31 Likely to Be Freed on Attempted Murder Charges – PM directs AG & Assures No Rumoured Clashes; Existing Polices not easily changed by Street Demos

UPDATE: July 17, from Malaysiakini

• Hindraf 31: AG drops attempted murder charge

  Soon Li Tsin | Dec 17, 07 12:12pm

• breaking news Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail has dropped the attempted murder charge against 26 Hindraf supporters.MORE

• 	Four students cleared
  	Strong representations

= = == = from STAR; Monday December 17, 2007; MYT 1:25:21 PM;
Attempted murder charges dropped against Hindraf 31
KLANG: The Attorney-General has dropped the attempted murder charge against the 31 protesters who took part in the illegal Nov 25 Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) rally in Kuala Lumpur. Tan Sri Gani Patail also dropped all three charges against the four students who were part of the so-called ‘Hindraf 31.’
The charges of mischief and illegal assembly remain against 26 of the protesters, all of whom pleaded guilty at the Klang Sessions Court Monday morning. The 31 were slapped with the attempted murder charge after they allegedly injured a policeman at the rally.

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UPDATE:

Sunday December 16, 2007, Sunday STAR
Government to arrest more people under ISA
JITRA: The Government will soon invoke the Internal Security Act (ISA) on several other people who orchestrated or took part in illegal assemblies in the capital, said Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum.

He said all of them were involved in masterminding the unlawful gatherings with racial undertones. “We already have their names and the police will soon arrest them,” he said after attending a meet-the-people session here yesterday. Johari said the ISA would only be invoked if there were enough evidence of one’s involvement in activities that could threaten national security. He said the five Hindraf leaders were detained under the ISA on Thursday because there was evidence of sedition and their involvement in activities that threatened national security. – Bernama
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31 Likely to Be Freed on Attempted Murder Charges – PM directs AG & Assures No Rumoured Clashes; Existing Polices not easily changed by Street Demos

December 15, 2007 22:30 PM
PM Asks AG To Consider Dropping Attempted Murder Charges Against 31

ABOVE: PM Abdullah speaking to newsmen after the UMNO Supreme Council Meeting
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has asked Attorney-General (AG) Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail to consider the appeals by 31 people who took part in an illegal demonstration in Batu Caves last month, to drop the attempted murder
charges against them. Abdullah, who is also Internal Security Minister, said he had asked the AG to decide on the matter as soon as possible. He said he sympathised with the 31 charged and believed that they were misled by the group which was behind the illegal assemblies in the federal capital and in Batu Caves on Nov 25. He said the 31 detained had also rejected the extremist group andpromised that they would not take part in any activities organised by the group in future. "The AG had informed me about this as representation had been made to him.

"This shows that many people had been misled by the group. I pity them...so I told the AG to please consider the representation and decide on the matter as quickly as possible," he said after chairing the Umno Supreme Council meeting here Saturday. Yesterday, MIC president and Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu conveyed the appeals made by parents of the 31 Indians detained without bail for charges of attempted murder, to the AG. A policeman was injured in the illegal demonstration.

ABOVE: Samy Vellu expressing hope that the attempted murder charge can be dropped and the 31 faced a lesser charge

Samy Vellu said the parents also requested MIC's help to secure the release of their loved ones.Thirteen Indian-based non-governmental organisations which met the prime minister yesterday over problems faced by the Indian community, also appealed for the attempted murder charges against the 31 to be dropped. On the arrest of the five extremists which was deemed wrong under the law by DAP chairman Karpal Singh, Abdullah said this was incorrect."The law allows the minister to act under Section 1 of the Act (ISA) after he is satisfied with the investigations carried out," he said

ABOVE: Receiving the Damai Memo supporting Government Anti Demos

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December 15, 2007 22:23 PM
Disregard Rumours Of Racial Clashes - Abdullah
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has urged the public to disregard rumours of possible racial clashes in the capital tomorrow. Abdullah, who is also Internal Security Minister, denied rumours that Malays would congregate in Kampung Baru while the supporters of an extremist movement known as the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) would gather in Batu Caves. "They are mere rumours. The Malays have not said anything about holding any gathering tomorrow. As far as I know, there's none," said the Umno president after chairing the Umno Supreme Council meeting here Saturday. Rumours of racial unrest happening tomorrow are being spread verbally, via SMSes and over the Internet. The prime minister said the police would take appropriate action against those bent on undermining national security and harmony. Abdullah admitted that existing multimedia laws were not enough to curb such SMSes. The prime minister said the most effective mechanism to stop lies and rumours was for everyone to be responsible for their actions and to always be mindful of the country's interests. "All of us should assume responsibility when it comes to issues related to the country's peace and security or those that may give rise to anxieties, anger or perhaps reckless actions. "We need to exercise caution. Don't spread lies," he said. Abdullah said the recent street protests had caused losses to many people, including traders, hoteliers, taxi drivers, bus companies and restaurants. He said the Umno Supreme Council had come out in support of measures taken by the government to safeguard the country's security and public order, including the move to detain five people under the Internal Security Act on Thursday for their involvement in an illegal rally on Nov 25.

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December 15, 2007 21:07 PM
Demonstrations Can't Force Govt To Make Changes, Says Abdullah

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Street demonstrations are not something that can force the government towards making changes, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi says. He stressed that policies that had been drafted or even changes that had been made to the existing policies were the results of interactions with the people and according to their wishes delivered through the correct channel. Hence, democracy in Malaysia remained intact and the people appreciatedit, he said.

"We listen to what fishermen's associations are saying, what the farmers' associations are saying, the cooperatives are saying and the views of the village development and security committees and other organisations and political parties expressed in their meetings and motions. "This has been our way throughout," said Abdullah who is Umno president when chairing the party's supreme council meeting at its headquarters here Saturday. He said the people appreciated peace and security and public order because they realised that with all these, they would be able to find livelihood without being disturbed. "So, all actions that have been taken by the government are actions that meet the aspirations of the people," he said. Abdullah, who is Internal Security Minister, said the recent street demonstrations gave adverse impacts to the tourism industry and affected businesses.

Statements by the silent majority like the one made by 365 non-government organisations who objected to street demonstrations proved that most Malaysians hated and rejected things that could threaten public security and order, he said. The prime minister said the problem of poverty affected all races in both urban and rural areas and the government were taking steps to eradicate it irrespective of race. Abdullah said that in today's Umno supreme council meeting, members of the party voiced their support to the government's actions in dealing with issues involving national security and public order that had arisen lately. "They also support any proper of action that the government will take," he said. He reiterated that allegations of ethnic cleansing and oppression on the Indian community by an extremist group who orchestrated an unlawful rally in Kuala Lumpur recently were not true. "They are all not true but have been spread and exported abroad. All these bring hatred," he said. Asked whether the detention of five leaders of the group under the Internal Security Act on Thursday means the issue is considered settled, Abdullah said: "At this point of time, we are still able to preserve peace and justice and maintain public order. We are aware of attempts to disrupt the status quo and we will continue to be on alert and will take the proper action," he said.

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December 15, 2007 14:36 PM
Don't Misconstrue ISA Detention For Extremist Leaders - Dr Khir

SHAH ALAM, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Local and foreign investors have been urged not to misconstrue the government's decision to detain five leaders of an extremist movement under the Internal Security Act (ISA). Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo said the government invoked the ISA on them for masterminding illegal assemblies in Kuala Lumpur last month and for raising highly inflammatory issues that could cause racial tension among multiracial Malaysians. "Those who demonstrated, they are actually extremists, and the government treated them as extremists despite their beliefs and religion.

"I don't want our investor friends to have a negative perception of the arrests," he said, adding that the government did not only take harsh action against Hindu extremists but also Islamic extremist groups like the Al-Mauna a few years ago.

"The detention of the five who were behind the illegal assemblies is justified to maintain peace and stability in the country," he said at the Selangor Industry Award and Investors' Appreciation 2007 here last night. Five Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders were slapped with a two-year ISA detention on Thursday while some of their supporters were charged in court for attempted murder last week. Dr Khir said the state government never neglected any race in the state regardless of their race, culture and religion. "All are treated equally as Malaysians or as Selangorians. We never deprive any race or religion in this country, especially in Selangor. "They were detained for their unhealthy political actions," he said.
Certain parties claimed the Indians were marginalised in Malaysia but the highest poverty rate among Malaysians was still among Bumiputeras, especially the indigenous groups in Sabah and Sarawak, at 8.3 per cent. According to figures confirmed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative in Kuala Lumpur Dr Richard Leete the poverty rate among Indians was 2.9 per cent and 0.6 per cent Chinese, Dr Khir said. At the event, Dr Khir presented awards to this year's winners of the state industrial awards. Two companies -- UMMI Manufacturing Sdn Bhd and OPCOM Cables Sdn Bhd won the Selangor Product Excellence Award, while Hartalega Sdn Bhd and Kendek Industry Sdn Bhd bagged the Selangor Innovative Excellence Award. The Selangor Product Brand Excellence Award went to Cass Technology Sdn Bhd and Deligateaux (M) Sdn Bhd, while Madetill Industries (M) Sdn Bhd grabbed the Selangor Design Excellence Award.

The four winners of the Selangor Quality Management Excellence Award are Sunway Medical Centre, Huber+Suhner (M) Sdn Bhd, Indkom Engineering Sdn Bhd and KEU Megamech Sdn Bhd. Strategic Products Sdn Bhd, Pantech Steel Industries Sdn Bhd and Flextronics Technology (Shah Alam) Sdn Bhd romped home the Selangor Export Excellence Award for Manufacturing.
The Selangor Industrial Award introduced in 1999 is open to local and foreign firms operating in the state. Twenty-three finalists vied for for the six-category award this year.

= == === = = and Samy pulled off another Global Indian Show , the GPIO & PIO

December 16, 2007 00:09 AM

Global Indians Gather In Kuala Lumpur For Convention
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- More than 1,000 people of Indian origin from all over the world gathered at the Putra World Trade Centre tonight for the start of the three-day Ninth Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) International Convention. MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu who launched the meet, spoke on the achievements of Indians in 110 countries, including Malaysia. He told the assembly of leaders of industries, business communities, academicians, diplomats and political leaders, that there should be an effective networking, partnerships and collaborative actions between people of Indian origin around the world. "We can strategically build effective networks and partnerships within us for global advantages," said Malaysia's Works Minister, Samy Vellu.

Among foreign political leaders present were Sri Lanka's Community Development Minister P. Chandrasekaran, Estate Infrastructure Deputy Minister Muthu Sivalingam and Constitutional Affairs Deputy Minister Jagetheswaran, and Justice and Human Rights Minister Jayarama Valaydenof Mauritius. Samy Vellu said that in many parts of the world, the Indian diaspora has excelled in education and professional capacities, economic and business ventures, political and civil society activities. "In so doing, it has contributed greatly to the nation building in their respective lands where they participate as active and responsible citizens," he said. "In the past, People of Indian Origin (PIO) were stereotyped as diligent service providers, such as teachers, lawyers, engineers, doctors and nurses. Over the last 50 years, they have emerged as successful entrepreneurs and have provided leadership in a few sectors in their respective nations," he remarked.
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December 15, 2007 14:44 PM
Indian Businessmen Unfazed By Recent Developments In Malaysia
By P. Vijian

NEW DELHI, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Unperturbed by recent developments in Kuala Lumpur, the Indian business fraternity has expressed confidence in doing business with Malaysia. They described the racial discrimination issue, raised by certain quarters, as a domestic problem that is unlikely to have any impact on the two-way trade between the two traditional trading partners. "Trade between India and Malaysia will not be affected because of an internal problem," Federation of Indian Export Organisation vice-president A. Sakthivel told Bernama today. "Businesses depend on government-to-government relations and not between people-to-people ties. We have been at loggerheads with our neighbour Pakistan but our trade and business are flourishing," he said. Sharing a similar sentiment, A.M. Sadic (rpt Sadic) Ali, secretary of Indo-Malaysian Exporters and Importers Association, sees no immediate threat to the growing trade volume between both economies.

"There is no fear or apprehension from the trading community here. Malaysia remains promising as ever. No business has been affected after the recent incident. "In fact, Indian goods moving to Malaysia have increased substantially recently," he said. Bilateral trade relations have expanded significantly since 1991 when India adopted the open market policy, with many Malaysian companies participating in India's development projects. Likewise, several Indian companies have also based their operations in Malaysia. Currently, there are about 60 Indian joint ventures operating in Malaysia in sectors ranging from palm oil refining, power generation, railway, civil construction, training and information technology. Besides, 67 Indian information technology companies enjoy multimedia super corridor status in Malaysia and at least 20 other Indian companies are engaged in various manufacturing operations in Malaysia.

= = == == = ==Blasting away the Sandbar(by explosives, suggested by Najib; what about the Altantuya case?) at the Kuantan River Mouth. - "Case of wanting to shit, then start digging a hole". They should have anticipated this annual flooding problem and done it long ago before the floods set in. Beleive it, the last time they blasted the Sand bar was in 1971 (see report at Bottom)

ABOVE: The Sandbar and BELOW: Preparing the triggering device at about 11.30 am

= == = == = == = == == = ABOVE: Done by the Chief engineer from the Army Camp nearby Kuantan and witnessed by the Tengku Mahkota and BELOW: The Blast, Explosion and the pollution
BELOW: Gone the Sand Bar that obstructed 80% of water flow at the river mouth.

2007/12/15
Sungai Pahang estuary blown up to help alleviate flooding in Pekan

BERNAMA; Via NST; PEKAN, SAT:
Plastic explosives weighing 378kg were detonated at the Sungai Pahang estuary in Kampung Tanjung Agas here today to help alleviate flooding in this district. The blasting work was carried out by 20 millitary personnel from the Temerloh and Lanchang camps, led by Chief Engineer of the Army Brig Jen Datuk Ir Abdul Nassier Ahmad. It was intended to widen the estuary to 100m x 10m. The Tengku Mahkota of Pahang Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah who witnessed the 11.40 operation said the move was welcomed because a sandbar formed at the mouth of Sungai Pahang had obstructed the flow of water by 80 percent. “The sandbar in the estuary was blown up in 1971 and I believe it can speed up the flow of water to the sea,” he told reporters. Present were Army Field Commander Left Jen Datuk Zulkifely Mohd Zin, Tanjung Gelang Sea Region 1 Commander First Admiral Datuk Abdul Rashid and Pahang Chief Police Officer Datuk Ayob Mohamad. Tengku Abdullah said two more blasting works were expected in the next two days to open up the estuary futher.

However, the use of explosives was only a short-term measure and had to be followed up by more effective long-term steps such as digging up the sand so that the river water could flow more efficiently, he said. On Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who is also Defence Minister said the military should look into the possibility of blowing up the mouth of Sungai Pahang to alleviate flooding in Pekan which had worsened.