Sweet singing by Kelabit band
KUCHING: Kan'id, the largest group to grace the stage at the 11th Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) this year, is performing with a mission.

New buses, low fares and better service
The spotlight is now on bus company RapidPenang following the Federal Government’s decision to defer the Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) and monorail projects in Penang. RapidPenang CEO Azhar Ahmad tells SHARANJIT SINGH that his company is on track to provide ensuring the people of Penang get what has been promised to them

Abrupt end to wild party
KOTA BARU: Police rounded up 103 people, including a 23-year-old woman who took part in a "wild party" in Jalan Long Yunos, Tanjung Chat, here yesterday.

Pits stop diesel polluting river
SEREMBAN: Fire and Rescue Department officers had to dig two 1.8m deep pits to prevent spilled diesel from a derailed goods train from flowing into nearby streams that flow into Sungai Linggi as a pollution prevention measure.

Music as a message of peace
KUCHING: Adel Salameh has been travelling the world with his music for the last 20 years to bring peace to his homeland, Palestine.

Veterans to walk for peace
KUALA LUMPUR: About 5,000 armed forces veterans will gather at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) on Sept 21 under a "Veterans Walk of Peace" programme to mark the International Day of Peace.

Spotlight: Safe havens for the newborns
Teenage pregnancies are on the rise and many mums-to-be are estranged from their families. However, AUDREY VIJAINDREN learns that there are shelters willing to provide a family environment in which to bring a child into the world

Adverts to make public think about vital issues (Check out the videos!)
A GROUP of children, playing at speeding around in a (stationary) car are stopped by a policeman. What do they do?

Navaratnam: First of its kind in the world
THE National Integrity Perception Survey 2007 was conducted in August and September last year, and, according to Transparency International Malaysia president Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, is probably the first in the world to do this kind of survey nationwide.

Landslide hazard
A portion of the hillslope near Kolej Matrikulasi Perak hostel in Kota Baru, Gopeng, gave way in the rain on Friday.

Spotlight: It just got boring and robotic
WHAT started out as a casual conversation in an Internet chat room turned into a lifestyle for 27-year-old Karen (not her real name).

Spotlight: 'Exclusive group' not for everyone
WHEN the New Sunday Times contacted the host of one of the biggest swingers group in the country, he was hesitant to speak to us.

Anwar criticised for being 'ignorant' about high speed broad band project
Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Shaziman Mansor yesterday criticised the statement by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that the High Speed Broad Band (HSBB) project to be implemented by the government does not benefit the people directly.

Posthumous honour for Dr Abraham
KUALA LUMPUR: Prominent Malaysian child specialist and passionate social activist Datuk Dr Sam Abraham will be posthumously honoured by his alma mater.

Abdullah to look into memo
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday gave the assurance that he will look into the 18-point memorandum submitted by the Hindu Rights Action Force.

Reason for small drop in pump prices
PEKAN: Fuel prices dropped by only a small margin on Friday because the government is already subsidising the cost of fuel.

Hospital refutes allegations
KUALA LUMPUR: Pusrawi Hospital here said it was not responsible for the medical report of Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan being widely circulated in Permatang Pauh.

Malaysian Siamese hope for development
BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Malaysian Siamese community, who form the smallest number of voters in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary constituency, hopes that they will not be left out from the mainstream of development especially in providing basic amenities to their settlements here.

Avril's gig gets go-ahead
KUALA LUMPUR: Applications for concerts by foreign artistes must be made three working days before Puspal holds its weekly meeting.

Rare rhino gets new home, thanks to Sabah rangers
KOTA KINABALU: It was a close encounter of the unexpected kind.

Quitting over move to leave BN
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (Kimma) National Youth chief Datuk Thajudeen Mohideen and 850 youth members quit the party following a disagreement with the leadership.

Fireworks from Spain
PUTRAJAYA: Catch a fireworks display from Spain tonight at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. The team from Spanish pyrotechnics company Zamorano Caballer S.A. is the final team in the 2008 Malaysian International Fireworks Competition. Team member Patrick Brault said they would showcase specially-designed fireworks, including "Igniters" and "Roman Candles" that would light up the sky in different shades of pastel. The performance, which took Brault 90 hours to choreograph, will last 23 minutes.

Vital to use right helmet
KLANG: Of the 1,027 road accident deaths in Selangor last year, 616 were motorcyclists and pillion riders. Road Safety Department director-general Datuk Suret Singh said Klang had the highest number of deaths with 155 cases. "Motorcyclists and pillion riders face a higher risk of death in accidents due to head injuries. This is why wearing helmets which comply with safety standards is important," he said at the launch of a helmet-wearing initiative programme at Sri Andalas here yesterday.

Mum, son die in crash
REMBAU: A mother and son died when their van collided with a lorry at Km28 of Jalan Seremban-Tampin here yesterday afternoon. Rosni Masri, 32, and Ahmad Faiz Abdul Razak, 16, died on the spot. Husband Abdul Razak Usop, 45, who was the driver, sustained minor injuries. The family was on its way from Tanjung Keling in Malacca to Bukit Miku here when Abdul Razak lost control of the vehicle and collided with a lorry. The bodies were taken to the Tampin Hospital.

Pirates fail in bid to hijack ship
KUALA LUMPUR: Pirates fired on a Japanese-operated cargo ship off Somalia yesterday, and attempted to board the vessel but failed to seize it, an international maritime watchdog said.

MCA Youth questions PKR's stand on mob rule
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA Youth wants to know the stand of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and its adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on mob rule or the inciting of mob rule.

Bukit Aman takes over 'missing drug' case
JOHOR BARU: The investigation papers on the missing syabu worth RM1 million from the evidence room of the Johor police headquarters have been sent to the Federal Criminal Investigation Department in Bukit Aman.

PM: Family plays vital role in reducing crime rate
KUALA LUMPUR: The battle against crime begins with the family, the prime minister said.

Shuttler's focus on Japan Open
KUALA LUMPUR: Fresh from his Olympic outing, Lee Chong Wei who won a silver medal in the badminton singles, wants to put behind the episode of "being used" as a political pawn and concentrate on training to prepare for the Japan Open which begins on Sept 13.

DAP's old guards retain top posts
KUALA LUMPUR: As expected, DAP's old guns retained their Central Executive Committee positions comfortably, without putting up too much of a fight.

Possibility of polling day being declared a state holiday
BUTTERWORTH: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng does not discount the possibility of a public holiday on polling day for the state.

Man shot dead at massage parlour
SEREMBAN: A 42-year-old man was killed after he was shot at point-blank range by a masked gunman at a traditional massage parlour at the Taman Rasah Jaya Flats, here yesterday.

News Focus: Knowledge not enough to change sexual behaviours
FOUR out of five Malaysian youths have heard of AIDS. But it's not quite the time to pat ourselves on the back as yet.

News Focus: Teaching youths the virtue of abstinence
THOUGH the coffeeshop was buzzing with conversations, the young teenage couple sat in silence.

New homes to have rust-proof water tanks
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government will make it compulsory for all housing developers in the state to install rust-proof water tanks and piping system for new housing projects.

62nd MIC annual general meeting: ’Govt measures for good of nation’
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday asked for understanding from all quarters on the necessity of taking unpopular measures, including the subsidy restructuring that resulted in higher prices for petrol and diesel.

Statements ‘not a personal attack’
KOTA TINGGI: Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar yesterday said it was not in his interest to keep on issuing statements on the allegation of sodomy against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim but it was his responsibility to ensure that the police carry out their work fairly and effectively.

Abdullah ready for talks with discuss with Pas
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he was ever ready to hold a muzakarah (discussion) with leaders of Pas to strengthen Malay solidarity.

Home news in brief: Panthers on the prowl
BACHOK: Villagers of Kampung Kolam near here are living in fear following the sightings of three panthers since Friday.

Plantation staff contractors must register
SEGAMAT: All contractors supplying plantation workers will now have to register with the Labour Department , Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said yesterday.

From violence to beauty
PASIR MAS: Fighting fish (also known as betta fish) of various colours and shapes took the centre stage at a "beauty contest" aimed at promoting the species as an aquarium fish.

No meddling in Inul affair
KUANTAN: The Ministry of Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage will not interfere in the decision by the Johor government in refusing to issue a permit for a concert by Indonesian dangdut singer Inul Daratista in Johor Baru.

'Proton needs foreign partner'
KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd, which ended talks with Volkswagen AG last year, needs a foreign partnership to be more competitive in the automotive market, said Minister of International Trade and Industry Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Reading for all the write reasons
Malaysians are eager to join clubs, especially those offering benefits. But joining a reading club? That does not seem to be high on our must-do list. AUDREY VIJAINDREN surveys our reading habits and reads between the lines

How to stir children's interest
- Have a library at home.

'Students are not reading the right way'
THE national target is to achieve 100 per cent literacy by 2020, but what type of literacy are we looking at?

Yet another bomb detonated safely at campus site
ARAU: A police bomb squad detonated a World War 2 bomb found at a construction site for a university campus in Ulu Pauh here yesterday.

Stick to plan, preserve Penang’s heritage
GEORGE TOWN: Heritage conservationists have urged the authorities to implement a master management plan to ensure George Town remains in Unesco's World Heritage Site list.

4 'royal' imposters arrested
JOHOR BARU: Four men posing as Johor royalty were arrested for trying to hoodwink police into releasing a suspected drug trafficker.

Bid to gazette Kinta Nature Park as a state park
IPOH: The Perak government has received a proposal from the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) for the Kinta Nature Park, located 2km from Batu Gajah town, to be gazetted as a state park.

Blind, yet he saved many lives
KUCHING: Being blind does not mean one cannot contribute to helping save others' lives.

Two burnt to death in crash
PETALING JAYA: Crash victim Mohd Firdaus Laily tried to pull his younger brother and friend out of their wrecked car but could only watch in horror as the vehicle caught fire and exploded.

Who will be Tee Keat's deputy?
KUALA LUMPUR: It was barely three hours after he touched down at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport from London on Friday when MCA vice-president and Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat announced his decision to contest the president's post in the party elections in October.

Ringgit & sense: Kitchen diaries of 12 Malaysian families
KUALA LUMPUR: How are you coping with rising food prices?

Wholesome meals at minimal cost
KUALA LUMPUR: A simple meal of rice, ikan kembung asam pedas, ulam, a cooked vegetable and bananas provides complete nutrition.

Now businesses can renew licences any time
KUALA LUMPUR: Business owners will no longer have to rush to get their operating licences renewed at the end of every year.

RHB-NST Spell-It-Right Challenge: Confident Angeline comes out tops
KUALA LUMPUR: Angeline Christie Danny responded with a loud, firm "yes" every time the judges asked whether she was ready to spell a word.

RHB-NST Spell-It-Right Challenge: It's a teary win after tense tie-breaker
SUNGAI PETANI: Nine-year old S. Shivadharshan Naidu shed tears of joy when he came out tops in the Kedah RHB-New Straits Times Junior Spell-it-Right Challenge here yesterday.

Outbreak blamed on outside food
KUALA LUMPUR: The latest case of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) at a school here three days ago was not caused by contaminated food from the school canteen but outside food.

Try not to be duped, women told
KUALA KANGSAR: Young Malaysian women should be alert and not allow themselves to be used as mules by international drug syndicates.

Anwar's proposals banditry, says Shahrir
JOHOR BARU: A government of bandits is what Malaysians can expect should Pakatan Rakyat implement the strategies outlined by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said Johor Baru MP Datuk Shahrir Samad.

Cuepacs can make an appeal, says Najib
PEKAN: Cuepacs should not be disheartened for not getting all its demands fulfilled in the Budget 2009 tabled on Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.

NewsFocus: Singing a different tune
Malaysia risks losing out on big-name entertainers if officials continue to give in to the whims of minority groups, industry sources tell AUDREY VIJAINDREN

RTD gets 686 assistant officers
TEMERLOH: The Road Transport Department (RTD) will get another 686 assistant officers next month to strengthen its enforcement capability.

Memories of times past
KUALA LUMPUR: The two Tan Sris celebrated and talked about old times over tea at the Royal Lake Club at the end of last month.

Enjoying better health with gene screening
KUALA LUMPUR: "Early warning systems" like molecular screening will allow people to better manage their health.

Forum cut short to avoid tension, says Syed Hamid
KOTA TINGGI: The forum by the Bar Council in the federal capital was ended early yesterday to avoid tension and prevent the situation from getting out of control, Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said.

No more such open discussions, says Bar chief
KUALA LUMPUR: Bar Council president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan said it would hold no more open forums on Muslim conversion after one was cut short by protesters yesterday.

Shahrizat's home hit by petrol bombs
KUALA LUMPUR: Two Molotov cocktails were thrown into the compound of Wanita Umno vice-chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil's residence in Jalan Setia Kasih, Bukit Damansara, here yesterday.

Terengganu eyes RM2b oil royalty
KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu government expects to receive RM2 billion or more in oil royalty next month.

51st Merdeka: Patriotic pupils
Pupils in traditional costumes from SRK Seri Gaya and SRJK(C) Chung Hwa, Likas, are among those gathered at Padang Merdeka, Kota Kinabalu, to celebrate Merdeka Day.

Bid to smuggle sparrows foiled
PORT KLANG: Chirping vegetables gave away an attempt to smuggle in some 5,000 sparrows from Indonesia by boat.

51st Merdeka: Seven cheers for Merdeka
KUALA LUMPUR: At the stroke of midnight, the country's Merdeka celebrations roared to a start as Malaysians came together at Dataran Merdeka to celebrate 51 years of independence.

51st Merdeka: National cheer
Some 1,500 National Service trainees waving the Jalur Gemilang while singing ‘MalaysiakuGemilang’ during the 51st Merdeka Day celebrations at the Seri Negeri Hall in Ayer Keroh,Malacca, yesterday.

Abdul Kalam taken in by Penang's splendour
GEORGE TOWN: Former Indian president Dr Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam beamed after being given a first-hand view of multicultural Penang yesterday.

'Cross over' easier said than done
IPOH: The prediction by Perak Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali that the Pakatan Rakyat state government would fall today was not made to topple any government but to show how difficult it was.

SpotLight: 5 million US Muslims seek voice in OIC
America’s first ever US special envoy to the Organisation of Islamic Conference, Sada Cumber, was in Kuala Lumpur recently. He talked to NISHA SABANAYAGAM about how the Muslim world has moved from an open society to a closed one

Food the uniting factor
Food can fill an empty stomach. It can also create bonds in society as the act of offering food is a sign of hospitality, friendship and affection, writes SU AZIZ

'Berita Harian' goes compact
SHAH ALAM: Berita Harian will meet its readers in compact form after 51 years as a broad-sheet.

RHB-NST Spell-It-Right Challenge: Ernest wants to share winnings with brother
SEREMBAN: Ernest Lee Wen Er had a RM1,000 grin on his face yesterday. The 9-year-old pupil of SRK St Paul was the winner of the RHB-NST Junior Spell-it-Right state challenge.

RHB-NST Spell-It-Right Challenge: Pet dog or Playstation 3?
KUANTAN: Nevyn Vinosh Venudran has a pleasant problem.

Autism not a problem for Danial
KUALA TERENGGANU: When Muhammad Danial Zainuddin first started primary school six years ago, the 12-year-old autistic boy could only mumble a few words. But yesterday, he felt like he was on top of the world.

'Credit card charges too hefty'
IPOH: Ten days after the announcement of talks to resolve the issue of credit card charges, petrol station operators are still waiting for the good news.

RM342m boost for aquaculture
SABAK BERNAM: The Federal Government will spend RM342 million under the Ninth Malaysia Plan to develop 49 aquaculture industrial zones nationwide, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said yesterday.

Sites for temporary stalls sought
KUALA LUMPUR: Local authorities have been asked to identify spots where temporary stalls can be set up.

Ex-cellmate: Anwar has changed
KUALA LUMPUR: A former Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee who shared the same cell with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the 1970s said he is troubled by the changes he now sees in the former deputy prime minister.

Review A-G's role 'to avoid conflict'
KUALA LUMPUR: A retired senior Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) officer has suggested that the position of the attorney-general and the public prosecutor be held by different persons to prevent conflict of interest.

Malaysia wants Iran to tackle rising oil prices
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia wants Iran to help tackle rising oil prices for the benefit of the Group of Eight Islamic Developing Countries (D-8), Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said.

Musa rejects call to grant PR to illegals
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman has shot down suggestions that long-staying Filipinos in Sabah be granted permanent resident (PR) status.

Unwed Cindy has no regrets keeping her baby
WHEN 19-year-old Cindy (not her real name) first missed her period she brushed it off, thinking it was just stress.

Clinic route to dealing with unwanted pregnancy
FROM the outside, it looks like any other clinic one would go to be treated for the common flu.

Spotlight: Are we aborting the future of our teenage girls?
In 1968, world leaders proclaimed that individuals had a basic human right to determine freely and responsibly the number and timing of their children. This year’s World Population Day, on July 11, reaffirms, among others, the importance of helping the young to plan their families and their futures, writes INDRA KUMARI NADCHATRAM

Anti-scam poster campaign at hypermarts
KUALA LUMPUR: Posters will be put up in hypermarkets to warn people against scratch-and-win scams. And, a 3,000-strong anti-scratch-and-win squad of volunteers will fan out to raise awareness of this common scam.

Cooperative to help poor make extra income
TEMERLOH: A special cooperative will be set up in each state constituency to assist the poor in generating higher incomes and to expose them to business opportunities.

Spotlight: What we think of ourselves
The National Integrity Perception Survey 2007 report was recently released this week. How corrupt do we think we are? And how much integrity do we have? ANIZA DAMIS speaks to Integrity Institute of Malaysia president Datuk Dr Mohd Tap Salleh

Spotlight: Family well-being receives high points
OF THE six sub-indices in the National Perception Survey 2007, Family Well-Being scored second highest, with a score of 7.38 out of a maximum 10 points.

ACA to query Musa, Gani over Anwar's allegations
BANGI: The Anti-Corruption Agency will summon Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan and Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail to answer allegations over Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's black-eye incident 10 years ago.

SUGANTHI SUPARMANIAM: The pressures of age will dominate at the MIC Youth meeting
KUALA LUMPUR: After the recent turmoil in the MIC, which led to the resignation of Youth chief S.A. Vigneswaran, the Youth wing's annual general meeting today is a much anticipated affair.

Hindraf 5 to remain in detention
TAIPING: The advisory board which reviews the detention orders of Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees has recommended that the five Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders continue to be detained under the act.

Police chief, MB disagree over legality of rally
SHAH ALAM: The Coalition Against Inflation (Protes) rally today is illegal, even though the organisers had shift-ed the venue from Padang Timur to the Kelana Jaya Stadium.

Indian option gives hope to heart patients here
KUALA LUMPUR: If there is one thing that tugs at the heartstrings of Dr Patrick Lawrence, it is reports of parents appealing for donations to enable their children to undergo corrective heart surgery in private hospitals.

Lack of surgeons is at heart of issue
KUALA LUMPUR: Although thousands of children remain on the waiting list for corrective heart surgery, eight operating theatres (OTs) for cardiac surgery at Serdang Hospital remain unused for want of cardiothoracic surgeons and staff.

10 Internet news sites to get accreditation
PUTRAJAYA: Long popular with the masses, Internet news portals have finally won over their strongest critic, the government, which will issue them with media accreditation passes soon.

MPs who don't fit the bill
KUCHING: The honour of being appointed deputy peaker of Parliament has quickly become something of a poisoned chalice to Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

ACA grills Dr Mahathir
KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says he has been interrogated by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) for three hours in relation to the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the V.K. Lingam video clip.

Home news in brief: Abduction bid foiled
MUAR: A woman was almost abducted by her "secret admirer" while walking to her office in Jalan Salleh here yesterday.

Voter nod for elected local councillors
KUCHING: Sarawakians prefer their mayors and local councillors to be elected, polls conducted through a website in May indicate.

RHB-NST Spell-It-Right Challenge: Isaac returns to nail the top spot
KUCHING: Isaac Chung De Wei read the dictionary five days a week from the time he signed up for the Sarawak RHB-New Straits Times Junior Spell-it-Right Challenge.

The Enid Blyton path to success
KOTA KINABALU: It didn't take Andrea Glorie Javino long to decide what she planned to do with the RM1,000 and Acer laptop she won for coming first in the Sabah RHB-NST Junior Spell-it-Right Challenge.

45,000 govt contract staff in a spot over work status
MALACCA: About 45,000 people working five- to 10-year contracts in government service were disappointed to learn they will not be absorbed as permanent staff.

Spotlight: Game for some swinging, dear?
There is a new trend in town. And most may frown upon it, but many are practising it in secret. AUDREY VIJAINDREN chats with couples who have chosen to lead a swinging lifestyle by swapping partners, despite the risk to marriage, health and reputation

Three NS trainees detained
JOHOR BARU: Police have detained three National Service trainees over a brawl that involved 50 other trainees at the Padang Hijau National Service training camp in Kluang near here last night.

Qantas won't send two planes for maintenance work here
MELBOURNE: Qantas has decided not to send two of its planes to Malaysia for maintenance, it is reported.

Exco to mull over Koh's request
GEORGE TOWN: The state executive council will decide this week whether former chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon should be given access to state files to refresh his memory about the land issue in Penang.

Record number of candidates for DAP elections
KUALA LUMPUR: Fifty-eight DAP national leaders are vying for 20 central executive committee positions at the party's triennial national congress scheduled here for Aug 23- 24.

Ong: Apology not good enough
KUALA LUMPUR: Those hoping to make a political comeback cannot expect to wipe the slate clean of their wrong-doings with mere apologies, MCA vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat said yesterday.

KTMB wants review of maintenance firm
KUALA LUMPUR: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) yesterday urged the government to review the performance of the company appointed to repair its malfunctioning Electric Multiple Units (EMUs).

Run-up to Permatang Pauh by-election: Show proof, deputy CM told
BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAIPP) president, Shabudin Yahaya, has taken state Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin to task for alleging that the Barisan Nasional was planning to use zakat money in the Permatang Pauh by-election.

Run-up to Permatang Pauh by-election: ACA not taking special interest in election
MIRI: The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) is not making any special preparations for the Permatang Pauh parliamentary by-election, which has been dubbed by some as "the mother of all by-elections".

Run-up to Permatang Pauh by-election: 'Don't force people to take sides'
BUTTERWORTH: Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib said on Friday that Parti Keadilan Rakyat should not use the by-election to drag people into taking sides in the sodomy allegations against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Run-up to Permatang Pauh by-election: Dr M: I've no plans to contest
KUALA TERENGGANU: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday said that he would not contest the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat as an independent candidate.

Residents say pig farm too close to homes
KUALA LUMPUR: It's too near for comfort.

Selangor councillors sworn in
SHAH ALAM: Two of the 300 selected as local councillors declined their appointments and withdrew from the mass swearing in of Selangor councillors yesterday.

Home news in brief: Robbers strike again
KANGAR: Five men who robbed a goldsmith shop here on Tuesday are believed to have been involved in similar cases in Kedah.

Man kills nagging nephew
GOMBAK: An uncle lost his cool and stabbed his nephew who pestered him for money to buy drugs.

A yardstick to gauge human rights
JUST days before the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) was to play host to the 13th Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) last week, it found itself in a rather uncomfortable position.

I have done nothing wrong, says deputy education minister
JOHOR BARU: MCA Youth secretary-general Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong has cautioned the public and media against equating him with former party vice-president Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek, who was embroiled in a sex scandal earlier this year.

For Brooke, it began with 'fairy tales'
KUCHING: When his father first told him about the family's connection with a place "in the Far East called Sarawak", the young Jason could not figure out what the excitement was all about.

School guardians sleeping on the job
IT was a midnight visit last Wednesday that showed the state of affairs at a rural boarding school in Sarawak.

Insight into royals and arts
KUALA LUMPUR: The lives of the royalty have always fascinated the public.

Cheras Crash Horror: Lorry to be sent to Puspakom
KUALA LUMPUR: The lorry which crashed into six vehicles at the East-West Link Highway in Cheras yesterday, killing two, will be sent to Puspakom tomorrow, for an inspection.

Ringgit & Sense: More variety in meals needed
National Heart Institute Dietetics and Food Services senior manager MARY EASAW-JOHN and senior dietician FOONG PUI HING analyse the meals of four families to see if they are getting enough nutrition

Ringgit & Sense: Use intimate knowledge of food market to get best deals
AZLI family (household income RM2,000, Kampung Mesira, Tumpat):

Nicholas Teo voted this year's favourite artiste
GENTING HIGHLANDS: Nicholas Teo, the Astro Talent Quest winner 2002, won the Favourite Artiste of Malaysia award at the MTV Asia Awards 2008 here last night. He beat Malaysia's favourite, Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, Faizal Tahir and Pop Shuvit.

Paranoia that led to brutal murder
WHEN the high profile trial of the brutal murder of Chinese student and karaoke club worker Xie Xing Xing, 23, came to a close yesterday, the on-the-edge lives of her convicted murderers, Malaysian Noor Azura Mohd Yusoff, 22, and her Northern-Ireland-born ethnic Vietnamese boyfriend Lon Gian, 26, were exposed.

Mercy accomplishes its mission
MERCY Malaysia, which was the first foreign medical team to rush to Nias, Indonesia when a 8.7-magnitude earthquake struck the island in March 2005, returned to Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Good news at the pump from next month
PETALING JAYA: There is a good chance that motorists will enjoy cheaper fuel next month following the government's move to float domestic petrol prices.

Blair: Tackling terrorism with dialogue
KUALA LUMPUR: Former British prime minister Tony Blair said inter-faith dialogue does address the root causes of terrorism as it lessens ignorance and promotes greater understanding among people of different religions.

MALAYSIAN STUDENT LEADERS’ SUMMIT 2008: Diversity is nation's strength, says PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has flourished under the formula of unity, which is to love, respect and accept the differences of its people.

Agricultural Science in schools soon
PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry will make Agricultural Science a co-curriculum activity for all 10,000 primary and secondary schools.

MALAYSIAN STUDENT LEADERS’ SUMMIT 2008: 'Contact with parties allowed'
KUALA LUMPUR: University students are allowed to have contacts with political parties, but these must be in a formal setting for academic purposes, including seminars.

Speedier disposal of cases involving foreign workers
PUTRAJAYA: Foreign workers who take their employers to the Labour Court can look forward to speedier handling of their cases, and domestic workers can look forward to better working conditions.

Study on steel, cement quota
PETALING JAYA: The government will study the possibility of setting a quota on steel bar and cement exports to ensure there is adequate supply in the country.

Abdullah: Proton should consider foreign partner
SHAH ALAM: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday called on Proton Holdings Bhd to consider a foreign partnership.

'Umno just wasting its time with Pas'
KUALA KANGSAR: Umno should stop wasting its time in trying to persuade Pas to come to the table to discuss Malay unity.

Racing to the finish
Thousands of foreign and local rowing fans cheered the Australian Pacific Dragons rowers to the Premier Mix 500-metre race’s finishing line during the 6th International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew World Championship yesterday.

Finding jobs online
KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resource Ministry expects to reduce by half the 35,491 unemployed people registered on its web database in six months.

Two held for allegedly robbing petrol station
KOTA TINGGI: Police nabbed two of four robbers several hours after they hit a petrol station in Penggeli Timur here on Friday.

Nik Aziz: Dissolve and form single party to unite Malays
MACHANG: Pas spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has suggested that Umno and Pas be dissolved and a new party formed to unite all Malays.

ACA to investigate cash-for-votes claims
KUANTAN: The outcome of today’s contest for the Kuantan MCA division post is highly anticipated.

Colours of Harmony on parade
JOHOR BARU: It was a feast of the senses as over 100,000 people watched the colourful floats parading along Lido Beach during the opening of Malaysia Flora Fest 2008 at Dataran Bandaraya yesterday.

Najib: Hold branch meetings with decorum
PEKAN: All Umno branch meetings have so far proceeded smoothly and such decorum should be maintained throughout the party's election season.

Terengganu exco drives to JB in new Benz
JOHOR BARU: A Terengganu state executive councillor arrived to attend the Malaysia Flora Fest 2008 here yesterday in one of the new Mercedes Benz cars the Terengganu government had bought to replace its fleet of Proton Perdana V6 Executive official cars.

Umno ropes in ACA to weed out corruption
PUTRAJAYA: Umno has asked the Anti-Corruption Agency for help to wipe out money politics, party secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said yesterday.

RM58 mil payout to 2007 flood victims
PEKAN: The government has completed the disbursement of RM58.7 million in financial aid to victims of the devastating floods which affected seven states at the end of last year.

Abdullah blesses couple
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi performing the traditional ‘merenjis air mawar’ ceremony on newly-wed couple Ahmad Rafizi Abdul Rashid and Farah Dilla Yaakob at their reception at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur last night.

Let Pedra Branca committee handle EEZ, says Rais
JELEBU: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim has described Singapore's claim of a territorial sea and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around Pedra Branca as politically driven and confusing, saying that the island republic should not be "treading in uncharted waters".

Libel suit: Syed Hamid to file counterclaim
KLUANG: Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar will file a counterclaim against an Umno member to clear his name in allegations involving a defamatory pamphlet.

Teenager escapes from abductors' moving van
KAPAR: A quick-thinking 13-year-old girl escaped from her kidnappers by jumping out of a moving van minutes after being abducted at a bus stop near Sungai Indah Kapar yesterday.

Passports syndicate: airport staff held
PUTRAJAYA: Three airport officials have been arrested over their alleged involvement with a syndicate believed to be supplying fake Malaysian passports to foreigners.

Take pride in your achievements, women told
IPOH: The achievements of Malaysian women in various challenging professions today are something to be proud of, Raja Puan Besar Perak Tuanku Zara Salim said yesterday.

When one man thinks beyond the 3Rs
KUALA LUMPUR: He sold his car in 1978 and turned to public transport. He also spurns air-conditioners in favour of open windows.

World Heritage site: George Town celebrates
GEORGE TOWN: A three-minute fireworks display illuminated the skies here last night as thousands of people gathered in Padang Kota Lama to celebrate George Town's listing as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

No change to fuel price for now
KUALA LUMPUR: The current prices for petrol and diesel will remain despite the reduction in global crude oil prices. Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad poured cold water on suggestions that the government would bring down the price of petrol, saying crude oil prices would have to remain low for a consistent period of time before any changes could be brought to pump prices.

Baby's death: Family blames doctor
IPOH: The family of a 2-day-old baby girl blame a paediatrician and a private hospital for her death.

A colourful bunch
Eight-year-old Nurfarahin Nisa Khairi (centre) coloured her way through to RM150 while (from right) 7-year-olds Leong Ka Hei and Ping Hao emerged first and second runners-up at the ‘New Straits Times’ colouring contest yesterday.

Study on power lines
RAWANG: The Selangor government will appoint an independent consultant to study the feasibility of constructing high-tension electric cable towers near the new village, here.

Ringgit & Sense: Careful budgeting will promote quality of life
Families need to better plan their expenses to minimise unnecessary spending. They also need to be more open to trying unbranded goods. The objective of families is to enhance the quality of life. Careful planning and discipline will ensure this, says Consumer Research and Resource Center (CRRC) chief executive officer PAUL SELVA RAJ.

Ringgit & Sense: Meals need more fibre
National Heart Institute dietetics and food services senior manager MARY EASAW-JOHN and senior dietitian FOONG PUI HING analyse the meals of two families to see if they are getting enough nutrition

'We are still waiting for compensation'
KLANG: Holding back tears, the parents of Lai Yok Shan yesterday struggled to put up a brave front when asked how they are coping with the amputation of her left forearm.

Research project at Danum
KOTA KINABALU: The British government has picked the pristine rainforest of Danum Valley in Lahad Datu to host its scientific research project on climate change.

Two held for credit card scam
BANGKOK: Two Malaysians with links to an international syndicate were arrested here on Friday for credit card fraud.

'Instil strong sense of values'
BATU GAJAH: The Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, has called on students in the country to always have a strong sense of principles, particularly in defending the truth and upholding justice.

Solar system in rural schools to bring big savings
TUARAN: An electricity power generation system that will save the government money spent on diesel by 20-fold was launched here yesterday.

Condo belongs to Anwar's friend, claims Saiful
KUALA LUMPUR: The posh condominium unit where the sodomy of Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan was alleged to have taken place is purportedly owned by a member of a political party.

Lawyer riled by questioning
KUALA LUMPUR: Police investigating the statutory declarations made by private investigator P. Balasubramaniam grilled lawyer N. Surendran for an hour.

Three factors for consideration
MALAYSIA'S international standing improved slightly from 169th to 166th last month in the latest Fifa monthly rankings.

You've got to breathe it to play it
So Malaysian football rankings improved by three rungs. No big deal as Malaysian fans continue to worship the Ronaldos, Terrys, Torreses and Gerrards. SONIA RAMACHANDRAN, who is no football fan, finds out why Malaysian football is no longer appealing

Ong: Wait for next general election to recapture Perak
KAMPAR: Barisan Nasional should wait for the next general election to recapture Perak from Pakatan Rakyat instead of trying to engineer a cross-over of PR assemblymen into the coalition, said MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan.

Parliament off limits to the public tomorrow
KUALA KANGSAR: For what is believed to be the first time in history, Parliament will be off limits to the public tomorrow.

It's a small world, after all
MALACCA: Miss Asia World 2008, Tanya Bhattacharjee bumped into her high school teacher, whom she had lost contact with, at a workshop held at the Malacca Straits Hotel here on Friday night.

Dancing their way into Malacca
MALACCA: The top eight finalists of TV reality dance competition, So You Think You Can Dance 2008, brought the dance craze here yesterday.

Redang turtle sanctuary
KUALA TERENGGANU: The state government has gazetted a one-kilometre buffer zone from the shore to sea on Redang Island to protect turtle-nesting areas.

Subramaniam: Hindraf tricked the community
KUALA LUMPUR: Former MIC deputy president Datuk S. Subramaniam lashed out at the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) yesterday for duping the Indian community into believing that it was truly fighting for the Hindu religion.

70,000 fishermen to get RM200 monthly aid
JERANTUT: Starting from next month, about 70,000 fishermen nationwide will receive RM200 monthly to help them deal with the increase in the cost of living.

Move to ensure essentials' supply
KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry is studying a proposal to set up a body responsible for distributing subsidised essential items nationwide.

PM: Doing right more important
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday asked for understanding from all quarters on the necessity of taking unpopular measures, including the subsidy restructuring that resulted in higher prices for petrol and diesel.

RM120 million for Indian community
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has allocated RM120 million specifically for the social development of the Indian community in the country.

It doesn't pay to bribe
ALOR STAR: The Anti-Corruption Agency has detained a businessman for allegedly trying to bribe its officer.

Frequent transfers 'good'
KUANTAN: A more frequent transfer of officers could improve the effectiveness of enforcement agencies against encroachment, Fisheries Department director-general Datuk Junaidi Che Ayub said yesterday.

Abdullah: Transition plan will strengthen Umno
PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said yesterday the plan for transition of power which he announced on Thursday is expected to strengthen Umno solidarity and the government's position in focusing on efforts to implement the promises made in the last general election.

Pahang Umno to endorse decision
BENTONG: Pahang Umno is expected to follow the decision of its Penang, Perlis, Selangor and Malacca counterparts and nominate Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Datuk Seri Najib Razak for president and deputy president at the party elections in December.

Wan Azizah: It's up to speaker to decide
GEORGE TOWN: The parliamentary opposition leader says it is up to the speaker whether to allow Pakatan Rakyat's emergency motion of no-confidence in the prime minister.

Abdullah a very sincere person, says Taib
KUCHING: Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said yesterday there was a deep sense of responsibility prevailing within the Barisan Nasional and Federal Government leadership.

Ezam to tell all if linked to sodomy report
SHAH ALAM: Former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) youth chief Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor said he will divulge the secrets of PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibahim if he is linked to a political conspiracy over the sodomy report.

SAPP 'should go' if it backs vote against PM
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Progressive Party should leave Barisan Nasional if it supports the proposed vote of no-confidence motion against the prime minister.

'Umno members must respect PM's decision'
POKOK SENA: Umno members must respect Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's decision to stay on as party chief till 2010, when he will hand over the leadership to his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Battle for Permatang Pauh: Anwar to prove BN wrong by forming new government
BUTTERWORTH: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is sticking to his guns.

Nik Aziz: It's not cronyism
KOTA BARU: Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat had denied any cronyism over the appointment of his son-in-law as Kelantan Menteri Besar Corporation's chief executive officer (CEO). He said Ariff Fahmi Abdul Rahman was highly qualified with vast engineering experience. Nik Aziz said he had explained to the state legislative assembly the reasons why he had appointed Ariff Fahmi to the post. Several Anti-Corruption Agency officers were reported to have visited the corporation's office to scrutinise documents. -- Bernama

MCA's Ti lodges report
KUANTAN: The MCA division chief here, Datuk Ti Lian Ker, has lodged a police report over an alleged threat posted on Teruntum assemblyman Chang Hong Seong's blog.

It's not over in Pengerang
JOHOR BARU: Datuk Harun Abdullah is disputing a report claiming Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has won the Pengerang Umno division leadership uncontested.

80 complaints on meetings
SEREMBAN: The state Umno liaison committee has received 80 complaints on allegations relating to the branch meetings that began on July 17. Its chief, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, said all complaints were being investigated and would be resolved before the divisional meetings in October. "We will call the relevant parties to assist in investigations." He also expressed disappointment with certain branch leaders who had sacked elected committee members, describing their act as selfish.

M-cycle crash fatalities up
PUTRAJAYA: There is a rise in the number of motorcyclists and pillion riders who died in road accidents this year. Road Safety Department statistics show that between January and June, 1,939 motorcyclists and pillion riders died in accidents. Only 1,728 deaths were reported during the same period last year. The increase was due to more people using motorcycles as a result of the fuel price hike. In fact, there was a 30 per cent increase in motorcycle registration this year.

Penang gets RM140m for buses, hill railway
BUTTERWORTH: The Federal Government yesterday announced a RM140 million windfall for Penang despite allegations by the state government that it was punishing the people here.

Paying for the sins of their fathers
KUALA LUMPUR: Loan defaulters should take note that their failure to pay their debt may influence the decision made by the National Higher Education Corporation (PTPTN) when considering the loan applications of their children or immediate family members.

Hitmen fire 30 shots
KUALA LUMPUR: A moneychanger is in critical condition after being shot in the head and abdomen by gunmen, who fired more than 30 shots at his car in Taman Len Seng here yesterday.

Koh: Look at students' background when giving grants
KUALA LUMPUR: Acting Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon wants the government to consider this scenario.

PKR duo settle matter
SHAH ALAM: The misunderstanding between Kelana Jaya Member of Parliament Loh Gwo Burne and a fellow Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) member has been settled.

RM2b Penang Sentral to be ready by 2015
BUTTERWORTH: Work on the RM2 billion Penang Sentral, a transportation hub modelled after Kuala Lumpur Sentral, is expected to begin early next year.

Call to help win back 'no-visa' requirement
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians must help regain the confidence of the British government so that it will not impose visas on them, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.

'Umno members free to nominate candidates'
JOHOR BARU: The Umno leadership transition plan does not forbid branches and divisions from nominating candidates for the posts of president and deputy president.

Convention calls for greater Bumiputera advancement
KUALA LUMPUR: The government and banks in the country must find new ways to help Bumiputeras.

'Take care of nature's gifts'
KUALA LUMPUR: The country's environment must be protected at all cost for future generations, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

Go easy, Najib tells banks
KUALA LUMPUR: Banks should not react to economic pressures at the expense of small businesses.

NewsFocus: Good example of foreign labour management
KUALA LUMPUR: The Construction Labour Exchange Centre Bhd (Clab) is touted as a good model for handling foreign labour.

NewsFocus: 'The best way to manage foreign labour'
The Immigration Department is under scrutiny by the authorities for alleged corruption that 'goes all the way to the top'. Its enforcement director, Datuk Ishak Mohamed, fields questions from SONIA RAMACHANDRAN

NewsFocus: Terribly underpaid, they want to go home
KUALA LUMPUR: All they wanted was to provide a better life for their families back in Bangladesh.

NewsFocus: Procedures are unclear
KUALA LUMPUR: Employers want to apply for foreign workers themselves, but are often being given the run-around by the authorities.

RHB-New Straits Times Spell-it-Right Challenge: Teoh and Bessima under spell of success
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has found its first two national spelling champions after a four-month journey.

Shafie elected as head of C'wealth association
KUALA LUMPUR: Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal has been elected chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association executive committee for the 2008-2011 term.

Yakcop: We're getting feedback on money woes
BUTTERWORTH: The government will look into all avenues to lessen the financial burden on the people following the price increase of petrol and other goods.

Police question Raja Petra
KUALA LUMPUR: Blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin was questioned for more than two hours at the Sentul police headquarters yesterday regarding the statutory declaration he made on June 18.

Set up commission for sodomy case, says Isa
SEREMBAN: The only way to bring a conclusive end to the latest allegation against former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is to form an independent commission to investigate charges he had sodomised his aide, said a former Umno vice-president.

Calls for mufti to get involved
KUALA TERENGGANU: The state Umno Youth wants Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin to be involved in bringing together Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, to prove their innocence in the alleged sodomy involving Anwar and Mohd Saiful.

Anwar: I did not ask for US support
BUTTERWORTH: Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has denied that he or any of his family members had called on the United States for support amid new allegations that he had sodomised his aide.

'Hello, hello, when is my bus coming?'
GEORGE TOWN: From tomorrow, all commuters need to do is call 04-2381313 to know how long it would take for the next Rapid Penang bus to reach their stop.

Corruption also afflicts the young
SEREMBAN: Corruption in this country is not only restricted to those in power or individuals holding high positions.

Puspakom scandal may explain hike in road fatalities
KUALA LUMPUR: Road Safety Department director-general Datuk Suret Singh said on Friday it was possible that faulty vehicles passed by Puspakom could have contributed to road accidents in the last five months.

Perak govt offers land to 9 schools
IPOH: To give support and show appreciation to the nine Chinese independent schools in Perak, the state government will allocate 1,000ha of land for them to generate revenue to pay for their operational expenses, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said yesterday.

Selangor appoints 366 village heads
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government finally appointed 366 village heads yesterday, ending five months of delay.

State exco to discuss Bandar Utama land issue
SHAH ALAM: The issue of public land in Bandar Utama that was sold to private entities will be discussed in detail during the upcoming executive council meeting.

Shelving of agropolitan project upsets Risda
KUALA KANGSAR: Risda is upset with the state government for not approving the Air Ganda agropolitan project in Hulu Perak, said its chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik.

Jeanne lauds move to help Thais
IPOH: Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, lauded a Malaysian initiative to help south Thailand develop its human resource capital, especially among the youths.

If it's too good to be true, be wary
Every year, thousands of Malaysians are duped into parting with their hard-earned money. SONIA RAMACHANDRAN and AUDREY VIJAINDREN find out which are the country’s chart-topping scams

Pirates hijack another Malaysian vessel
KUALA LUMPUR: Another Malaysian tanker, Bunga Melati Lima, was hijacked by pirates in international waters off the coast of Yemen on Friday night.

Four dengue deaths last week
PUTRAJAYA: Although there were four dengue-related deaths last week, the number of cases reported nationwide fell by 36 compared with the previous week.

Number of virus cases falls
PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry said yesterday there has been a fall in the number of reported Chikungunya cases.

'Merdeka!' It's what you perceive it to be
What does ‘Merdeka!’ mean to a man who has been promised a life behind bars for the rest of his life? ANIZA DAMIS talks to two natural-life prisoners in Kajang Prison, and learns that freedom is what your mind makes of it

Bail for 3 cops in extortion case
KOTA BARU: The three policemen, including an assistant superintendent, who were detained by the state Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) on Wednesday, were released yesterday.

Smuggled handphones: 3 Customs officers nabbed
MUAR: When the number of Customs cases in Batu Pahat was too few to be true, Customs director-general Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Abdul Hamid smelt a rat.

Cops foil bid to cart away RM700,000 steel coil
KULAI: Swift action by the police prevented a gang of armed robbers from getting away with stainless steel coils worth about RM700,000 that they carted away from a factory in Senai on Thursday.

Police report lodged against Umno man
GEORGE TOWN: Gerakan Tanjung Youth division yesterday lodged a report against Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail for likening the Chinese to squatters in the country.

Gerakan to offer 'sedition code'
KUALA LUMPUR: Gerakan will propose a set of codes to Barisan Nasional parties to prevent seditious remarks that touched on religion, citizenship rights or the position of the Malay rulers.

New govt by Sept 16 'unlikely'
KOTA BARU: Gua Musang member of parliament Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said it would be impossible for Pakatan Rakyat to form the Federal Government on Sept 16 as it had predicted.

'No reason to stop Umno-Pas talks'
BANGI: There is no reason for Umno and Pas to stop their muzakarah (dialogue) despite the fact that Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is the opposition leader in Parliament.

Umno to purge 'enemy' members
PUTRAJAYA: Umno has embarked on a "cleansing" drive to get rid of members who have joined opposition parties.

RM600m in losses due to EU ban
KUCHING: The fishing industry suffered losses of almost RM600 million after the European Union restricted import of Malaysian seafood products early this year, said Fisheries Department deputy director-general Suhaili Lee here yesterday.

'Hitman' strikes outside eatery
SEREMBAN: The question of whether a paid killer is at work here has cropped up after a second person was shot dead execution-style on Friday.

Looking forward to life minus the nightmares
RANTAU PANJANG: Noraini Othman, who survived an attempted rape and murder two years ago, is relieved that the case is finally over and she can now concentrate on her studies.

20 NS trainees in scuffle
JOHOR BARU: A pebble-throwing incident resulted in a fist fight among 20 National Service trainees at Kem Desaru Gerak Khas in Kota Tinggi, near here last Thursday.

Syed Hamid: Site articles a threat to public order
KAJANG: Online news portal Malaysia Today was blocked by the authorities as its articles threatened public order and disparaged religion, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.

Cyber crimes: #%$@?&! watch what you say online
ACCORDING to Black's Law Dictionary, "Censorship" is to "officially inspect (especially a book or film) and delete material considered offensive".

Cyber crimes: Vital to preserve evidence integrity
TO investigate a cybercrime effectively, other than identifying the person involved in the commissioning of the cybercrime, the evidence to prove the crime needs to be secured in such a way that its integrity is preserved.

Cyber crimes: The Net is not in a legal vacuum
The Internet doesn't give you the licence to shoot your "dirty" mouth off and get away with it, experts tell SONIA RAMACHANDRAN

Yasmin focuses on emotions in 'Talentime'
IPOH: Renowned film-maker Yasmin Ahmad is back in her directing shoes for her new feature film called Talentime.

Spectre of money politics, factions looms over MCA
The impending MCA party election is threatening to be riddled with money politics as well as factionalism, concerned observers tell ZUBAIDAH ABU BAKAR

Stop bad-mouthing one another and rally together
KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA hopes that the 51st National Day celebrations today will mark a new era in unity and harmony in the country.

Build on 'bonds that bind us'
Malaysia has long prided itself on being a peaceful country, its citizens of different races and faiths coexisting harmoniously in tolerance and unity. Is this truly the case? There are slight problems but these are not insurmountable, Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal tells SONIA RAMACHANDRAN

Auditor-General's Report:: Half billion spent, RM25m returns
OVER half a billion ringgit was spent, but all the Malaysian government got in return from its investment in Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation in the United States was RM25 million.

Auditor-General's Report: RM3.19 million for only nine studs
OVER RM3 million was spent, but the Veterinary Services Department only got nine fit animals for its cattle stud farm project or the "Pengeluaran Bibit dan Baka Ternakan Lembu".

Auditor-General's Report: How was the X-ray contract awarded?
THE Health Ministry's purchase of three X-ray machines at a cost of RM33 million has raised questions on how the contract was awarded.

Auditor-General's Report: Billions owed
CAN'T pay off your loan? Welcome to the club.

BN taking steps to regain support
PEKAN: Barisan Nasional will take steps to restore the people's confidence in the coalition, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said yesterday.

Thai woes 'internal matter'
PEKAN: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak hopes there would be a solution to the problem of anti-government protests in Thailand.

'Don't mortgage freedom to others'
PEKAN: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday called on Malaysians to continue safeguarding the country's sovereignty that was achieved through independence 51 years ago.

After the break comes the emotional blow
"WHY did this happen to me? How could I have trusted him? How could I have been so stupid?"

NewsFocus: No kinks in the system
The recently announced 'independent powers of prosecution' are to counter the perception that the Anti-Corruption Agency is not independent and subject to the influence of the government and the Attorney-General's Chambers. ACA deputy director-general Datuk Abu Kassim Mohamed tells SONIA RAMACHANDRAN that the ACA had always enjoyed the powers.

'People must have faith in govt to overcome crises'
BUTTERWORTH: The people must have confidence in the government's ability to overcome any form of crisis, including the price hikes in oil and food.

Keen contests on the cards
KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA divisional elections begin today amid talk of behind-the-scenes power play by senior party leaders.

MCA is my team, says Ong
KUALA LUMPUR: After being branded a lone ranger, MCA vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat has set the record straight by saying that he has succeeded due to team work.

MAS did not service 747
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) does not maintain the Qantas Airways' fleet of Boeing 747s, including the aircraft that sustained a 3m hole in its fuselage over the South China Sea on Friday.

Hadi: Pas will not merge with Umno or join BN
IPOH: Pas will neither merge with Umno nor join Barisan Nasional, said its president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.

2,000 low-cost units
SIBU: The government proposes to build 2,000 low-cost housing units in Sarawak under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, mainly in Sibu, Miri and Bintulu.

Four illegals face deportation
MELBOURNE: Four illegal workers -- three Malaysians and a Singaporean -- identified during an immigration operation at Penola in South Australia will be sent back as soon as possible, Australian Immigration Minister Senator Chris Evans said.

Proton in Iran
TEHERAN: Iranian Industry and Mines Minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian said among the 56 Muslim countries, Iran, Malaysia and Turkey had the best conditions for car production, Iranian news agency, IRNA, reported.

College honours Kedah ruler
ALOR STAR: Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah of Kedah has been named Sultan Abdul Hamid College's Collegian of the Century.

Budget 2009: Pensioners welcome increase
ALOR STAR: Pensioners were delighted with the announcement that their minimum monthly pension would now be RM720.

Budget 2009: 'More balance needed for economic future'
KUALA LUMPUR: The government needs to start working hard towards introducing a more balanced budget in five years, says Taxand Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director Dr Veerinderjeet Singh.

Budget 2009: Money mainly for food production
JELI: The RM3.8 billion allocated to the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry under Budget 2009 will go primarily towards food production.

Budget 2009: 'Some just cannot be satisfied'
IPOH: Those who criticise the budget are "hypochondriacs" who see everything negatively, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Husni Hanadzlah said yesterday.

Budget 2009: 'Focus is on helping the people'
BUTTERWORTH: Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop yesterday dismissed claims that the Budget 2009 was politically motivated.

Budget 2009: PM: It’s not for popularity
KEPALA BATAS: Budget 2009 was aimed at helping the people and not meant to boost the government's popularity, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said yesterday.

Bogus RTD men pull off RM1.3m microchip heist
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Three men, posing as Road Transport Department enforcement officers, escaped with RM1.3 million worth of microchips after they hijacked a security van transporting the consignment to a factory in Bayan Lepas.

RM200,000 gems grab at shopping mall
SUBANG JAYA: Two men, one armed with a revolver, robbed a goldsmith shop at the USJ Summit shopping centre here yesterday and escaped with RM200,000 worth of jewellery.

Pas' 54th Muktamar: Compromise not an easy option
ABOLISH gambling and restrict alcohol sales in Pakatan Rakyat states?

Pas' 54th Muktamar: Soft approach the way to woo other races
IPOH: Pas' struggle, perceived by a large segment of non-Muslims as narrow and hardcore, does not bode well for the party in its effort to attract their support.

Pas' 54th Muktamar: Call for common symbol to reflect Pakatan
IPOH: Pakatan Rakyat should come up with one symbol to represent the three-party coalition.

Pas' 54th Muktamar: Delegates back vision, direction of party
IPOH: Delegates at Pas' 54th muktamar yesterday fully backed the leadership's vision for the party and the direction it intended to take.

Woman slashed to death by lover
SEREMBAN: A lovers' tiff between a woman and a man half her age ended in tragedy when the man slashed the woman with an axe at a terrace house at Kelab Tuanku, Mambau here, yesterday morning.

UiTM mulls legal action against Khalid
SHAH ALAM: Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Vice Chancellor Datuk Seri Prof Ibrahim Abu Shah said the university would take legal action against Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim for refusing to apologise for proposing that it admit 10 per cent non-Bumiputera students.

MNS wants reserve to be made national park
ALOR STAR: The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) will propose to the Kedah government that the Ulu Muda Forest Reserve be converted into a national park.

Thefts causing price of houses to soar
KUCHING: Housing developers have been forced to raise the price of new houses by as much as 10 per cent due to the rampant theft of building materials from project sites.

Pledge to help 410 missionary schools over leases
KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry will assist 410 missionary schools to retain their leases and renew them at a nominal premium.

NewsFocus: Move beyond your comfort zone
What is the secret to multi-religious harmony? And can it be found in Islam? ANIZA DAMIS speaks to John Esposito, professor of International Relations and Islamic Studies and director of Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal center for Muslim-Christian understanding at Georgetown University.

E-Tribunal System: First click, then to court
KUALA LUMPUR: It takes more than just a click of a mouse to win your consumer complaint case.

Mosque that Zubaidah and her family built
Penang’s 'grande dame' of philanthropy and high society may be pushing 80 but she shows no signs of slowing down, writes MARINA EMMANUEL

There's money to be made from the fancy fish
SERDANG: Malaysian breeders are expected to produce 800 million ornamental fish for the world market by 2010 which are expected to yield a yearly export revenue of RM300 million.

Horse milk makes debut at agriculture show
SERDANG: It all started with a request from a sick relative who wanted to try horse milk.

Battle to woo voters begins in earnest
PERMATANG PAUH: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be involved in a three-cornered fight with Barisan Nasional's Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah and a political non-entity, Hanafi Hamat from Angkatan Keadilan Insan Malaysia in the Aug 26 Permatang Pauh parliamentary by-election.

Saiful’s swearing the talking point
IPOH: Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan's act of swearing on the Quran to substantiate his sodomy allegations against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was a popular talking point at the 54th muktamar here yesterday -- but in hushed tones on the sidelines.

No approval given to develop cemetery land
KUCHING: The Sarawak Land and Survey Department has never given any approval to develop the Jalan Keretapi Muslim cemetery land.

Anwar must swear on the Quran too, says Dr M
SERDANG: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday dared Pakatan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to swear on the Quran to prove he was innocent of the sodomy charge he faces, just like his sodomy accuser Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan had done to demonstrate that Anwar had sodomised him.

'Court can amend charge'
KUALA LUMPUR: The charge against Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim under Section 377B, which refers to voluntary carnal intercourse against the order of nature, can be amended by the court, said Bar Council deputy president Ragunath Kesavan.

Curbing virus with coconut water
JOHOR BARU: Try coconut water, water chestnut or Chinese herbal medicine.

Nik Aziz: It's against Islam
PERMATANG PAUH: Pas spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan's method of swearing on the Quran was against the teachings of Islam.

Ringgit & Sense: Too much salt, fat and no fruits in diet
Dieticians Mary Easaw-John and Foong Pui Hing of the National Heart Institute share their findings with JENNIFER GOMEZ on the diet of 12 families after four weeks of Ringgit & Sense

Two-day forum to discuss challenges facing youth
KUALA LUMPUR: A two-day forum on youths and their challenges will begin tomorrow.

Human bones found
BUKIT KAYU HITAM: Police found human bone fragments in a bush behind the Bukit Kayu Hitam Fire and Rescue Department quarters following a tip-off yesterday morning.

Spotlight: Game for some swinging, dear?
There is a new trend in town. And most may frown upon it, but many are practising it in secret. AUDREY VIJAINDREN chats with couples who have chosen to lead a swinging lifestyle by swapping partners, despite the risk to marriage, health and reputation.

45,000 govt contract staff in a spot over work status
MALACCA: About 45,000 people working five- to 10-year contracts in government service were disappointed to learn they will not be absorbed as permanent staff.

Doctor slapped me, claims man
PETALING JAYA: A patient at University Malaya Medical Centre alleged yesterday that he was slapped by a female doctor while undergoing treatment for burns in his hands and legs.

It's now Datuk Muszaphar
KUALA PILAH: Malaysia's first astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor was conferred a Datukship here yesterday.

Ruler: Be patient dealing with rising food prices
KUALA PILAH: Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negri Sembilan Tuanku Ja'afar Tuanku Abdul Rahman yesterday urged the people to remain patient and focused in dealing with the increased prices of fuel and food.

Terengganu sultan not conferring awards
KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu palace is not conferring any state awards or medals in conjunction with the 46th birthday of Sultan Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin today.

Asean foreign ministers to ratify charter at meeting
THE early ratification of the Asean Charter, a constitution of sorts for the Southeast Asian grouping, is expected to be the key issue at the 41st Asean Ministerial Meeting (AMM) held in Singapore.

'Discuss grassroots views on Gerakan'
IPOH: The upcoming Gerakan national delegates conference should include discussion on grassroots views which want the party to leave the Barisan Nasional, says vice-president Datuk Dr S. Vijayaratnam.

Opposition had no part in government's decision
KUALA LUMPUR: Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat brushed off claims by the opposition that the government's move to cut oil prices was politically motivated.

Helping the people cope
KUALA LUMPUR: The reduction in fuel prices has been described as a timely move by the government which will help reduce the people's financial burden. It will also help the poor cope with inflation.

Bi-monthly price review
KUALA LUMPUR: The cabinet, at a meeting yesterday, agreed to review fuel prices every 15 days instead of a month as decided previously.

Battle for Permatang Pauh: Government will remain strong, says PM
BUTTERWORTH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday said the present government was a strong one and would remain so until the next general election.

Battle for Permatang Pauh: Arif Shah focuses on 'personal touch'
BUTTERWORTH: It was 9.30am and the tents outside Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah's house were packed with the media.

Jawi's stand on swearing
KUALA TERENGGANU: The swearing on the Quran by Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan to assert his claim that he was sodomised by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will not influence the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Affairs Department's investigations into the "qazaf" (slander) claim by Anwar against him.

'Anwar used by DAP'
PETALING JAYA: Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is willing to compromise on anything as long as he can fulfil his dream of becoming prime minister, says Muslim Unity Movement of Malaysia president Datuk Zulkifli Mohamad.

Najib: Beware of Anwar
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Datuk Seri Najib Razak today reminded voters in Permatang Pauh not to be hoodwinked by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's promises as he was willing to validate anything to become prime minister.

Battle for Permatang Pauh: Assaulted pixman warded for back pain
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Mohamad Sairien Mohamad Nafis, the New Straits Times Press photographer who was assaulted outside the Permatang Pauh by-election nomination centre last Saturday, was warded at a private hospital here for observation yesterday.

Battle for Permatang Pauh: 'We stand a fighting chance'
PEKAN: Barisan Nasional (BN) stands a fighting chance of wresting the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat from Parti Keadilan Rakyat, said the coalition's deputy chairman, Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Battle for Permatang Pauh: BN candidate accused of engaging in money politics
BUTTERWORTH: DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng has urged the Election Commission to take action against Barisan Nasional candidate for the Permatang Pauh by-election Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah for allegedly engaging in money politics.

'SMEs stand to gain from Iskandar Malaysia'
JOHOR BARU: Small- and medium-sized enterprises in Iskandar Malaysia have been assured that they will benefit from the expected influx of major foreign investors.

Ghani: Pulau Pisang is ours
JOHOR BARU: Malaysian sovereignty over Pulau Pisang is indisputable, even if there is no development master plan for the island.

Malaysia to protest to UN about US meddling
KUALA KLAWANG: The Foreign Ministry will send a letter to United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon to explain Malaysia's view on what it sees as American interference in the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim case.

Sarawak hit by power outage
KUCHING: A blackout hit Sarawak since 6.45pm yesterday, plunging most cities and towns into darkness.

Abdullah: All-round education is vital
KUALA LUMPUR: All schools should be free from negative elements such as gangsterism among students and juvenile delinquency, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said last night.

Snakes alive! Lorry accident exposes poachers
TEMERLOH: When motorists stopped to help the driver and attendant of a lorry which landed on its side in Jalan Bukit Angin yesterday, they did not at first notice what the vehicle had been carrying.

Ringgit & Sense: Be smart and compare prices to get the best deals
AZLI family: Hanim has kept her expenses very low this week. More importantly, she has compared prices between two hypermarkets.

Girl, 18, shot by accident
SEREMBAN: A security guard who was cleaning his pump gun accidentally shot a shop assistant at a jewellery shop on Friday night. The 45-year-old guard did not realise the gun was loaded. The victim, an 18-year-old girl, was rushed to the Tuanku Jaafar Hospital. She is now in a stable condition. Police have confiscated the gun and detained the guard for investigations.

Ringgit & sense: Eat more fibre, vary cooking methods
National Heart Institute Dietetics and Food Services senior manager MARY EASAW-JOHN and senior dietician FOONG PUI HING analyse the meals of three families to see if they are getting enough nutrition

'Adat can solve many of our woes'
PENAMPANG: Age-old customs handed down for generations in indigenous communities offer a wealth of knowledge which can help modern society deal with present social and environmental problems.

Kamal and Lo top the class
ALOR STAR: Kamal Hilmi Kamalruzaman may just get to realise his dream, judging by how well he did in training.

On track to meeting most of UN's goals
TUMPAT: Malaysia has achieved many of the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals but there are still many issues unsettled at the micro-level.

Grandfather, 61, swims 52km
KANGAR: For retired English teacher Azizan Ali, age is but a number.

Mamat's film parody bags 5 awards
PUTRAJAYA: Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang, a parody of the 1950s filmed in black and white, proved to be the biggest winner at the 21st Malaysian Film Festival (FFM21) awards held here last night.

Mums to get aid for poor kids
KUALA LUMPUR: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry plans to disburse aid to poor children via their mother's bank account, instead of their father's account.

RHB-New Straits Times Spell-it-Right Challenge: Ministry may reward winning schools next year
KUALA LUMPUR: Impressed with the RHB-New Straits Times Spell-it-Right Challenge, Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein is considering adding an attractive prize next year.

RHB-New Straits Times Spell-it-Right Challenge: A way to challenge young minds
KUALA LUMPUR: The first ever Spell-It-Right (SIR) challenge, a joint corporate social responsibility effort by RHB Bank and the New Straits Times, served two purposes in its conception.

Regatta tradition continues
KUCHING: About 30,000 people turned up at the Sarawak River yesterday for the annual regatta, which was themed "Race for Peace".

Major cabinet reshuffle next year, says Sarawak CM
KUCHING: There will be a major reshuffle of the state cabinet early next year, Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said yesterday.

Printer's charity drive for Rumah Charis nets RM10,000
KUALA LUMPUR: A charity sponsorship drive initiated by Protect Print for underprivileged children at Rumah Charis collected RM10,000.

Council chief disappointed
SEREMBAN: Municipal Council president Datuk Abd Halim Abd Latif is disappointed over the incident in which a man was found drowned in a pool of a vacant building, near Dataran Seremban, on Thursday. He said the incident could have been avoided if the public had taken heed of the warning signs at the site. It was reported yesterday that 22-year-old Mohd Khalil Kamaruddin had drowned after he fell into the pool which had formed in the three-storey basement.

Malacca basks in new status
MALACCA: The city was awash in colour, music and around 7,000 spectators on Friday night as it marked its official declaration as a Unesco World Heritage City (WHC).

23 illegals detained
SEREMBAN: The Immigration Department detained 23 foreign women without identification documents in a raid on an entertainment centre in Rahang on Friday. Three locals suspected of employing them were also held. Immigration enforcement director Datuk Ishak Mohamad said of those arrested, 12 were from China, seven from Indonesia and two each from Vietnam and Phillipines. The women, aged between 20 and 30, were believed to be involved in immoral activities.

40ha of forest reserve razed
KUALA LANGAT: Fire on Friday destroyed 40ha of the Kuala Langat Utara forest reserve, near Km24 of the Elite Expressway. The blaze, which began at 2.24pm was put out by firemen at 8pm. It continued again yesterday. A fire official said: "The dry spell could have set off the fire. We have also not ruled out the possibility it was started by those involved in land clearing." The official said the fire was under control but added that it could last several days. -- Bernama

Coalition to meet to discuss by-election
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will be chairing the Barisan Nasional supreme council meeting on Wednesday to discuss, among other things, preparations for the coming Permatang Pauh by-election.

Pakatan starts joint campaign today
PUTRAJAYA: Pakatan Rakyat is starting its joint campaign in the Permatang Pauh by-election today, Pas vice-president Datuk Husam Musa said.

Ezam ready to be BN candidate
KLANG: Former Parti Keadilan Rakyat Youth leader Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor has reiterated his readiness to stand against PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the forthcoming by-election in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary constituency in Penang.

BN parties urged to ensure victory
GEORGE TOWN: Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar yesterday called on all Barisan Nasional component parties to work hard to ensure victory in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary by-election.

Cabinet to decide on surcharge for express bus tickets
KOTA BARU: The surcharge for express bus tickets during Hari Raya will be decided by the cabinet and would not necessarily be the 30 per cent asked for by operators.

Negri Umno member held over bribery
SEREMBAN: The state Anti-Corruption Agency yesterday arrested an Umno member for allegedly trying to bribe a party branch chief to support him in the contest for a division's chief post.

Tee Keat denies his mother was in old folks' home
MCA vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat has vehemently denied the claim in a blog that he had placed his late mother in an old folks' home.

More cases of rape, assault
SEREMBAN: There has been an increase in the number of social crime cases in the state this year but the number of violent crimes has dropped.

Students gather to go hungry for 30 hours
KLANG: Some 400 students from seven secondary schools here will go without food for 30 hours to experience what the world's poorest children face every day and, at the same time, raise money for a humanitarian cause.

A moment to remember
Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah (right), the wife of the Tunku Mahkota of Johor, sharing a light moment with recipients of Anugerah Diraja (Pingat Jaya Cemerlang) Siti Nabilah Misti from Technology Management faculty (left) and Kong Chin Tuan from the Civil and Environmental Engineering faculty at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn’s seventh convocation in Batu Pahat yesterday.

Tears flow as graduate's name is called
KUANTAN: It was heart-wrenching for Felda settler Hasnan Saini and his wife, Samsiah Mohd Rashidi, to hear their son's name called during the Universiti Malaysia Pahang convocation ceremony yesterday.

Dr Leydra gets Royal Award for excellence
KOTA KINABALU: Leydra Philip Felix grew up wanting to follow in her father's footsteps and become an engineer.

Mobility woes within the city
KUALA LUMPUR: Our public transportation system has left out the needs of some commuters.

Abdullah: Fuel price cut not politically motivated
KUALA LUMPUR: "Never mind what people say. If I want to change the policy because I think I have to, I will change it."

Tasty Kelantanese delights
KOTA BARU: The Pesta Nasi 100, which showcases Kelantan's traditional gastronomic delights, is back for the fifth time and it is bigger and better than ever.

'Nicol has distinguished herself'
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has defended its decision to nominate 25-year-old squash star Nicol Ann David for a datukship.

Rembia is Solar Valley
MALACCA: Rembia is set to become the next Solar Valley in Malaysia where some 4,000 engineers will be employed by 2010.

Inul's concert cancelled
KUALA LUMPUR: Dangdut queen Inul Daratista's concert at Stadium Putra tonight is off, on the orders of City Hall.

Department to study helmet life span
IPOH: There should be an expiry date for crash helmets, and the Road Safety Department is working with local manufacturers to determine how long a helmet can be safely used.

First batch of 64 prisoners to be freed under parole
KLUANG: The first batch of 64 prisoners will begin their parole from today.

'Penang good for SMEs'
GEORGE TOWN: Penang has the suitable climate for small- and medium-sized enterprises to achieve high growth.

MIED's study loans
KUALA LUMPUR: The MIC-owned Maju Institute of Education Development (MIED) is once again offering study loans to Malaysians enrolled in or applying to study in local or foreign institutions.

Student, maid found dead
PETALING JAYA: A South Korean student, Kwok Min, was found dead in his rented house in Taman Ukay Heights yesterday, hours after arriving from Ipoh to spend his school holidays in the city.

I don't want to waste any more time in MCA
After 22 years in MCA, three-term Klang MP Datin Paduka Dr Tan Yee Kew talks to TAN CHOE CHOE about being marginalised in MCA, the problem of phantom voters, and the sense of urgency that is propelling her to jump ship to Parti Keadilan Rakyat.

'It's not personal, Idris'
KUALA TERENGGANU: The issue surrounding the purchase of 14 Mercedes Benzes to replace the Proton Perdana "is not about the menteri besar versus a former one", an official said yesterday.

ACA calls up five in Perdana probe
KUALA TERENGGANU: Five more people have been called in by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) in the last two days to facilitate investigations into the high maintenance cost of the Proton Perdanas used by the state councillors between 2004 and this year.

Proton's claim 'nonsense'
KUALA TERENGGANU: Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said yesterday dismissed claims by Proton that the service cost averaged RM542 for the state's 35 Perdanas.

No plans to trade in Perdana
SHAH ALAM: Selangor has no plans to replace its fleet of Proton Perdanas with Toyota Camrys this year.

120th St Anne's feast draws 100,000
BUKIT MERTAJAM: The grounds of St Anne's Church on Jalan Kulim here turned into a sea of twinkling candles as 30,000 people celebrated the last day of the annual feast named after the church's patron saint.

Government may ease some of Socso's rules
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is looking at fine-tuning Socso to benefit more than five million contributors.

One too many heartbreakers
Whether it's a bid to smuggle drugs into a foreign country, apply for a bank loan or to get their grubby hands on cold, hard cash, Casanovas prey on vulnerable women. AUDREY VIJAINDREN learns that despite the warnings, many Malaysian women are still falling for them

Transvestites held in 'beauty pageant'
BACHOK: Sixteen trans-vestites participating in the "Miss Universe Asia 2008" beauty pageant at a resort here were detained by Kelantan Religious Department (Jaheaik) enforcement officers on Friday night.

Lonely women easy targets
THE suave and old-fashioned Casanova prowls around pubs and clubs. And the modern Internet-savvy ones look for victims online.

'I ignored warning signs and paid for it'
JENNY (not her real name) is struggling to pay off the loans under her name and has to borrow money from friends to buy a meal.

Local workers can't hack it
IT'S dirty, difficult and dangerous but somebody has got to do it, and in Malaysia, our contractors prefer to rely on foreign workers.

Uplifting songs liven mood at convocation
KUALA LUMPUR: University convocations are usually long-drawn solemn affairs but Universiti Tuanku Abdul Rahman (Utar)'s seventh convocation served up a surprise yesterday.

Khalid: We did our best in Nurin probe
SUBANG JAYA: The Selangor police chief yesterday said he was satisfied with the way his men had carried out the probe into the sexual assault and murder of 8-year-old Nurin Jazlin Jazimin.

ZUBAIDAH ABU BAKAR: Presence of many cops should calm residents
SECURITY personnel are making their presence felt as the political temperature rises in Permatang Pauh.

Nalla, Ezam vow to carry on despite threats
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's former ally Datuk S. Nallakaruppan, who is helping Barisan Nasional in the Permatang Pauh by-election, has received more than 10 SMS threats demanding that he leave the area.

Eight held over Hindraf protest at Chinese temple
BUTTERWORTH: A shouting match arose when supporters of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) confronted a group of Hindus praying at a Chinese temple in Seberang Jaya yesterday.

Battle for Permatang Pauh: Standing behind their men
PERMATANG PAUH: Casting aside an umbrella and inching up the hem of her pale yellow baju kurung, the round-faced lady with a ready smile carefully waded from house to flood-hit house in a heavy drizzle, comforting distressed home owners.

Law to look into messy divorces
MALACCA: The messy issue of divorce following the conversion to Islam of one spouse without the consent of the other is set to become less complicated.

Maha attracts 1.2 million visitors
SERDANG: Everything came up roses at this year's Maha.

'Circular to blame for immigration problems'
PUTRAJAYA: It was meant to improve the situation but only made it worse.

Getting a cert to prep up his resume
AFTER his contract with a construction company ended, Aswad Kamil Abdol Molop decided to sharpen his skills and get proper certification to prep up his resume.

Clean hands needed in school canteens
KUALA LUMPUR: The hot food that school canteens sell to hungry children may not be as fresh as they seem.

Ringgit & Sense: Empowering consumers to save
WHY are these families not buying hypermarket house brands?

Sarawakians have equal opportunity
MARUDI: The fact that all Sarawakians have an equal opportunity to progress regardless of their racial background is the state's greatest achievement after 45 years of independence, Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said yesterday.

Advisers to undergo kids welfare training
IPOH Court advisers will undergo training to better deal with child abuse cases and guide magistrates during the sentencing of young offenders.

800,000 jobless claim baseless
KUANTAN: With only 40,000 unemployed Malaysians registered with the Labour Department so far this year, it is not possible that this number will swell to 400,000 by the end of the year and 800,000 next year.

Anwar's claim 'a gimmick'
KOTA BARU: Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's claim that he will take over the government before Sept 16 is a political gimmick, said the independent member of parliament for Pasir Mas, Datuk Ibrahim Ali.

Sex SMS: Chong ignores injunction
JOHOR BARU: The accountant who allegedly circulated an SMS about MCA Youth secretary-general Dr Wee Ka Siong yesterday ignored an injunction obtained against him by the deputy education minister.

Nurul: I'm fed up with accusations
KUALA LUMPUR: Lembah Pantai member of Parliament, Nurul Izzah Anwar said she was fed up with the latest accusation against her father, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

IGP: Joint exercise normal
KUALA LUMPUR: The nation's top cop yesterday assured the public that they had no reason to be alarmed about the joint exercise conducted by the police and armed forces.

Sparing people water fee hike
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government will strive to consolidate the state's four water concessionaires by the end of the year to spare residents a 37 per cent hike in water tariffs due to be imposed by Syabas in January.

Putrajaya skies come alive
PUTRAJAYA: The skies here came alive last night with fireworks by the world-famous Liuyang Qingcao Fireworks company of