Latest Malaysia

Teoh inquest: 80pc chance of homicide, says Thai expert (Update 3)

2009-10-21T23:33:00.001+08:00

SHAH ALAM: There is an 80% probability that the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock was a homicide, said renowned Thai forensic pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand.

Testifying in the inquest into Teoh’s death Wednesday, she said there was only a 20% chance that Teoh had committed suicide.

Thai pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand

She added that marks on Teoh’s neck region looked like he had been strangled manually.

“The contusion of the skin on the right side of the neck looks round, indicating it might have been caused by fingers,” she added.

Counsel representing the government Tan Hock Chuan then suggested that she did not have the locus standi to arrive at her opinion.

“Since you did not conduct the post mortem or inspect the body or go to the scene of the incident and not furnished with the report and photos, is it not appropriate to form an opinion on mathematical terms that suicide is 20% and homicide 80%?” he asked.

Dr Pornthip replied she did not take sides and her work involved taking care of the rights of the dead, adding that she only based her opinions on the evidence provided.

This prompted Tan to rephrase the question by suggesting that the limitations she faced was insufficient to help Dr Pornthip to arrive at the conclusion that it was 80% homicide and 20% suicide.

“It is my field, my work and I believe in that. It is more scientific,” said Dr Pornthip, adding that she did not agree with some opinions of Universiti Malaya Medical Centre’s Dr Prashant Samberkar on why Teoh’s death could have been a suicide.

However, she added she did not want to criticise the opinions of other forensic pathologists.

She said her opinion was based on her years of experience and not aimed at contradicting the police or other medical professionals.

Dr Pornthip, who is the director-general of Thailand’s Ministry of Justices Central Institute of Forensic Science, had been invited to give her expert opinion by the Selangor state government.

She is well-known for her prowess in solving complicated homicide cases and is a celebrity of sorts in her homeland.

She is the author of Investigation of Corpses which sold 100,000 copies in Thailand, and also led a group of international forensic scientists in 2004 to identify the remains of the Asian tsunami victims.

Her life and work was narrated in a National Geographic documentary entitled Crime Scene Bangkok in 2004.

Dr Pornthip told coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas that she is willing to conduct a second post mortem on Teoh if his remains are exhumed.

She said she would be able to come up with a more concise and detailed analysis if she could examine Teoh’s remains.

To a question by Gobind Singh Deo who is holding a watching brief for Teoh’s family, Dr Pornthip said she would still be able to conduct the post-mortem in spite of the deceased being buried almost four months ago.

When asked if the second post mortem on Teoh’s body would put her to a disadvantage, Dr Pornthip said there would not be any disadvantages but only limitations due to the decomposition which could destroy everything if a second post-mortem was prolonged.

Questioned by Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, the counsel holding a watching brief for the Selangor government, Dr Pornthip said several injuries sustained by Teoh appeared to be inconsistent with a fall from a high place, and appeared to be pre-fall injuries instead.

(Dr Pornthip had been provided with pictures of Teoh’s injuries and post-mortem reports by Dr Khairul Aznam Ibrahim from the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital and by Universiti Malaya Medical Centre’s Dr Prashant Samberkar).

Malik Imtiaz: Can you explain why not all the injuries were consistent with a fall from a height?

Dr Pornthip: The first is the anal injury; from the picture there’s a penetrative injury at the anal region. I have never seen this type of injury in cases of fall from height.

She added that if the injury had indeed been caused by a bone protrusion, it would have come from the inside of Teoh’s anus as opposed to being a penetrative injury.

Dr Pornthip also said the abrasions found on Teoh’s upper right thigh also appeared like he had been beaten with a piece of wood.

There is more than one line and the direction of the force on the thigh is different from the direction of the penetrative injury to the anal region, she said.

According to Dr Pornthip, there was a need to open the skin in the area where the haemorrhage was found to determine if torture had been involved. (Both the pathologists who had conducted the post-mortem on Teoh had failed to do so.)

She added this was necessary to determine whether the haemorrhage was compatible with a fall from a height and single impact from the ground.

Dr Pornthip also said Teoh’s skull fracture was not typical of a transferred injury due to a fall but was more compatible with a blunt force being directly inflicted to the head.

She said the transferred injury to the skull due to impact of the fall would typically cause a ring fracture at the base of the skull around the spinal column and not a cervical spine fracture such as that suffered by Teoh.

Dr Pornthip said Teoh, 30, was probably alive when he hit the ground but may have been unconscious before the fall.

She added this was in view of the fact that there was no reaction or defensive wounds on his ankles and wrists which would have occurred if he had been conscious.

Dr Pornthip added that these wounds would occur when a conscious person tries to break his fall which was a natural reaction when one is falling from height.

There’s a possibility that he was unconscious from the manual strangulation or pain from the anal region, she said.

Teoh, the political secretary to Selangor executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah, had been summoned to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office at the 14th floor of Plaza Masalam to be questioned over the irregular disbursement of state funds on July 15.

He was found dead on the fifth floor service corridor of the building the following day.

Meanwhile, the Selangor government called on the authorities to study the evidence of Dr Pornthip that Teoh’s death was a probable homicide and that he could have been strangled before falling from the 14th floor of Plaza Masalam.

“Her evidence has indeed proven that the state’s fear on the safety of government officials during interrogation by MACC is not totally unfounded,” said Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Samad in a statement Wednesday.

Given her experience, he said that Dr Pornthip’s evidence could not be taken lightly.

He reiterated his government’s call for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into Teoh’s death instead of just looking into the interrogation methods used on him by the MACC.

The inquest has been adjourned to Nov 9.

Govt directs SKMM to investigate high cost of IT services

2009-10-21T23:31:00.000+08:00

CYBERJAYA: The Government has directed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (SKMM) to study the reasons behind the high cost of providing Information Technology (IT) services in the country.

Information, Communications, Culture and Arts Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said there were numerous complaints on how expensive it was to obtain IT services here, while the quality -- particularly connection availability and speed -- was not up to expectation.

“The Government would also like to know why the cost for IT services is high in Malaysia. Consumers’ main grouse is that they are charged more compared with users in other countries but the quality of service is not up to mark.

“We want to know how it (the cost) can be brought down and at the same time improve on the quality,” he told reporters after a briefing at the SKMM on Wednesday.

Rais said SKMM must also see to it that providers deliver what they promised consumers, adding that if a provider promised Internet surfing speeds of 10Mb (megabits) per second, the public should not be experiencing a “slow as tortoise service at one or two megabits.”

He said providers whose services failed to meet expectation must be dealt with, adding this was where the Commission, as the enforcement authority, should play its role to ensure the public was not shortchaged,

Rais said efforts must be taken to close the digital gap between rural and urban areas, adding that fixed telephone line providers must expedite the laying of optical fibre cables so that people in districts and kampungs (villages) could also enjoy Internet service.

On another matter, the minister said 11 cases related to violations committed in cyberspace had been to court, adding the nature of cases included sending lewd and vulgar SMSes and e-mail, and comments insulting the Sultan of Perak.

He said there were a “good number of cases” that had been brought to the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Commission would leave it to the A-G to decide whether or not prosecute the offenders.

Rais reminded the Commission of its responsibility to ensure that all cyberspace users in the country follow laws and regulations, adding it should not hesitate to take action against violators.

“I must however stress that we are not practising censorship but there are laws that need to be respected and adhered to.

“The public’s interest and safety, as well as the country’s security, need to be looked after and that is why the Commission must do its job to see to it that users follow guidelines,” he said.

PIKOM PC FAIR 2009 (III)

2009-10-21T23:27:00.001+08:00

PC Fair 2009 (III) locations and venues are:

26-28 November 2009(11:00am - 9:00pm)

Dewan Merdeka, Seri Manjung

27-29 November 2009(11:00am - 9:00pm)

Dewan Tunku Ibrahim Ismail, Kluang

Alor Star Mall, Alor Star - NEW VENUE

Terminal One Shopping Centre, Seremban

4-6 December 2009 (11:00am - 9:00pm)

KL Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur Map of Surrounding Car Parks

· Penang International Sports Arena (PISA), Penang

Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC), Melaka - NEW VENUE

11-13 December 2009(11:00am - 9:00pm)

· Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Johor Bahru

Stadium Indera Mulia, Ipoh, Perak

LG Car Park Exhibition Hall, 1Borneo, Kota Kinabalu - NEW VENUE

Dewan Suarah, Bintulu

Young cops with such mentality, wondered how they were trained?

2009-10-15T03:33:00.000+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Two policemen were arrested for allegedly robbing a foreign worker of RM500 in Jelutong here.

The duo, aged 22 and 26, had stopped a Bangladeshi worker on Monday to check his permit but then relieved him off his money.

Penang police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Ayub Yaakob said the worker later lodged a police report and the duo were arrested Tuesday morning.

“The younger policeman had just joined the police force this year.

“They had abused their authority as policemen for their own ends,” he said.

Some how, looking at this report are even worse than any crime in the world. When and hence some one that is trained to serve, protect and maintain law/order were themselves perpetrates crimes.

Looking in micro portion of our PDRM, are they trained or programmed to serve the open public, to protect the weak and maintain order.

Some how, I had a hunch, when become policemens, they have the thought of the following:

-Saya ada kuasa!

-Saya boleh tangkap dan belasah, siapa yang tak hormat polis!

-Saya dapat hormat dan orang kasi keistimewaan!

-Saya janji hidup ada pencen sampai mati.

(Note: This is just a thought for certain unqualified or poorly selected policmens, in no case of reflected any individuals, or any actual policemens)

Some how, are the cops in Malaysia to serve the public, the tax payer or they are to serve the Ruling Coalition, the Ministers or the Politicians?

Don't get me wrong that, I'm condemning the police! It is opinion that our PDRM structures or chain-of-command had to be revamp to reflect professionalism.

Mainly, there are inability on some of our policemens to present a proficiency in certain aspects of legality or the point as "led by example", has made PDRM reputation looks terrible.

Secondly, policemen selections has to be upgraded to A'levels/STPM or above, as SPM is way low for some one, that holds great responsibility on security and protection.

Just wondering SPM qualified Policemens can understand the terms biological prints on crime scenes?

Hopefully, our Policemens understand that they can only help themselves to improve their own image and become professional.

I'll like to poke a particular bloggers, that mentioned, that it is normal for Policemen to response badly, since people are badmouth the cops from behind.

I think this person, probably has a mindset of teenagers to act this way. If it is true, than our policemens are way far from professionals.

In professional private firms, critictism is to be accepted from customers and they work to improve their level of services.

Yeah, if kutuk my supplier's level of services, I'll get retribution, then what kind of service can we accept?

Is Malaysia Ready for The Era of E-Government?

2009-10-15T03:28:00.000+08:00

Recently I am into this yachting hobby and currently seeking high and low for all the relevant information for boat registration and to find out on its relevant regulations before I approach the boat dealer.

I logged onto Ministry of Transport’s and Jabatan Laut Malaysia’s website and to my surprise, Jabatan Laut Malaysia still put our ex Minister of Transport, Y. B. Dato' Sri Chan Kong Choy as the current Minister of Transport. (http://www.marine.gov.my/indexeng.html)

On top of that, I am also looking for information on how to register a 22 footer leisure yacht but again, it returned no results as the information provided on the website either they are not properly clustered or simply the information provided on the website is not meant for private boaters.

Instead, a bunch of information like client’s charter, which depicts how well the agency is serving its “clients” and organization chart that do not lead to any harvesting of useful information can be seen at almost every corner of the page.

And the best part of this MOT website is, there is a link says “Letter to Editor” (http://www.mot.gov.my/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=22&id=64&Itemid=180). I was wondering am I surfing a car magazine website or what?

I decided to close my browser and drive down to Port Dickson to see the marine clubhouse representative to find out more.

My conclusion, Malaysia government on one hand, promoting the concept of e-government but on another hand, they were too busy with by-elections and fighting for controlling power and seats in the parliament.

I just hope that the Malaysian government can wake up, learn from our neighboring countries, not blaming and accusing, and subsequently make good use of taxpayers hard-earned money on multiple aspects, be it governmental agencies or public welfare, to truly realize the concept of e-government.

TBH inquest: A Chinese Wedding Estimates for macc counsel abd razak

2009-10-04T02:12:00.000+08:00

Reading the update on TBH inquest with the title DNA identified , where counsel Abd Razak representing macc was holding a watching brief , telling TBH's brother Meng Kee that the deceased earned RM1,800 per month and was in a rush to get married as his girlfriend ( wife to be ) was pregnant. He even goes to the length at suggesting that a Chinese wedding cost a lot of money and from this tone , I gather that he is trying to imply the state of how TBH was in before his death and probably hinting that the deceased is in a stressed mode and suicidal , thus suicide attempt is not only not a surprise but highly likely. Well , I am in no position to challenge that but what I want to enlighten counsel abd razak which he should know or may not know , being a malay , how a much a Chineses wedding cost.

Well , if I give the estimate of my own wedding , it may not apply as it is more than 20 years ago but I may quote my nephew's wedding which happened just a few months ago , somewhere in May 2009 and the function is held in JB , not a cheap and low cost city , mind you. He did not spend a single sen on Video because I did it for him for free , albeit with amateur standard but a professional standard do not cost more than RM2,000 on the average. Video is not a must but having it if can afford will leave sweet memories for the loving couple. Then comes to photography , my guess is that it will not cost more than RM5,000 with normal standard and all gowns and suits provided , one set for the wedding ceremony proper and two sets for dinner time. These adds up to RM7,000 now. Let's take a table of 8 course dinner to the estimate of RM500 per table and with the total of 20 tables , it will add upto RM1000 and now plus other monies for Ang Pow etc etc , it will add upto the estimates of RM20,000 , more or less as what was quoted by Meng Kee , TBH's brother.

For a malay like macc counsel abd razak , he do not know that Chinese wedding may cost a stake or fortune , but the payback is not little either , meaning when the host invites their friends and guest , Ang Pows collected can sometime payback all expenses incurred , at least for the course dinner , if not exceeding enough to cover other expenditures. If the guest or friends are "big kaki" , meaning some individual of public tanding and well known in society , the Ang Pow would be bigger and is usually in the denomination above RM100 to RM1,000. Taking the estimates of 70% show up , 20 tables with 8 to 10 sittings , each table will be able to collect the average return of at least RM400 to RM500 or more and this is more than enough to cover the course dinner for each table. When it comes to Chinese wedding , the guest are usually generous and with the habit of not wanting to be labelled as stingy , they will ensure that their Ang Pow is at least reasonable to cover a minimum of the cost it will incur for his fair bit of share and it is always the practise that they write their names on the Red Packet to inform the host who has given or not , unlike the other weddings. If the guess Ang Pow is big , the names written would be bigger.

For this , my dear counsel abd razak , if you attempt in any mean to say that TBH could be suicidal due to the stress on his financial situation and the urgent need to get married , YOU ARE WRONG and you have picked the wrong justification. Even if the total amount collected from the ANG POWs , which usually covers at least 50% ( being very conservative already ) and above , at worst , TBH would need to seek a fund of RM10,000 which he would not have any problem securing a personal loan from any institution , assuming he got no other source of fund and no savings. At most , he only got to pay the average of RM250 per month for say 5 to 6 years and that will easily take care of his so called "tight financial" situation that could be the argument of his suicidal trait. Now , counsel abd razak , please go find other argument that is more convincing to attempt any implication on the suicidal trait on the deceased side but not this costly Chinese Wedding arguments.

Why are Ah Longs still able to function

2009-10-04T02:10:00.001+08:00

I read in today's Star Online that "Ah Long transactions in Penang rake in RM15m" (http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/10/2/nation/4830277&sec=nation)

As reported, "The amount was derived after a series of police raids at strategic outlets where RM15mil worth of transactions were traced."

It also mentioned that "About 1,700 debtors are involved and most of them are either factory or low-salaried employees.

“These people probably could not obtain loans from the bank with their low salaries and decided to seek help from loan sharks. We have yet to paralyse their activities; so we will continue with the fight,” he told a press conference."

In that one statement, it shows that:

enforcement or police action alone will not stop the Ah Longs
people in general mismanage their funds so that they live beyond their means
most people who live beyond their means prefer to borrow money rather than work harder to find other means of increasing their income
that banks are also a cause for directing business to the Ah Longs by not providing loans to low income earners

So the simple approach to most problems like this where the supply of undesirable products and services has become a social ill is to reduce or eliminate the demand. Simple economics, yes? Therefore, the steps that can be taken are:

continued police action
proper financial management education so that people will be able to manage their money better, take fewer or lower (or better still none at all) loans for houses and cars and definitely NOT for consumer items
provide opportunities for people to earn extra income (this of course is if the persons concerned are not too lazy to do so) and of course legally too
that banks provide micro personal loans like those that the Ah Longs provide for amounts like RM 500 and 1000.

Of course, many also argue that banks are also Ah Longs but with a banking license, nicer office clothes and nicer buildings.

More ideas welcomed.

Watching the media

2009-10-04T02:07:00.000+08:00

IPOH: The Foreign Ministry is seeking more non-bumiputra citizens to join Wisma Putra, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong said

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/10/2/nation/20091002151319&sec=nation

Heard that a number of times. Non bumi applicants will be extreme lucky to be call up for interview. Stands a better chance being knock down by a motor bike.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has invited Malaysians to give ideas and suggestions for the 2010 Budget that he will table in parliament on Oct 23.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/10/2/nation/20091002134809&sec=nation

Oh my god, the BN/UMNO government ran out of ideas. They do not know what to do. They do not know where the country should be going. We are in deep trouble. I know where my vote will be going in the next election.

PEKAN: More than 50,000 people are expected to attend Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at Dataran Pekan here tomorrow

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/10/2/nation/4829832&sec=nation

Somebody better check the numbers again. The open house according to The Star will be from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm which is 3 hours. If the 50,000 is correct, there will be 16,666 persons passing through the gates or 277 persons passing through the gates every second. I wonder if the price of rubber is getting a bit rubbery lately..

More On Vaccines

2009-10-04T02:05:00.000+08:00

In relation to my previous post "WHY?? - Cervical cancer vaccinations for all girls" (http://blog.thestar.com.my/mystar/view.asp?id=26669), I just saw this on the Star Online "Parental consent needed for cervical cancer vaccination" (http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/10/2/nation/20091002133522&sec=nation)

In the article, it mentioned that parents would be required to sign a letter of consent before vaccinating schoolgirls against cervical cancer. It is a great move that consent (at least for the moment) is required before this dangerous vaccine can be given.

It also mentioned that "the Education Ministry had yet to receive any objection from parents on the vaccination exercise" So perhaps those who have children in school should your objections at your PTAs since the report stated that the Education director-general Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom said "Most parent teacher associations welcome the exercise" I guess they take silence as consent.

So for those who have 12-13 year old girls in school next year or will soon, and who believe that the HPV vaccination and probably many other vaccinations are unnecessary and dangerous, please MAKE noise NOW!

Your daughter may not (or may) experience any side effects but someone else's may and it could be a fatal like Natalie Morton (yes she does have a name as our MOH seems to leave out), the 14 year old UK girl who died after receiving the Cervarix HPV vaccine while several other of her classmates suffered side-effects such as dizziness and nausea. (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article6852858.ece)

In the spirit of 1Malaysia, lend your voice to this unnecessary risk. I belief that for the parents of Natalie Morton, the statistics that only ONE in several hundred thousand (or even millions) will have a serious or fatal adverse effect means nothing because their precious daughter was that ONE. So make sure that your daughter and potentially your son, is not that ONE and don't play RUSSIAN ROULETTE with our children

Indonesian students pelt M’sian embassy with rotten eggs

2009-09-02T20:53:00.000+08:00

PETALING JAYA: About 30 Indonesian students pelted the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta with rotten eggs and attempted to raise an Indonesian flag at the gate on Tuesday.

The attack, believed spurred by allegations that the Malaysian national anthem Negara Ku had been copied from the Indonesian song Terang Bulan, came a day after Malaysia celebrated its 52nd National Day.

The Indonesian flag was raised from the embassy gate after a tug-of-war between police and students.

The attack was also reportedly triggered by allegations that a Balinese dance had been used to promote a television show about Malaysia, although it was revealed that no Malaysian government agency had a role in the advertisement.

An embassy official in Jakarta told The Star that nobody was hurt in the incident but added that there have been regular demonstrations at the Embassy over the last few months, especially during the Ambalat issue.

That issue came up after Indonesia claimed that Malaysian warships had entered the Ambalat area in the Sulawesi sea in early June.

“The still ongoing demonstration here is being heavily monitored by the police, but no demonstrators have been stopped or arrested,” said the embassy official.

He said that everything was under control at the embassy, adding that the demonstration would not affect ties between the two countries.

Local media quoted a demonstrator as saying that the protest was a symbolic act to demand that the Indonesian government break off diplomatic ties with Malaysia and evict the Malaysian ambassador.

Perak 'assembly': Pakatan convenes meeting in hotel, 3 reps arrested

2009-09-02T20:52:00.000+08:00

IPOH: Pakatan Rakyat managed to 'convene' a meeting of the state legislative assembly at the Heritage Hotel Wednesday.

Its 27 assemblymen, led by former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Nizar Jamaluddin, had arrived at the state secretariat building at 9am but were not allowed in by police who were armed with a court order to stop any gathering within a 30m radius of the building.

Police detained six people, including Sitiawan assemblyman Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham, Malim Nawar assemblyman Keshvinder Singh and Simpang Pulai assemblyman Chan Ming Kai.

Former Speaker V. Sivakumar presided at the sitting at the hotel.

In the morning, Pakatan's lawyer Chan Kok Keong had rushed to the magistrate's court to secure an order to set aside an earlier order that banned any gathering outside the state assembly building.

Here is an account of what transpired:

01.37am: The sitting is adjourned by Sivakumar after proposal from Mohd Nizar until further notice.

11.45am: “Dewan sitting” begins with entry of Sivakumar into the “hall”, which is actually a function room at the hotel. Sivakumar now presiding. All Pakatan state assemblymen turn up except for those arrested and Titi Serong assemblyman Dr Khalil Idham Lim Abdullah who is performing the umrah. There are three items on the agenda that will be debated.

11.00am: Mohd Nizar, Sivakumar and several assemblymen are trying to enter FRU headquarters at Sungai Senam to meet arrested representatives.

10.30am: Former speaker V. Sivakumar says they will go ahead and hold state assembly meeting at the Heritage Hotel at 11.30am. He says that he has to invoke the doctrine of necessity because they were barred from entering the building.

10.20am: Besides Ngeh, Keshvinder and photographer Tan, Simpang Pulai assemblyman Chan Ming Kai and two supporters are also arrested. Representatives proceed back to DAP headquarters where a press conference is held.

Mohd Nizar continues to reiterate that police court order only applies to supporters and representatives cannot be stopped from entering state assembly hall.

He adds that they did not call for a gathering but for a state assembly meeting to be held.

10.13am: Malim Nawar assemblyman Keshvinder Singh is arrested. Mohd Nizar tells state representatives to disperse.

10.07am: Ngeh is arrested by police.

10.00am: Police and Pakatan representatives face off 100m outside state secretariat building. Shouting and shoving ensues. A Nanyang Siang Pau photographer Stanley Tan is arrested.

Argument persists. Former mentri besar Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin and Perak DAP chief Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham have a shouting match with police.

Ngeh argues that police court order only for supporters as Section 24 of the Penal Code states that no representative can be stopped from entering state assembly hall.

Ngeh also says that the order obtained under section 98 of the Criminal Procedure Code has to first be gazetted under Section 90. Police admit that the order has not been gazetted but continue to push them back.

09.45am: Pakatan representatives start marching towards the state secretariat building from the Perak DAP headqurters.

8.00am: Pakatan Rakyat's lawyer Chan Kok Keong is at the magistrate's court to secure the order to set aside the magistrates court order on Tuesday which granted the police the right to stop any gathering within 30m radius of the Perak state secretariat building fence perimeter, including Jln Istana stretching to Poi Lam school, from 1am Wednesday to 11am Thursday.

A(H1N1): Private bodies to get rapid test kits (Update)

2009-08-11T23:20:00.000+08:00

PUTRAJAYA: As the death toll from Influenza A (H1N1) rose to 38, the Government green-lighted the use of rapid test kits for private clinics and hospitals to conduct flu checks on the public.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said private healthcare providers can use these kits to help cope with the large number of patients wanting to be checked, and for faster detection and containment of the pandemic.

“Use of rapid test kits was discouraged in the private sector earlier when the H1N1 outbreak was still small and mostly imported.

“Now that it has reached the community level, it’s important to detect it fast and treat it quickly,” he said after checking Serdang Hospital’s service centre for patients with flu-like symptoms.

He said the Government-approved rapid test kits could diagnose patients in15 minutes and were about 70%-90% accurate.

He said that patients in high-risk categories such as those with respiratory disorders can be admitted for treatment without waiting for the results.

On school closures, Liow said a Health Ministry technical committee was developing new guidelines that will be applicable to both schools and universities.

“Now that the situation has changed to the mitigation stage, new guidelines are needed to ensure that schools follow the same policies,” he said.

He added that many schools were closing on their own accord when they had several students having flu-like symptoms.

“So we need new comprehensive guidelines which we will implement quickly so there is no panic at the community level,” he said.

Liow also told suppliers of the rapid test kits and face masks not to raise their prices because all sectors had to contribute to help stop the viral outbreak.

“Do not increase prices because the H1N1 flu is a matter of national security,” he said.

He said suppliers who raised their price unnecessarily will have to answer to the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.

Liow also reminded public event organisers to take steps to prevent the spread of the virus by preparing hand sanitisers and masks.

“If anyone has flu-like symptoms, they must also be responsible by isolating themselves and not go to public gatherings such as weddings and other social functions,” he said.

Liow ruled out a need to call for a state of emergency with the current A(H1N1) situation, saying that social distancing programmes and measures sufficed for now.

He also said that anti-viral drugs of various types were currently being distributed to government hospitals and clinics.

He reiterated an earlier Health Ministry announcement that the volume of the anti-viral drugs had been increased from 10% to 20% of the total population.

Earlier, Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said there were six more deaths reported over the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 38.

He said the number of new cases recorded was also at an all-time high of 270, bringing the total number of cases in Malaysia to 2,253, reports DHARMENDER SINGH.

A(H1N1): Four more deaths, total at 12

2009-08-05T20:43:00.000+08:00

PETALING JAYA: The Influenza A(H1N1) virus claimed four more lives, bringing the total number of fatalities in Malaysia to 12.

Three patients were a three-year-old, a 12-year-old and a 20-year old who all died at the Malacca Hospital on Aug 3, Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Ismail Merican said on Wednesday.

The fourth was a six-year-old boy who died at 2.30am Wednesday at the Batu Pahat Hospital, the second such death in Johor.

Overall, there were 16 new cases of A(H1N1) infection recorded over the past 24 hours, bringing the accumulated total in Malaysia to 1,476 since the outbreak, Ismail said in a statement from PUTRAJAYA.

He said the three-year-old girl died from severe pneumonia at 4.30pm on Aug 3 after having been confirmed to being infected with A(H1N1) at 6.19pm the previous day, reports IZATUN SHARI.

The girl. who had a history of chronic respiratory tract infection, was warded in Malacca Hospital on July 31 after developing flu and cough symptoms on July 25.

Prior to that, she had received early treatment at private clinics before being admitted to a private hospital on July 30 and later referred to Malacca Hospital.

Dr Ismail said the 12-year-old boy died from severe pneumonia at 2pm on Monday and was confirmed to have been infected with A(H1N1) at 5.50pm on Tuesday.

He said the boy, who suffered from chronic kidney failure and underwent dialysis treatment, was admitted to the hospital on Monday with a fever, cough and breathing difficulties since Aug 1.

“The 11th case involved a 20-year-old man with chronic asthma who was admitted to Malacca Hospital on Aug 2 after having fever, cough and breathing difficulties since July 31,” Dr Ismail said.

“He was admitted to the intensive care unit and confirmed to have had severe pneumonia,” he said, adding that the victim died at 2.30am on Monday and confirmed to have had A(H1N1) at 5.50pm on Tuesday.

Dr Ismail said the 16 new cases involved 10 from three new clusters and six sporadic cases.

“Of the 16 new cases, two are still being treated in wards, 11 are receiving outpatient treatment and three have died,” he said.

In JOHOR BARU, Johor Health department director Dr Mohd Khairi Yaakub said that the six-year-old boy, who was also suffering from pnemonia, died at about 2.30am on Wednesday.

“He was first admitted to a private hospital in Batu Pahat on July 26, and was later admitted to the Batu Pahat Hospital on July 30.

“He tested positive for the flu on July 31,” he said, reports FARIK ZOLKEPLI.

Dr Mohd Khairi said that Health Department personnel would monitor the conditions of the boy’s parents and other family members.

“We will treat them if they show any symptoms consistent with the flu,” he said.

Do malaysian doctors really care?

2009-08-03T21:15:00.002+08:00

I have spoken to many colleagues about their experiences with doctors in malaysia and more often than not, they state that the doctors do not care and hardly do a thorough examination.

I have had my share of 'bad' experiences with doctors as well. Read my earlier blogs.

Recently with regards to the swine flu virus, doctors have taken a very lackadaisical attitude with patients displaying the flu symptoms. They are given panadol etc and sent back!!

This is unacceptable!.

Do doctors here practice the politics of our nation ( race and religion) as well? Do they treat the nicer looking female patients better as compared to the old man or woman?

Where are the Dr Kildares , Dr Shephards , Dr Trappers etc etc?

Any comments?

Further crackdown on anti-ISA protesters

2009-08-03T21:15:00.001+08:00

The government is insisting on a harsh crackdown on anyone who was involved in the protests. As such, they should live up to their words.

Cuepacs has issued a statement saying that if civil servants are involved in protests, their superiors can take action against them, in line with the Akujanji forms that civil servants sign upon employment.

Similarly, I would think that our tertiary institutions, the local ones at least, have the same forms signed by their students. Therefore, I would think that they should also take the same action in suspending those found to have participated in the recent anti-ISA protests.

If students and civil servants alike did sign the Akujanji form and still participated in the protests, then I'm guessing they have no qualms in taking responsibility for their actions.

This is the same call I put forth when UiTM had their anti-Khalid Ibrahim protest as well. I think such institutions should be apolitical and enforce their stances in line with the policies of their establishments.

Perhaps the Ministry of Higher Education should ensure that such measures are taken.

A(H1N1): Lady teacher, 51, is country's 8th flu death (Update 2)

2009-08-03T21:13:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: A lady teacher, 51, from a Selangor school closed on July 27 died Sunday, making her the eighth Influenza A(H1N1) death in the country.

She had developed pneumonia and had underlying heart disease, said Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican on Monday.

He said that a sample was taken after she died and the test results on Monday showed that she was infected by the flu virus.

He said that she had complained of cough, fever and difficulty in breathing and saw a doctor on July 27.

She was later hospitalised in Sungei Buloh Hospital on July 30 and then moved to Seremban Hospital where her condition worsened and she died of pneumonia.

Meanwhile in Miri, a 24-year-old native woman suffering from Influenza A(H1N1) died at 4am on Monday, a mere two weeks after giving birth to her first child at the intensive care unit of the Miri Hospital.

Her baby girl is safe, Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said, adding that this was the state’s first reported death from the deadly flu.

The woman, from here, was warded on July 17 after she contracted the disease. At that time she was already in an advanced stage of pregnancy.

The hospital managed to help her deliver a baby girl a few days after she was warded. The baby has been handed over to her father, a labourer in his late 20s.

“This is the first death in Sarawak due to A(H1N1). We (the Sarawak government) have increased the alert level throughout the whole state now.

“Nobody can take this disease lightly anymore,” Dr Chan said.

The Miri Hospital tightened security and safety by several notches to prevent any spread of the disease.

Its director Dr Uma Devi had issued directives to staff not to allow little children to enter the wards if they are not there for any health-related purposes.

Visitors are not allowed to bring babies or little kids to the wards anymore. Old folk are also discouraged from entering unless they are there for health checks.

Smokers are also barred from coming near the wards.

Dr Uma said the tighter safety measures are needed as those who are weaker have immune systems that can be easily attacked by the H1N1 virus.

PIKOM PC FAIR 2009 (II)

2009-08-01T01:39:00.000+08:00

UUM - PIKOM ICT FAIR 2009

29 - 31 July 2009 (10:00am - 10:00pm) Postponed Until Further Notice
University Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Kedah

PIKOM PC FAIR 2009 (II)

31 July - 2 August 2009 (11:00am - 9:00pm)

· KL Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur - Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50888 Kuala Lumpur
Map of Surrounding Car Parks

· Village Mall, Sungai Petani - Kedah

· Dewan Perbandaran Taiping - Perak

· Batu Pahat Mall, Batu Pahat - Johor

7 August - 9 August 2009 (11:00am - 9:00pm)

· Penang International Sports Arena, Penang - Jalan Tun Dr Awang, 11900 Relau

· Mahkota Parade Melaka, Melaka - Jalan Merdeka, 75000 Bandar Hilir

· Sabah Trade Centre, Kota Kinabalu - Sabah

· Berjaya Megamall, Kuantan - Pahang

13 August - 15 August 2009 (11:00am - 9:00pm)

· KB Mall, Kota Bharu - Kelantan

· Terengganu Trade Centre, Kuala Terengganu - Terengganu

14 August - 16 August 2009 (11:00am - 9:00pm)

· Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Johor Bahru - Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim, 80000 Johor Bahru

· Stadium Indera Mulia, Ipoh, Perak - Jalan Ghazali Jawi, 31400 Ipoh

Unidentified DNA found on Teoh's blazer

2009-07-29T21:46:00.001+08:00

SHAH ALAM: The inquest into the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock was told that DNA from two different persons were detected from a piece of clothing worn by the deceased.

Tan Hock Chuan, who is acting for the Attorney-General, told the inquest on Wednesday that the DNA profile, derived from a swab taken from the outer layer of the back of the blazer worn by Teoh, was a mixture of male DNA types from two individuals.

He added one of the DNA profiles matched with the blood specimen taken from the deceased while the other belonged to an unknown male individual.

Tan said another DNA profile derived from a swab taken from the tear region of a waist belt worn by Teoh also consisted of a mixture of male DNA types.

He added one matched with Teoh’s blood stain specimen whilst the other was from an unknown individual.

He also said swabs were taken from 102 persons to determine whether any of them matched the unknown persons.

Tan said the mystery individual has been labelled as Male 1.

According to Tan, the first DNA report was ready.

“I have been told by the chemist that test on 90 people have been completed and tests on 12 male persons will be conducted,” he added.

He said he had also been told that two persons have refused to give swabs and this delayed the process.

Lawyer Gobind Singh Deo, who is holding a watching brief for Teoh’s family, asked Tan about the DNA profiles.

“We wish to know if any of those 90 specimens match the DNA of the unknown Male 1?” asked Gobind.

He said it was crucial for them to know if there was a match.

“Whether or not it matches, it is best revealed by experts,” said Tan.

Another bombshell! By Astro this time

2009-07-29T21:40:00.000+08:00

This morning I received a letter from Astro saying it has increased its sports package by a whopping RM12 per month with immediate effect! Next month’s bill will show the new total to be paid.

Doesn't the government have any control on this matter, the price increase by Astro? Are only the rich allowed to be fans of sports?

This is the result of having only one company to monopolize the satellite channels. It can increase prices at its own whims and fancies.

I am not a well to do person. I am on to Astro mainly for the world news and the live sports coverage. I will gladly accept if Astro can provide the sports package alone, so will thousands of others.

The price increase by Astro seems to be well timed, what with the World Cup Soccer finals being held just next year.

Khir Challenging NG

2009-07-10T22:23:00.001+08:00

On Tuesday, Dr Khir challenged Ng that if he could sell the mansion for RM24mil, then he (Dr Khir) was willing to give a 50% commission and use the remaining sum to pay off his bank loan and buy a good house.

What do you feel about this?? hehehe

To me personally i feel its pointless to propose such challenges,what the point? his mansion been reveal,what else to do right?

Science and Maths in BM - VOTE NOW!

2009-07-10T21:40:00.001+08:00

Dr Mahathir has set up a poll on his blog for us to cast our vote on whether we agree to what the Govt has decided. He has promised to raise the matter with the Government if the vote is pro-English…

To vote, go to

http://chedet.co.cc/chedetblog/

Vote NOW!!

Govt does away with 30% bumi equity requirement

2009-07-02T01:57:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The 30% bumiputra quota requirement for companies seeking to list on the Bursa Malaysia has been done away with under an overhaul of the Government’s economic policies.

In his most important announcement since taking office on April 3, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said there was a need for a new economic model.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announcing the need for a new economic model at the Invest Malaysia 2009 conference at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur Tuesday. — NORAFIFI EHSAN / The Star

He said the Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) would effectively “no longer exist” as it had failed to achieve its objectives.

Saying that the emphasis now was on participation instead of equity, Najib also announced the setting up of Ekutinas (Ekuiti Nasional Bhd), a private equity fund to make strategic investments for bumiputras, especially in companies with high-growth potential.

The other announcements, which are to take effect immediately, were:

* All property transactions, except for those involving a dilution of government or bumiputra interests for property valued at RM20mil and above, would no longer require FIC approval;

* All Malaysian companies seeking listing would have to offer 50% of their public offering to bumiputra investors, which would work out to 12.5% of the total stake;

* A 100% ownership would be allowed for qualified and leading fund management companies to set up operations in Malaysia;

* Foreign equity in existing stockbroking companies would be increased to 70% from 49%;

* All transactions on mergers and takeovers by local or foreign companies will no longer need FIC approval; and

* All listed companies need not maintain 30% bumiputra equity as required previously.

Exact details of Jackson death remain unclear

2009-06-28T03:10:00.000+08:00

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The final act of Michael Jackson's life came into clearer focus Friday, a picture of a fallen superstar working out with TV's "Incredible Hulk" and under the care of his own private cardiologist as he tried to get his 50-year-old body in shape for a grueling bid to reclaim his glory.

While the exact circumstances of his death remained unclear, early clues suggested he may simply have pushed his heart too far.

Police said they had towed the doctor's BMW from Jackson's home because it may include medication or other evidence, and a source familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that a heart attack appeared to have caused the cardiac arrest that led to the pop icon's sudden death.

As grief for the King of Pop poured out from the icons of music to heartbroken fans, and the world came to grips with losing one of the most luminous celebrities of all time, an autopsy showed no sign of trauma or foul play to Jackson, who died Thursday at UCLA Medical Center after paramedics not could not revive him.

The AP source who said Jackson apparently suffered a heart attack was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity.

Jackson's brother Jermaine had said the pop singer apparently went into cardiac arrest - which often, but not always, happens because of a heart attack.

Authorities said they spoke with the doctor briefly Thursday and Friday and expected to meet with him again soon. Police stressed that the doctor, identified by the Los Angeles Times as cardiologist Conrad Murray, was not a criminal suspect.

"We do not consider him to be uncooperative at this time," Beck said. "We think that he will assist us in coming to the truth of the facts in this case."

Craig Harvey, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County coroner, said there were no signs of foul play in the autopsy and further tests would be needed to determine cause of death. He said Jackson was taking some unspecified prescription medication but gave few other details. Meanwhile, an emergency dispatch call released by fire officials shed light on the desperate effort at the mansion to save Jackson's life before paramedics arrived Thursday afternoon. Jackson died later at UCLA Medical Center.

In the recording, an unidentified caller pleads with authorities to send help, offering no clues about why Jackson was stricken. He tells a dispatcher that Jackson's doctor is performing CPR.

"He's pumping his chest," the caller says, "but he's not responding to anything." Asked by the dispatcher whether anyone saw what happened, the caller answers: "No, just the doctor, sir. The doctor has been the only one there."

The president of the company promoting Jackson's shows said Murray was Jackson's personal physician for three years. Jackson insisted Murray accompany him to London, said Randy Phillips, president of AEG Live. Phillips quoted Jackson as saying: "Look, this whole business revolves around me. I'm a machine, and we have to keep the machine well-oiled." Phillips said Jackson submitted to at least five hours of physicals that insurers had insisted on. On Friday, the autopsy was completed in a matter of hours, but an official cause of death could take up to six weeks while medical examiners await toxicology tests. No funeral plans had been made public.

Jackson had remained out of the public spotlight during intense rehearsals for the London concerts, but those with access said he was upbeat and seemingly energized by his planned comeback. Ken Ehrlich, executive producer of the Grammys, said he watched Jackson dance energetically as recently as Wednesday.

"There was this one moment, he was moving across the stage and he was doing these trademark Michael moves, and I know I got this big grin on my face, and I started thinking to myself, 'You know, it's been years since I've seen that,"' he said. Lou Ferrigno, the star of "The Incredible Hulk," said he had been working out with Jackson for the past several months.

Still, Jackson's health had been known to be precarious in recent years, and one family friend said Friday that he had warned the entertainer's family about his use of painkillers.

"I said one day we're going to have this experience. And when Anna Nicole Smith passed away, I said we cannot have this kind of thing with Michael Jackson," Brian Oxman, a former Jackson attorney and family friend, told NBC's "Today" show. "The result was I warned everyone, and lo and behold, here we are. I don't know what caused his death. But I feared this day, and here we are."

Oxman claimed Jackson had prescription drugs at his disposal to help with pain suffered when he broke his leg after he fell off a stage and for broken vertebrae in his back.

The worldwide wave of mourning for Jackson continued unabated for the man who revolutionized pop music and moonwalked his way into entertainment legend.

"My heart, my mind are broken," said Elizabeth Taylor, who was one of Jackson's closest friends and married one of her husbands at a lavish wedding at the pop star's Neverland Ranch in 1991. She said she had heard the news as she was preparing to travel to London for Jackson's comeback show, and added, "I can't imagine life without him."

Hundreds made a pilgrimage to the Jackson family's compound in Los Angeles, leaving flowers and messages of love. They did the same at his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and at the home in Los Angeles' Holmby Hills where Jackson was stricken. Some camped out overnight.

In New York, people stopped at Harlem's Apollo Theater, where Jackson had performed as a child with his brothers in one of rock's first bubblegum supergroups, the Jackson 5.

Scores of celebrities who knew or worked with Jackson - or were simply awed by him - issued statements of mourning. Some came through publicists and others through emotional postings on social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook, where countless everyday fans were sharing memories as well.

"I truly hope he is memorialized as the '83 moonwalking, MTV owning, mesmerizing, unstoppable, invincible Michael Jackson," said John Mayer. Miley Cyrus called him "my inspiration."

And Diana Ross, the former lead singer of the Supremes who introduced the Jackson 5 at their debut on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in 1969, said she could not stop crying. "I am unable to imagine this," she said. "My heart is hurting."

His two ex-wives both said they were devastated. One of them, Lisa Marie Presley, posted a long, emotional statement on her MySpace page in which she said her ex-husband had confided to her 14 years ago that he feared dying young and under tragic circumstances, just as her father, Elvis Presley, had.

"I promptly tried to deter him from the idea, at which point he just shrugged his shoulders and nodded almost matter of fact as if to let me know, he knew what he knew and that was kind of that," Presley said. Presley's father, the King of Rock 'n' Roll to Jackson's King of Pop, died in 1977 at age 42 of a drug-related death.

At rehearsals for Sunday's Black Entertainment Awards show, stars like Beyonce, Wyclef Jean and Ne-Yo were frantically revamping their performances in an effort to turn the evening into a Michael Jackson tribute.

"There's a direct line from Ne-Yo to Michael Jackson," said executive producer Stephen Hill. "There's a direct line from Beyonce to Michael Jackson. There's a direct line from Jay-Z to Michael Jackson. I think they'll want to pay tribute in their own way."

When he was on trial on child molestation charges in 2005, Jackson appeared gaunt and had recurring back problems that he attributed to stress. His trial was interrupted several times by hospital visits, and Jackson once even appeared late to court dressed in his pajamas after an emergency room visit.

After his acquittal, Jackson's prosecutor argued against returning some items that had been seized from Neverland, the Santa Barbara County estate Jackson had converted into a children's playland. Among the items were syringes, the powerful painkiller Demerol and other prescription drugs. Demerol carries a long list of warnings to users. The government warns that mixing it with certain other drugs can lead to reactions including slowed or stopped breathing, shock and cardiac arrest.

Within hours of Jackson's death on Thursday, fans were inundating Web sites that sell his music, and physical stores reported they had been cleaned out of Michael Jackson and Jackson 5 CDs. All 10 of the albums on Amazon.com's bestseller list Friday were Jackson's; the 25th anniversary edition of "Thriller," the bestselling album of all time, was at the top.

Meanwhile, fans were snapping up every Jackson recording they could get their hands on.

Bill Carr, Amazon.com Inc.'s vice president for music and video, said the Web site sold out within minutes all CDs by Michael Jackson and by the Jackson 5. Jackson's albums accounted for all 10 of Amazon's "Bestsellers in Music" list Friday, with the 25th anniversary edition of the celebrated "Thriller" album taking the top spot.

Barnes and Noble Inc.'s Web site and retail stores also sold out most Jackson CDs, DVDs and books, and its 10 best-selling CDs were Jackson titles as well.

"They love him," said Bill Carr, Amazon's vice president for music and video. "He's a legend, and they're anxious to make sure they have his music in their collections."

A(H1N1): Students back from US, UK, Australia, Philippines must stay home for 7 days

2009-06-23T23:06:00.000+08:00

Latest: Seri Cempaka, Assunta 1 schools closed for a week

PUTRAJAYA: Students returning for holidays from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and the Philippines must quarantine themselves at home for seven days.

Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said most imported cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) reported in the country involved people who returned from these countries.

“We urge them to do so and if they develop flu-like symptoms, they must seek treatment immediately,” he told a press conference here Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Seri Cempaka International School in Batu 9, Cheras in Kuala Lumpur became the fourth school to be ordered to be closed for a week after a student tested positive for the flu.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lay said on Tuesday that the number of cases nationwide had increased to 69 with 10 new cases, he said, with two of them being local transmissions.

SJK (C) Jalan Davidson here and SRK Assunta 1 and 2 in Petaling Jaya were closed earlier after students were confirmed with the virus.

SMK Seksyen 9 Shah Alam, SMK Damansara Utama in Petaling Jaya and SM Wangsa Maju in Kuala Lumpur have each had one class stopped from Monday.

Meanwhile, Education Ministry director-general Tan Sri Alimuddin Md Dom says parents with children in the affected schools can keep them at home for the rest of the week if they are worried or the children feel unwell.

"All they would need to do is to inform the school; there is no need for a medical certificate from a doctor," he said.

Declared Perak MB, Nizar to hold 10pm Pakatan Exco meeting in Ipoh

2009-05-11T22:23:00.001+08:00

9:24pm: The High Court today declared Datuk Nizar Jamaluddin as the legitimate Menteri Besar of Perak and his bid to regain office will come sooner than expected after the same court denied the application of rival MB, Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, for a apply for a stay pending an appeal.

In his ruling, Justice Abdul Aziz Abd Rahim stated that a new Mentri Besar could not be appointed as the office had not been vacated. A mentri besar can only be dismissed by a vote of no confidence, one in which Aziz noted that the Perak Legislative did not carry out.

Court said the fatal Barisan Nasional mistake was despite the majority of 31 against 28, the coalition failed to take a no-confidence vote against Nizar in the state assembly.

The Judge said once appointed as chief executive of the state, the Menteri Besar is only answerable to the state assembly.

The judge also said the job of the Ruler or head of state was only to appoint a Menteri Besar and if he refuses to resign, he cannot be sacked or his position vacated.
Justice Aziz said Nizar had gone to meet the sultan on Feb 4 to seek a dissolution of the house to go back to the people.

“It is not true that Nizar had asked the ruler to dissolve the House on grounds that he had lost confidence of the majority,” he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said the BN will appeal the court ruling.

“We feel we have a strong case. We feel that we are on a sound footing so we will appeal this decision,” Najib told a Press conference in an immediate reaction the court ruling.

In the meantime, Nizar declined to meet the Press for the customary Press conference, preferring to leave the court to travel back to Ipoh to seek an audience with the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, to get the royal consent to dissolve the Perak Assembly and call for fresh state elections.

However, he has made a pit stop at Taman Melewar, in Gombak, where the Pas headquarters is situated, where he briefed senior Pas leaders on the court ruling.

Nizar was expected to attend a Pas ceramah tonight and explain the court ruling to supporters but NST reporters have established that he has left for Ipoh to hold an a Pakatan Rakyat Exco meeting around 10pm, presumably with those who were State Exco members when he held office. Word has spread to the Ipoh-based Press that a media conference will be held no later than 12.30am.

"I have already indicated to the palace that I am seeking an audience with the Raja Muda to present a proposal to dissolve the state assembly," he said.

"It does not matter if I am not appointed as Menteri Besar as long as the right to choose are returned to the people," he added.

NST reporters in Ipoh also established that Nizar, as of now, does not have an appointment for an audience with the Sultan of Perak. Even if he soughts one today, he is likely to get the appointment confirmed only tomorrow morning.

However, a Malaysian Insider report, quoting senior PKR official, stated that the Regent of Perak Raja Nazrin Shah has agreed to see Nizar at 8.30am tomorrow.

However, this does not seem to be the case with the palace. NST reporters have found out that while the palace have confirmed receiving Nizar's request for an audience with the Regent, Raja Nazrin has not given the consent that he will grant an audience with the re-instated Menteri Besar although the Ruler has the forbearance to give one at any time of his choosing.

For now, Nizar and his people have to adopt a "wait-and-see" stance.

On March 3, after the "democracy tree" assembly held by Pakatan Rakyat assemblymen, Nizar had submitted a letter to the palace seeking that the Sultan dissolve the assembly can call for fresh state elections. However, Nizar did not get a response.

But with today's court ruling, that letter still stands. It is now a question of whether the palace may communicate a response to Nizar's letter and declare a royal ruling.

Zambry, on the other hand, has indicated through his aides that he will respect the court decision and will vacate his Menteri Besar office at any time soon. Zambry was not present at the court this afternoon.

His aides also indicate that the Exco members will also vacate their respective offices once Zambry does so.

Speaking to reporters later in reacting to the verdict, Zambry said: "I accept the court decision with an open heart and mind. I and my firends will take steps according to the law. I call on all BN supporters and people in Perak to be calm."

In anticipation of a demonstration, police deployed Federal Reserve Unit trucks at the Perak Secretariat in Ipoh.