Harakah and Suara Keadilan banned

Monday, 23 March 2009 19:41

By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 — In a move that appears to be geared towards handicapping the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) machinery ahead of the three by-elections on April 7, Suara Keadilan and Harakah have been banned for three months by the Home Ministry with immediate effect.

The party organs of Pas and PKR respectively were informed of the decision around 5pm this evening by fax with no reason given.

This effectively bars them from covering the Umno general assembly and the Bukit Gantang, Bukit Selambau and Batang Ai by-elections.

The letter to Harakah was addressed to Pas secretary-general Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar, who told The Malaysian Insider that the suspension would put PR campaigns at an unfair disadvantage.

“This comes at a time when it is most crucial for us to disseminate information to supporters,” he said.

“Such moves do not give us confidence in the future administration given the events of recent weeks,” he said referring to what has been perceived as strong arm tactics by incoming prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, especially with regards to the Perak power grab on Feb 5.

He added that the party would appeal to Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar to reinstate Harakah.

Suara Keadilan editor Zulkiflee Anwar Al-Haq told The Malaysian Insider that until a decision was made by the party leadership, it would continue operations.

He added that PKR leaders would announce its decision at a press conference to be held at Parliament tomorrow.

In the aftermath of the Perak crisis last month, thousands of copies of both publications were seized.

On Feb 26, the Home Ministry had also ordered Harakah to show cause over the offences of public distribution and publishing content on current issues as its printing permit allowed it to distribute within party premises and report on party matters only.

Ali accepts verdict with 'open heart'

By : Jason Gerald John (NST) 2009/03/22
MALACCA: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam yesterday described his disqualification from contesting the Umno deputy presidency as the most challenging period of his involvement in the party.

Saying he accepted the decision, Ali added: "What is most important is that we are guided by our purpose. That is why whatever happens to me, I am ready to face it."

The Umno vice-president said he was committed to the party.

"I did not place high hopes on the appeal. I knew my chances were only 50-50, so I am not all that disappointed. As for the decision by the disciplinary board, I accept the outcome of the appeal with an open heart."
Yesterday, the Umno appeals panel unanimously rejected Ali's appeal against the decision to bar him from contesting in party elections next week.

He was one of the contenders for the post of deputy president.

"As a loyal party man, I will not shy away from the Umno general assembly. I urge all my supporters from near and far to remain calm and accept the decision.

"Also, it is a must for them to attend the general assembly and choose the new leadership to ensure the party remains strong and relevant."

Ali was speaking after attending a wedding at the home of his former neighbour, Kamsiah Bujang, at Taman Saujana Indah in Bukit Katil, here.

He and his wife, Datin Seri Asmah Abd Rahman, spent almost an hour at the wedding of Alias Mihad and Nurfadila Noorle.

Ali said the rejection of his appeal did not dampen his spirit.

"I have been with the party for 41 years and nothing can make me leave the party I love and have committed my life to. I will continue the struggle with the help of all party leaders and members.

"I will focus on the grassroots as they are the pillar of Umno and the Barisan Nasional."

On the contest for the party's deputy presidency, Ali said he left it to the delegates to choose either one of his "two best friends", Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib.

"Now, there are only two candidates to choose from and I believe it would be easier for the delegates to select one.

"I hope they are able to make a wise choice, and to the candidate who emerges victorious, I hope he will be a good leader."

GAZA

1. The world seem to be condemning Israel for the inhuman attack against Gaza. But as usual the world does nothing. Why not? Because Israel is backed by the United States of America.

2. The world should also condemn the United States. The planes and the bombs are all made in America. If they are lost the US will replace them. And the US will finance Israel so as to continue its bestiality.

3. For as long as the US backs Israel, we will continue to see Israel ignoring world opinion as it murders the Palestinians Arabs, and destroys their towns and cities.

4. When I said Israel rules the world by proxy, the American media and Government condemned me. But it is a fact that only those candidates approved by Israel can win elections in America. So much for democracy in the United States. Lets see the stand of the United States' new President.

5. Incidentally we should also realise that we are, in a small way, helping Israel. Israeli persimmons (pisang kaki) are sold in supermarkets in Kuala Lumpur.

6. Singapore is Israel's channel to penetrate the Malaysian market.

By Dr. Mahathir Mohamad : www.chedet.com