GROUP SEEKS POLICE PERMIT FOR ANTI-FREE SEX ASSEMBLY

KUALA LUMPUR: SOME 30 non-governmental organisations, led by Jaringan Melayu Malaysia (JMM), yesterday applied for a police permit to stage a peaceful assembly to voice their opposition to homosexuality and free sex.

JMM president Azwanddin Hamzah said representatives from 30 NGOs are expected to attend the gathering, scheduled for April 21 at Dataran Merdeka to oppose lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) and free sex practices in Malaysia.

Among the NGOs expected to take part are the Armed Forces Veterans Association and the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Parents and Teachers Association.

Azwanddin said they were expecting between 5,000 and 10,000 people to take part in the assembly.

"The assembly is not politically motivated. It is our way of showing that we are against LBGT and free sex," he said outside the Dang Wangi police headquarters, here, yesterday.

NO POLITICS: Voicing out against immoral culture is the sole aim, say organisers

Read more on: Group seeks police permit for anti-free sex assembly - General - New Straits Times 

PUNJABI CLASSES IN SCHOOLS?

The government is prepared to consider the teaching of Punjabi language in schools if there is a request for it and there are enough students for the lesson, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Muhyiddin, who is also the education minister, said if this was carried out, it would enable young Sikhs to master their mother tongue, while others, too, could learn the Punjabi language, in line with the 1Malaysia spirit.

"It is important for all of us to learn about other people in this country, because this will bind us together," he said at the Vaisakhi open house at Gurdwara Sahib Sentul here yesterday.

He said although the Sikh population in the country was small, the community played an important role in the country's social and community development.

Read more on: Punjabi classes in schools? - General - New Straits Times 

WARNINGS WORKED

Quake shows vital role played by early alert system

Another massive earthquake occurred off the west coast of Sumatra, with after-shocks as strong, if not stronger, than the first.

Although none of the tremors exceeded those of the 2004 Boxing Day ones, nonetheless, at 8.6 on the Richter scale, and with the offshore epicentre so close to Banda Aceh, the threat of a tsunami was taken very seriously. The early warning sirens blared in the coastal areas fringing the Indian Ocean, warning of a possible tsunami. As a result, evacuation  of all these  areas was systematically undertaken by the authorities of the countries concerned, including Malaysia. Fortunately, the nature of the earthquake did not induce tsunamis and the alerts were called off soon afterwards.

 

The natural disasters of the new millennium have caused much trauma in the affected countries and globally. Hundreds of thousands lost their lives in the Boxing Day tsunami and some small shoreline communities of west Sumatra were wiped out. Not long afterwards, another quake and a tsunami devastated Nias Island off the Sumatran west coast. Many intervening quakes and volcanic explosions took their toll in Indonesia and worldwide but nothing as bad as 2004.

However, just over a year ago, Japan suffered its worst earthquake and tsunami in recent history. Lives were lost in the thousands, communities wrecked and, worst of all, the Fukushima nuclear plant was damaged, causing dangerous fallout. That brought the disaster close to home throughout the world. Time has  obviously  not been kind, leaving one survivor of the Aceh tsunami wondering what manner of transgression has brought on such divine wrath.

Nevertheless, the high death toll and the near total wipeout of Banda Aceh in 2004 had left a sense of insecurity that begged addressing, both domestically and internationally. The world came together and an early warning system was put in place. Two days ago, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued a warning which was communicated to all Indian Ocean rim countries, and according to the World Meteorological Organisation, the communications system set up after the 2004 tsunami worked well and the affected countries received the alert of possible oncoming "seismically charged" waves well within five minutes. People who heard the sirens and received warnings via fast spreading SMS text messages took themselves to higher ground in an orderly manner. Although the exercise was thankfully academic this time, it demonstrated the public awareness so important in avoiding chaos.

For, when huge volumes of water metres-tall rushing to shore in mere minutes threaten, only the early warning sirens are of any help.

Read more on:  http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/editorial/warnings-worked-1.73443

'MALAYSIA'S ELECTORAL SYSTEM MOST FAIR'

KOTA BARU: The electoral system in Malaysia is among the best in the region and should not be doubted by its people.

Former Narathiwat provincial election director Phaithoon Chehae said the system was also considered the "most fair and clean" he had seen in his 14 years as election director in Narathiwat.

"I've observed Malaysia's general elections since 1998 and I noticed the system is well managed. If I had the power to change the electoral system in Thailand, I would use Malaysia's as the model."

He said what attracted him most was that all eligible citizens were allowed to vote, and they did so without being influenced by political parties.

"Malaysians choose their government or the candidate they want. They are not coerced to vote for those who hold government posts or influenced by political leaders.

"If the leader, like the prime minister, nominates a candidate whom they do not agree to, they can reject the person. The situation is unlike in Thailand."

Phaithoon, who ended his service as election director in December last year, said in Thailand, the candidates were decided by the leaders.

He lauded Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's leadership and said Malaysia was a prosperous and peaceful country.

"His manner of governing Malaysia has become the most talked-about topic in government offices and coffee shops in Thailand, especially in Narathiwat."

Read more on: http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/malaysia-s-electoral-system-most-fair-1.73528

WHAT IS BILL- Security Offences (Special Measures??

BILL IS IN LARGER INTEREST OF NATION

WHAT is the real significance of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Bill 2012 tabled  in the Dewan Rakyat on April 10?

The bill is one of those extraordinary examples in history -- in the history of any nation -- of the executive voluntarily surrendering its power to the judiciary.

The power to detain a person without trial under the Internal Security Act  was, in a sense, the ultimate expression of unfettered authority. Now the government of Datuk Seri Najib Razak has decided to relinquish that authority in the larger interest of the nation and the people.

The implications of the abolition of the ISA and detention without trial are manifold. One, it demonstrates respect for the rights and dignity of the human person. No Malaysian has to fear any more the executive's arbitrary exercise of power in the guise of national security or political stability.

If a person is deemed to be a threat to national security because of his alleged involvement in organised violence or economic sabotage or espionage or in some attempt to overthrow parliamentary democracy, he will be arrested and investigated for a maximum of 28 days, and, if there is evidence against him, he will be produced in court.

It is a judge -- not a minister -- who will decide his fate, based upon the law.  It is equally significant that the bill states explicitly, "No person shall be arrested and detained ... solely for his political belief or political activity."

Two, the bill also enhances executive accountability. The police as the executive's arm will have to conduct a thorough investigation with all the instruments of the law at its disposal within a specific timeframe. If there is a case against the alleged security offender, the public prosecutor will have to convince the judge. It is this that makes the executive answerable to the judiciary.

 Three, the bill also provides for a degree of parliamentary oversight. It says  the 28-day period of investigation "shall be reviewed every five years and shall cease to have effect unless, upon the review, a resolution is passed by both Houses of Parliament to extend the period of operation of this provision."

Four, the bill, it is so obvious, strengthens the judiciary.  Since its role is to protect and preserve justice, the judiciary will now be able to play that role in the context of determining who is and who is not a threat to national security and public order.

Five, given the positive impact of the bill upon all three branches of government -- the executive, the legislature and the judiciary -- it will undoubtedly reinforce the rule of law and improve democratic governance.

While contributing to democratic governance, the bill is also cognisant of the importance of protecting the well-being of society as a whole.  Provisions relating to sensitive information, interception of communication, electronic monitoring device, protected witness and hearing in camera, testify to this. Nonetheless, even in these spheres, there is some check and balance to ensure that the scope for abuse is minimised.

It is indisputably true that the bill, viewed in its entirety, marks a break with the past.  Indeed, the Security Offences (Special Measures) Bill, juxtaposed with a number of other measures introduced by the prime minister in the last seven months, heralds a new era in Malaysian politics.

 Three Emergency Ordinances have been abolished; laws pertaining to restricted residence and banishment have been rescinded; the annual renewal of licence requirement in the Printing Presses and Publications Act has been removed; and the Universities and University Colleges Act has been amended to allow for student participation in party politics.

 There is also now a Freedom of Assembly Act which is a fairer reflection of Article 10 in the Malaysian Constitution than what the Police Act had provided for.  The 32 recommendations adopted by the Dewan Rakyat in December last year and this month aimed at improving the electoral system also promise to enhance freedom and democracy in our country.

Of course, some of these amended laws can be further reformed. There are other laws such as the Sedition Act and the Official Secrets Act which should also be abolished or at least modified drastically.

But no one can deny that the reforms that have taken place in recent times under  Najib's leadership embody the most comprehensive, the most far-reaching agenda for political change that the nation has known since Merdeka.  These changes, epitomised by the abolition of the ISA and detention without trial, if properly implemented, will accelerate the sort of political transformation that many right-thinking Malaysians are committed to -- a political transformation that will give substance to the exercise of freedom with responsibility.

HISTORIC CHANGE:  The proposed Security Offences (Special Measures) law respects human rights and  enhances executive accountability

Read more: Bill is in larger interest of nation - Columnist - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnist/bill-is-in-larger-interest-of-nation-1.73449

'DON'T IGNORE WHOLESOME VALUES'

"Buttress yourselves and shoulder your responsibility as citizens who genuinely love the country. Indeed, Malaysia is our right, symbol of our dignity and sovereignty. For this, we must shape and mould the future of our nation.  Material gains alone are not enough to make us a strong nation. We need to safeguard and continue to practise the values of a courteous society."  

KUALA LUMPUR: The people should be empowered and dynamic to ensure that the country achieved  developed nation status by 2020, said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah.

He said they should also equip themselves with knowledge and skills besides adopting good conduct, high moral values and ethics.

Speaking at his installation as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara here yesterday, Tuanku Abdul Halim said the country would not be developed if the people were not knowledgeable while the progress would not be significant if positive values were ignored by the people.

Read more on: http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/don-t-ignore-wholesome-values-1.73154

GEMPA BUMI


APA HARUS ANDA LAKUKAN JIKA BERLAKU GEMPA BUMI??

Kita mesti tahu bagaimana mempersiapkan diri kita untuk menghadapi gempa bumi supaya bila ianya terjadi kita telah bersedia untuk bertindak. Senarai berikut menerangkan tentang persediaan-persediaan yang boleh dilakukan sebelum gempa bumi susulan. Sebahagian daripada saranan-saranan tersebut agak payah untuk dilaksanakan. Persediaan memerlukan masa dan usaha tetapi anda lebih perlu banyak bertenang dan bersikap wajar jika anda telah memikirkannya lebih awal., bukan sahaja dirumah tetapi juga di tempat kerja, di dalam setor, di lorong-lorong, di dalam kereta dan di tempat-tempat lain yang anda pergi. Bila sahaja bencana menimpa anda mesti bersedia untuk bertindak.

( SEMASA)

Apa Anda Harus Lakukan Semasa GEMPA BUMI?

Sekiranya Anda Di Dalam Bangunan

• Duduk di dalam bangunan
• Ambil perlindungan di bawah meja, meja tulis atau bangku yang teguh atau tempatkan diri anda di ambang pintu atau satu sudut.
• Bergerak ke arah laluan sebelah dalam (ambang pintu atau bingkai berstruktur atau sebelah dalam bangunan iaitu pusat paling kuat dan kurang kemungkinan untuk runtuh. Ia juga akan mengurangkan impak daripada objek yang jatuh) di mana mungkin.
• Pilih lokasi yang boleh memberikan udara untuk bernafas dalam keadaan di mana bangunan runtuh di sekeliling anda.
• Jauhkan diri anda daripada tingkap, rak buku, kabinet, cermin berat, pasu bunga tergantung dan lain-lain objek berat yang boleh menggelungsur dan jatuh.
• Gerakan berbentuk gelombang boleh meremukkan cermin. Berhati-hati dengan kepingan simen yang jatuh.
• Peluk sesuatu (kot, selimut, buku, akhbar, kotak kadbod dan lain-lain) untuk menutup kepala dan muka daripada bahan yang jatuh dan serpihan kaca.
• Jangan gunakan lilin, mancis atau lain-lain punca api di sebabkan ada kemungkinan kebocoran gas.

Duck Cover Hold

• Berlindung di bawah meja atau perabot berat yang seumpamanya. Jauhkan diri daripada tingkap.
• Jangan tergesa-gesa keluar memandangkan tangga mungkin rosak dan sesak dengan penghuni lain dan keadaan yang masih bergoncang. 

Sekiranya Anda Di Dalam Bangunan Yang Tinggi

• Berlindung menggunakan duck, cover and hold, dan kemudian tinggalkan bangunan sekiranya pemindahan diperlukan.
• Jangan gunakan lif
• Patuhi prosedur pengungsian bangunan.

Sekiranya Anda Di Laluan Pejalan Dekat Bangunan

Berjalan masuk ke arah muka pintu atau rapat ke struktur bangunan untuk melindungi diri anda daripada batu-bata, kaca, kepingan simen dan barangan lain yang jatuh.

Sekiranya Anda di dalam Kereta yang Bergerak

• Berhentikan kereta secepat mungkin apabila telah pasti selamat di kawasan yang sesuai.
• Walaubagaimanapun, jangan berhenti di bawah jambatan atau lintasan atas atau rentangan kabel atau di mana bangunan boleh runtuh ke atas anda
• Tinggal di dalam kereta hingga gegaran berhenti. Kereta adalah penyerap kejutan yang amat baik.
• Bila anda terus memandu selepas gegaran, berwaspada terhadap bahaya yang terhasil daripada gempa bumi seperti objek yang sedang atau telah jatuh, wayar lektrik yang terendam atau laluan jalan rosak atau berlubang-lubang.
     

( SELEPAS )

Apa Anda Harus Lakukan Selepas GEMPA BUMI?

1. Periksa kecederaan. Bila gegaran berhenti kerosakan mungkin berlaku dan mungkin ada yang cedera.
2. Beri bantuan kecemasan bila perlu. Walau bagaimana pun, jangan cuba gerakkan orang yang cedera parah kecuali mereka di dalam bahaya berterusan.
3. Periksa kebakaran dan bahaya api. Padamkan api dengan segera jika anda mampu.
4. Jika anda terbau gas, buka tingkap dan tutup injap utama. Jangan nyalakan mancis atau gunakan api. Gunakan lampu suluh.
5. Tutup bekalan elektrik jika kebetulan ada kerosakan pada sistem pendawaian.
6. Tutup paip utama jika kebocoran telah berlaku.
7. Jangan sentuh pendawaian lektrik yang terendam dalam air atau objek-objek yang bersentuhan dengannya.
8. Periksa almari dan kawasan rak penstoran tetapi buka pintu-pintu dengan cermat dan waspada terhadap objek-objek yang jatuh.
9. Cuci dengan segera tumpahan ubat-ubatan dan lain-lain bahan yang berpotensi membahayakan.
10. Jangan makan atau minum sembarangan daripada bekas-bekas yang berdekatan dengan kaca yang telah remuk.
11. Jangan guna telefon kecuali untuk memanggil bantuan untuk melaporkan kecemasan (perubatan, kebakaran atau jenayah).
12. Keluar dari bangunan yang telah rosak teruk. Gegaran susulan boleh merobohkannya
13. Hidupkan radio berkuasa bateri anda untuk laporan kerosakan dan informasi. Jangan sebarkan khabar-khabar angin.
14. Bekerjasama dengan agensi-agensi penyelamat
15. Untuk sementara, jangan masuk ke kawasan yang mengalami kerosakan kecuali bantuan anda diperlukan.
16. Kosongkan lorong-lorong untuk laluan kenderaan-kenderaan kecemasan.
17. Cuba bawa bertenang dan membantu kanak-kanak yang mungkin mengalami trauma akibat gempa bumi. 
    
    
    (Kredit:http://pmr.penerangan.gov.my/index.php/component/content/article/272-jenis-bencana/1124-gempa-bumi.html )