malaysia would embark on a "concrete" cooperation to deal with the problem.

He did not, however, say when Indonesia would sign the Asean agreement on trans-boundary haze pollution.

Speaking to reporters later, Education Minister II Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said the MoU on student pass/stay permit and visas for higher education would allow Indonesian students studying in Malaysia to be given a two-year pass, instead of just one year currently, and vice-versa.

There are now more than 10,000 Indonesians studying in Malaysia, and some 5,000 Malaysian students studying in Indonesia.