PM: Hudud not rejected by govt |
- PM: Hudud not rejected by govt
- 'No significant price hikes'
- 'A good place to settle'
- Debris on beach 'not from MH370'
- Malaysians pose questions to Obama
- Plane turns back after landing gear failure
| PM: Hudud not rejected by govt Posted: 24 Apr 2014 09:01 AM PDT 25 April 2014| last updated at 12:26AM ALOR STAR: THE Federal Government has never rejected hudud, but there are many issues and obstacles that need to be addressed before the Islamic law can be implemented in the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. He said the Federal Government supported any effort to implement hudud, but cautioned that it was paramount to ensure that Muslim and non-Muslim communities truly understood the concept of hudud to prevent misunderstandings. "Before we can implement hudud, it is paramount to make sure that the Muslim community is fully prepared in terms of understanding, physical and mental. "This also covers the non-Muslim community, as it must be given a true and comprehensive understanding of Islamic law to preserve the sanctity of Islamic teachings," he said before closing the 2014 Malaysia Pondok Ijtimak at Sri Mentaloon here yesterday. Present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom and Malaysia Pondok Development Foundation (MPDF) executive chairman Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim. Najib said there was a significant difference between rejecting hudud and not being able to implement the Islamic law because of existing obstacles. "That is why we need ulama (Islamic clerics) to conduct an in-depth study on the viability of implementing hudud in the country and to come up with ijtihad (consensus) on the matter. We need to make sure that justice, which is the ultimate goal of Islamic law, can be delivered through hudud." He reassured the 1,300 pondok (religious) school owners, board of trustees and students that his administration was consistent in upholding Islam and keeping firm to the wassatiyyah (moderation) concept, which was based on justice, excellence and balance. "The government is committed to implementing 'Maqasid Syariah' in the administrative system, which champions and preserves religion, life, descendants and properties." Najib said the government would continue transforming the pondok school institution, in line with the national Islamic Education agenda. He said the effort was part of the government's recognition of the institution's role in upholding Islam and defending the religion from threats like liberalism, secularism, pluralism and other teachings that contradicted true Islamic teachings. At the event, Najib announced a RM500,000 grant for MPDF to compile and rehabilitate old kitab (religious books) and religious reference materials. He announced that the government would provide places and scholarships for students and teachers from pondok schools to further their studies at institutions of higher learning in the country. "The government has provided 100 places for those from pondok schools. Fifty will be for teachers, who will be given places at the Bangi Islamic Education Complex, while the other 50 will be given to students for places in Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia in Nilai." He also announced that the 1Malaysia Development Board would extend its haj sponsorship to 20 teachers from pondok schools. Meanwhile, Ustaz Mohammad Kazim Elias said the government's stand that it was not ready to implement hudud for now did not contradict Islamic teachings. In Jitra, Najib said the Rural Transformation Centre (RTC) had helped mitigate the impact of the price hike of essential goods for those living in its vicinity, as the people were able to buy such goods at lower prices. He said this was proven by the fact that the government had not received any complaints over the price hike from those living near the five RTCs nationwide.  Datuk Seri Najib Razak talking with Malaysia Pondok Ijtimak panellists Prof Emeritus Dr Surin Pitsuwan (right) and Datuk Dr Muhammad Afifi Al-Akiti in Alor Star yesterday. Pic by Amran Hamid  |
| Posted: 24 Apr 2014 09:01 AM PDT PUTRAJAYA: PRICES of several food items in the country have remained under control during the first quarter of the year, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. He said checks by the Special Cabinet Committee to tackle the rising cost of living showed that there was no significant increase in the prices of standard chicken, eggs, fish and meat between January and March. Muhyiddin, who is also chairman of the committee which was established early this year, said the conclusion was based on the outcome of price checks conducted by the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry at 9,500 business premises nationwide. "The ministry collected data on the prices of fresh produce, grocery or dried products, canned or packed items, baby food products, spices and ready-cook food items. "The outcome of this analysis, which was conducted from the first week of January until the end of March, showed there was no substantial price increase. "There were even food items that recorded a reduction in price," Muhyiddin said after chairing the meeting yesterday. Yesterday's meeting was the second held this year. The two-hour meeting, which ended at 11.30am, was attended by Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hassan Malek, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof and Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek. Muhyiddin cited few examples on the price comparison of several food items in the peninsula, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan between January and March. "The price of standard chicken increased by 10 sen to RM7.70 in the peninsula. "However, there was a drop (for price of standard chicken) from RM9.10 to RM8.70 in Sarawak, from RM10.70 to RM9.80 in Sabah and from RM10.60 to RM10.52 in Labuan." He said the retail price of local meat had increased from RM24.20 to RM24.90 in the peninsula, while the price in Sabah dropped by RM1.40 to RM19.90. The prices of ikan kembung hitam (mackerel) had also dropped in the peninsula, Sarawak and Labuan during the first quarter. In Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, the prices of mackerel dropped from RM8.60 to RM8.10 and RM8 to RM7.50, respectively. In Labuan, the price of mackerel dropped by RM2 from RM12 to RM10. However, in Sabah, it increased by 70 sen to RM7.40. Muhyiddin said price of grade B chicken eggs (for every 10 pieces) remained the same for Peninsular Malaysia (RM3.70), Sabah (RM3.90) and Labuan (RM4.30). In Sarawak, it dropped by RM0.30 to RM3.30. He said under "Op Harga 2014", a total 437,992 business premises were inspected with legal action initiated against 2,925 traders until Sunday (April 20). "A total of RM521,453.87 worth of items were seized and RM147,550 in compound fines issued." The first "Op Harga", which was a large-scale operation to check profiteering by errant traders, was launched in July last year. Muhyiddin also said that until last Tuesday, the government had spent RM14.2 million to purchase stocks for nine commodities. He said through the Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority and the National Fishermen's Association, the government had stocked up ample supply of tomato, cabbage, coconut, potato, onion, small red onion, carrot, fish and chicken.  Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin chairing the Special Cabinet Committee meeting in Putrajaya yesterday. With him are Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek (left) and Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. Pic by Mohd Fadli Hamzah |
| Posted: 24 Apr 2014 09:01 AM PDT 25 April 2014| last updated at 11:40PM They said this following United States President Barack Obama's forthcoming visit to Malaysia. American Association of Malaysia (AAM) second vice-president Stephanie Emilo, 35, said one of the things she loved most about Malaysia was it's constant growing on the world stage. "I believe that is why Obama is visiting, to show Americans more about this country. I love the diversity, not only in the people, but also the food. "Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant city. It is much like New York City. It never seems to sleep. You can find food and fun 24 hours a day," said the mother of one, who is expecting a second child next month. Emilo, from Burlington, Vermont, has been living in Malaysia since November 2012. Her husband, Jason, works with local property development and investment firm, Brunsfield International Group. "We accepted (the offer) as we had read so many great things about the country and wanted to raise our children outside of the US so they could see the world from a new and different perspective. "When we decided to move here, we did so with the intention of staying long-term. My husband is in discussions to extend his contract (which was for two years)." Emilo said although they do not own a property here, they were keeping their eyes open for the right opportunity. She was glad the people were warm and welcoming as it made the transition less difficult for them to be far from "home". Emilo said to succeed here and in life, one should have an open mind and a willingness to adapt. "While it is great that I can find all of the food and products I used back home, I love that I now know which local brands to use. "There is no point in living abroad if you are going to hold on to your old self as an American instead of your new self as an American living in Malaysia." She said Malaysians should be proud Obama was coming here because it showed the willingness of the West to work with Malaysia and to showcase the country to Americans, many of whom had a limited knowledge of Asia. Asked where Obama should visit Emilo suggested the KL Bird Park and Langkawi. As for local food, she said he should try nasi lemak and satay. For AAM president Cindy Childress, Kuala Lumpur is a good place for Americans because there are many opportunities for children's activities, golf and diving, and spas and shopping. "I have gained a whole new level of understanding on Asia since I moved here." Meanwhile, an American from Wisconsin, who only wants to be known as Norhayati, 69, said one of the advantages of living in a place other than her own country is that she became more open-minded and more aware of what the rest of the world was like. "I'm pleased I had the privilege. As far as I'm concerned, Malaysia is my home since I married my husband whom I met when we were studying in the US," said Norhayati who has lived here since 1970. Stephanie Emilo (left), with husband Jason and son Oliver, says Malaysians are warm and welcoming |
| Debris on beach 'not from MH370' Posted: 24 Apr 2014 09:01 AM PDT 25 April 2014| last updated at 12:22AM The debris, found on Wednesday on a beach at the southern tip of Western Australia state, was seen as the first lead since April 4 when authorities detected what they believed was a signal from the black box of missing flight MH370. However, it took Australian authorities less than a day to analyse detailed photographs of the beached debris, no description of which was given, and dismiss the possibility that it may be linked to the plane. "We're not seeing anything in this that would lead us to believe that it is from a Boeing aircraft," said Australian Transport Safety Bureau commissioner Martin Dolan. That puts the focus of the search, back on US Navy undersea drone Bluefin-21, which would soon finish scouring a 10 square kms (6.2 square mile) stretch of seabed where the acoustic pings were located. Authorities said if Bluefin-21 fails to find a trace of the plane in its initial target search area, some 2,000 kms (1,200 miles) northwest of the Western Australian city of Perth, it will be re-deployed to new areas, still to be determined. On Wednesday, Acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said that authorities would be "increasing the assets that are available for deep-sea search" and that his government was seeking help from state oil company Petronas which has expertise in deep-sea exploration. Search authorities would need to "regroup and re-strategise" if nothing was found in the current search zone, but the search would "always continue", Hishammuddin said. Australian search officials said weather conditions may impact the search after the air component was suspended for the previous two days because of heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas related to Tropical Cyclone Jack. Up to 11 military aircraft and 11 ships were expected to help with the day's search. Reuters  The Phoenix International Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Artemis, also known as the Bluefin-21, being positioned, as it is prepared for deployment from the Australian Defence Vessel Ocean Shield. Reuters pic |
| Malaysians pose questions to Obama Posted: 24 Apr 2014 09:01 AM PDT 25 April 2014| last updated at 11:39PM KUALA LUMPUR: WITH the visit of United States President Barack Obama tomorrow, Malaysians have flooded the US embassy's Facebook page with questions. The embassy had invited Malaysians to pose questions for Obama to answer under the posting entitled "Ask President Obama!" and the people did not disappoint. The questions posed, among others, were on economic development, politics, religion, education, environment and youth empowerment. Selected questions will be sent to the organisers of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) who will pose the questions during the town hall meeting with Obama at Dewan Tunku Cancelor, Universiti Malaya on Sunday. Among those, who posed questions, was Sheena Maria Moses from Kuala Lumpur. "In June 2013, you (Obama) delivered a speech on climate change that touched environmentalists and I am sure even a few climate change sceptics around the world. In your speech you generally acknowledged the fact that the 'planet is warming and human activity is contributing to it'." She said it was a known fact that developing nations face the challenge of moving up economically whilst struggling to enforce environmental protection laws. "How will the Trans-Pacific Partnership (Agreement) and the increase in economic activity from its implementation help reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions and protect the natural resources of the four developing nations included in the partnership and how is this being enforced in the TPP agreements?" Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel from Batu Pahat, Johor asked: "What should the government of a country, which is growing in many aspects, act on the development of young entrepreneurs as there are many unwanted challenges faced by them? "What is your advice to those nations?" Mohd Hafidz Ras from Miri said Obama had inspired him with his leadership, charisma and influence. "What will (the US) government and other Asean governments do to develop and polish YSEALI's participation and what is the road map for us?" Farizah Ahmad, who spoke highly of the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Programme, asked: "I am interested to know if the US government is planning on introducing any new education-based initiatives in continuing educational collaboration between Malaysia and the US in the near future?" People from various countries, such as Singapore, Australia, Myanmar, India and the United Kingdom also sent in questions.  President Barack Obama is scheduled to attend a town hall meeting at Dewan Tunku Canselor Universiti Malaya on Sunday. |
| Plane turns back after landing gear failure Posted: 24 Apr 2014 09:01 AM PDT 25 April 2014| last updated at 12:22AM KUALA LUMPUR: A FIREFLY flight to Kota Baru had to return to Penang International Airport (PIA) yesterday after the ATR-72 aircraft developed a technical problem. Flight FY1002/MH9948 had to turn around shortly after taking off at 6.55am when its landing gear failed to retract. It turned around 15 minutes after take-off, landing at PIA again at 7.30am. Firefly said the aircraft landed safely with its 64 passengers, including four crew, unhurt. "The flight was rescheduled and departed from Penang at 8.50am on April 24 and arrived safely in Kota Baru at 9.50am. As safety is of utmost priority to Firefly Airlines, the aircraft was required to turn back to PIA," the airline said. The airline said PIA did not deploy any of its Airport Fire Rescue Services tenders as the landing was considered routine. The twin turboprop aircraft has been sent to Firefly's base in Subang for repairs. Meanwhile, Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) director-general Datuk Azharuddin Abdul Rahman said the airline would be asked to submit a report soon. This is the second such incident involving a Malaysia Airlines flight or that of one of its subsidiaries in under a week. On Monday, MAS flight MH192 to Bangalore was forced to return to Kuala Lumpur International Airport when one of its tyres burst during take-off. In George-Town, a Firefly ground crew member said the pilot of the flight radioed the control tower almost immediately after takeoff after a warning light appeared in the cockpit. "The landing gear would not retract. (When the pilot radioed the tower) he was advised to turn the airplane back to the airport," said the ground crew member who declined identification. He said there appeared to be some jitters on the faces of some of the passengers as they disembarked. They were put on another aircraft, for the flight to Kota Baru.  An ATR-72 aircraft similar to flight FY1002/MH9948, which was forced to turn back due to technical failure, at Penang International Airport. Pic by Danial Saad |
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