MORE PICS – Najib Blowing Trumpet in France – with Oil Money – Sending a Space Tourist & purchasing TWO Scorpene Submarines; No Money for Road Repairs

ABOVE: Ringgt 1.7 Billion each, this white elephant to ward off attack from Indonesia, S'pore, Thailand or Philippines? What would be the operational cost to run this monster?. BELOW: the Specs which are subject to change especially the no of torpedoes.

Scorpene submarine launched in France Oct 24, 07 10:48am

The first of two controversial Scorpene-class submarines was inaugurated yesterday in the northern port city of Cherbourg during a visit by DPM Najib Razak. More

	Abdul Razak Baginda controversy
	Half-billion ringgit 'commission

Malaysiakini had the earlier story on this launch but is very much preoccupied with the looming deadline that Anwar Ibrahin is facing tomorrow. There is a call for solidarity

The government must also admit that the extravaganza in the last two days is bought with the Petronas Oil money solely for the purpose of the kickbacks, in the case of the submarine deal; RM500 as unnecessary agent’s fee for a RM3.4 Billion deal. For the RM90M Space Flight, DAP MP Tan Seng Ghiaw has quoted a ballooned figure of RM589M. Why squandered all these money when the latest report in parliament (see below) - Samy has claimed there is NO money to repair rural roads due to “financial constraints ”.

Najib was quoted in France

” We have come a long way. The Royal Malaysian Navy waited, some twenty years to acquire our submarines. But it is .a time that is worth waiting for because submarines are strategic assets. And for us to acquire strategic assets, we have to plan for it.”

And the same goes for the kickbacks, all of them are planning on them by spending, the more mega, the more are the kickbacks and it is also worth waiting all the time.

And the latest in the spending M'sia to build own satellit

Malaysiakini.tv is still on Cops fail to obtain statements from Bar Council

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October 24, 2007 12:15 PM
Admit That Malaysia Is Great, Says Najib

From Roslan Ariffin

PARIS, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that all parties should acknowledge that Malaysia has benefited from the wisdom of its leaders over the years, thus enabling it to surpass the achievements of many other countries. The deputy prime minister said Malaysia's successes since achieving independence 50 years ago had made other countries including developed ones keen to adopt the country's visionary formula of success. "As Malaysians, we must be proud as the country has enjoyed stability not only politically but also economically, with good racial ties and strong national security not found elsewhere, making the country the envy of many others," he said at a dinner with Malaysian citizens and students here Tuesday. Najib is on a four-day visit to France. He said Malaysia had made history in the last two days -- sending the first Malaysian to space and launching its first submarine, Scorpene.

He said the two success stories would have remained mere dreams had it not been for the efforts of the country's wise leaders who always had the people's interest at heart. Malaysia, which started as a world producer of natural rubber, had overcome the hurdles because of the strong support of the people since independence, he said. Najib admitted that the Barisan Nasional government was not perfect but the weaknesses should not make the people lose confidence in it. "No country in the world is perfect and has no shortcomings. What is important is that the government will always strive to make it better for the people," he said. He urged Malaysians overseas to promote the country as the best investment centre for foreign investors and for mutual benefit. "This is a competitive world. Malaysia must be more competitive, this is a new challenge for us," Najib. He was speaking to 500 Malaysians, including those who have stayed in France for over 40 years like singer Datuk Shake and students studying at several universities.

Present were Najib's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis, Malaysian ambassador to France Datuk S.Thanarajasingam and Chief of Defence Forces Jen Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal.

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October 24, 2007 01:19 AM
Submarines Will Expand Malaysia's Naval Capabilities - Najib

NAVAL CAPABILITY… Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor launches the submarine, which was named after Malaysia's first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. Pix: Kassim Saad
From Roslan Ariffin

CHERBOURG, (France) Oct 24 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Tuesday the Scorpene class submarine to be delivered in 2009 will significantly expand Malaysia's naval capabilities and usher the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) into a new era of development and progress. "It is crucial for Malaysia to have a small but credible and effective naval force not only to safeguard its sovereignity and maritime interests against any eventuality but more importantly contribute to the maritime security and safety in the region," he said at the launch and naming of Malaysia's first Scorpene submarine at the DCN Shipyard, here.

ABOVE & BELOW: Before smashing the bottle, the 2nd lady in waiting was forced to say some words

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ABOVE: The mineral Bottle in glass dangling before released and BELOW: smashed into th submarine hull. A mufti should have tag along to bless this monster ship.

Najib's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, launched the submarine which was named after Malaysia's first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. Najib said the introduction of the Scorpene submarine would certainly strengthen RMN's naval capability. He said the submarine acquisition would also contribute significantly towards creating a more balanced capability of the Malaysian Defence Forces.

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ABOVE & BELOW: Getting these state of the art submarines (RM3.4 billion) will cost millions to maintain them if they are not grounded in the Malacca Straits. And what for? to go fishing with them in the open South China Seas?

He also said that this first submarine, named "KD Tunku Abdul Rahman" was to symbolize historic events and Tunku's great contributions to the country as "Bapa Kemerdekaan" (Malaysia's father of independence). "I'm also pleased to announced that the Malaysian government has agreed to name this class of submarine as the Prime Minister's class. "This is in recognition of the late Tunku's contribution in leading the country to independence. His courage, wisdom and foresight managed to steer our nation to what it is today," he said.

ABOVE: The commander in Chief taking a peep at the periscope and BELOW: given a tour to the sophisticated instrumentations on board. It would be cheaper to employ a French crew to operate & maintain rather than to train & upgrade the locals who might take years to understand these controls

Najib also thanked the French government and the French Navy for the support and cooperation in helping the Malaysian Armed Forces on its modernisation programme and sharing submarine technology. "Malaysia and France have enjoyed a very long and good relationship. France was one of the first fifteen countries to recognize Malaysia after its independence. "It is my sincere hope this cooperation will continue to be developed and further enhanced," he added.

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October 22, 2007 21:24 PM

Najib Arrives For Four-day Visit To France

From Roslan Ariffin

PARIS, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak arrived here Monday for a four-day visit to France to attend the launch of Malaysia's first Scorpene submarine in Cherbourg and to meet French ministers. On hand to receive Najib, who was accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, at the Le Bourget Airport here at 1.30pm local time (7.30pm Malaysian time) were Malaysian Ambassador to France Datuk S. Thanarajasingam and senior Malaysian government officials. This is Najib's first visit to France after Nicolas Sarkozy was elected sixth president on May 6, succeeding Jacques Chirac. Najib's last visit to France was in mid 2005. Najib arrived here from a two-day visit to Russia to receive Malaysian angkasawan Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha whose Soyuz TMA-II spacecraft landed on earth yesterday, after a 11-day stint at the International Space Station (ISS). Tonight, Najib will attend a welcoming dinner hosted by Thanarajasingam at Malaysia House here. Speaking to Malaysian reporters, Thanarajasingam said later today the Deputy Prime Minister will attend a reception hosted by Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein at the Unesco building here. He said the reception was part of Najib's efforts to lend support to Hishammuddin who is vying for a seat in the 58-member Unesco's Executive Board at the ongoing biennial Unesco General Conference here. The conference is scheduled to elect the executive board members for a four-year term on Wednesday.

A long-standing Unesco member since 1958, Malaysia's last representation in the executive board was in 1999 by Najib himself, who was then the Education Minister. Thanarajasingam said the highlight of Najib's visit will be tomorrow when he witnesses the launch of Malaysia's own submarine in Cherbourg, a dock city where the submarine is manufactured, about 400km south-west of Paris.

He said Rosmah would launch the Scorpene submarine and name it. The second submarine will be delivered to Malaysia next year. In Cherbourg, Najib will be briefed on the submarine by Direction des Constructions Navales Services (DCNS), the company building the Malaysian Scorpene submarines. The 1.04 billion Euro (about RM3.4 billion) procurement of the submarines was signed in June 2002 between Malaysia, DCNS -- a French shipbuilding, submarine and naval services company, and Spanish shipbuilder Navantina. Thanarajasingam said on Tuesday Najib, who is also Defence Minister, is scheduled to meet his French counterpart Herve Morin. At a dinner here on Tuesday, Najib is expected to meet about 200 Malaysians and students in France. On the third day of his visit, he will deliver a public lecture entitled "Defence-Security Issues in outheast Asia" at Institute Francais des Relations and Internationals. "This event is important because French leaders and the people hoped Malaysia can explain to them the regional security issues in Asean. "Among them are the latest developments in Myanmar, security in the Straits of Melaka and possibility of an arms race in Asean (after Malaysia takes delivery of the submarine)," he said. Najib will depart for home via London on Thursday. Malaysia established diplomatic ties with France in July 1958.

There are about 1,000 government-sponsored students pursuing tertiary education in areas such as engineering in French universities. Mara and Telekom Malaysia have also sent students to the European nation. Total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from France to Malaysia from January to July stood at RM8.32 billion, making France Malaysia's fourth largest trading partner in the European Union. Last year, France accounted for 1.63 per cent of Malaysia's global trade, comprising 1.74 per cent exports and 1.49 per cent imports.

Malaysia is France's second largest trading partner in Asean after Singapore.

Thanarajasingam said France, Malaysia's 16th largest trading partner, was looking at developing several proposals to enhance Kuala Lumpur-Paris relations since there has been a lot of cooperation between the two countries over the years. Major exports from Malaysia are semiconductor devices, integrated circuits, cathode ray tubes, micro-assemblies, photo cells, audio and visual recorders, radios, automated data processing machines and apparel and clothing. Imports from France are semi-conductors, telecommunications equipment, parts and accessories, manufactured goods, chemicals and foodstuff as well as cosmetics and perfumery. French companies have also invested in Malaysia in areas such as electrical and electronics, rubber products, petroleum and coal, plastic products and food manufacturing.

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October 24, 2007 13:46 PM
Financial Problem Delaying Repair Of Rural Roads

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- The financial constraint faced by the state governments is delaying road repair works in rural areas, the Dewan Rakyat was told Wednesday. Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the delay was due to the high cost of repairing roads damaged by soil sedimentation. The Works Ministry only took care of federal roads while the state roads were under the state governments, he said in a written reply to Datuk Abdul Rahman Ariffin (BN-Jerlun). He said the Public Works Department in the states would carry out the repairs based on allocations from the state governments. Samy Vellu said the ministry had technical expertise on soil sedimentation under the Geotechnic Unit which was always ready to assist the state and district PWDs by providing technical advice

= == = == = No money, ask and it shall be given for Federal urgent expenditure. Why must they send the money to the State to spend without wetting their feet? Federal spending is best. Think of the recent floods in the southern parts, the infrastructure damages and the cost of repairs. How many instant millionaires has Samy created in the process of repairs? No tenders just get the allocation (it has to be approved, as it was a natural disaster) and divide amongst the “gang”.

And how did the PWD arrive at the RM350 million for the Killer roads? The cost is also estimated & inflated for the leakages. The RM160 million allocated would have been sufficient if proper tenders are utilized.

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PWD Needs RM350 Mln To Rectify Killer Roads

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- Work to rectify dangerous and accident-prone spots in the country is being hampered by insufficient funds. Deputy Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamad said the Public Works Department (PWD) was only allocated RM160 million when it would cost the department almost RM360 million to address the problem. "As such, the PWD is giving priority to killer stretches which are in need of urgent repair," he said when replying to Jelaing Anak Mersat (BN-Saratok) in the Dewan Rakyat today. Mohd Zin said 221 locations in Sarawak were identified as accident-prone locations and that the government had spent RM1 million to repair 71 of them. Another RM7.7 million had been spent to repair 106 of 139 accident-prone areas in Sabah. He said the cost included the installation of road signs

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October 24, 2007 22:10 PM
Plug Loopholes In Government Agencies, Says Auditor-General

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- Auditor-General Tan Sri Ambrin Buang said efforts must be made to plug loopholes in government agencies to prevent unscrupulous people from exploiting them. Responding to a suggestion by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) for a thorough review of direct negotiation procedures for government tenders, he said: "If this can help prevent corruption, then it must be supported." He told reporters this when met at the Aidilfitri gathering organised by the Prime Minister's Department which was opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi here today.

Commenting on the move to charge civil servants in court with abusing public funds based on the 2006 Auditor-General's Report he said: "Let the law take its course." "We'll see what will come out of it," he said. Ambrin, however, said the fact that there had been a follow-up action showed that the government was serious in tackling such problems. Asked whether he was satisfied with it, he said: "It's not about whether I'm satisfied or not. What's important here is that the government is doing the appropriate thing."

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DAY 51 – Altantuya Murder Trial – 24 Oct 2007

Tests conducted after 4WD relocated
R. Surenthira Kumar and Maria J. Dass; theSUN

SHAH ALAM (Oct 24, 2007): Crime scene investigations (CSI) officer Supt Soo Mee Tong (ABOVE) testified in the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder trial today that forensics tests were conducted on a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle after it had been moved from its original location. Under cross examination by defence lawyer Hasnul Rezua Merican, who co- represents Cpl Sirul Azhar Umar, Soo agreed with the lawyer’s suggestion that he was unable to ascertain whether contents in the jeep had been contaminated. Soo, who was testifying on the 51st day of the trial in the High Court here before judge Datuk Mohd Zaki Md Yasin, also agreed he was in no position to control the movements in and around the vehicle before and after the CSI team’s inspection because the 4WD was not under his control.

He told Mohd Zaki the 4WD was already in the Kuala Lumpur police contingent headquarters (IPK KL) and the keys of the vehicle was in the possession of the investigating officer ASP Tonny Lunggan. "For investigations purpose, it would have been ideal if the checks on the 4WD was conducted at its original location," said Soo replying to Hasnul Rezua’s questions on the CSI team’s task. Soo was also asked about the tests he conducted on some blood stains found on the pair of slippers retrieved from the jeep. He said the Kastle-Meyer spot test for blood conducted on blood stains found on the pair of, size 9 or (43) slippers, retrieved from the rear seat of the 4WD, proved positive for blood presence, as the stain turned pinkish in colour due to reaction to the ninhydrin solution. He said although the test was accurate, as the colour changes to pink only when there is blood present, the spot test was only presumptive and not conclusive, thus further tests have to be conducted by the Chemistry department to determine the origin of the blood. Sirul Azhar’s other lawyer, Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin meanwhile grilled Soo on whether he conducted any tests on the slippers to lift for fingerprints. Soo said, based on his experience, there was no necessity to carry out such tests on the slippers as inspections through the naked eye did not reveal the presence of fingerprint grains on the blood stain or the smudges found beside the stain. However he admitted no recommendation was made to the Chemistry Department to carry out tests to lift fingerprints or DNA tests on the pair of slippers. Kamarul Hisham: Because no fingerprint or DNA test was conducted on the slippers, do you agree that the identity of the person who wore the slippers at the time of the incident would never be known?

Soo: Agree.
Prior to that Soo, during the continuation of the examination-in-chief by Deputy Public Prosecutor Hanim Rashid, identified the remaining 13 items retrieved by the CSI team from the 4WD. He said the Super Glue Fuming test was conducted on the rear left seat handle of the 4WD to lift fingerprints, but the results turned out to be negative. Soo said the test could only be conducted in non-porous surfaces which are smooth, as negative results would be obtained if conducted on other kinds of surfaces.

Grilled by Azilah’s lawyer Hazman Ahmad (ABOVE) during cross-examination during the afternoon session, Soo told the court that only items that were relevant to the case were collected from Sirul Azahar’s car as evidence. Hazman had asked Soo why he did not remove some pieces of clothing that were in the back portion of Sirul Azhar’s Suzuki 4WD to be tested as they may have shown that someone else had also used the vehicle. A heated exchange then ensued.
Soo: If someone else clothes were in the car, this does not necessarily mean that this person was in that vehicle.
Hazman: But you did not conduct a test to determine if the clothes were someone else.
Soo: It is not applicable. If you find my clothes in your house this does not mean that I was there. Someone may have put it there.
Hazman: But the possibility is there and you cannot say (for sure) because you have not done a test.
Soo: We only choose the relevant pieces of evidence for our investigations.
Hazman: That is your opinion.
Soo: No, I’m speaking form experience and knowledge.
Hazman: If the clothes were found to belong to another person, was that person there!? There is a possibility?
Soo: Yes, the possibility is there.
Hazman: That’s what I want to hear.
Soo said he had not examined the clothes piece by piece when asked by Hazman if he had done so as DNA test could have been done to determine who the clothes belonged to as long as it was not washed.
Soo agreed with Hazman that the test he and his team conducted on the vehicle was selective.
Asked during re-examination by DPP Hanim Rashid as to why he said that he had done selective tests, Soo said: "If I were to send all the items for testing, then I would need several lorries to transport them, so I have to make the decision to take only the relevant case items."
Judge Mohd Zaki Md Yasin then asked him if it was not possible for the items from Sirul Azhar’s 4WD to be transported by vans, to which Soon replied: "The storage of case items is also a problem."
"So this is a logistical problem? Don’t tell me I have to write down that several lorries are needed to transport the items?" said Mohd Zaki.
Soo said he could not determine how long the soil samples from the tyres and bloodstains on the slippers had been there.
"It depends on whether these have been exposed to sunlight, rain or moisture," he said, adding however that he could not tell as he had not seen the structure the vehicle was in.

SHAH ALAM (Oct 24, 2007): All the constant writing of notes by Justice Mohd Zaki Md Yasin has taken a toll on his fingers which were cramped today.

Mohd Zaki was seen trying to exercise his fingers which were stiff as DPP Hanim Rashid was conducting the re-examination of the prosecution’s 40th witness Supt Soo Me Tong. It is believed that the cold weather, which resulted in the colder air-conditioning, aggravated the problem.
"I think I need a third hand," said Mohd Zaki as the lawyers in the gallery asked him if he wanted to take a short break. However, Mohd Zaki continued.
At the end of re-examination at 4.20pm, DPP Noorin Badaruddin said there was another witness for the day, a doctor from the Kuala Lumpur Hospital who had taken the blood samples, and that she needed another hour for examination in chief. At this juncture the court was adjourned for a short break to allow Mohd Zaki to stretch his fingers. However, five minutes later the lawyers informed the court that hearing had been adjourned to tomorrow morning.

ABOVE: Artist impression of Sirul Azhar BELOW: Abdul Razak BAginda on Day 51 Trial

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October 24, 2007 18:45 PM
No Fingerprints Found In Sirul's SUV

SHAH ALAM, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- No fingerprints were found in Cpl Sirul Azhar Umar's sport utility vehicle (SUV), the High Court here heard today. Fingerprint inspection, however, was not carried on the outer surface of the bluish Suzuki 1300 or on the slippers found in the vehicle. The slippers had "Heat Adswad" written on them. Chemistry division head of the police's forensic laboratory in Cheras, Supt Soo Mee Tong, 51, told the court this when cross examined by

Sirul's lawyer, Hasnal Redzua Merican. Sirul, 36, and another Special Action Squad operative C/Insp Azilah Hadri, 31, are alleged to have murdered Mongolian woman Altantuya Shaariibuu, 28, in a jungle in Mukim Bukit Raja here in October last year. Political analyst Abdul Razak Abdullah Baginda, 47, is charged with abetting them.