'AMBIGA NOT FIT TO LEAD BERSIH'
THREAT TO SOCIETY: Her involvement with LGBT disqualifies her

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan is not fit to lead Bersih because of her alleged involvement in activities related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT), said former Pas deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa. 

He said that although he supported Bersih's cause to demand for free and fair elections, those who support the notion of homosexuality were a threat to society.

Therefore, he believed that such movement should instead be led by Pas, as it is a main stakeholder in the national political scene.
"Based on an edict by (prominent Muslim cleric) Yusof al-Qardhawi, one cannot eat or drink with them, let alone be a follower," said the Bachok member of parliament.




Read more on: 'Ambiga not fit to lead Bersih' - General - New Straits Times 

UTHAYAKUMAR: ANWAR HAS FAILED US

KLANG: Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has failed to live up to his promises to help uplift the marginally poor Indian community, said Human Rights Party (HRP) secretary-general P. Uthayakumar. 

Uthayakumar yesterday also issued an ultimatum to Anwar to fulfil promises made by Pakatan Rakyat during the 2008 general election.

Failing which, he said HRP would field its own candidates against Pakatan in several parliamentary and state seats in Selangor in the next general election.

Uthayakumar said Anwar had also declined to meet him on many occasions to discuss issues faced by the Indian community.

Read more: Uthayakumar: Anwar has failed us - Politics - New Straits Times 

PAKATAN 'EMPLOYING DELAYING TACTICS'

SHAH ALAM: Pakatan Rakyat's intention not to have the Selangor state election simultaneously with the parliamentary election is because they realise that the people are no longer supporting them and have diverted their attention to Barisan Nasional. 

The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister said this after launching the third phase of the "Jimat Belanja Dapur" (Save On Kitchen Expenses) programme at Pasar Tani in Section 13, near here.

Noh was responding to a statement by the Pakatan Rakyat Council last week recommending the Selangor government, led by Parti Keadilan Rakyat, not to hold its state election simultaneously with the parliamentary election unless the Election Commission cleans up the state's electoral roll.

Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said they had conveyed the matter to Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Selangor Umno liaison committee deputy chairman Datuk Seri Noh Omar said Pakatan was merely employing delaying tactics. "They are unable to prevent the winds of change that is sweeping the people in Selangor."The people have met me on many occasions and pledged their support for the Barisan Nasional," said Noh to reporters yesterday.

Read more: Pakatan 'employing delaying tactics' - Politics - New Straits Times 

NO NEED TO ABOLISH PTPTN, SAYS HADI

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) should not be abolished as it will not resolve the problem of students who cannot afford higher education, Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said. 
He said there was a need for a fair process that would not burden either students or communities. Hadi’s view is another indication of the conflicting stand on issues among parties in Pakatan Rakyat, mainly Pas and Parti Keadilan Rakyat.

It also contradicts the stand of opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and PKR, which had called for PTPTN to be abolished. Anwar had also said that Petronas funds could be used to write off the RM43 billion loans owed to PTPTN since 1999.

Several Pas leaders had said the proposal to abolish PTPTN was not discussed by Pakatan Rakyat and was merely PKR’s decision. Hadi, in an interview with a Malay tabloid on Saturday, said in Islam, those who had the means should make it their responsibility to help the poor.
Presenting a view that differed from Anwar’s, Hadi said famed Muslim historian Ibn Khaldun had touted education as an industry that was concerned with productivity.
He said education must result in productive human capital. “Therefore, PTPTN loans cannot be abolished just like that  "There has to be a process  that is just and fair and will not burden the poor. The rich must bear the responsibility."

Read more on: No need to abolish PTPTN, says Hadi - Top News - New Straits Times